You will start your tour of BENIN by way of the capital city, main seaport and commercial center COTONOU. Formally an independent state dominated by the larger Kingdom of DAHOMEY, COTONOU is now the hub of this small French speaking country.
Unlike most West African countries it is not necessary for the traveler to overnight outside COTONOU in order to have a comprehensive tour. Most sites of interest are within a couple hours drive of lively COTONOU.
Nearby COTONOU is the picturesque fishing village of GANVIE, built entirely on stilts on a great LAGOON. All daily life is conducted on water.
An hour's drive from COTONOU is OUIDAH, once a prominent exporter of slaves to the America's including Haiti, Brazil, Cuba and New Orleans, before falling to the Kingdom of DAHOMEY. The slave trade is long gone but artifacts and museums including the "GATE OF NO RETURN" stand as stark reminders of OUIDAH'S past.
Of significance is ABOMEY in the north which has close affinity with the YORUBAS of western Nigeria; ALLADA, the birthplace of TOUSSAINT L'OVERTURE, the liberator and first president of Haiti whose direct descendant is now the king of ALLADA.
It is easy to understand the varied cultural and artistic traditions of BENIN, after all, this small place is a collection of once independent kingdoms that eventually formed the Kingdom of DAHOMEY, now BENIN.
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
ARRIVE COTONOU, BENIN
International flight arrives Cotonou, Benin. Upon arrival at Cotonou airport, you will be met, assisted and transferred to your hotel. Orientation. The remainder of the day at leisure.
Day 2:
COTONOU
City Tour of Cotonou, including the major landmarks.
Day 3:
ALLADA
Travel to Alladah to see the birthplace of Toussaint L’Ouverture, the liberator of Haiti. Visit the town to interact with the people and the King at his Palace.
Day 4:
PORTO NOVO
Visit the Ethnographic Museum, the Brazilian Church and the 300 year-old Palace of King Toffa. Enjoy a performance of the 'Guardians of the Night' spirit dancers.
Day 5:
OUIDAH
Spend the day in Ouidah, the birthplace of Voodoo. Visit the Museum of History where the exhibits focus on the slave trade and Benin’s links with Brazil and the Caribbean. Visit Kindji market square. Visit the Cathedral and the famous Temple of Sacred Pythons.
After Lundh the Tour of Ouidah continues including the slave trading post, the sacred forest . Walk the “Road of the slaves”, visit the place of the common grave, the tree of forgetfulness and the “gate of no Return
Day 6:
ABOMEY
Morning departure to Abomey with visits to the Royal Palace Museum and an audience with the King of Abomey. Abomey still retains many reminders of its magnificient past including the Palace, the Historical Museum and the Royal Sepulchres bearing witness to a brave and powerful people. Watch the craftsmen create works in iron, copper and bronze.
Day 7:
COTONOU
Return from Abomey to Cotonou stopping at scenic villages. Tour of Cotonou continues including tours of the residential quarter with unique multi-colored villas. Visit the lagoon market and Artisans Center. The balance of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Cotonou
Day 8:
COTONOU & DEPARTURE FOR HOME
Today decide on your itinerary with the assistance of your guide & driver. In the evening, depart for your flight home. Afternoon at leisure before departure home
Day 9:
NULL
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
SPECIAL RATES APPLY Januaryto April
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
Benin
Local Culture
Cultural Journey
Church Tours
|
| Check out these similar vacation offers: |
|
|
