Cultural Arts Safari 2012

The Itinerary

Day 1: Sunday, July 1, 2012
Depart JFK in NYC at 9:45pm via Royal Air Maroc to Casablanca.

Day 2: Monday, July 2, 2012
Arrive Casablanca at 9:25am (local time).

Royal Air Maroc Airlines will arrange for Day Rooms in Casablanca. Upon arrival in Casablanca, a Royal Air Maroc Airlines representative will assist the group with transfers to the hotel. At midday, your local guide will meet the group at the hotel and group will enjoy a city sightseeing tour of Casablanca including shopping at local souks. Group will have dinner at a local restaurant and return to airport. Group will depart Casablanca at 9:30pm on Royal Air Maroc flight #529 to Banjul the Gambia.

Day 3: Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Arrive Banjul at 1:05am. Upon arrival, transfer to Sunbeach Hotel. Check in upon arrival. Breakfast included at the hotel.

Enjoy a city tour of Banjul this morning and its environs including the Tourist Market and other places of interest. Return to hotel early afternoon.
Afternoon departure on a ½ day city tour of Banjul
Dinner at the hotel.

Day 4: Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Breakfast included at the hotel.

Morning departure to the most well-known trip "up-river" to the land of Alex Haley's Saga "ROOTS". The tour starts with a long lazy cruise directly upriver on a historic journey 200 years back in time to the ancient Trading Station of Albreda, which gained fame in the slaving days with its Flag Pole, which it was once thought would guarantee freedom to any slave who touched it after escaping from James Island, which is close by. Group will then continue to the Museum of Slavery which gives a good insight into slavery in the Gambia. A short walk brings us to the village of Juffere where "Kunta Kinteh" of Roots fame is alleged to hail from. The original home of Alex Haley's great grandfather which stands near to the mosque, is still inhabited by the family. Group will then re-board the boat and take the short river trip to James Island, steeped in slave trade history. Fortress ruins tell the tale of Colonial rivalries and the beads still buried deep in the sands conjure pictures of the hundreds of slaves shackled together awaiting transport to an unknown and uncertain future. After re-boarding, a delicious lunch will be served during the return cruise and the frequent appearance of dolphins in the estuary almost always makes a good ending to a memorable day. Return to the hotel early evening. The evening is free.
Dinner at the hotel.