DAYS 1 TO 4 | ACCRA, ELMINA, TAKORADI & ABIDJAN

Your journey begins in Tema, gateway to Ghana’s vibrant capital, Accra. Explore a city where historic neighbourhoods, independence landmarks and a flourishing contemporary culture reveal the many layers of modern Ghana. Embark Swan Hellenic’s elegant expedition ship, SH Diana, before continuing to Elmina. Here, the UNESCO-listed Elmina and Cape Coast castles offer a powerful insight into the history of the transatlantic slave trade. Alternatively, discover Ghanaian craftsmanship through a batik-making workshop or walk among the treetops of Kakum National Park.

Continue to Takoradi, a gateway to Ghana’s historic Gold Coast, before sailing to Abidjan. Côte d’Ivoire’s energetic cultural capital is celebrated for its galleries, markets, cuisine and contemporary music scene. Visit UNESCO-listed Grand-Bassam, where colonial architecture and Ivorian heritage meet beside the Atlantic.

DAYS 5 TO 8 | AT SEA & FREETOWN

Spend two days at sea enjoying the refined facilities of SH Diana. Attend talks from the onboard experts, relax in the sauna or hot tub and take in uninterrupted views across the Atlantic. Arrive in Freetown, Sierra Leone’s colourful capital and a city shaped by the stories of formerly enslaved people who settled here during the 18th and 19th centuries. Explore its historic landmarks and distinctive Krio heritage, visit the atmospheric ruins of Bunce Island or travel into the surrounding rainforest to learn about the conservation work of the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary.

DAYS 9 TO 12 | BIJAGÓS ARCHIPELAGO & BANJUL

Spend three expedition days among the remote Bijagós Archipelago. This extraordinary collection of islands is characterised by mangroves, savannah, palm forests and sweeping beaches. Accompanied by Swan Hellenic’s expedition team, travel ashore by Zodiac to visit local communities and explore the archipelago’s varied ecosystems. Look for green sea turtles, migratory birds and other wildlife while learning about the Bijagó people and their distinctive traditions. Continue to Banjul, where the Gambia River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Explore colourful markets, discover the country’s musical heritage or journey by traditional pirogue through mangrove-fringed waterways in search of monkeys and birdlife.

DAYS 13 TO 14 | DAKAR

Your voyage concludes in Dakar, Senegal’s dynamic capital and one of West Africa’s most influential cultural centres. Visit UNESCO-listed Gorée Island and its poignant House of Slaves, explore Dakar’s lively markets and thriving art scene, or venture beyond the city to Bandia Nature Reserve and the wetlands of Somone Lagoon.

This remarkable 13-night voyage aboard SH Diana crosses six countries, combining powerful histories and living cultures with the pristine landscapes of one of West Africa’s most remote archipelagos.