Excursion Abidjan and grand bassam tour at Abidjan
Cruise line: SilverseaDifficulty:
Explore the dynamic contracts between modern Abidjan and the historical charm of Grand-Basam on this full-day tour. Begin your day driving to Grand Basam. Discover the historical town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin with a guided walk through the Ancien Bassam district, famous for its colonial-era architecture. Visit the National Costume Museum, where you will explore a fascinating collection of traditional Ivorian clothing, textiles, and cultural artifacts that reflect the diverse ethnic heritage of the country. Enjoy a local lunch at Assouan Beach.
After lunch return to Abidjan and visit the city’s most iconic landmarks: St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Museum of Civilization of Cote d’Ivoire. Enjoy a panoramic drive through the city and the Plateau District, the bustling business district before reaching St. Paul’s Cathedral, the iconic modern architectural masterpiece designed by Italian architect Aldo Spirito. After a guided tour at the cathedral continue to the Museum of Civilization, one of the country’s premier cultural institutions. The museum houses a rich collection of artifacts that showcase the diverse history, culture, and traditions of Cote d’Ivoire’s many ethnic groups. Learn about the spiritual and social customs of the region through beautiful preserved ceremonial objects, including masks and costumes used in traditional rituals.
On the way back to the port, visit Cava Market, one of Abidjan’s traditional arts and crafts market. This artisan market is a treasure trove of Ivorian handicraft offering a wide selection of wooden sculptures, masks, jewelry, textiles, paintings and pottery.
Note
Please note: This excursion involves a moderate amount of walking over cobblestone, partly paved, uneven surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach as well as at the museum. Local infrastructure is basic, and local road conditions are unpredictable and may be challenging. Coaches, guides, equipment, and services are the best-available in the region but may not be up to the standards of those found on other excursions therefore, we urge flexibility and understanding as we visit this remote destination. Some of the international embassies and government buildings may fall under 'military or state defense objects'. You are not allowed to take pictures of buildings, military or policemen and may run into serious problems ignoring these rules. Please therefore ask your tour guides advice first. The order of sites visited and actual tour content is subject to change based on current local conditions. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, sun protection and insect repellant is recommended. Anticipate high temperatures and humidity and we recommend staying hydrated by bringing your water bottle.