Grand Corridor
Thirteen days retracing the thread of memory, from Abidjan to Cotonou, along the living trail of the diaspora.
Indicative price per person — personalised quote based on your dates and group.
Highlights
- ◆Gorée Island and its House of Slaves, facing the Atlantic
- ◆Ouidah, the Route of Slaves and the Door of No Return
- ◆The royal palaces of Abomey, memory of the Dahomey kingdom
- ◆Grand-Bassam and Saint-Louis, two former capitals along the water
Day by day
- Day 1 · Abidjan — Arrival and the Lagoon's First Light
A warm welcome to Abidjan and a gentle settling-in, time to feel the pulse of Côte d'Ivoire's great city. A first evening to set down your bags and begin the journey together.
- Day 2 · Abidjan — Plateau, Cocody and the Ivorian Art of Living
A guided discovery of Abidjan's neighborhoods, from the towers of Plateau to artists' studios and the flavors of local cooking. An immersion in the creativity and energy of a thriving city.
- Day 3 · Grand-Bassam — The Historic Town by the Ocean
An excursion to Grand-Bassam, a former capital and World Heritage site, with its history-laden facades and artisan workshops. A day of memory, shoreline and craftsmanship.
- Day 4 · Abidjan — Lagoon, Markets and Everyday Colors
A crossing of the lagoon and a stroll through craft markets to take in the city's living fabric. A freer day before setting course for Senegal.
- Day 5 · Onward to Dakar — Regional Flight and Arrival in Senegal
A regional flight from Abidjan to Dakar and settling into Senegal's capital, open to the Atlantic. A quiet evening to taste teranga, the hospitality that sets the tone for your stay.
- Day 6 · Gorée Island — The House of Slaves and the Memory of the Atlantic
A ferry crossing to Gorée Island and a reflective visit to the House of Slaves, a landmark memorial of the slave trade. A defining moment of the pilgrimage, held in silence, remembrance and dignity.
- Day 7 · Dakar and Lake Retba — A Creative City and Ochre Waters
A day between Dakar's cultural buzz and an excursion to Lake Retba, the Pink Lake, with its tinted waters and salt flats. A pairing of contemporary creativity and singular landscape.
- Day 8 · Saint-Louis — The Former Capital and the Faidherbe Bridge
A drive north to Saint-Louis, a former capital set on its island and linked by the Faidherbe Bridge. A discovery of its historic quarters along the water, between river and ocean.
- Day 9 · Saint-Louis — Last Steps Along the River, Return to Dakar
A morning in Saint-Louis, among heritage lanes and the banks of the Senegal River, before returning to Dakar. A transition day to prepare the final leg, in Benin.
- Day 10 · Onward to Cotonou — Regional Flight and Arrival in Benin
A regional flight from Dakar to Cotonou and first steps in Benin, a land of memory and living traditions. An evening to settle in before the journey's spiritual heart.
- Day 11 · Ouidah — The Route of Slaves and the Door of No Return
A walk along the Route of Slaves in Ouidah, all the way to the Door of No Return, facing the ocean. A powerful moment of reflection, closest to the memory of the diaspora.
- Day 12 · Abomey — The Royal Palaces of the Dahomey Kingdom
An excursion to Abomey and a guided visit to the royal palaces, witnesses to the might of the Dahomey kingdom. A dive into the history of its dynasties and Benin's courtly art.
- Day 13 · Ganvié — The Lake City and the Close of the Grand Corridor
A pirogue trip to Ganvié, a city built on the waters of Lake Nokoué, for a last look at the ingenuity and memory of these places. Transfer and the close of the great roots journey, with a fuller heart.
What's included
- ✓ A French-speaking guide accompanying you throughout the corridor
- ✓ All ground transfers and the regional flights between the three countries
- ✓ Verified stays in selected hotels and characterful guesthouses
- ✓ Guided visits to the memorial sites (Gorée, Ouidah, Abomey, Grand-Bassam, Saint-Louis)
- ✓ Daily breakfasts and several meals showcasing local cuisines
- ✓ The excursions and crossings in the program (Gorée ferry, Ganvié pirogue, Lake Retba)
Not included
- · International flights to and from your home country
- · Visa fees and entry formalities for each country
- · Travel insurance, assistance and repatriation
- · Personal expenses, purchases and gratuities
- · Drinks and meals not listed in the program
- · Vaccinations and any health-related costs
First departures: 2026-2027 season. Join the priority list.