Tailor Made Mali

Arrive at Timbuktu, the city at the crossroads of West African trade in the 16th century, when salt was as valuable as gold. The camel caravans and the commerce led to the establishment of one of the oldest universities in West Africa. Visit the different mosques, the explorers' houses, the museum, the library, the bustling food market and the artisan market before riding a camel to a Tuareg camp to meet the nomadic "blue men of the desert."

The next stop on your journey is Mopti, where pirogues (dugout canoes) transport people and goods to neighboring villages. Visit the port, the market and the mosque before taking a sunset cruise on the Niger River.

Drive to Djenn? to see the Great Mosque, the largest mud building in the world, the Quranic schools, and the narrow streets decorated with Moroccan-designed windows and doors amid the Sudanese architecture.

Travel to Songho to view famous ritual cave and rock paintings. After lunch in Bandiagara, visit the traditional medicine center.

A full day excursion to the cliffs takes you to the beautiful Dogon villages perched on the cliff sides. Driving down the cliffs from Sangha, enjoy a panoramic view over these villages, including Banani, Irelli, Amani and Tirelli. Explore the Dogon village of Sangha and experience their fascinating culture as expressed in the spectacular mask dance.

A visit to the Bobo village of Kanga shows you the picturesque granaries that line the road while you continue to Segou, stopping at villages of the Bobo people (known for their masks and elaborate costumes) along the way.

Visit Segou's colonial buildings, its port and authentic Bambara villages before arriving in Bamako and connecting with your onward flight this evening.