DAY 3:
Fly to Timbuktu, a city at the crossroads of West African trade in the 16th century, and transfer to your hotel. Explore mud mosques, markets and the museum before riding a camel to a Tuareg camp to meet the nomadic "blue men of the desert."

DAY 4:
Fly to 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.

DAY 5:
Drive to Djenné to see the Great Mosque, the largest mud building in the world, and Quranic schools.

DAY 6:
Drive to Songho to view famous ritual cave and rock paintings. After lunch in Bandiagara, visit the traditional medicine center.

DAY 7:
Explore the Dogon village of Sangha and experience their fascinating culture as expressed in the spectacular mask dance.

DAY 8:
Drive to Segou, visiting the Bobo village of Kanga en route. Observe 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.