This excellent tour offers a fascinating introduction to Mali. Start in Bamako, the vibrant capital city, where you will visit the sprawling Marche de Medina, an innovative recycling market, the National Museum, and a high hilltop for a magnficent view over the city. Next, drive to Segou, a beautiful colonial town on the Niger River, where you will stroll the esplanade, visit Le Ndomo artisan handicraft center to learn about the process for creating mud-cloth, and see an excellent exhibition of Malian masks. From Segou, drive to Djenne, where the main attraction is the Grande Mosque, the largest mud-brick building in the world and an impressive sight indeed. The next stop is the Bandiagara Escarpment, home to the Dogon villagers that have lived on this arid land for centuries. Dogon culture is incredibly complex and you will gain important insight into their culture, history, and rituals in two full days. From Bandiagara, head to Mopti, a bustling town located at the confluence of the Niger and Bani rivers. A full day tour includes a boat ride along the river and an opportunity to step inside the Sekoubango Mosque. The last stop is Timbuktu, an isolated former trading hub on the edge of the Sahara Desert. Walk the sandy streets with your Tuareg guide, visiting museums, the main mosque, and the Grand Market. Conclude the day with an evening out in the expansive red dunes of the Sahara, a suitably impressive way to spend your final night in Mali!