he River Niger winds north through the Sahara and down again to Nigeria where its huge delta finally spills into the Atlantic. Ancient empires hug the shores of this vital lifeline through the desert. The capital Bamako, is your introduction to Mali. New monuments grace many intersections of the city, providing a glimpse into the cultural mix that has been created by great migrations throughout its history. You begin your journey through Mali by traveling north - following the river to Ségou, where skilled weavers create Mali’s famous mudcloth. Here you spend a night before departing for Mopti, the "Venice of Mali". In the bustling harbor town of Mopti, you will meet the Peul, Fulani, Dogon, Bozo, Bella and Tuaregs who live in this commercial center. Wander the ancient harbor and observe salt being unloaded from boats just arriving from Timbuktu. Eat capitain fish at a riverside restaurant as the sun sets.

Travel south to Djenné, home to the largest earth mosque ever constructed in the Sudanese style. Wander the stalls of the weekly market. Listen to gossip and haggle with locals. Explore ancient alleys where sun-dappled ochre houses speak of an older way of life. Westward you journey into the magical land of Dogon country, a mysterious people who cling to an ancient religion and a reclusive way of life. Climb hilltop paths to see where secret rites of passage are conducted and wander through clifftop villages woven into a fairytale landscape of fantastic architecture. The Bandiagara escarpment stretches to eternity, a forbidding vista that has helped isolate and preserve the Dogon traditions. You fly north to mythical Timbuktu, a city that was once home to universities and libraries at a time when Europe was slowly crawling out of the Dark Ages. Though Timbuktu has lost her former glory, the legend lives on. Today, the Tuaregs rely on tourism to supplement income from their fabled salt caravans that still crisscross the Sahara. Ride a camel to see a desert nomad camp, visit the old 11th century Djinguer-Ber mosque and tour the homes of legendary European explorers. Before leaving this mysterious city, visit workshops of Tuareg craftsmen who are known for their detailed silverwork in jewelry and swords. And before boarding your return flight to Mopti, stop at the Post Office to mail your "Postcards from Timbuktu!" Back in Mopti, take a sunset cruise aboard a pinasse, the common mode of travel along the Niger. Visit a Bozo fishermen settlement on an island before returning to Bamako for a last day of sightseeing and shopping. There's time for a leisurely early dinner on your last day at one of the many fine restaurants in Bamako before you board your plane for the flight home.

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