Viamigo

Day 1 Saturday: Arrival in Bamako, Mali

International flight arrives in Bamako in the evening; airport to hotel transfer; overnight in Bamako (Grand Hotel, or similar)

Day 2 Sunday: Bamako - Mopti (640 km) (B)

After breakfast, 7-hour drive to Mopti, with sightseeing en route; arrive in time to enjoy a sunset stroll along the banks of the Niger River; overnight in Mopti (Hotel Kanaga, or similar)

Day 3 Monday: Mopti - Djenne (130 km) - Mopti (B)

Day-trip to Djenne, ancient sister-city of Timbuktu, on its colorful weekly market day; see the magnificent Great Mosque, the world's largest mud brick architecture, one of Unesco's World Heritage sites; overnight in Mopti (Hotel Kanaga, or similar)

Day 4 Tuesday: Mopti - Dogon country (120 km) (B,L,D)

Drive to Mali's fascinating Dogon country; visit Songo village, renowned for its circumcision grotto with rock paintings; walking tour of Sangha, where you will see many examples of the classic traditional Dogon architecture and contemporary fetishism; option to witness a traditional Dogon mask dance; overnight in Sangha (Hotel Campement Guina, or similar)

Day 5 Wednesday: Dogon country - Mopti / Niger River (120 km) (B,L)

Visit Dogon villages along the Bandiagara escarpment; in the afternoon, return drive to Mopti, arriving in time to enjoy a relaxing sunset sail on the Niger River; overnight in Mopti (Hotel Kanaga, or similar)

Day 6 Thursday: Mopti - Segou (405 km) (B)

City tour of Mopti, the Venice of Mali, on its weekly market day: see the beautiful Sudanese-style mosque, the fishing port, and the bustling local market; at mid-morning, 4-hour drive to Segou; overnight in Segou (Hotel Independance, or similar)

Day 7 Friday: Segou - Bamako (235 km) (B)

City tour of Segou, Mali's colonial administrative center; also visit Sekoro village, the "old Segou" and former capital of the Bambara kingdom; see the tomb of King Biton Coulibaly; 3-hour return drive to Bamako; overnight in Bamako (Grand Hotel, or similar)

Day 8 Saturday: Bamako - final departure (B)

Bamako city tour: visit the National Museum, the city market, the artisans' village, the fetish market for traditional medicine; in the evening, transfer to the airport for your final departure

Tour includes the following:

* 7 nights hotels, double occupancy, with breakfast (B)

* day-room in Bamako on Day 8

* two lunches (L) and one dinner (D) in Dogon villages, excluding drinks

* private ground transportation by air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle, with driver

* sunset sail on the Niger River

* experienced English-speaking guide throughout

* airport transfers upon arrival and departure in Bamako

* all hotel taxes and local tourism taxes

* all touring, excursion and village entry fees, as per tour program

Not included are international airfare to/from Mali, entry visas, non-specified meals, drinks/bottled water, tips, optional Dogon mask dance, and personal expenses.