The West African country of Mali, set deep in the Sahara Desert with the Senegalese and Niger rivers to its southern border, offers countless cultural sites, attractions and traditions for the locally inspired traveler. Experience traditional cultures through this nine-day adventure: Learn the ancient art of textile weaving and dyeing from traditional weavers, journey to the historical cities of Segou, Mopti and Djenné, spend the night under the stars among the Dogon people of Bandiagara, and in the ancient city of Djenné, see renowned mud architecture and create your own bogolan, or mud cloth.

An exciting hands-on two-day workshop in Djenné where local artisans will teach you the age-old techniques of creating your very own bogolan and the history and tradition behind it. A bogolan cloth is made of cotton and decorated using mud.

Let the epic Niger river guide you on a 10-day journey from the dusts of Mali's deserts to the traditional mud architecture in the town of Djenné to thrilling five-day voyage by 'pinasse' riverboat down the Niger's waters. Encounter locals in villages who bring the crafts of pottery, fishing, and blues music to life. Finally, ride camel-back in legendary Timbuktu before returning to Bamako.

Discover a land where griots, or storytellers, once sang the praises of kings and noblemen to whom they were attached – a Mali tradition that goes back to the 13th century. Today the practice hasn’t be lost, as wealthy politicians are honoured while they support the griots with money and gifts. To understand where Mandé or Malinké music comes from, travel to the region where it originated. Stay in griot villages, eat with local families, and soak up the striking scenery of the Manding Mountains.

Discover Mali and visit its mysterious Timbuktu, experience the desert with a night with the Touareg or the 'blue men', learn about mud constructions in the museum of architecture in Mopti, admire the picturesque mosques in Dogon country and be awed by the renowned Djenné Mosque. A truly marvelous adventure!