On this singular small group tour, experience a truly foreign land, an age-old culture, and genuinely hospitable people. A 14-day exploration of this country of dramatic contrasts takes you from seaside Rabat to the desert towns of Erfoud and Ouarzazate and through the snow-topped High Atlas. Along a journey featuring the many cultural treasures of Fez, Marrakech, and Casablanca – and five UNESCO sites – encounter Roman ruins, an ancient caravan route, spirited souks, and fascinating medinas bustling with snake charmers and spice merchants. Dine with local people in a private home and in a family-run riad. Admire dramatic Todra Gorge and the village of Ait ben-Haddou, famed as a location for film shoots. Visit the world’s oldest continually operating university, and marvel at one of the world’s largest Islamic houses of worship – magnificent Hassan II Mosque. Riding out on camelback to the Sahara, watch the sun set over the breathtaking dunes.
Day 1: Depart U.S. for Casablanca, Morocco
Day 2: Arrive Casablanca / Rabat
Day 3: Rabat
Day 4: Rabat / Meknes / Volubilis / Fez
Day 5: Fez
Day 6: Fez
Day 7: Fez / Midelt / Erfoud
Day 8: Erfoud / Rissani / Merzouga
Day 9: Erfoud / Tinehir / Todra Gorge / Ouarzazate
Day 10: Ouarzazate / Ait ben-Haddou / Marrakech
Day 11: Marrakech
Day 12: Marrakech
Day 13: Marrakech / Casablanca
Day 14: Depart for U.S.
Moderate
Faculty

Jonathan Smolin is the Jane and Raphael Bernstein Professor in Asian Studies. He has been teaching at Dartmouth since 2005. Professor Smolin lived in Morocco, including Fez and Rabat, for a number of years, and he has directed numerous Dartmouth study-abroad programs in Morocco. A specialist on the links between political and popular culture in the Arab world, Professor Smolin has published extensively on modern Morocco, including his 2013 award-winning book "Moroccan Noir: Police, Crime, and Politics in Popular Culture.” Professor Smolin has also translated a number of Arabic novels, including works by the ground-breaking Moroccan writers Abdelilah Hamdouchi and Youssef Fadel.


