africa, desert, people
Smithsonian travelers relax on the sand dunes Photo: Amy Kotkin

Splendors of MoroccoFrom Imperial Cities to the Sahara

Explore World Heritage sites, imperial cities, and stunning natural wonders during this intimate Moroccan adventure
Starting at $5,229
Including airfare, airline taxes & departure fees
Call 855-330-1542
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Save $200* per person on the following departure when you book by May 24, 2013. Use promotion code LASTCALL online or when speaking to our travel specialists to secure these savings.
  • September 28, 2013
* Offer valid on new bookings only.
 
Overview
  • Morocco is a land of dramatic contrasts—vast deserts and snowcapped mountains, ancient ruins and sacred mosques, and imposing kasbahs and spirited souks. Here, one can see the influence of Phoenicians, Romans, Berbers, Jews, Arabs, and the Portuguese and French.

    Our exotic adventure takes you to ancient imperial capitals and World Heritage sites in Fez, Marrakech, and Meknes, as well as Ait ben-Haddou and Volubilis. Watch the sun set on endless Sahara sand dunes from atop a camel, follow the “Route of a Thousand Kasbahs,” a fabled caravan route in the High Atlas Mountains, and walk through a medina crowded with snake charmers, musicians, and storytellers. You’ll also see spectacular Todra Gorge and explore Casablanca and Rabat, a historic and contemporary capital. During your journey you’ll meet a Berber family, enjoy a dinner at a family-run riad and meet with a local imam as he discusses the Muslim faith. You’ll also enjoy a two-night stay at a kasbah-style hotel.
    • Special Value
  • This tour is specially designed for a small group of 16 to 24 Smithsonian travelers and offers outstanding travel value. Prices include airfare, airline taxes, fuel surcharges, and departure fees.
    • Smithsonian Experts
  • Throughout this tour, travel in the company of an exceptional Smithsonian Study Leader. Moshe Gershovich is professor of modern Middle Eastern history at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Moshe lived in Morocco where he worked on research as a Fulbright Senior Scholar and taught at Al-Akhawayn University. Ken Perkins is Professor of History at the University of South Carolina, where he has served on the faculty since 1974 and teaches courses on Islamic civilization, the history of North Africa and the Middle East in the Islamic Era, and U.S. relations with the Middle East. Moshe will lead the September 2013 departure. Ken will lead the November 2013 departure.
    • Special Highlights
  • Watch the sun set over the Sahara from atop a camel along the desert dunes.
  • Enjoy Moroccan hospitality during a dinner in Fez at a intimate family-run riad.
  • Meet with a local Imam in Marrakech and discuss the Muslim faith with him.
  • Enjoy an afternoon of Arabic music before dinner in Fez.
    • World Heritage Sites
  • This tour features the following World Heritage sites in Morocco:
    • The Archaeological Site of Volubilis
    • The Historic City of Meknes
    • The Medina of Fez
    • Ait-Ben-Haddou
    • The Medina of Marrakech
    • See a complete list of all Smithsonian tours featuring World Heritage sites.