The Cultures and Arts of Morocco and Moorish Spain

Explore medieval towns, mosques, and palaces from Marrakech to Seville

May 3–17, 2013

$9,495 (member*)
$9,695 (nonmember)

Deposit: $1,000
Balance due: Feb. 3, 2013

*Minimum $100 level
(see Membership)

Beginning in the eighth century, the Arab and Berber peoples of Morocco sought to recreate their vision of ideal life in the region known as Al-Andalus, or Andalusia, in today's southern Spain. By the twelfth century, the Oriental splendor they created was enriched by a new architectural style introduced by Morocco's Almohad Dynasty: a harmony of grandiose structures, vast gardens, and intricate geometrical decor.

Led by archaeologist and scholar of Islam Ron Messier, we will explore the prime achievements of the "Moors," as we trace the Almohads' march from the Atlas Mountains of Morocco to the green valleys of southern Spain. From Marrakech, Fes, and Rabat in Morocco to Granada, Córdoba, and Seville in Spain, we will discover some of the world's greatest architectural treasures and gain insights into the historic and cultural cross currents between these two fascinating lands and their peoples.

Tour magnificent palaces, mosques, and fortresses that exemplify the beauty and sophistication of Islamic art and architectural design, including the Bahia Palace in Marrakech and the Alhambra Palace in Granada

Discover archaeological sites (including Aghmat, Roman Volubilis, and Imperial Meknes) that provide glimpses into the complex and intertwined histories of north Africa and southern Europe

Visit the world's oldest continuously operating university and other institutions of higher learning founded in medieval times

Explore colorful souks (bazaars), where local craftsmen still make and sell their wares as they have for generations

Discuss current political and social issues with the staff of the Center for Cross-Cultural Learning in Rabat

Scholar

Dr. Ron Messier is professor emeritus of history at Middle Tennessee State University (1972–2004), former adjunct professor and senior lecturer at Vanderbilt University, and current president of the Southeast Regional Middle East and Islamic Studies Seminar. Ron's research focus is Islam and the history and archaeology of the Middle East and North Africa; he directed excavations at the ancient city of Sijilmasa (1987–1998) and is currently conducting fieldwork at the archaeological site of Aghmat. Ron has published the results of his research in numerous articles and books and is a frequent lecturer and scholar on tours to Spain and North Africa.

Summary Itinerary

A detailed itinerary is available in the program brochure (PDF). Itinerary subject to change.

Friday, May 3
Arrival in Marrakech, Morocco; introductions and program overview followed by tours of Koutoubia minaret, Saadian necropolis, and the Bahia and El Badi palaces; overnight, Marrakech (D)

Saturday, May 4
Morning: Tour Marrakech medina (old city), including the souq, qubba, Ben Youssef Medersa, and Museum of Marrakech; afternoon: Majorelle Garden and Museum of Berber Culture; overnight, Marrakech (B, D)

Sunday, May 5
Day tour in the High Atlas Mountains: Tin Mal and Ouirgane; this evening join Frederick Vreeland, former U.S. ambassador to Morocco, for drinks and hors d'oeuvres at his home in the Palmeraie district of Marrakech; overnight, Marrakech (B, L)

Monday, May 6
Marrakech to Afourer; en route, tour archaeological site of Aghmat and see Ouzoud Waterfalls; overnight, Afourer (B, L, D)

For larger map, click here.

Tuesday, May 7
Afourer to Fes; en route, scenic drive through the Middle Atlas range and tour of prestigious Al Akhawayn University in mountain town of Ifrane; overnight, Fes (B, L, D)

Wednesday, May 8
Walking tour of "Old" Fes: pilgrimage shrines, theological schools, Nejjarine caravansary (now a museum of wood arts), leather tannery, University of Al-Karaouine (the world's oldest continuously operating university), and craft quarters; driving tour of the ramparts and "New" Fes, including Bou Inania Medersa and the "Blue Gate"; overnight, Fes (B, L)

Thursday, May 9
Fes to Rabat; en route, tour Volubilis ruins, Imperial Meknes, Dar Jamaï Museum, and the Mansour Gate; overnight, Rabat (B, L)

Friday, May 10
Rabat: tour mausoleum of Mohamed V, Oudaya Kasbah and Gate, and National Museum of Jewelry; lunch at the Center for Cross Cultural Learning (meet with staff); afternoon tour of archaeological museum and Chellah fortress; overnight, Rabat (B, L, D)

Saturday, May 11
Rabat, Morocco, to Ronda, Spain: Drive to Tangier to board ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar; arrive Tarifa, Spain, and continue by coach to Ronda, home of the Cathedral of Santa Maria la Mayor, Arab baths, and the Almocabar Gate; overnight, Ronda (B, L)

Sunday, May 12
Morning tour of Ronda; drive to Granada; tour the Royal Chapel (Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon tombs) and the Cathedral of the Incarnation; overnight, Granada (B, L)

Monday, May 13
Granada: tour Alhambra Palace, Generalife Gardens, and the Albaicín; free time to explore the Alcaicería (former souq); overnight, Granada (B, D)

Tuesday, May 14
Granada to Córdoba; in Córdoba, tour the Mezquita, the Juderia, and the bullfighting museum; overnight, Córdoba (B, L)

Wednesday, May 15
Córdoba: tour Medina Az-Zahra; drive to Seville, tour Alcazar Palace; overnight, Seville (B, L)

Thursday, May 16
Seville: Tour the Giralda and the barrio of Santa Cruz, including Maria Luisa Park; farewell dinner; overnight, Seville (B, D)

Friday, May 17
Departure from Seville (B)

B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner

Cancellation

The following penalty schedule applies: On or before February 3, 2013: $500 handling fee; after February 3, 2013: forfeiture of all payments. For complete cancellation and refund policy, see Terms and Conditions.

The Crow Canyon Archaeological Center's programs and admission practices are open to applicants of any race, color, nationality, ethnic origin, gender, or sexual orientation.

Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California
CST 2059347-50