Journey to Morocco
The Abrahamic Faiths:
Points of Contact
23 October 2017
$3,394 From New York City
3 Day Elective Sahara & the Desert Splendor
$1,197
Sponsored by
The Society For Biblical Studies
This program will acquaint travellers with Morocco's rich and diverse cultures and peoples. We will visit some of Morocco's most impressive cultural sites including the old city of Fes, considered to be the artistic capitol of Morocco, and Marrakesh. Our focus is on exploring the unique blending of cultures in Morocco, especially the roots and flowers of Islam, Judaism and Christianity. You will become acquainted with Medieval Islamic art and architecture. You will detect and enjoy the unique grafting of French culture onto the ancient Berber and Arab cultures. We will drive to the Middle Atlas Mountains and elevations above 8,000 ft. The High Atlas Mountains, reaching to 12,000 feet and higher, are the backdrop for our drive. In Marrakech, we will venture from our elegant Riads, the uniquely Moroccan inns in which we will stay, out into the vibrant Jemaa al Fanaa, full of snake charmers, peddlers, and performers. We will visit the Koutoubia Mosque, one of the most important landmarks in Marrakesh. We will drive to Casablanca, visit the mosque of King Hassan II and the Museum of Judaism, the only Jewish Museum in an Arab country.
If your time allows, join us for
a stunning excurions into the Sahara where we will explore desert culture
and spirituality and enjoy Berber hospitality.
Registration Form
follow this link to open and print registration material and program conditions
Daily Itinerary
(tentative and subject to local circumstances):
individual preferences will be accomodated when possible
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 Depart New York.
Day 2 Arrive Casablanca, Museum of Jewish Heritage, Hassan II mosque, touring
as time permits, orientation, introductions, dinner at the hotel, overnight
in Rabat.
Day 3 AM forum: The Essentials of Islam, Field trip: Kasbah of the Oudayas, Mausoleum of Hassan II, Center for Formation and Research in Interfaith Dialogue, dinner at the hotel, overnight in Fes.
Day 4 Old City of Fes, Nejjarin (woodworkers) square, Nejjarin Museum, tanneries, 14th Century Quranic schools, Kairaouyine mosque, dinner on your own, overnight in Fes.
Day 5 AM Forum: Orientalism, Field trip: Volubilis, Meknes, Mulay Idris, evening meeting with Little Sisters of Jesus, dinner at the hotel, overnight in Fes.
Day 6 Jewish Community Center, Field trip: Ifrane (Al Akhwayne University, interfaith dialogue), dinner at the hotel, overnight.
Day 7 Beni Mellal, Azrou, Cascades of Ourzoud, dinner on your own, overnight Marrakech
Day 8 driving tour, Koutoubia Mosque, Saadian Tombs, Palace of Bahia, the Mellah (Jewish Quarter), Majorelle Gardens, Jemaa al Fenaa, the souks, dinner on your own, overnight Marrakech.
Day 9 AM Forum: Desert Spirituality, Free day to explore Marrakech on your own, dinner is on your own, overnight in Marrakech.
Day 10 morning at leisure, return to Casablanca
Day 11 Return to USA or continue with the elective.
Elective: Sahara & The Desert
Splendor
Day 10 Ouarzazete, Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, dinner at the hotel, overnight Ouarzazete.
Day 11 Todra/Dades Gorge, Tafilalet Oasis, Erfoud, Rissani, dinner at the
hotel, overnight Merzouga/Erg Chebbi
Day 12 jeep safari, optional camel trek, overnight in Berber tents or opt for a hotel overnight, dinner at the hotel.
Day 13 flight to Casablanca, dinner on your own, overnight Casablanca
Day 14 Return to the USA.
***Meetings with indigenous people are
subject to change. Appropriate substitutions will be made in the event a speaker
is unavailable.
** Daily itinerary is subject to local conditions, including weather, opening
and closing hours, holidays, flight schedules, etc. Sometimes the order of
the itinerary will change due to such circumstances and sometimes substitutions
will be made.
*Morning and evening fora on various topics will be arranged throughout the
program. Appropriate substitutions may be necessary.
