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The Kasbah
The Agafay Desert
Koutoubia Mosque
The Streets of Fes
The Blue Gate
Starting at $5,895 per person
For centuries, Morocco has served as a cultural and intellectual crossroads—a place where Berber, Arab, and Andalusian influences converge in a fascinating blend of Islamic art, architecture, and heritage. Join author and historian Dr. Eamonn Gearon and The Great Courses Journeys on a comprehensive exploration of this remarkable history and legacy, best reflected in the medinas, madrasas, and monumental mosques that stretch from the Atlantic coastline to the edge of the desert.
Begin in Tangier, a city shaped by centuries of cross-cultural exchange, where you’ll explore its historic Medina, the imposing Kasbah, and the Great Mosque, each revealing layers of Morocco’s past as a meeting place of civilizations. Travel to Fes, home to the world’s oldest continuously operating university, and wander through the colorful streets of Rabat, where charming blue and white buildings represent a connection to spirituality and purity in Islamic culture. Continue to Marrakesh to stand before the towering minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque, stroll through the courtyards of the Bahia Palace, and discover the scholarly legacy of the Ben Youssef Madrasa. In the Agafay Desert, a sunset ride across the rocky expanse and a festive farewell dinner under the stars provides an unforgettable end to your travels. From medieval centers of learning to royal palaces to historic places of worship, this immersive look at Islamic heritage throughout Morocco offers a deeper understanding of the forces that have shaped the country’s identity over the centuries.
with Eamonn Gearon or Eve MacDonald
Exploring Morocco: Medinas, Minarets, and Madrassas
DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICING
Uncover the dynastic ambitions and historical significance of monuments like Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V in Rabat.
Experience the stony landscape of the Agafay Desert on a camel trek, culminating in a breathtaking sunset over the High Atlas Mountains.
Admire the Islamic architecture in Marrakesh, from the grand Koutoubia Mosque and intricate Bahia Palace to the serene beauty of the Ben Youssef Madrasa.
Discover the University of al-Qarawiyyin, the world’s oldest continuously operating university, and engage in a discussion on its profound influence on global scholarship.
Wander through the labyrinthine alleyways of the UNESCO-listed Medina in Fes, where vibrant stalls overflow with textiles, spices, and artisanal crafts.
Highlights
April 22-30, 2026
October 24-November 1, 2026
Eve MacDonald is a Senior Lecturer in Ancient History at Cardiff University. Professor MacDonald teaches on a range of topics related to the Roman Empire, the Parthian and Sasanian worlds, and Carthage. She has travelled and worked widely across the Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Ancient Near East, and finds inspiration in all different periods and cultures that make up the globalancient worldsespecially those outside the traditional Greco-Roman narrative. In addition, Professor MacDonald researches the archaeological legacy of 19th and 20th-century colonial occupation in North Africa. She has worked extensively in the field, including excavations in Italy, Tunisia, Oman, Georgia, and Iran. Her first book was Hannibal: A Hellenistic Life, followed by a co-authored book, Archaeological History of Carthage. Professor MacDonald earned her PhD in Ancient History from the University of Ottowa. For the Great Courses, she created Hannibal: The Military Genius Who Almost Conquered Rome.
Eve MacDonald
Eamonn Gearon
Eamonn Gearon is an author and historian. He has spent decades living and working across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), including leading tours and taking solo, camel-powered explorations of the Sahara. Professor Gearon relishes his role of public historian and speaker, and his work that blends history, culture, and contemporary affairs. He has taught at the Universities of Oxford, Johns Hopkins-SAIS, in Washington DC, and the American University in Cairo. Professor Gearon has created and run MENA training for both the US Department of State and Britain’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office for more than a decade. He has a DPhil in History from Oxford University. Eamonn is the author of The Sahara: A Cultural History (2011); The Arab Bureau: The Story of Britain’s Most Ingenious Intelligence Unit (Nov. 2025); and Lawrence of Arabia: A Love Story (2026), which last title also forms the basis of a one-man show. His Great Courses include The History and Achievements of the Islamic Golden Age, Turning Points in Middle Eastern History, and The Middle East in the 20th Century.
Journey Experts
Eamonn Gearon
Tangier, Morocco
Arrive on individual flights into Tangier (Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport - TNG) and transfer independently to your hotel. Begin your journey into Moroccan heritage with a guided walking tour through the Medina, a fascinating maze of narrow streets filled with vibrant markets and stories that are thousands of years old. Hear opening remarks from your expert, Professor Eamonn Gearon, and get to know your fellow travelers during a welcome dinner of traditional Moroccan dishes.
Included Meal: Dinner
Accommodations: Barcelo Tanger
Kasbah
This morning, visit Tangier’s historic Kasbah, a centuries-old fortress perched above the city offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean and a glimpse into the city’s strategic importance as a gateway between Europe and Africa. Wander through its narrow alleyways and marvel at the blend of Moorish and Andalusian influences. After a group lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the Great Mosque, where Professor Gearon will discuss how its intricate details and fascinating history provide a striking link to Tangier’s spiritual heritage. As the day winds down, enjoy dinner and the rest of the evening at your leisure.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Barcelo Tanger
University of al-Qarawiyyin
Depart Tangier by coach and travel inland to the vibrant city of Fes, the oldest of Morocco’s four imperial cities. Upon arrival, step into the labyrinthine alleyways of the ancient Medina and explore this amazing UNESCO World Heritage site, where market stalls overflow with colorful textiles, fragrant spices, and the sounds of shoppers haggling over artisanal goods. In the afternoon, visit the historic University of al-Qarawiyyin, recognized as the oldest continuously operating university in the world, and engage in a discussion with Professor Gearon about this groundbreaking institution – who was its visionary founder, what was its impact on European learning, and how has it shaped generations of scholars throughout the world? After a day of exploration, enjoy dinner this evening at a local restaurant.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: Riad Salam Fes
Rabat
Continuing your time in Fes, visit to the stunning Al Attarine Madrasa, a historic center of Islamic learning renowned for its complex tilework, ornate cedarwood carvings, and elegant courtyards that showcase the artistic mastery of the Marinid dynasty. Afterwards, board your coach for a journey to Rabat, Morocco’s elegant capital. Along the way, Professor Gearon will deliver a lecture on the Arab invasions of North Africa and how they changed the region forever. Check in to your hotel and enjoy time to freshen up before gathering for dinner at a local restaurant.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: Riad Kalaa
Hassan Tower
Today, begin exploring Rabat with a visit to the striking Hassan Tower, an unfinished minaret that stands as a powerful symbol of the Almohad dynasty’s ambition and architectural vision. Step into the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a breathtaking tribute to Morocco’s late king, where ornate zellij tilework and a gilded dome create an atmosphere of reverence and grandeur. Continue to the Kasbah of the Udayas, an historic fortress with blue and white painted streets, charming gardens, and sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. The remainder of the day will be yours to enjoy Rabat.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Riad Kalaa
Bahia Palace
Depart for the vibrant and historic city of Marrakesh, a place where centuries-old traditions blend seamlessly with modern energy. Upon arrival, visit the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, the largest in Marrakesh and whose towering minaret dominates the city’s skyline and serves as a stunning example of Almohad architecture. Next, step into the opulent world of the 19th-century Bahia Palace, a masterpiece of Moroccan design featuring tranquil courtyards, colorful stucco work, and beautifully painted cedar ceilings that once housed the grand vizier’s harem. Throughout the day, Professor Gearon will provide insight into how Morocco’s historical role as a political and religious center continues to shape its position within North Africa today, offering a broader context for understanding the centuries of Islamic influence that have defined the region. As the day winds down, gather for dinner in a local restaurant and savor the diverse flavors of Marrakesh’s renowned cuisine.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: Riad Dar Justo
Jardins Marjorelle
Today, start with a visit to Ben Youssef Madrasa, a 14th-century Islamic school that stands as one of Morocco’s finest architectural treasures. Continue to the enchanting Jardins Marjorelle, a lush botanical oasis designed by French painter Jacques Marjorelle and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent. Wander through pathways lined with exotic plants, towering palms, and vibrant cobalt-blue buildings that blur the line between art and nature. The remainder of the day will be yours to enjoy Marrakesh, perhaps choosing to explore the city’s bustling souks, unwinding in a traditional hammam, or relaxing with a mint tea in a tranquil courtyard.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Riad Dar Justo
Agafay Desert
Journey into the Agafay Desert, a rugged expanse of one of Morocco’s few remaining stretches of stone desert. Offering travelers a desert experience without the immense scale of the Sahara, the Agafay Desert features a mix of terrain and amazing vistas against the Atlas Mountains. Check into your desert camp and gather for a leisurely lunch surrounded by a rocky terrain that stretches endlessly toward the horizon. Here, you have the rare opportunity to experience the charm of traditional Berber hospitality through spacious Bedouin-style tents but with beautifully appointed accommodations and modern conveniences such as air-conditioning, hot-water showers, and comfortable beds. In the afternoon, embark on an unforgettable camel ride across the desert and watch as the sun sets over the High Atlas Mountains. As night falls, raise a toast to your time in Morocco with your fellow travelers at a festive farewell dinner outdoors beneath a canopy of stars.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The White Camel
Riad Dar Justo – Marrakesh (2 nights)
Nestled in the ancient labyrinthine streets of Marrakech’s vibrant Medina, the Riad Dar Justo is a 14th-century traditional riad located in a peaceful corner of the Mouassine quarter and a few minutes’ walk from Jemaa el-Fnaa square. The 23 relaxed, warmly decorated rooms feature Wi-Fi, flat screen televisions, air conditioning, and luxury linens. A rooftop restaurant and bar serves slow-cooked Moroccan and Mediterranean dishes against a backdrop of the Koutoubia and Atlas Mountains, and a variety of massage and wellness treatments are available at the Le Bain Bleu Spa Hammam.
The White Camel – Agafay Desert (1 night)
Set amidst the stunning rocky landscape of the Agafay Desert, this unique luxury camp offers the chance to experience the charm of traditional Berber hospitality in beautifully appointed accommodations. Spacious Bedouin-style tents are equipped with air conditioning, comfortable beds, bathrooms, a hot water shower, and a private wooden terrace from where you can observe the starry desert night. Two onsite restaurants offer views of the rolling desert hills, and free time may be spent relaxing in a sun lounger or taking a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool.
Barcelo Tanger – Tangier (2 nights)
Minutes from the Mediterranean and beautifully decorated in blues reminiscent of nearby Tangier Bay, rooms at the sophisticated Barcelo Tanger feature Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions, air conditioning, a writing desk, plus tea and coffeemaking equipment. Guests may choose to visit Azurita Restaurant, serving Moroccan-Spanish fusion cuisine; B-Heaven Rooftop Bar, a unique place to enjoy drinks, tapas, and spectacular views of the Bay of Tangier; the fully equipped fitness center; or relax on one of the sun loungers that lines the large outdoor pool.
Riad Salam – Fes (1 night)
A warmly decorated heritage hotel set in a quiet corner of Fes’ walled Medina, the Riad Salam has been beautifully restored with carved cedar ceilings, mosaic floors, and intricate plaster work. Spacious rooms offer balcony views, Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and air conditioning, while additional onsite amenities include a restaurant featuring authentic Moroccan flavors, 2 swimming pools, and a hammam and relaxation area.
Riad Kalaa – Rabat (2 nights)
Located in a former 19th-century nobleman’s house and refurbished using traditional Moroccan techniques, each room of this riad is uniquely decorated and outfitted with Wi-Fi, flat screen televisions, and air conditioning. Relax on the tree-lined terrace, take a refreshing dip in the swimming pool, or enjoy a meal at the Restaurant Le Kalaa, which serves traditional Moroccan cuisine.
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