This trip has been completed. View photos of the trip.

April 19-29, 2007 with James McDougall, assistant professor of History. Experience the sweeping desert and the Atlas Mountains during a tented overnight adventure.

From dazzling royal palaces and ancient medinas to the awe-inspiring Sahara and Atlas Mountains, Morocco is a land of great contrasts. Join your fellow Princetonians April 19-29, 2007, in an exploration of this sophisticated North African country with its mélange of European, Arab, and Berber influences.

The program begins in Fez, the spiritual capital of Morocco and, as one of the best preserved Islamic cities in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage site. An exploration of Meknes, the second of the imperial capitals, introduces travelers to "the city of minarets." Settle into a tented desert camp outside the oasis of Erfoud and then follow the fabled "route of 1,000 kasbah" to Ouarzazate. Cross the Atlas Mountains and descend into the fertile valley of Marrakesh, where the journey culminates. The ancient and picturesque regional capital of southern Morocco is known for its wonderful architectural sites, souks (bazaars) filled with irresistible wares, and lovely surrounding towns. Often considered more Berber than Arab, the city of Marrakesh is an exotic blend of European, African, and Arabic culture and makes the perfect end to this journey.

About the Study Leader
James McDougall, assistant professor of History, studies the modern and contemporary history of the Middle East and North Africa, with broader interests in the French colonial empire, the history of Islam since 1700, and colonial and nationalist historiography. After studying French, German, and Arabic at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland (M.A. in 1998), he earned his D.Phil. (2002) in Oriental Studies at St. Antony’s College, University of Oxford. His first book, History and the Culture of Nationalism in Algeria (2005), examines how Islamic intellectuals invented the idea of an Algerian national history and culture, and traces the role of this idea in nationalist politics between World War I and the outbreak of the revolution against the French in 1954. He is also the editor of Nation, Society, and Culture in North Africa (2003).

To make reservations, fill out the form in the brochure or contact Princeton Journeys at (609) 258-8686 or journeys@princeton.edu.

View photos of the trip.

At The Edge [PDF]