Morocco's Waterways & Civilization
12 Days
Tangier, Rabat, & Marrakech, Morocco
This course explores the vital role of water in shaping Moroccan civilization, from ancient desert oases to the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts. Visiting Tangier, Rabat, and Marrakech, you’ll discover how water has sustained life, inspired innovation, and held spiritual significance throughout history.
In Tangier, examine its position as a maritime crossroads where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic, shaping centuries of cultural exchange.
In Rabat, experience the Bou Regreg River’s role in the city’s history and visit the nearby wetlands, a protected reserve. Explore the Chellah Necropolis, where gardens and pools reflect the interplay of water, nature, and history.
In Marrakech, uncover the ancient khettara system, an ingenious network of canals bringing water from the Atlas Mountains. Learn how water shapes Islamic rituals and architecture, seen in riads and mosques.
Through immersive site visits and expert-led discussions, this course reveals how water remains central to Morocco’s history, culture, and identity.
Upcoming Course
October 5-16, 2025
$5,899
Course Schedule
Sunday Tangier
Arrivals
Check into hotel
Meet your cohort for drinks and introductions
Welcome Dinner
Monday Tangier
9:00 Morning Meeting
10:30 Field Seminar
Free time for lunch
Self-Guided Study
5:30 Daily Discussion
Free time for dinner & evening
Tuesday Tangier
9:00 Morning Meeting
10:30 Field Seminar
12:00 Daily Discussion
Free afternoon & evening
Wednesday Tangier
9:00 Morning Meeting
10:30 Field Seminar
Free lunch
Fast train to Rabat
Check into hotel
Thursday Rabat
9:00 Morning Meeting
10:30 Field Seminar
12:00 Daily Discussion
Free afternoon & evening
Friday Rabat
9:00 Morning Meeting
10:30 Field Seminar
Free time for lunch
Self-Guided Study
5:30 Daily Discussion
Free time for dinner & evening
Saturday Rabat
Private transfer to Marrakech
Lunch in countryside
Sunday Marrakech
9:00 Morning Meeting
10:30 Field Seminar
Free time for lunch
Self-Guided Study
5:30 Daily Discussion
Free time for dinner & evening
Monday Marrakech
9:00 Morning Meeting
10:30 Field Seminar
12:00 Daily Discussion
Free afternoon & evening
Tuesday Marrakech
9:00 Morning Meeting
10:30 Field Seminar
Free time for lunch
Self-Guided Study
5:30 Daily Discussion
Free time for dinner & evening
Wednesday Marrakech
Free day and/or recommended activities for continued Self-Guided Study
Farewell dinner
Thursday Marrakech
Depart at your leisure
Itinerary and course schedule are subject to change. A final, detailed program will be shared with participants two weeks before the course begins.
What’s Included
Course materials, including pre-course reading list and suggested continued readings for after the course
All Field Seminar activities, transport, and entrance fees
Single occupancy room in 4-star hotels - 3 nights in Tangier, 3 nights in Rabat, 6 nights in Marrakech
Breakfast every day
Welcome Drinks & Dinner
Transport (via rail or coach) between cities
Countryside lunch during transit from Rabat to Marrakech
Farewell Dinner
Options
DISCOUNT*: Share a Room - Get 10% off your enrollment fees if you enroll with a friend or partner and choose to share a room. Note: shared rooms have double beds unless specified. Contact us to request twin beds; availability must be confirmed with hotel(s).
DISCOUNT*: Bring a Friend - Get 5% off the enrollment fees if you attend with a friend and stay in separate rooms.
Arrive early & get over jet lag - Let us know if you would like us to book your room for extra nights at the start of the trip, pending hotel availability.
*Discounts cannot be combined.
Extracurriculars
Your Facilitator will organize two optional activities during your free afternoons or evenings. Details and costs for these Electives will be provided one month in advance, and if you choose to participate, we will handle the booking. For outings such as concerts, performances, or tastings, your Facilitator will accompany you to the event.
In addition to these optional advance bookings, your Facilitator and your Instructor will provide a wide variety of suggested activities and restaurants for during your Self-Guided Study and free time.
Extracurriculars for this course may include:
Music Evening (Tangier):
From Andalusian classical to Gnawa trance rhythms, Tangier’s music scene reflects its deep cultural crossroads. Spend an evening immersed in the city’s rich musical traditions, listening to live performances in an intimate setting that brings Morocco’s diverse sounds to life.
Cloth and Basket Weaving Demonstration (Tangier):
Textiles and basketry have long been integral to Moroccan craftsmanship. Learn about traditional weaving techniques from local artisans, exploring the patterns, materials, and cultural significance behind these beautiful handmade goods.
Food Tour (Rabat):
Discover the flavors of Morocco’s capital on a guided food tour through Rabat’s markets and hidden culinary spots. From fragrant spices to freshly baked bread and slow-cooked tagines, explore the city’s food culture while tasting some of its most iconic dishes.
Guided Visit of the Souk (Marrakech):
Marrakech’s souks are a maze of colors, scents, and sounds, offering everything from handwoven rugs to delicate ceramics. With a guide to navigate the bustling marketplace, learn about local craftsmanship, time-honored trade traditions, and the art of bargaining.
Accommodation
Riad Mokhtar, Tangier
Dar Shâan, Rabat
Riad Clementine, Marrakech
Elective aims to provide accommodations in safe, central locations that adhere to our standards of comfort and service. Hotels may not be the ones shown here, but will be of equal or better quality, while also accounting for convenience. Please note that hotels will not all have the exact same amenities. If there are amenities that you require, please reach out to us as early as possible so that we can do our best to help you secure them. Note: if the rooms are not all of the same category, the earliest participants to book will be assigned the higher category.
What to Expect
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Arrivals
To fly into Tangier from the US, you can transfer through many different European hubs. From the airport, take a taxi to the hotel or let us know if you would like us to book a car for you in advance.
Departures
Most flights back to the US from Marrakech will also stop over in Europe, though there are a few direct flights to Newark on United. The Marrakech airport is an easy taxi ride from the hotel.
We are happy to help arrange airport transfers.
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In all three cities you can get anywhere in the center on foot, and inexpensive taxis can be hailed easily to go farther afield. Note that the walled city centers are closed off to vehicles, so even taking a taxi, you will rarely have door-to-door service. Be prepared to walk, sometimes on unevenly paved roads.
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It is warm in October in Morocco, in Marrakech going up to the high 80s, and 70s on the coast (Tanger and Rabat).
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Morocco uses the Moroccan dirham (abbreviated as MAD). Cash is still prominent, though many restaurants and larger shops take Visa and Mastercard. Note that AMEX is rarely accepted.
You can either withdraw cash at an ATM or exchange dollars at a bank. ATMs are of course best to avoid carrying large amounts of cash - check with your bank before traveling to understand if you will have fees.
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Elective provides a list of recommended pharmacies and hospitals/medical care providers in each city.
Travel insurance is mandatory for participation. Please reach out if you have questions about this or would like recommendations of providers.
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You will need to have a passport that is valid until 6 months after your travel ends. We will ask you to provide your passport information along with health & dietary information, an emergency contact, travel insurance, and your arrival and departure information.
Travel insurance is mandatory for participation. We can recommend some trusted providers.