Grinnellian Adventures: North Africa: Morocco
October 8–18, 2025
Registration is now closed.
“When you go to Morocco, you go to Africa. And specifically, you go to Northern Africa. The Eurocentric/American point of view is to suggest that Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt are not African. African scholars are now more present in writing African history, and one of the things they push back on is to say that this is North Africa.”
– Professor Kesho Scott
We invite you to join Grinnell College faculty experts Will Freeman and Kesho Scott and your fellow alums on this very special adventure in the North African country of Morocco. Professors Scott and Freeman will engage alums in the educational back stories of Morocco’s many intersections: of ancient history and modernity, of a multitude of religions, and of a broad diversity of migratory and nomadic tribes, colonists and settlers, and of course, invaders. The stories of these centuries of change provide for rich conversations on the wide variety of topics that Professors Scott and Freeman will share with alums throughout the trip.
• The North African Story of Africa (tourist lens and political economy)
• The Arab Diaspora and Arab Identity (and the formation of it, past and present)
• Cultural Contrasts to the East and West (in music, sports, movies, and art)
• Religious Nationalism, Westernization, and Global Citizenship
• Youth Culture and the Moroccan Monarchy
With international bestselling novelist John Shors as our travel leader, Grinnellians and their guests will begin their trip in Morocco’s largest city, Casablanca, and then journey to the small mountain village of Chefchaouen (The Blue City). From this spiritual gem, the group travels to the medieval city of Fez for spectacular immersion in the heart of this ancient city. En route to the seaside capital city of Rabat, we will visit the ruins of the Roman city of Volubilis. The adventure completes in the imperial city of Marrakesh. Visiting in the optimal weather of October, travelers will stay in carefully selected hotels, ranging from traditional Moroccan riads to modern-day hotels. Along the way, all meals, tips, and entrance fees are included.
John Shors Travel has been in existence since 2013, and specializes in small-group, immersive tours. They have taken about 1,000 people on trips to six continents, providing tailored service from the first moment at the arrival airport to the private transportation to the return airport. Read more about John Shors Travel and their reviews at johnshorstravel.com.
This program is limited to a maximum of 18 participants plus Professor Scott, John Shors, our local guide Youssef, and DAR staff support.
Highlights
- Discover the beauty and history of the growing cosmopolitanism of Morocco today within the imperial cities of 8th century Fez, 12th century Rabat, and 11th century Marrakesh.
- Explore centuries-old markets and trades as they thrive in current times in the ancient medinas of Casablanca, Fez, and Marrakesh, gaining insight into how Morocco as a Muslim country has been a leader in gender issues.
- Plumb the convergence and traditions of multiple spiritualities in the mystical blue city of Chefchaouen, from the 15th century Grand Mosque through the Kasbah to the Jewish Quarter behind the jewelry souk in the medina.
- Enjoy a wide variety of spectacular and memorable meals, from classic North African cooking, known for its refinement and subtle use of spices, to a multi-course meal in a former palace with city views, to lunch on a docked sailing ship at a seaside port, to meals accompanied by live music and belly dancers.
- Visit more sites than are possible to list in the highlights, including the Al-Attarine Madrasa, a 14th century center for religious studies in Fez, and the ancient Roman city of Volubilis, often called the Moroccan Pompeii. Review the itinerary for more!
- In each location, hear from faculty leads Kesho Scott and Will Freeman about the connection between what you see, Morocco’s growing cosmopolitanism, and your journey as a global citizen. Discuss the complexities of each site with your fellow Grinnellians.