The Morocco group outside the Roman city of Volubilis. Photo: Mary Sadek

Each year, the ARCE Cairo Center hosts several excursions, which are open to members as well as the general public. The educational excursions offer opportunities to explore important but rarely visited sites in Egypt and elsewhere, under the guidance of experts in archaeology, history, palaeontology, and geology.

In the fall of 2008, major excursions included a trip to Morocco and a Thanksgiving "Camel Trek" through Egypt's White Desert. Both excursions were well-attended, with 30 participants jetting off to Morocco, and 25 trekking their way through the desert atop four-hoofed vehicles.

Morocco
The Morocco trip departed Cairo on October 1 and returned October 6. A Moroccan guide led the tour, and individual local guides contributed their knowledge at each city visited—Casablanca, Marrakesh, Fes, Meknes and Rabbat.

Some of the amazing sites visited were:

• Jemaa El Fena square; the Saadian Tombs; the 12th century Koutoubia Mosques; Bahya Palace and the Majorelle Gardens in Casablanca
• The famous Kasbah and Ain Asserdoun Waterfalls of Fes
• The Roman Ruins of Volubilis and the holy town of Moulay Idris
• Bab Mansour Gate; Moulay Ismail Mausoleum; Dar Jamai Museum

According to ARCE program coordinator Mary Sadek, "the trip went well and everyone enjoyed it very much." The group was also lucky to meet Mr. Kamal Raftani during their time in Old Fes (Fes El Bali). Mr. Raftani, who is an architect and the head of conservation efforts in the old city, was able to open up a spectacular school building undergoing renovations (Medressa El Atareen) for the group to explore. "This was really unique and special for the ARCE group," says Sadek.

White Desert
The Camel Trek through the White Desert took place November 27-29. Participants enjoyed two nights camping in in the most beautiful part of Egypt's Western desert, the White desert, as well as a delicious Thanksgiving dinner under the stars.
Read one trekker's account of the trip>>

Upcoming Excursions
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