Venice and the Dalmatian Coast

June 14-24, 2010

Discover the sights, history, and culture of Venice and the Dalmatian Coast on an exclusive Swarthmore Alumni College Abroad adventure with Professor of History Pieter Judson ’78 from June 14–24.

Quaint villages, a 15th-century monastery, and golden beaches adorn the island of Korcula.

Starting in Venice, Queen of the Adriatic, we’ll take a tour of the Piazza San Marco and its Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Rialto Bridge. Across the Gulf of Venice lies Trieste, where we’ll visit Miramare Castle, built by Ferdinand Maximilian of the House of Habsburg. Traveling south along the Adriatic Coast, we’ll arrive at the Roman temples of Zadar, a city with more than 3,000 years of history. Further down the coastline in Split, we’ll explore the Palace of Diocletian, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy a day on the Island of Korcula with its quaint villages, attractive beaches, and lush forests of cypress and pine.

Our journey will conclude with three nights in Dubrovnik, which was restored to its former beauty after the Serb-Croat War in 1991. Our program also includes a special excursion to Montenegro, Europe’s youngest nation—just 45 minutes south of Dubrovnik and home to the medieval walled city of Kotor.

Morocco: Modern Education in an Ancient World

October 9 to 17, 2010

Royal horse stables, from the 17th century, in Meknes, Morocco.

Experience the Ancient Cities of Casablanca and Marrakech, an alluring mélange of ancient and modern African, Arabian, and European influences. Every corner offers a new chance for discovery, from centuries-old mosques, kasbahs, tombs, and palaces to the vast Atlas Mountains. Assistant Professor Alexandra Gueydan-Turek, a specialist of the Maghreb, will lead our journey, providing invaluable insight into culture, politics, and history as seen through Moroccan literature and film. On this eye-opening adventure, you’ll be more than just an observer—you’ll work side by side with members of the community, getting a rare glimpse of Morocco’s enduring culture while helping to make a difference in their lives.