YOUR O.A.T. ADVENTURE TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE®

New! Tunisia: From the Mediterranean to the Sahara 2022

Small Groups: 8-16 travelers—guaranteed! (average of 13)

Overseas Adventure Travel ® The Leader in Personalized Small Group Adventures on the Road Less Traveled 1 Dear Traveler,

At last, the world is opening up again for curious travel lovers like you and me. And the O.A.T. New! Tunisia: From the Mediterranean to the Sahara itinerary you’ve expressed interest in will be a wonderful way to resume the discoveries that bring us so much joy. You might soon be enjoying standout moments like these:

Venture out to the Tataouine villages of Chenini and Ksar Hedada. In Chenini, your small group will interact with locals and explore the series of rock and mud-brick houses that are seemingly etched into the honey-hued hills. After sitting down for lunch in a local restaurant, you’ll experience Ksar Hedada, where you’ll continue your people-to-people discoveries as you visit a local market and meet local residents.

You’ll also meet with a local activist at a coffee shop in Tunis’ main medina to discuss social issues facing their community. You’ll get a personal perspective on these issues that only a local can offer.

The way we see it, you’ve come a long way to experience the true culture—not some fairytale version of it. So we keep our groups small, with only 8-16 travelers (average 13) to ensure that your encounters with local people are as intimate and authentic as possible. It’s also why your O.A.T. Trip Experience Leader will be a resident “insider” who can show you the culture as only a local can.

To ensure that your adventure is truly unique, put your own personal stamp on it. You can arrive early and stay later, add a pre- or post-trip extension, spend time in a Stopover city, or combine two or more trips. Plus, your itinerary offers ample free time so you can pursue your own interests.

So until the day comes when you are off to enjoy your New! Tunisia: From the Mediterranean to the Sahara adventure, I hope you will relish the fun and anticipation that this O.A.T. Adventure Travel Planning Guide® will inspire. Should you have further questions, feel free to call our Regional Adventure Counselors at 1-800-955-1925.

Love and peace,

Harriet R. Lewis Vice Chairman, Overseas Adventure Travel

P.S. For further peace of mind, please know that we are EXTENDING our Risk-Free Booking Policy through 12/31/21. Learn more at www.oattravel.com/risk-free-booking.

USA Today “Best Tours” 10Best Readers’ Presented by Choice Awards Solo Traveler

2 CONTENTS

A Letter from Harriet Lewis ...... 2 The O.A.T. Difference...... 4 The Freedom to Personalize Your Experience ...... 6 Grand Circle Foundation...... 8 The Leader in Solo Travel ...... 9

TUNISIA: FROM THE MEDITERRANEAN ABOUT YOUR DESTINATIONS: TO THE SAHARA CULTURE, ETIQUETTE & MORE Your Adventure at a Glance: Tunisian Culture ...... 71 Where You’re Going, What it Costs, Religion & Ramadan Festival ...... 71 and What’s Included ...... 10 Shopping: What to Buy, Customs, Your Detailed Day-To-Day Itinerary ...... 12 Shipping & More ...... 77 Optional Tours ...... 27 Pre-Trip Extensions ...... 28 DEMOGRAPHICS & HISTORY Post-Trip Extensions ...... 36 Tunisia ...... 81 Dates & Prices ...... 45 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ...... 81 Tunisia: A Brief History ...... 81 ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION Algeria...... 83 Travel Documents & Entry Requirements. . . 46 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ...... 83 Visas Required ...... 46 Algeria: A Brief History ...... 84 85 Rigors, Vaccines & General Health ...... 49 Italy ...... Facts, Figures & National Holidays ...... 85 Vaccines Required ...... 50 Money Matters: Local Currency & Italy: A Brief History ...... 86 Tipping Guidelines...... 53 Morocco ...... 87 Air, Optional Tours & Staying in Touch ..... 57 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ...... 87 Optional Tours ...... 57 Morocco: A Brief History ...... 87 Communicating with Home from Abroad . . 58 Sicily ...... 88 Packing: What to Bring & Luggage Limits . . . 60 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ...... 88 Suggested Packing Lists ...... 62 Sicily: A Brief History ...... 89 Electricity Abroad ...... 65 Climate & Average Temperatures ...... 67 RESOURCES Suggested Reading ...... 91 Suggested Film & Video ...... 95

O.A.T. Health & Safety Measures...... 101 Notes...... 102 Map ...... 107

3 EXPERIENCE THE O.A.T. DIFFERENCE in Tunisia

This adventure not only showcases iconic sights, but takes you beyond them to experience the culture through unique activities, engagement with the natural world, and authentic encounters with local people. Since our founding in 1978, O.A.T. has become America’s leader in personalized small group journeys on the road less traveled.

SMALL GROUPS: 8-16 TRAVELERS LOCAL MODES OF TRANSPORTATION (AVERAGE OF 13)—GUARANTEED To see the world like the locals, you should The world feels more intimate and engaging travel like one. Our small group size allows when your experience of it is also personal us to take the roads and waterways that are and genuine. That’s why our groups never less traveled, and we often follow them using exceed 16 travelers. This gives you access to the same unique modes of transportation people and places larger groups simply can’t that the locals use—be it a canoe, a camel or a reach. More authentic interactions. Deeper vintage cab. bonds with your travel mates. Personal service from your Trip Experience Leader. Smoother UNIQUE LODGINGS transitions. And a far more satisfying Our lodgings reflect the local character, experience than any traditional tour offers. from smaller family-run hotels and historic manors to comfy inns. Occasionally, larger THE BEST TRIP EXPERIENCE LEADERS hotels closer to city centers are used. Wherever Your English-speaking, O.A.T. Trip Experience you stay, you’re assured fine comfort and Leader is a resident of the region you are visiting, hospitality. so you will get a true insider’s perspective that brings each place alive—the stories, food, OUR WORLDWIDE OFFICES customs, hidden treasures and more. With 36 regional offices around the world, we are perfectly poised to leverage our local AUTHENTIC CULTURAL CONNECTIONS relationships to deliver an excellent experience Engage with local people through visits to and value. During this trip, you’ll be supported farms, factories, markets, and artisans’ by our team in Cairo. studios; school visits; Home-Hosted meals; and more.

Explore the village of Ksar Hedada in Tataouine Venture into the Sahara for two nights at our private, O.A.T. tented camp

4 THE PILLARS OF DISCOVERY En riching. Inspiring. Unforgettable. These features form the foundation of your Tunisia adventure.

GRAND CIRCLE FOUNDATION (GCF) VISIT A DAY IN THE LIFE GCF was established in 1992 to help change Do you ever wonder, “What would it be like people’s lives in the world where we live, work, to live here?” when you visit new lands? and travel. To date, we have pledged or donated Let’s find out during your O.A.T. A Day in $200 million worldwide. the Life, an exclusive, immersive experience that places you in the heart of a community By investing in the places we explore— where you’ll meet various people where they including local schools, cooperatives, or arts live, work, and play; visit the neighborhood centers—we hope to give locals the skills and school; lend a hand with daily chores; and confidence they need to become leaders of break bread with our hosts. their generation and preserve their heritage for many years to come. We’re proud to play a part This adventure includes a NEW A Day in in preserving precious locales like the Bryggen the Life experience in a Berber village. This waterfront district of Bergen, a living example included activity provides an opportunity to of the glory days of the Hanseatic League, and venture into the community of a marginalized, supporting villages like Harmi in Estonia, ethnic minority, where we’ll immerse ourselves whose once-struggling school is now a center in daily life, get to know local residents, and of community life. even try our hands at traditional practices, such as breadmaking. CONTROVERSIAL TOPICS Every culture has its joys and achievements, HOME-HOSTED EXPERIENCES and we celebrate them all. But every place Stories shared. Differences solved. Taste buds also has its challenges, and to gloss over them engaged. Good will extended. It’s amazing the would not do justice to those whose stories things that can happen across a kitchen table, need to be told—nor to you, as a traveler who so we’ll break into groups of 4-5 to join a local deserves more than a sugar-coated version of family in their home for a snack or a meal. things. So our Trip Experience Leaders will This is a rare opportunity to witness family lead frank discussions on controversial issues, life, learn local customs, and taste some and introduce you to people whose stories will home-cooked fare. expand your understanding. For example, we’ll get a taste of Tunisian For example, you’ll discuss Berber rights in hospitality with a local family in Kairouan. Tunisia, led by teacher and activist Touwayba This is a special opportunity afforded to us Khochani. Your conversation will provide by our small group size and made by possible an introduction to this ancient, historically by the regional connections of our local Trip marginalized ethnic group, and examine how Experience Leaders. During our shared meal, their cultural identity has been subject to you’ll learn more about daily life in Tunisia erasure and repression over the centuries. from these residents, and take part in the customs and culinary traditions of the region.

5 You're in control with THE FREEDOM TO PERSONALIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE Exclusively with O.A.T. Your Choice. Your Adventure. Your Way.

It’s your adventure, so why not make it exactly what you want it to be? We offer an exclusive variety of options that let you tailor your adventure so it’s completely your own. In fact, O.A.T. is the only travel company to offer this level of flexibility and choice for a truly personalized experience.

PRE- OR POST-TRIP EXTENSIONS 2. Great value: All extensions include Every O.A.T. adventure offers at least one accommodations, daily breakfast, and optional pre-trip and one post-trip extension. airport transfers. Here’s why more than 55% of O.A.T. travelers 3. Continuity and camaraderie: You’ll usually choose to take a pre- or post-trip extension: travel with the same Trip Experience Leader 1. You’ll maximize your discoveries—often who leads your main trip, enjoying more of in an even smaller group than your main his or her insider expertise—and more time adventure (on average, 6 travelers with a to bond with the group. dedicated Trip Experience Leader)—and take advantage of your included airfare.

Optional Extensions offered with your Africa adventure

NEW! Untouched Algeria: Algiers & NEW! Historic Treasures of Italy: Naples, Constantine Pompeii & Rome 6 nights pre-trip from $1795 6 nights pre-trip from $2695

Algiers, Algeria Colosseum, Rome, Italy

Timeless Morocco: From the Souks of NEW! Sicilian Discoveries: Palermo, Corleone, Marrakesh to Seaside Casablanca Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples & Coastal 5 nights post-trip from $1495 Fishing Cultures 7 nights post-trip from $2895

Casablanca, Morocco Temple of Concordia, Agrigento, Sicily

6 ARRIVE EARLY, STAY LATER daily breakfasts, and roundtrip private airport Extending your time abroad—with us or on transfers. Here are a few popular destinations: your own—is the best way to broaden your • Istanbul: $695 per person experience. It’s also a practical way to maximize • Paris: $945 per person the value of the international airfare covered in • Rome: $895 per person your main itinerary. Other O.A.T. Stopovers are available. If the city Expand Your Discoveries Before you’re interested in is not offered, our Regional or After Your Adventure Adventure Counselors can arrange your airfare. Arrive early in the first destination on your pre-trip extension or main adventure, or stay COMBINE ADVENTURES later in the last city on your main adventure or You’re already overseas. Why not see more and post-trip extension. By coming early, you can maximize your value by avoiding the cost and rest after your flight and adjust—with time to length of another international flight? Here’s explore. By staying later, you have extra time to why 2,250 O.A.T. travelers combined two or more relax, pack, or continue exploring. adventures in 2019: This option lets you take advantage of our lower • Save a total of $600-$3000 per person when group rates, with prices from $50 per person you combine two adventures compared to the per night—including accommodations, private cost of taking each trip separately. airport transfer, and daily breakfast. • Apply the 5% or 6% Frequent Traveler Credit • Arrive early in Tunis on your main trip you earn on your first trip to your second trip. for $50 per person, per night • Sir Edmund Hillary Club members save an • Arrive early in Algiers before your Algeria pre- extra $250-$350 per person when booking trip extension for $50 per person, per night multiple trips in a calendar year. • Arrive early in Naples before your Historic • Our Regional Adventure Counselors make all Treasures of Italy pre-trip extension the arrangements for a seamless experience. for $100 per person, per night Combine this trip with our Morocco Sahara Odyssey • Conclude your main trip with more time adventure—for a total cost of $5790- in Sidi Bou Said for $75 per person, per night $8390 per person—and save $900-$1300 per person versus taking each trip separately. • Remain in Casablanca after your Timeless Morocco post-trip extension for $100 per AIR PREFERENCES person, per night 54% of our travelers customize their air • Conclude your Sicily post-trip extension itineraries: with more time in Castellammare del • Choose your departure city and airline Golfo for $50 per person, per night • Depart from one city and return to another Accommodations are at the same hotels where • Upgrade to Premium Economy or you begin or end the main trip and optional Business Class extensions, so transitions will be seamless PERSONALIZED PRIVATE ADVENTURES NEW! Stopover in any major international city Travel on a private departure with as few as five Travelers with O.A.T. airfare have the travelers and your own Trip Experience Leader. opportunity to Stopover in popular cities. An additional cost will apply depending on the Your price includes 3 nights accommodations, number of travelers in your group.

7 GRAND CIRCLE FOUNDATION Changing people’s lives, one village, one school, one person at a time

GIVING BACK TO THE WORLD WE TRAVEL Dear Traveler, Since our inception in 1992, the Grand Circle In 1992 we established Grand Circle Foundation has pledged or donated more than Foundation, an entity of the Lewis Family $200 million to projects around the world. Foundation, as a means to give back to the world that had already given us so JOIN OUR GENEROUS TRAVELERS much. We’ve pledged or donated more We consider each and every one of our travelers than $200 million worldwide to support to be partners in our worldwide giving. the education of young people and the Some travelers, however, are so inspired by preservation of international treasures the schools and villages they visit, they are and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. compelled to give more. In fact, our travelers have donated more than $1 million in 2019 Of course, none of this would be possible alone. And because we have no administrative without your help. A portion of the costs, 100% of donations are used to help proceeds of every adventure is donated to change people’s lives. Grand Circle Foundation—so just as your life will be enriched by the discoveries BETTER OUR OWN COMMUNITIES— you’ll make on your journey, you’ll also ALL AROUND THE WORLD help to enrich the lives of the people you’ll In addition to the destinations where we travel, meet along the way. we strive to better the communities where Thank you for traveling with us, and for we work—from our headquarters in Boston helping to change people’s lives. to our 36 offices around the world. In Boston, more than 99% of our associates participate Love and peace, in community service each year. Worldwide, nearly all of our offices organize annual community service events of their own. Harriet R. Lewis Chair, Grand Circle Foundation How you can help To learn more about ongoing Foundation projects, you can sign up for our weekly e-newsletter, the Inside Scoop, at www.oattravel.com/community/the- inside-scoop. When you do, you’ll not only receive updates on Grand Circle Foundation, but the latest news and discoveries on all things Grand Circle and Overseas Adventure Travel.

SCAN ME See how Grand Circle Foundation is giving back in this video Open the camera feature on your mobile device, and hover the lens over this code to scan it. A pop-up notification will take you www.grandcirclefoundation.org directly to the video.

8 THE LEADER IN SOLO TRAVEL in Tunisia—and Around the World

ON THIS ADVENTURE …

FREE Single Supplements: We don’t The leader in solo-friendly charge a single supplement on this travel for Americans— adventure and optional trip extensions—a by the numbers savings of $500-$580 per person compared to other travel companies. But single spaces fill quickly, so early reservations More than 50% of all O.A.T. are advised. travelers are women who travel solo

Travel Solo, But Never Alone: On average, In 2022, we’re offering 30,000 half of your group will also be traveling singles spaces across all O.A.T. independently, so it’s easier to forge special adventures. That’s 86% more than bonds as you experience unforgettable offered in 2019 moments together during your adventure. Plus, your Trip Experience Leader can help connect you with fellow travelers who 92% of our 30,000 single spaces share your common interests. have FREE Single Supplements. The remaining 8% have the lowest single You’ll be in good hands, thanks to your supplements in the industry. dedicated local Trip Experience Leader (a resident of Tunisia), and the expertise of our regional office team in Cairo. In 2022, we’re offering 25 exclusive women’s departures on some of our most popular itineraries Increased Single Space: In 2022, we have up to 7 single spaces per departure. See available FREE single space at www.oattravel.com/tns2022. NEW! 101+ SCAN ME Tips for Solo Women Travelers This complimentary, 96-page booklet is a comprehensive collection of savvy tips specifically for seasoned women travelers going solo. Learn about safety for solos, packing like a pro, the best travel apps, self-care on the road, and more. Scan this code to view an online copy or to request one by mail.

9 New Adventure Savings: $500 per couple on ANY 2022 departure

New! Tunisia: From the Mediterranean to the Sahara Small Group Adventure Tunisia: Tunis, Kairouan, Tozeur Oasis, Sahara Desert Camp, Tataouine, Sidi Bou Said

Countries: 1 | Cities : 5 | 2 Nights in a Sahara Tented Camp

Small groups: 8-16 travelers—guaranteed! It’s Included (average of 13)

Explore in a small group of 8-16 33 meals—14 breakfasts, 9 lunches, FROM PER DAY DAYS • • travelers (average group size of 13) and 10 dinners (including 1 Home- $ $ Hosted Dinner) 3495 219 16 • International airfare, airport transfers, government taxes, fees, and airline fuel • 20 small group activities Including international airfare surcharges unless you choose to make Services of a local O.A.T. Trip your own air arrangements • FREE Single Supplement Experience Leader All land transportation and 1 • Gratuities for local guides, drivers, internal flight • camp staff, and luggage porters Accommodations for 14 nights, Maximize Your • 5% Frequent Traveler Credit toward including 2 nights at our private tented • Discoveries & Value your next adventure camp in the Sahara Desert All land transportation Optional extension s : • New! Untouched Algeria: Algiers & SCAN ME Constantine Watch our #1 most popular video 6 nights pre-trip from $1795 for this adventure Travel from only $300 per night Open the camera feature on your mobile device, and hover New! Historic Treasures of Italy: the lens over this code to scan it. A pop-up notification will Naples, Pompeii & Rome take you directly to the video. 6 nights pre-trip from $2695 Travel from only $450 per night Timeless Morocco: From the Souks of Marrakesh to Seaside Casablanca 5 nights post-trip from $1495 Travel from only $299 per night New! Sicilian Discoveries: Palermo, Corleone, Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples & Coastal Fishing Cultures 7 nights post-trip from $2895 Travel from only $414 per night PLUS, see Dates & Prices for Stopover city options

Local basket weaver in Hergla, between Tunis and Kairouan, Tunisia

Tunisia: From the Mediterranean to the Sahara

10 Itinerary Summary

PRE-TRIP EXTENSIONS Mediterranean Sea POST-TRIP EXTENSIONS Mediterranean Sea n Pre-trip extensions: New! 6 nights in a From ers e Casablanca gi c Al Tunis Carthage Tunis Tiddis Sidi Bou Said O Untouched Algeria: Algiers & Constantine Tunis c D Constantine i jem t OR New! 6 nights in Historic Treasures of ila TUNISIA n MOROCCO a Hammamet l t Italy: Naples, Pompeii & Rome ALGERIA Dougga A Marrakesh Rome I T Tyrrhenian Sea DAYS DESTINATION A Scopello Anzio Kairouan Palermo L Castellammare 1 Fly to Tunis, Tunisia Y ITALY SICILY Corleone Sbeitla El Jem Tyrrhenian Naples (Optional Tour) Mazara Sant’Angelo Sea Del Vallo Muxaro Pompeii 2-4 Tunis To Tunis TUNISIA M e d i t ento e r r Agrig From a n e a Tunis n S e a 5-7 Kairouan

ALGERIA Tozeur Houmt Souk Djerba Chott El Jerid Island 8-9 Tozeur Douz To/From U.S. Ghilane Desert Camp Internal flight 10-11 Sahara Desert camp Land route S Tataouine 060Miles a h a r a LIBYA 12-13 Tataouine

14-15 Djerba • Fly to Tunis • What to Expect Sidi Bou Said & Carthage

16 Return to U.S.

Post-trip extensions: 5 nights in Timeless Pacing: 6 locations in 15 days Morocco: From the Souks of Marrakesh to Physical requirements: Travel over cobbled streets and sandy, uneven, and bumpy Seaside Casablanca OR New ! 7 nights in terrain in the Sahara that can be challenging for travelers with leg or back issues; Sicilian Discoveries: Palermo, Corleone, agility is also required to participate in camel ride and to access some vehicles Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples & by ladder. Coastal Fishing Cultures Flight time: Travel time will be 18-28 hours and will most likely have two connections A rrive Early, Stay Later View all physical requirements at www.oattravel.com/tns2022 Prices below include accommodations, daily breakfast, and private airport transfer. • Arrive early in Tunis on your main trip for Tunisia : The O.A.T. Difference $50 per person, per night • Arrive early in Algiers before your Algeria Unbeatable Value: Travel at the lowest price and per diems in the industry. pre-trip extension for $50 per person, per night People-to-People Experiences: Visit the oldest Muslim place of worship • Arrive early in Naples before your Historic in Africa, Kairouan’s Great Mosque, and interact with locals in the Treasures of Italy pre-trip extension for surrounding medina. Plus, experience a NEW A Day in the Life of a Berber $100 per person, per night community, where you’ll spend the day with a local family, try your hand at • Conclude your main trip with more time in traditional breadmaking, and share lunch together in their home. And sit down Sidi Bou Said for $75 per person, per night for a home-cooked meal and intimate conversation with a local family for a Home-Hosted Dinner in Kairouan. • Remain in Casablanca after your Timeless Morocco post-trip extension for $100 per person, per night O.A.T. Exclusives: Visit a small brick factory, where you’ll learn how bricks for local homes are handmade in traditional kilns. Also, discuss Controversial • Conclude your Sicily post-trip extension with more time in Castellammare del Topics with local experts like Tunisian inheritance laws, the Arab Spring, and Golfo for $50 per person, per night Berber rights.

Information & Reservations 1-800-955-1925 www.oatt ravel.com/tns2022

11 Tunisia: From the Mediterranean to the Sahara

YOUR DETAILED ITINERARY

BEGIN YOUR ADVENTURE WITH AN OPTIONAL PRE-TRIP EXTENSION 6 nights in Untouched Algeria: Algiers & Constantine

Day 1 Fly to Algiers, Algeria Day 5 Explore Constantine Day 2 Arrive in Algiers Day 6 Constantine • Visit Tiddis Day 3 Explore Algiers • Day 7 Constantine • Fly to Algiers Home-Hosted Lunch Day 8 Transfer to Tunis, Tunisia • Day 4 Algiers • Djemila • Constantine Begin main trip

OR 6 nights in Historic Treasures of Italy: Naples, Pompeii & Rome

Day 1 Depart U.S. Day 5 Overland to Rome • Visit American Cemetery in Anzio Day 2 Arrive Naples, Italy Day 6 Explore Rome Day 3 Explore Naples • Visit Archaeological Museum • Controversial Day 7 Rome • Optional Vatican Museums Topic: Italy & the Camorra & St. Peter’s Basilica tour Day 4 Explore Pompeii • Winery visit Day 8 Fly to Tunis, Tunisia • Begin main trip

Day 1 Depart U.S. Day 2 Arrive in Tunis, Tunisia

Depart the U.S. on an overnight flight to Tunis. • Destination: Tunis • Accommodations: Majestic Hotel or similar

Afternoon: We’ll be met at the Tunis airport by an O.A.T. representative today (flight arrival times may vary) and transferred to our hotel, where we’ll meet our Trip Experience Leader and fellow travelers, including those who took our pre-trip extensions to New! Historic

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

12 Treasures of Italy: Naples, Pompeii & Rome or a blend of neo-Gothic, neo-Byzantine, and New! Untouched Algeria: Algiers & Constantine. Moorish revival architecture, the cathedral Then, we will take an orientation walk to get is an iconic part of the city skyline, and is familiar with our surroundings. Depending on a reminder of Tunisia’s past as a French where we stay, our hotel will likely feature an protectorate. on-site restaurant and cocktail bar. Typical • How to get there: A 10-minute walk from rooms will include air-conditioning, satellite the hotel. TV, safe, telephone, minibar, and a private • Hours: 8am-12pm, 3pm-5pm Sunday- bathroom with hair dryer. Friday, open until 7:15pm Saturday Dinner: On your own tonight—your Trip • Cost: Free. Experience Leader will be happy to provide • Learn about the local theater scene at the recommendations of local cuisine. Carmen Cultural Space, a community cultural center dedicated to helping locals hone their Evening: You have the freedom to spend the theatrical skills and achieve their artistic rest of your evening as you wish—ask your dreams. Instructors at the center help their Trip Experience Leader for recommendations. students train in the realm of theater, poetry, Or, perhaps you’ll return to your room to relax dance, music, and other performance arts, before our first day of discoveries. and serves as a venue for its disciples to show Freedom To Explore: During your three days in off their skills to the public. The cultural cen- Tunis, you have the freedom to explore the city ter tends to publish its performance schedule on your own during your free time. Below are only a month or so in advance—check with a few recommended options for independent your Trip Experience Leader to see if any explorations: upcoming shows tickle your fancy. • How to get there: A 20-minute taxi ride • Stop by the Central Market of Tunis, located from the hotel, about $10 USD each way. at the entrance to the city’s bustling medina. • Hours: 8am-6pm daily, open until 10pm Spread across four buildings featuring a blend when shows are occurring. of Arab and Art Deco architectural styles, the • Cost: About $10-25 USD, depending on the market stalls feature a diverse array of fruits, show. vegetables, meats, fish, spices, dried fruits, and other local Tunisian wares. Browse the Day 3 Explore Tunis • Controversial shops in search of a treat for yourself, and Topic: Inheritance inequality in Tunisia enjoy the opportunity to connect with locals with Houda Boubakker and Asma Sbaahi as they go about their business in this popular gathering place. • Destination: Tunis • How to get there: A 10-minute walk from • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner the hotel. • Accommodations: Majestic Hotel or similar • Hours: 8am-4pm, Tuesday-Sunday. Exclusive O.A.T. Activity: Today’s • Cost: Free. discoveries feature the Controversial Topic • Visit the Cathedral of Saint Vincent de Paul, of inheritance laws in Tunisia with local the active seat of the Archdiocese of Tunis, women, Houda Boubakker and Asma Sbaahi, constructed in the late 19th century atop the who share opposing views on the matter. site of an older Christian church. Featuring This conversation will help us gain a deeper

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

13 understanding of gender inequality in the Arab out whenever she has the opportunity. Asma world and what it’s like for women living in recently graduated from university with a such a culture. We’ll also glean insight into the degree in English. She is a conservative woman role of Islamic tradition and how it continues to who strictly adheres to the literal interpretation shape society. Read more about this informative of Islam. conversation below. Tunisia enforces some of the most progressive Breakfast: At the hotel. laws on women’s rights in Muslim majority countries. In fact, it is currently ranked 124th on Morning: This morning we’ll explore Tunisia’s the Global Gender Gap Index of 2020 according bustling capital. Tunis was one of the greatest to the World Economic Forum—thereby cities in the world during the reign of the making it one of the highest ranking Arab Almohad and Hafsid dynasties from the countries. It’s true that some progress has twelfth to the 16th centuries. Today, it boasts a been made over the last century. For instance, diversity of distinct cultures and rich, complex women were granted reproductive freedom in history shaped by ages of colonization. We’ll 1962, and just in 2014, the government passed experience this diversity when we venture to new legislation which guarantees full gender the city’s medina—a UNESCO World Heritage equality and fair representation in elected Site—to witness the hundreds of palaces, bodies. Yet despite these strides, patriarchal mosques, and fountains situated here. We’ll values still dominate the land. Perhaps one of also meet some of the vendors who sell their the most contentious issues at the forefront handicrafts at various souks (markets), and of national conversation is inheritance. As it is learn about local traditions like the chachia, written in the Quran, a surviving son is entitled a flexible hat worn by men that originated in to twice the share of a surviving daughter. This Tunisia and Libya. The chachia is typically made is stated in unequivocal terms: “Allah enjoins from wool that has been crushed with hot water you concerning your children: the male shall and soap, then dyed, and shaped. We’re sure to have the equal of the portion of two females; see some men donning this typical headpiece as and if they are more than two females, they we walk through the medina. shall have two-thirds of what the deceased has Lunch: On your own in the medina of left, and if there is one, she shall have the half.” Tunis—ask your Trip Experience Leader for Shari’a law, a conduit for Islamic tradition, local restaurant recommendations. You might strongly advocates for this literal interpretation like to try Dar Bel Haj or El Ali, two restaurants and galvanizes support from the general serving authentic regional cuisine. population by deeming it sacrilege to do Afternoon: After lunch, we’ll head to Entre Acte otherwise. The country is staunchly divided on coffee shop to learn about the Controversial this issue, and therefore, it’s no surprise that Topic of inheritance in Tunisia, a subject of most politicians have not wanted to address great consequence to the progress of women’s it—despite increasing pressure from NGOs like rights in the Arab world. There, we’ll meet with the Association of Democratic Women and The two women: 59-year-old Houda Boubakker and Voice of Women. These Tunisian-based activist 27-year-old Asma Sbaahi. Houda is married groups argue that it is not only a question with one son and works as a communications of fairness, but they also point out that the professor. Outside of her professional life, she current law isn’t even practiced as it is written. actively advocates for gender equality, speaking Many women struggle to get their allocated

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14 share—in fact, according to government wander to Tunis’ Central Market, where an figures from 2014, 85% of cases resulted in an array of local produce and spices await you, as unfair division of assets. Critics say this puts well as opportunities to connect with locals as women at a clear economic disadvantage and they go about their daily business. perpetuates a culture in which women must be Dinner: At a local restaurant. reliant on men. Evening: You have the freedom to spend the Over the decades, the inheritance law rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Trip has slowly made its way to the fore in Experience Leader for recommendations. Tunisia—an astounding feat, as it is the only Muslim majority country to this day to touch it. In an attempt to attract progressive political Day 4 Visit ancient Dougga • Visit Testour allies, President Beji Caid Essebsi drafted a law • Destination: Tunis in 2018 that would establish equality between • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch women and men in matters of inheritance. • Accommodations: Majestic Hotel or similar This “radical” move garnered much attention in Arab states and beyond. It was presented to Breakfast: At the hotel. the parliament in February 2019, where it was Morning: Today we’ll embark on a morning met with vehement opposition by conservative tour of ancient Dougga, the best-preserved forces like the Islamist Ennahda party. ancient Roman city in North Africa and a Unfortunately, President Essebsi died in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here stand the summer of 2019, leaving behind an uncertain remains of a complete town that once had 5,000 future for this highly controversial bill. residents, including villas, temples, baths, a Our conversation this afternoon will examine paved street, and a forum, making it easy to the history, significance, and ramifications imagine life in this place in the second century of this issue, as we experience it through AD. The temple known as “the Capitol” and the the eyes of two women with vastly different Caracalla Baths are particularly well-preserved, perspectives. Houda will provide insight into and the site’s theater—which was designed why the passing of this legislation would to seat 3,500 spectators—is still used for propel Tunisian women forward, and Asma performances of classic works today. will help us understand why strict Muslims Lunch: At a local restaurant, featuring regional fear misinterpreting the Quran. Take this specialties. opportunity to ask any questions you might have—perhaps you’d like to know precisely Afternoon: At about 2pm, we’ll drive for about how Houda advocates for the cause, or you an hour to Testour, a sleepy town that is home might be compelled to ask Asma why teachings to Tunisia’s finest examples of Andalusian written in 7th century Arabia should be literally architecture. We’ll observe the local ways of life interpreted in the 21st century. Each woman here and admire the adobe-tiled roofs before will speak for about 15 minutes, followed by a continuing on to Tunis. We arrive back at our 45-minute Q&A. hotel at around 4:30pm, and will have the remainder of the day free to relax or explore on After we bid our guests farewell, we’ll your own. Your Trip Experience Leader is happy have about 4 hours free to relax or explore to make suggestions. independently before dinner. Perhaps you’ll

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15 Dinner: On your own—ask your Trip its history and witness a demonstration of this Experience Leader for local restaurant craft. Afterwards, you may enjoy some free time recommendations. on your own to explore or relax.

Evening: You have the freedom to spend Dinner: At the hotel’s restaurant located in the the rest of your evening as you wish—your Old Kasbah, featuring regional specialties. Trip Experience Leader can offer suggested Evening: You have the freedom to spend the activities. rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Trip Experience Leader for recommendations. Day 5 Overland to Kairouan • Explore Hammamet Freedom To Explore: During your three days in Kairouan, you have the freedom to explore • Destination: Kairouan the city on your own during your free time. • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Below are a few recommended options for • Accommodations: La Kasbah Hotel or similar independent explorations: Breakfast: At the hotel. • Visit a makroudh pastry shop in the city Morning: Today we leave Tunisia’s seacoast medina, for a taste of this local Tunisian and journey about 3 hours inland by bus to confection, and a look into how it’s crafted. Kairouan, a city with a spiritual feel whose Made from semolina dough stuffed with date ornate seventh-century Great Mosque is the paste, then fried or baked and smothered in fourth-holiest site in Islam. It was here that honey, makroudhs are believed to have been Ibn Khaldun, a great Muslim historian of the invented here in Kairouan, and when you visit 14th century, lived and worked at the height of a local bakery, you can watch local women at Islam’s classical period. On our way, we’ll stop work as they continue to perfect and innovate in Hammamet, a town of white-washed houses the recipe. and some of Tunisia’s finest beaches. We’ll • How to get there: A 10-minute walk from spend some time exploring the coastal medina the hotel. before lunch. • Hours: 8am-6pm daily. Lunch: At a restaurant in Hammamet, featuring • Cost: Entrance to the shop is free. regional specialties. • Live like a local when you visit a traditional hammam, or bathhouse, in the city medina. Afternoon: After lunch, we continue on to Featuring separate facilities for men and Kairouan. Upon arrival, we’ll get our room women, these traditional public bathhouses assignments and check in to our hotel. are still used today, offering a taste of luxury Depending on where we stay, our hotel as the local staff employs a mix of steam, may feature on-site amenities including a soap, oils, and massage to leave you feeling restaurant and outdoor swimming pool. Typical cleansed and rejuvenated. rooms include air-conditioning, satellite TV, telephone, minibar, safe, and private • How to get there: A 10-minute walk from bath. Kairouan is Tunisia’s leading center of the hotel. carpet-making, and after an orientation walk • Hours: 5am-6pm daily. we may visit a carpet workshop to learn about • Cost: $6 USD per person.

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16 • Delve into the art and history of Tunisian Morning: Today, we’ll begin with a visit to carpet making at the Carpet and Handicrafts the Abou Zamaa al-Balawi mausoleum, one Museum of Kairouan. This city has always of the most venerated sites in Kairouan. It been an important center of this traditional contains the remains of one of the Prophet’s textile art, and the museum’s exhibits feature companions, Abou Zamaa al-Balawi, who was elaborate works that date back as far as the killed in battle with the Berbers. Next, we’ll 1800s, offering visitors a look at the evolution visit the Great Mosque, the oldest Muslim of this iconic craft over the centuries. place of worship in Africa. Founded in 670, • How to get there: A 15-minute walk from Kairouan’s Great Mosque displays influences the hotel. of pre-Islamic, Roman, and Byzantine • Hours: 8am-5pm Monday-Thursday; architecture. We’ll then venture to a nearby 8am-1pm Friday. conference room to meet with an Imam, or • Cost: Free. worship leader, to learn about one of the world’s great religions: Islam. Controversial Day 6 Explore Kairouan • Later, we’ll venture on foot to the city medina, Topic: The aftermath of the Arab Spring a UNESCO World Heritage Site and thriving Home-Hosted Dinner with local experts • center of Tunisian culture. Your Trip Experience • Destination: Kairouan Leader will seek out opportunities for the group • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner to interact with local residents. As we explore, • Accommodations: La Kasbah Hotel or similar we may have chances to meet people who live and work in Kairouan. This is a great way to Exclusive O.A.T. Activities: Today’s agenda experience local culture, observe the tenets of features the Controversial Topic of the Arab Islam, and see how the spirituality of the city Spring in Tunisia, led by two local experts. This is reflected in the everyday lives of those who conversation examines the pro-democracy live here. shift in the Arab world and what the struggle has been like for those in favor of it. We’ll also Lunch: On your own—ask your Trip Experience hear from a speaker who disagrees with this Leader for local restaurant recommendations. progress and views it as a threat to national Afternoon: After lunch, our group will security. Our activities this evening include reconvene at a local youth association, where a Home-Hosted Dinner with a local family we’ll meet with two local experts to discuss the in Kairouan. This is a special opportunity Controversial Topic of the Arab Spring—often afforded to us by our small group size and called the Jasmine Revolution in Tunisia, after made by possible by the regional connections it’s national flower—and the divisive impacts of our local Trip Experience Leaders. During it continues to have on the region. The Arab our shared meal, you’ll learn more about Spring was a series of pro-democracy rebellions daily life in Tunisia from these residents, that occurred in several predominantly Muslim and take part in the customs and culinary countries, including Tunisia, Morocco, Syria, traditions of the region. Read more about these Libya, Egypt and Bahrain. In Tunisia, these experiences below. events took place from December 2010 to Breakfast: At the hotel. mid-January 2011, and although more than a decade has passed, the country remains divided as a result. To help us understand these

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17 uprisings, we’ll meet with two local people: Today, pro-democracy citizens—who make up one who is affiliated with a pro-democracy about half the population—feel Tunisia is on non-governmental organization, and therefore, the right path, although they say it still has a supports the outcome of the Arab Spring—and long way to go. They believe a pluralistic, free another who feels the political system should democracy is the key to creating a more just and revert back to its pre-democracy days. prosperous nation. Conversely, the other half of the country contends that a one-party political Prior to the 2010-2011 demonstrations, system is the only way to prevent anarchy Tunisia’s government was a one-party regime and another economic crisis. They view the led by former President Zine al-Abidine Ben events of the Arab Spring as a time of disorder, Ali, who had been in power nearly 25 years. violence, and uncertainty. Our conversation this Under his rule, Tunisia consistently ranked afternoon will examine both sides of the issue, near the bottom of most international rankings and we’ll have the unique opportunity to hear for human rights and press freedom and was firsthand from those who lived through it all. widely considered one of the most repressive You’ll also have time to ask any questions you countries. Journalists were routinely silenced, may have. Perhaps you’re curious to know more often at the hands of violence and intimidation, about life prior to the uprisings, or maybe you’ll and women had fewer options outside of ask why these women choose to speak out. domestic life than today. Strangely, despite Each woman will speak for about 10 minutes, the dissatisfaction of the Tunisian people, Ben followed by a 30-minute Q&A. Ali continued winning national elections by a massive margin—often receiving about 90% of Following this conversation, you’ll have some the vote. Voting officials claimed these elections free time to explore on your own. Consult with to be “free and fair,” but these assertions were your Trip Experience Leader for suggestions. disputed by the US State Department and a This evening, our group will come back number of international NGOs. together to experience one of the highlights of our Tunisia adventure: a Home-Hosted After decades of Ben Ali’s dictatorial regime Dinner with a local family. We’ll break up into and soaring unemployment and inflation, smaller groups of no more than six travelers the Tunisian people took to the streets—a and walk to one of the homes, where we’ll get movement that was tragically sparked by the to know local residents and learn about life in self-immolation of a local street vendor. The the region. Come hungry for your home-cooked government attempted to end the unrest by meal, and bring plenty of questions for your violently cracking down on protesters and generous hosts. offering political and economic compromises. In fact, Ben Ali even promised he wouldn’t run Dinner: We’ll gather in the home of a local for another term in 2014. But demonstrations family to experience life in Tunisia and watch soon engulfed the country, forcing Ben Ali to as our hosts prepare an authentic dinner. Each flee with his family to Saudi Arabia and marking family has a different background—some of the end of the regime and revolution. In October them may be teachers, bank tellers, or shop 2011, Tunisians went to the polls and voted in a owners, for example. Our meal this evening free election, which then prompted the drafting may consist of local dishes like mechouia salad of a new constitution. (grilled vegetables, tomatoes, peppers, onions and garlic), brik (Berber pastry filled with various ingredients and commonly deep fried),

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18 couscous, and makroudh (semolina and date Day 8 Overland to Tozeur • Sbeitla cookies). We’re afforded this special privilege • Destination: Tozeur by our small group size; by dining in groups • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner of no more than 6, we’re given the chance to enter local homes and connect on a one-to-one • Accommodations: Hotel Diar Abou Habibi level, and to even share a little with our hosts or similar about who we are and what has brought us to Activity Note: Today’s bus transfer to Tozeur Tunisia. This will be a great opportunity to ask will be approximately 9 hours, with stops along them about life in Kairouan, any customs they the way to visit the archaeological site of Sbeitla practice, and more. and lunch.

Evening: You have the freedom to spend the Breakfast: At the hotel. rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Trip Experience Leader for recommendations. Morning: We depart Kairouan and witness a dramatic transition from green landscapes alive with olive groves to great arid expanses of Day 7 Kairouan • Optional El Djem tour desert dotted with scattered oases. During our • Destination: Kairouan full-day transfer we’ll make our first stop at • Included Meals: Breakfast Sbeitla, where we visit the ruins of an ancient • Accommodations: La Kasbah Hotel or similar Roman town.

Breakfast: At the hotel. Lunch: At a local restaurant in Sbeitla, featuring regional specialties. Morning: You’re free to discover more of Kairouan on your own today. Or, join our Afternoon: We’ll continue on to our next optional excursion to uncover Tunisian destination, Tozeur. This ancient city occupies antiquity with a visit to El Djem, home to the a four-square-mile oasis of 250,000 date palms third-largest ancient Roman amphitheater in whose green lushness stands in stark contrast the world, and a visit to a handcrafts center to to the surrounding Sahara. Depending on learn about mosaics. where we stay, our hotel may feature on-site amenities that include an outdoor swimming Lunch: On your own for those who choose not pool, wireless internet in common areas, to take the optional tour. At a local restaurant and a restaurant. Typical rooms will include for those on the optional tour. air-conditioning, a TV, and a private bathroom Afternoon: On your own, for those who choose with hair dryer. not to take the optional tour. Those who do Dinner: At the hotel restaurant, featuring will return to the hotel later and enjoy some regional specialties. free time. Evening: You have the freedom to spend the Dinner: On your own—ask your Trip rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Trip Experience Leader for suggestions. Experience Leader for recommendations. Evening: You have the freedom to spend the rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Trip Experience Leader for recommendations.

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19 Freedom To Explore: During your full day Day 9 Explore Tozeur oasis by in Tozeur, you have the freedom to explore horse-drawn carriage • Visit local the city on your own during your free time. brick factory Below are a few recommended options for • Destination: Tozeur independent explorations: • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Visit the Eden Palm Museum for a deep • Accommodations: Hotel Diar Abou Habibi dive into the world of desert oasis life. The or similar museum’s main focus is on the date palm, Breakfast: At the hotel from 7am to 8am, one of this region’s most iconic trees, and the featuring local fare. uses for the sweet fruit that it produces. The museum’s exhibits include botanical displays Morning: This morning we’ll be greeted by that highlight the differences between the a local guide, who will meet us at our hotel various species of desert palm; information around 9am. At approximately 9:15am, we’ll about the role that oases and date palms play embark a horse-drawn carriage to explore the in the lives of the desert people who depend Tozeur oasis. For two thousand years, this city on them for sustenance; and an opportunity has thrived in a lush oasis on the edge of the to taste jams, marmalades, and more prod- largest salt flat in northern Africa, and was a ucts made from the treasured date fruit. remote and fiercely independent enclave for • How to get there: A 2-mile taxi ride, much of that time. In its old section, elaborate approximately $3 USD each way. designs in yellow brickwork decorate the walls • Hours: 8am-7pm daily. lining narrow alleys and passageways with the • Cost: $5 USD. same traditional patterns that are found in the local Berber handcrafts. We’ll feel the true oasis • Discover the Dar Cherait Museum, the first atmosphere here as we explore byways where private museum in all of Tunisia. Located in a spring-fed canals water date palms, flowers, refurbished upper-class manor, the museum and crops of plums, grapes, pomegranates, features clothes, costumes, jewelry, pottery, and bananas. art, and a broad range of other artifacts that showcase what life is and was like in this When our discoveries here wrap up around remote desert setting. 10:15am, we’ll hop on a motorcoach to visit a • How to get there: A 2-mile taxi ride, small brick factory where we’ll learn how bricks approximately $3 USD each way. for local homes are handmade in traditional • Hours: 8am-6pm daily. kilns. Our visit here will last about an hour, at • Cost: $5 USD. which point we’ll board the motorcoach once more to drive to lunch.

Lunch: We’ll enjoy some regional cuisine at a local restaurant around noon.

Afternoon: After lunch around 1:30pm, we’ll visit the Sidi Ben Aissa Architectural Museum and enjoy a discussion with the museum’s curator. Our visit ends around 1:45pm, at which point we’ll drive the approximate 15 minutes back to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at

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20 leisure beginning around 2pm. Perhaps you’ll Evening: You have the freedom to spend the take advantage of your freedom to explore and rest of your evening as you wish. Perhaps visit the Eden Palm Museum, which focuses on you’ll enjoy a nightcap or relax in the camp’s the role of the date palm in Tunisian society. common area.

Dinner: At the hotel’s restaurant featuring regional cuisine from 7pm to 8:15pm. Day 11 The Sahara Desert • Camel ride in dunes Evening: You have the freedom to spend the • Destination: Sahara Desert rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Trip • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Experience Leader for recommendations. • Accommodations: Ghilane Desert Camp Day 10 Overland to Sahara Desert camp Early morning: Today, we absorb the feeling of the desert environment. If you wish, your • Destination: Sahara Desert Trip Experience Leader will wake you up early • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner to sit in the camp and watch the sun rise over • Accommodations: Ghilane Desert Camp the Sahara Desert, casting light across the Breakfast: At the hotel. sprawling sand dunes. During the summer, the sun rises around 5am, but in the winter, it rises Morning: We depart Tozeur this morning, closer to 6am. Coffee will be awaiting those who making our first stop at Douz, a town where choose to rise early. all roads end at the edge of the Great Eastern Erg. Beyond Douz, this immense expanse of the Breakfast: At the camp’s main dining area. Sahara extends hundreds of miles to the south. Morning: After breakfast, we’ll board 4x4 Lunch: At a local restaurant in Douz, featuring vehicles to drive about 45 minutes through regional specialties. the desert’s expanse to begin our camel ride experience. When we arrive, we are going to Afternoon: Afterwards, we board 4x4 vehicles saddle up for a camel ride amidst the desert for our journey into the Sahara. Our private, dunes. During our trek, we may cross paths O.A.T. tented camp is located about an hour and with nomadic people as they make their way a half away, positioned in a remote stretch of across the sprawling sea of sand, giving us a the golden-hued Grand Erg. Camp amenities chance to learn even more about everyday life are basic but comfortable: the camp features here. Following our discoveries, we’ll head back a common area where meals will be served, as to our camp via 4x4 vehicles. well as communal bathroom facilities for the guests. These shared facilities are separated Lunch: We’ll enjoy lunch in our camp’s main by gender, each featuring two toilets and two dining area, featuring local dishes. showers for use by the guests. Electricity is Afternoon: Free for your own discoveries. available at the camp at night, between the Perhaps you’ll relax in your tent. Or, ask your hours of 11pm and 6am. Trip Experience Leader for suggestions—they Dinner: At our camp’s main dining area, may be inclined to lead a short hike along featuring regional specialties. the dunes.

Dinner: At the camp’s main dining area, featuring a barbecue meal.

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21 Evening: Tonight, you may choose to join your The Berber people are descendants of the Trip Experience Leader for a hands-on Bedouin pre-Arab inhabitants of North Africa. They bread-making demonstration. speak various Amazigh languages and primarily live in communities across Tunisia, Day 12 Overland to Tataouine via Morocco, Algeria, Libya, Egypt, Mali, Niger, Tamezret • Controversial Topic: Berber and Mauritania—although no accurate rights in Tunisia with Kaouther Ben population count exists. Over the centuries, Jemaa • Visit a troglodyte house their kingdoms were conquered by the Roman and Byzantine empires, and eventually, the • Destination: Tataouine Arabs by the 8th century CE, who harnessed • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner their fighting power for conquest and forcefully • Accommodations: Ksar Ouled Debbab Islamicized them. Berber cultural identity particularly suffered with the development Exclusive O.A.T. Activity: Today’s activities of the trans-Saharan gold and slave trade, feature the Controversial Topic of Berber rights which necessitated the dominance of written in Tunisia, led by Amazigh pastry chef Kaouther Arabic, as well as the influx of warrior Arab Ben Jemaa. Our conversation will provide nomads in the 11th century, driving Berbers an introduction to this ancient, historically away from their ancestral lands. Over time, the marginalized ethnic group, and examine how distinct characteristics and traditions of their their cultural identity has been subject to community weakened, and the once vast Berber erasure and repression over the centuries. Read world had been reduced to sparse, scattered more about this conversation below. populations throughout north Africa. Activity Note: Today’s transfer to Tataouine In recent centuries, Berber heritage has will take approximately 4.5 hours, with stops had almost no visibility in Tunisian society. along the way. Since the country’s independence in 1956, Breakfast: At the camp’s main dining area. this minority group has been consistently marginalized and purposely obscured in Morning: Today we travel across the Saharan order to assert the Arab identity as the only dunes to Tataouine by bus, arriving at a identity—despite the fact that DNA analysis local community space. There, we’ll meet reveals more than 60% of Tunisians have 30-year-old Amazigh pastry chef Kaouther Berber blood and countless towns and villages Ben Jemaa to discuss the Controversial Topic bear Berber names. For instance, there is of Berber rights in Tunisia, an increasingly no mention of the Berber peoples in the important subject to younger generations. constitution, the sole national language is Kaouther is a Berber native who hails from Arabic, and there is little to no representation the village of Tamezret. She graduated from of Berbers in the public eye. In fact, up until university with a degree in literature and then recently, the government went so far as to pursued a degree in baking and pastry art. prohibit Berbers from giving their children Following her studies, she opened a coffee shop Amazigh names. Moreover, although no official in her village that celebrates and honors her census exists to confirm this claim, there is Amazigh culture and history. ample evidence the government has repeatedly skewed reports of Berber population numbers in an attempt to further sweep their culture under the rug.

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22 Interestingly, when presented with these Afternoon: After lunch, we will continue on facts, there appears to be a stark split between to Tataouine, and check in to our hotel upon generations. Older Berbers—who tend to be less arrival at around 5pm. Depending on where we educated and more religious—are not troubled stay, our hotel will likely feature bungalows by this apparent erasure. Quite the contrary: styled after the local troglodyte homes. Typical They are proud to be Arab like their prophet, rooms include air-conditioning and a private Muhammad. Younger generations, on the other bathroom. hand—who enjoy more education and are far Dinner: At our hotel restaurant, featuring less religious—are quick to condemn what regional specialties. they view as conspicuous oppression. Despite this divide, it seems that young Berbers like Evening: You have the freedom to spend the Kaouther and various NGOs seem to be moving rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Trip the needle: private schools are now legally Experience Leader for recommendations. permitted to teach Amazigh languages, and UNESCO classified Berber pottery as a cultural Day 13 A Day in the Life of a Berber village heritage of humanity. Still, as we’ll learn during our conversation, progressives feel there is • Destination: Tataouine a long way to go. They’d like to see Amazigh • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner declared a national language and the minority • Accommodations: Ksar Ouled Debbab group given equal—and open—representation Exclusive O.A.T. Activity: Today’s agenda in all facets of society, including government, features a NEW A Day in the Life experience in a the labor and education sectors, as well as in Berber village. This included activity provides the media. But those opposed to these steps an opportunity to venture into the community forward fear that this could snowball into a of a marginalized, ethnic minority, where separatist movement, resulting in discord and we’ll immerse ourselves in daily life, get to disunity. know local residents, and even try our hands During our conversation, we’ll glean insight at traditional practices, such as breadmaking. from Kaouther on this divided issue for about Read more about this experience below. 20 minutes before opening up the conversation Breakfast: At the hotel. to a 40-minute Q&A. Use this time to ask any questions you might have—perhaps you’d like Morning: This morning we’ll venture to the to know more about her shop, or maybe you’d village of Ras El Wed to begin our NEW A like to ask how her family feels about the issue. Day in the Life discoveries of a rural Berber community. Established in the late 19th We’ll then say goodbye to Kaouther and drive century, this troglodytic settlement was built to the Berber town of Matmata to discover its into the dramatic, rocky hills as a means of fascinating troglodyte houses—man-made protection from Ghazzia (Arab tribes). But its caves dug out of large pits in the ground. Here, clever construction did more than just shelter we’ll stop to visit one, and enjoy tea with a from harm’s way: the rock produces a naturally local family. isothermal environment, shielding the homes Lunch: At a local restaurant in Matmata. from wind and extreme temperatures ranging from 37 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit. The houses are built by digging deep into the horizontal layers of sandstone, a sedimentary rock

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23 malleable enough to carve with simple hand bread, a flat, circular bread called tabouna. tools, that are trapped within layers of harder Tabouna is made with yeast, wheat flour, and rock. The harder rock serves as the floors water, and baked in a wood oven. and ceilings of these houses. Individual cave Lunch: We’ll share a variety of traditional dwellings are then dug out around the edges of dishes with Belgacem and his family in their the pit, forming subterranean rooms and the home. We might enjoy couscous or fried Berber main pit serves as a communal courtyard. pastries. Upon arrival at the settlement, we’ll see Afternoon: After lunch, we’ll drive to an locals going about their day: perhaps we’ll association called the Agriculture Development spot a woman milling ancient grains with a Group, which aims to provide diverse work stone called an azerg, or we might witness opportunities for women. Founded in 2017 and a man herding his prized goats. Around the led by women, the association is comprised courtyard, we’ll be met by resident Belgacem of twenty members, each of whom have El Krimi, who will welcome us to his village the chance to learn lucrative trades such and provide an introduction to local culture. as carpet-making and cosmetic product Belgacem lives here with his wife and five of production. To conclude our visit, we’ll have his seven children—his two sons migrated to the option to participate in a henna ceremony, the cities, where they were able to find work temporary tattoo art created with plant dye and and raise their families. As we’ll learn, Ras El often meant to mark a celebratory occasion. Wed used to rely heavily on agriculture; today, they still do to some extent, but far less than Later this afternoon, we return to our hotel before. We’ll experience the agricultural side in Tataouine, where you’ll have some time to of local culture this morning when we head to make your own discoveries. You may wish to the home of Belgacem’s neice, Fatima. There, visit Ksar Ouled Sotane, a fortified storehouse she’ll show us how to milk her goats, a native featuring multi-story vaulted cellars. species of caprine. From there, we’ll walk to the crop fields, which are sustained by a jesser–an ancient hydro agriculture technique used to Our group will reconvene this evening and contain water in dessert areas that typically depart for dinner at a local restaurant. see less than forty days of rain per year. We’ll Dinner: At a local restaurant in Chenini. learn how this age-old method makes life possible in the village and discuss the ways Evening: You have the freedom to spend the in which it is used before helping to harvest rest of your evening as you wish. Perhaps some of the crops, like potatoes, tomatoes, and you’ll enjoy a nightcap at the bar or relax in green peppers. the lounge.

Next, we’ll head back to the house, where we’ll sip on mint tea and enjoy time to talk with Day 14 Overland to Djerba • Fly to Tunis • Belgacem’s family. We’ll then begin preparing Overland to Sidi Bou Said lunch in the kitchen with the family, which will • Destination: Sidi Bou Said include an assortment of regional specialties. • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch One of the main dishes we’ll help with is the • Accommodations: Hotel Dar Said or similar

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

24 Morning: We return to Tunisia’s seacoast Morning: We’ll begin the day with a discovery today to explore the beautiful island of walk in Sidi Bou Said village. Then, we’ll set Djerba—thought to be the legendary home of off to explore the site of ancient Carthage, the lotus eaters in Homer’s Odyssey—which we which evokes the romance and tragedy of reach from the mainland by a causeway built the legendary era of Queen Dido and Aeneas on a foundation constructed in Roman times. chronicled in Virgil’s Aeneid. Scattered ruins There, we’ll visit a local craft village, where help us envision where the mighty city of we’ll have a chance to interact with the locals antiquity once stood, sending its fleets for before moving on to Houmt Souk—Djerba’s trade and warfare across the Mediterranean, capital—a historic city of white-washed including Hannibal’s famous but doomed mosques and groves of olive and citrus trees. campaign against Rome in the Second Punic War. After Carthage was conquered, the Lunch: At a local restaurant in Houmt Souk, Romans destroyed the old city but established featuring regional specialties. a new one of their own on its site, which lasted Afternoon: Later, we fly to Tunis and transfer for almost another 500 years. The remaining overland to Sidi Bou Said. After checking in to ruins have been designated a UNESCO World our rooms, we’ll enjoy some free time to relax Heritage Site. and settle in. Depending on where we stay, our We’ll then pay our respects to the American hotel may feature an outdoor swimming pool, soldiers who liberated Tunisia during World a hammam, an on-site restaurant and bar, and War II with a visit to the North Africa American wireless Internet access. Typical rooms include Cemetery and Memorial. This 27-acre air-conditioning, a minibar, satellite TV, and memorial is the final resting place of 2,841 private bath with hairdryer. American military dead and also honors 3,700 Dinner: On your own—your Trip Experience soldiers whose remains were never found. Leader will be happy to offer dining Lunch: On your own. You can ask your Trip suggestions for you. Experience Leader for dining options. Evening: You have the freedom to spend your Afternoon: We’ll return to our hotel, where evening as you wish—ask your Trip Experience you’ll have free time until we gather together Leader for recommendations. for dinner.

Day 15 Explore Sidi Bou Said • Dinner: We’ll enjoy a Farewell Dinner together Ancient Carthage • Visit North Africa in a local restaurant as a group this evening to American Cemetery celebrate our Tunisian discoveries. • Destination: Sidi Bou Said Evening: You have the freedom to spend the • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Trip • Accommodations: Hotel Dar Said or similar Experience Leader for recommendations.

Activity Note: The visit to the North Africa American Cemetery and Memorial may be an emotional experience for some travelers.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

25 Day 16 Sidi Bou Said • Return to U.S. your New! Sicilian Discoveries: Palermo, Corleone, Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples & Coastal • Included Meals: Breakfast Fishing Cultures or Timeless Morocco: From Early morning: After an early breakfast this the Souks of Marrakesh to Seaside Casablanca morning, transfer to the Tunis airport to board post-trip extensions. your flight home to the U.S. Or, continue on to

END YOUR ADVENTURE WITH AN OPTIONAL POST-TRIP EXTENSION 5 nights in Timeless Morocco: From the Souks of Marrakesh to Seaside Casablanca

Day 1 Fly to Casablanca, Morocco • Day 4 Overland to Casablanca Overland to Marrakesh Day 5 Explore Casablanca & Day 2 Explore Marrakesh • Caleche ride • Hassan II Mosque Visit Djemaa el Fna Square Day 6 Casablanca • Return to U.S. Day 3 Explore the Ourika Valley • Visit local olive mill • Home-Hosted Lunch

OR 7 nights in Sicilian Discoveries: Palermo, Corleone, Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples & Coastal Fishing Cultures

Day 1 Fly to Palermo, Sicily Day 5 Explore Sant’Angelo Muxaro • Home-Hosted Lunch Day 2 Explore Palermo Day 6 Visit Mazara del Vallo • Transfer to Day 3 Explore Corleone • Winery visit • Castellammare del Golfo Transfer to Agrigento Day 7 Explore Scopello Day 4 Explore the Valley of the Temples • Punta Bianca coastal walk Day 8 Return to U.S.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

26 OPTIONAL TOURS

During your trip you will be able to book optional tours directly with your Trip Experience Leader. He or she will ask you to confirm the payment for these tours by filling out a payment form. Optional tours can only be purchased with a credit or debit card. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover credit cards. We also accept Visa and MasterCard debit cards, but it must be a debit card that allows you to sign for purchases.

In order to correctly process these charges, there can be a delay of 2-3 months from the date of your return for the charges to be posted to your account. Therefore we ask that you use a card that will not expire in the 2-3 months following your return.

Please note: Optional tour prices are listed in U.S. dollar estimates determined at the time of publication and are subject to change. Optional tours may vary.

El Djem (Day 7 $70 per person)

This optional tour takes us to El Djem, home to the third-largest ancient Roman amphitheater in the world, which soars impressively above the low-rise buildings of the town’s medina. Built in the third century AD, this impressive stadium could seat 30,000 spectators. After an included lunch at a local restaurant, we visit a handcrafts center to learn about mosaics. We’ll return back to our hotel by abour 4pm.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

27 PRE-TRIP Untouched Algeria: Algiers & Constantine

INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE

» Accommodations for 3 nights in Algiers at » Services of a local O.A.T. Trip Space Telemly Hotel or similar and 3 nights Experience Leader in Constantine at Constantine Marriott » Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and Hotel or similar luggage porters » 13 meals—6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 » All transfers dinners (including 1 Home-Hosted Lunch) » 5 small group activities

PRE-TRIP EXTENSION ITINERARY

Visit Africa’s largest country and marvel at ancient Roman ruins that will instantly transport you back in time. Begin in Algiers, the country’s capital and most-populous city. Delve into the culture of a country that gained its independence from France only in 1962 as you get to know its people, like during a Home-Hosted Lunch with a local family. Continue on to Constantine, where you’ll visit one of the world’s largest mosques and the ancient Roman ruins of Tiddis. It’s all here in Algeria, waiting to be explored.

Day 1 Fly to Algiers, Algeria Internet, and a private bathroom. After check in, your Trip Experience Leader will guide you • Destination: Depart U.S. on a walking tour around the hotel around 3pm. Afternoon/Evening: Depart the U.S. today for your overnight flight to Algiers, Algeria. Dinner: On your own. Perhaps you’ll venture out to the many restaurants within walking Day 2 Arrive in Algiers distance of the hotel. • Destination: Algiers Evening: You have the freedom to spend the • Accommodations: Space Telemly Hotel evening as you wish. Perhaps you’ll begin or similar exploring Algiers on your own, or settle in to rest for our day tomorrow. Afternoon: Arrive in Algiers, the capital of Algeria, this afternoon, where an O.A.T. representative will meet you at the airport and assist with the transfer to our hotel. Your arrival time in Algeria will depend on your personal flight arrangements. Depending where we stay, our hotel will likely include an on-site restaurant, and each air-conditioned room features a mini-fridge, a TV, a safe, wireless

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

28 Day 3 Explore Algiers • Day 4 Algiers • Djemila • Constantine Home-Hosted Lunch • Destination: Constantine • Destination: Algiers • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Accommodations: Novotel Constantine • Accommodations: Space Telemly Hotel or similar or similar Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel starting at 7am, featuring Algerian and starting at 7am, featuring Algerian and American options. American options. Morning: Around 7:30am, we’ll depart our Morning: Around 9am, we’ll depart the hotel hotel by bus for a four-hour-long drive to by bus for the Kasbah of Algiers. This UNESCO Djemila—the site of some of the best preserved World Heritage Site played a critical role during Roman ruins in North Africa. We’ll arrive at Algeria’s struggle for independence from Djemila around 11:30am and begin our visit. France in 1954-1962. During our 3-hour tour, Majestic arches, temples, basilicas, and other we’ll visit the Ketchaoua Mosque—a place of classic Roman architecture fill this small worship that has undergone transitions of two mountain village. different faiths (Muslim and Roman Catholic Lunch: Following our tour, we’ll enjoy lunch in during French rule) since 1612. We’ll also a local restaurant around 1:30pm. pay a visit to the Museum of Popular Arts & Traditions. Afternoon: After lunch around 2:30pm, we’ll continue on to Constantine. This “City of Lunch: Around 12:30pm, we’ll walk to a local Bridges,” nicknamed for its grand bridges that home and enjoy a Home-Hosted Lunch with connect hills and valleys, was also named the a family inside the Kasbah. We’ll share a meal Arab Capital of Culture in 2015. We’ll check and learn about their daily lives in Algiers. into our hotel around 4:30pm and enjoy some Afternoon: At around 1:30pm, we’ll drive about free time to rest after a day of discovery. 30 minutes to Algiers’ Roman Catholic basilica, Depending where we stay, our hotel will likely Notre-Dame d’Afrique (Our Lady of Africa). feature three on-site restaurants and bars, a After 14 years of construction, the basilica fitness center, and a spa. Each air-conditioned opened in 1872, sporting neo-Byzantine room includes wireless Internet, TV, a safe, architecture. Around 2:30pm, we’ll board our mini-fridge, and a private bathroom. bus and drive back to the hotel, where the Dinner: Around 7pm, we’ll enjoy dinner balance of the afternoon is free to make your together at a local restaurant. own discoveries. Evening: Upon returning to the hotel around Dinner: We’ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant 8pm, you’re free to settle in for the night, or tonight around 7pm, featuring regional venture out for a nightcap in town. specialties.

Evening: Around 8pm, you have the remainder of the evening to continue exploring Algiers.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

29 Day 5 Explore Constantine Dinner: On your own. You may choose to enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants near • Destination: Constantine the hotel. • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch • Accommodations: Novotel Constantine Evening: You are free for you to make your own or similar discoveries. Perhaps you’ll witness even more of the city’s famous bridges. Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel starting at 7am, featuring Algerian and American options. Day 6 Constantine • Visit Tiddis • Destination: Constantine Morning: Our explorations today take us • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch through Constantine, Algeria’s third-largest • Accommodations: Novotel Constantine city. We’ll start by discovering Constantine’s or similar Kasbah around 9am and witness the small—but at one time mighty—Rhumel River, which Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel carved out a circular gorge that resembles a starting at 7am, featuring Algerian and natural fortress. Then around 10:15am, we’ll American options. visit the Palace of Ahmed Bey, an Ottoman-era Morning: This morning, we’ll depart our building built for Ahmed Bey ben Mohamed hotel around 9am for the archaeological site Chérif, ruler of Constantine from 1826-1848. of Tiddis—our drive will take approximately This ornate palace decorated with Tunisian and 45 minutes. This ancient ruined Roman town French tiles took nearly ten years to build, yet was built on a hillside overlooking Constantine Ahmed Bey only enjoyed it for two years before in the third century and used as a lookout to the French turned it into their headquarters protect the city from invaders. It followed during their takeover. Following our visit, we’ll classic Roman town planning, with just two cross the Mellah Slimane Bridge on foot, which main streets that crossed in the center. Because is more than 300 feet above the river, nearly Tiddis had no main water source, we’ll see 400 feet long, and only eight feet wide. abandoned water tanks and channels, which Lunch: We’ll enjoy lunch in a local restaurant were used as a means for collecting rainwater. around noon. We’ll also see various circular tombs, a Roman arch, and sanctuaries to Roman gods Mithra, Afternoon: Following lunch around 1:30pm, Vesta, and Ceres. we’ll cross another one of Constantine’s iconic monuments on foot, the Sidi M’Cid Bridge Lunch: After our 2-hour-long tour, we’ll visit a which offers sprawling views of the town and local restaurant for lunch around 12:15pm. the gorge. We wrap up the day’s tour of the city Afternoon: We’ll depart the restaurant around with a visit to the Mosque of Emir Abdelkader. 1:30pm and return to our hotel, arriving around The mosque’s twin minarets and its sheer size 3pm. You’ll have the rest of the afternoon to in general make the building stand out. Its relax at the hotel or continue exploring the city. prayer hall can hold 10,000 people, making it one of the world’s largest mosques. Starting Dinner: On your own. Perhaps you’ll sample around 3pm, you’ll have the remainder of the chakhchoukha, a local Algerian specialty stew afternoon free. that consists of lamb, chickpeas, rougag (round, thin flatbread), tomatoes, peppers, and onions.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

30 Evening: You’ll have the evening to yourself to Dinner: We’ll gather at a local restaurant make any final discoveries in Constantine. around 7pm for dinner and toast to all of our discoveries in Algeria.

Day 7 Constantine • Fly to Algiers Evening: You are free to spend your final night • Destination: Algiers in Algeria as you wish. Perhaps you’ll enjoy a • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner nightcap in town or settle into your room to • Accommodations: Space Telemly Hotel rest for tomorrow’s transfer to Tunis. or similar

Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel Day 8 Transfer to Tunis, Tunisia • starting at 7am, featuring Algerian and Begin main trip American options. • Destination: Tunis • Included Meals: Breakfast Morning: Around 7am this morning, we’ll drive approximately 30 minutes to the Constantine Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel airport for our return flight to Algiers. After our starting at 7am, featuring Algerian and one-hour flight, we’ll drive about 30 minutes to American options. our hotel in Algiers. Morning: Today, we’ll transfer to Tunis, Lunch: Around 11:15am, you’ll have some free Tunisia to meet your fellow travelers and begin time to settle in at the hotel and grab a bite our main adventure. to eat at the on-site restaurant or one of the nearby eateries. Depending where we stay, our hotel will likely include an on-site restaurant, and each air-conditioned room features a mini-fridge, a TV, a safe, wireless Internet, and a private bathroom.

Afternoon: We’ll set out on a city tour of Algiers around 1:30pm, including a visit to the Cathedrale du Sacre Coeur (Sacred Heart Cathedral of Algiers) and the Grande Poste d’Alger (the Algiers central post office). Along the way, we’ll come across a variety of locals, including a young activist who will share their beliefs and important causes. Then around 3pm,we’ll ride a cable car to the Martyrs’ Memorial, which honors the lives lost in the Algerian war for independence. The memorial opened in 1982, twenty years after the country gained independence from France. Following our visit, we’ll have about 2.5 hours of free time in Algiers.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

31 PRE-TRIP Historic Treasures of Italy: Naples, Pompeii & Rome

INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE

» Accommodations in centrally located hotels » Services of a local O.A.T. Trip for 3 nights in Naples and 3 nights in Rome Experience Leader » 11 meals—6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, » Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and and 2 dinners luggage porters » 7 small group activities » All transfers

PRE-TRIP EXTENSION ITINERARY

Explore two of Italy’s cultural and historic gems before your Tunisian adventure begins. Discover the archaeological treasures of Naples—including a day trip to nearby Pompeii—then immerse yourself in the wonder of the “Eternal City” of Rome, where ancient ruins and modern delights await your discovery.

Day 1 Depart U.S. Day 3 Explore Naples • Visit Archaeological Museum • Controversial Depart today on your overnight flight to Topic: Italy & the Camorra Naples, Italy • Destination: Naples Day 2 Arrive Naples, Italy • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner • Accommodations: Hotel in Naples • Destination: Naples • Accommodations: Hotel in Naples Breakfast: Included at the hotel

Afternoon: Arrive in Naples today, where Morning: Explore Naples on foot with a local an O.A.T. representative will meet you at the guide. Settled by the Greeks and conquered by airport and assist you with the transfer to the Romans, Naples boasts a millennia-old your hotel. You’ll check in and meet your Trip history that is evident in every aspect of local Experience Leader, who will lead you on a short culture: an abundance of artistic masterpieces, orientation walk to help you acquaint yourself celebrated culinary traditions, frescoed baroque with your surroundings. architecture, and more. The highlight of our tour this morning is the Museo Archeologico Dinner: On your own. Your Trip Experience Nazionale (National Archaeological Museum), Leader can recommend a restaurant. where we’ll discover the world’s finest Evening: On your own to relax or to explore collection of Pompeiian frescoes and mosaics. independently. Ask your Trip Experience Leader Next, we’ll delve into a different aspect of for recommendations. the region’s history when we sit down with a local expert to discuss the Controversial

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

32 Topic of the Camorra, a mafia organization Dinner: On your own. Your Trip Experience based in Campania. The Camorra first began Leader can recommend a restaurant. in the mid-1800s as a prison gang. Today, it’s Evening: On your own to relax or to explore estimated the crime syndicate has more than independently. Ask your Trip Experience Leader 7,000 members, making it the largest of the for recommendations. Italian organized crime groups.

Lunch: On your own. Your Trip Experience Day 5 Overland to Rome • Visit American Leader can recommend a restaurant or café. Cemetery in Anzio Afternoon: You are free to explore • Destination: Rome independently this afternoon. Your Trip • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Experience Leader can recommend activities to • Accommodations: Hotel in Rome suit your interests. Breakfast: Included at the hotel. Dinner: Included at a local restaurant. Morning: We board our motorcoach and begin Evening: On your own to relax or to explore our transfer to Rome today. independently. Ask your Trip Experience Leader Along the way, we’ll learn about an important for recommendations. moment in Italian (and American) World War II history when we stop at the American Cemetery Day 4 Explore Pompeii • Winery visit in Anzio. The site of an amphibious Allied • Destination: Naples landing that was part of Operation Shingle, • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Anzio spelled the beginning of the end for the • Accommodations: Hotel in Naples Nazis in Germany. Today, more than 7,800 American soldiers are buried here, and another Breakfast: Included at the hotel. 3,100 names are featured on the poignant Morning: Today we’ll explore the legendary Wall of the Missing. We’ll spend some time site of Pompeii. Buried by the eruption of Mount exploring the cemetery’s gardens and grounds, Vesuvius in 79 AD, and not re-discovered until and paying our respects to those who lost their the 17th century, Pompeii’s antiquities offer an lives here. unparalleled view of Roman life. Accompanied Lunch: At a local restaurant in Anzio featuring by an expert guide, you’ll witness the ancient traditional Italian fare. city’s most significant sites, and learn how its people lived, built homes, and conducted Afternoon: We’ll continue our transfer to business. Rome, arriving in the mid-afternoon. After checking in to the hotel, and acquainting Lunch: On our way back to Naples, we’ll enjoy ourselves with our surroundings on an lunch at a local winery, featuring regionally orientation walk with our Trip Experience inspired dishes and a variety of wines. Leader, the remainder of the day is free for you Afternoon: We return to our hotel in Naples to explore “The Eternal City.” this afternoon, where the rest of the day is free to explore independently.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

33 Dinner: On your own. You might like to Afternoon: The rest of the day is free to explore tuck into a bowl of cacio e pepe, a simple yet Rome independently. The historic city center classic Roman pasta dish made with cheese is brimming with landmarks, and your Trip and pepper. Experience Leader can help you make the most of your time here. Evening: Free to do as you’d like. Perhaps you’ll grab a gelato and go for an evening stroll to see Dinner: On your own. Your Trip Experience the ancient Roman ruins lit up. Leader can recommend a restaurant.

Evening: On your own to relax or to explore Day 6 Explore Rome independently. Ask your Trip Experience Leader • Destination: Rome for recommendations. • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch • Accommodations: Hotel in Rome Day 7 Rome • Optional Vatican Museums & Breakfast: At the hotel. St. Peter’s Basilica tour • Destination: Rome Morning: Set off to discover the “Eternal City” • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner and the myriad treasures it has amassed over more than two and a half millennia. At varying • Accommodations: Hotel in Rome points throughout its history, Rome has served Breakfast: At the hotel. as the heart of kingdoms, empires, and nations; a religious and cultural touchpoint; an Olympic Morning: Explore Rome on your own today. city; and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today Perhaps you’ll visit Castel Gandolfo, a small it remains a vibrant metropolis of historical and commune surrounded by nature that’s known cultural significance—a can’t-miss experience for being the summer residence of the pope. for travelers from around the world. Or, join us for an optional half-day tour of Our morning walking tour will introduce us to the Vatican & Sistine Chapel. Go beyond the many of the city’s history-spanning highlights, costumed Swiss Guards in the shadow of St. including the upscale Via Veneto and the Peter’s Basilica to explore the museums of the resplendent Spanish Steps, designed in the 18th world’s smallest independent sovereign state, century by architects Francesco de Sanctis and Vatican City. Established in 1506 by Pope Julius Alessandro Specchi. We’ll also stroll along the II, the Vatican Museums contain one of the Via del Corso, an almost mile-long stretch of finest art collections in the world. palaces and shops, and see the Pantheon, built Although it’s impossible to see all of the in the second century AD, as well as Piazza vast collection, your local guide will help Navona, home to the Obelisk of Domitian, the you witness many of the priceless treasures Fountain of Neptune, and more. acquired by the church over centuries. Lunch: Included at a local restaurant where Following the grand corridors of the museum, our Trip Experience Leader will introduce us to you’ll continue to the basilica and the Sistine pizza e mortadella, a Roman specialty. Chapel, which contains the world’s most famous frescoes on its ceiling and one of its walls. Inside, you can admire Michelangelo’s most famous and dramatic masterpieces,

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

34 including The Creation and The Last Judgment, Evening: On your own to relax or to explore both of which have been recently restored to independently. Ask your Trip Experience Leader fully reveal their majestic glory. for recommendations.

Lunch: On your own—ask your Trip Experience Leader for nearby restaurant recommendations. Day 8 Fly to Tunis, Tunisia • Begin main trip Afternoon: Free to make your own discoveries. • Included Meals: Breakfast Perhaps you’ll take a stroll through the Non-Catholic Cemetery and see the graves of Breakfast: At the hotel. famous poets such as Shelley and Keates. Morning: Transfer to the airport for your flight Dinner: Included at a local restaurant. to Tunis, where you’ll begin your New! Tunisia: From the Mediterranean to the Sahara adventure.

OPTIONAL TOUR

Vatican Museums & St. Peter’s Basilica (Day 7 $100 per person) This half-day optional tour goes beyond the costumed Swiss Guards in the shadow of St. Peter’s Basilica to explore the huge museum of the world’s smallest independent sovereign state, Vatican City. Founded in 1506 by Pope Julius II, the Vatican Museum contains one of the finest art collections in the world. Although it’s impossible to see all of the vast collection, you’ll witness many of the priceless treasures commissioned by the church over centuries. Following the grand corridors of the museum, you’ll continue to the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel, which contains some of the world’s most famous frescoes on its ceiling and walls. Inside, you can admire Michelangelo’s most celebrated and dramatic masterpieces, including The Creation and The Last Judgment, both of which have been recently restored to fully reveal their majestic glory.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

35 POST-TRIP Timeless Morocco: From the Souks of Marrakesh to Seaside Casablanca

INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE

» Airfare from Tunis to Casablanca » 10 meals—5 breakfasts, 2 lunches, » Accommodations: 3 nights in Marrakesh at and 3 dinners the Riad Dar Sara or similar, and 2 nights in » 5 small group activities Casablanca at the Sofitel Casablanca Tour » Services of a local O.A.T. Trip Blanche Hotel or similar Experience Leader » All transfers

POST-TRIP EXTENSION ITINERARY

Extend your North African discoveries in Marrakesh and Casablanca, where you can feel the pulse of Moroccan culture as we tour colorful souks, a historic medina, magnificent palaces and gardens, lively Djemaa el-Fna Square, and Africa’s largest mosque: Casablanca’s Hassan II.

Day 1 Fly to Casablanca, Morocco • into our riad—a Moroccan home that has been Overland to Marrakesh refurbished into a hotel. With just around 20 rooms, our small group size lends itself • Destination: Marrakesh perfectly to the intimacy and authenticity of • Included Meals: Dinner a riad stay, and we’ll get a true sense of local • Accommodations: Riad Dar Sara or similar life as we share this traditional living space. Activity Note: Traditional riads do not have A typical riad features calming fountains, elevators so you should expect to use the stairs intricate handmade tilework, and multiple to access your room. stories, with rooms—each possessing their own distinct character—connected by a hallway that Breakfast: At the hotel. overlooks an open-air courtyard. Depending on Morning: Today, we’ll transfer to the the centrally-located riad you stay in, it may Tunis airport to catch our flight to be in walking distance to local street markets Casablanca, Morocco. and shopping areas and feature an on-site restaurant and a terrace with panoramic city Lunch: On your own—you may grab lunch at views. Typical air-conditioned rooms include the airport. satellite TV and wireless Internet.

Afternoon: Our Trip Experience Leader will Dinner: At our riad. meet us at the airport and assist us with the 3-hour drive to Marrakesh, where we’ll check

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

36 Evening: You have the freedom to spend the • Explore the Women’s Museum: The first rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Trip and only museum of its kind in Morocco, the Experience Leader for recommendations. Women’s Museum is devoted to presenting and preserving the history of women in the Freedom To Explore: During your two days in country. This museum houses three main Marrakesh, you have the freedom to explore exhibitions focused on a contemporary the city on your own during your free time. Moroccan artist, Morocco’s first feminist Below are a few recommended options for activist, and the first female documentary independent explorations: filmmaker. Temporary exhibitions are also • Visit the Dar Si Said Museum, a cultural shown that typically feature contemporary museum located in a former palace in the female artists. city’s medina. Also known as the Museum of • How to get there: A 15- to 20-minute walk. Moroccan Arts, it is the oldest museum in • Hours: 9:30am-6:30pm, daily. Marrakesh, featuring exhibits that include • Cost: About $4 USD. Berber jewelry, historic military equipment, artwork, and more. The building itself is a Day 2 Explore Marrakesh • Caleche ride • showcase of Moroccan architecture, featuring Visit Djemaa el Fna Square ornate arches, courtyards, gardens, and • Destination: Marrakesh tiled mosaics. • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner • How to get there: A 20-minute walk from • Accommodations: Riad Dar Sara or similar the hotel, or $4 USD taxi ride each way. • Hours: 9am-12pm, 3pm-6pm daily. Breakfast: At the riad. • Cost: $3 USD. Morning: Today we explore the city of • Discover Majorelle Garden, the work of the Marrakesh by foot, stopping by the Koutoubia 20th century artist Jacques Majorelle. An minaret, Bahia Palace, and Le Jardin Secret. expert landscape painter, Majorelle decided We’ll also explore the famous medina of to take his work to the next level and craft his Marrakesh, one of the ancient crossroads of own landscape, featuring a variety of colorful North Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. blooms from across the world. In 1984, the Lunch: On your own—ask your Trip Experience garden was purchased by the French fashion Leader for local restaurant recommendations. designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé, to restore it to its former glory Afternoon: We’ll have a few hours this and reopen it to the public after years of afternoon to explore independently. You may neglect and disrepair. Visitors to the garden take this time to continue getting settled in at today can admire more than 300 plant species the riad. Or, perhaps you’ll choose to venture from five continents, as well as Majorelle’s back out into the medina and visit some of the art deco studio, which features a museum local souks (markets). showcasing artifacts from Morocco’s indige- nous people. Later, we’ll regroup for a memorable caleche (horse-drawn carriage) ride • How to get there: A 6-mile taxi ride, through Marrakesh. From this unique mode of approximately $6 USD each way. transportation, we’ll take in the sights of the • Hours: 8am-5:30pm daily. city, including the colorful Majorelle Gardens, • Cost: $7 USD per person. a living work of art cultivated by the artist

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

37 Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s, then purchased enjoy about an hour here exploring with your and refurbished by the fashion designer Yves Trip Experience Leader before boarding our bus Saint Laurent. We’ll also ride through the to continue our drive. upscale Gueliz and Hivernage neighborhoods, When we arrive in the Ourika Valley, we’ll be and take a closer look at the city’s red met by a local guide who will lead our trek brick walls. along one of the valley’s hiking trails. This trail We’ll disembark at Djemaa El Fna, the main connects villages in the area, so we may be able square, where we’ll set off on a walking tour. to strike up conversations with locals as they Translating to “assembly of the dead”—in go about their daily activities. As we walk, you commemoration of public executions that may also take in scenic views of olive groves occurred there in 1050 AD—Djemaa El Fna has and terraced hillsides. Our discoveries will end taken on somewhat of a paradoxical nature, at a local olive mill. Here, we’ll meet with the having blossomed into an area that is as full of owner and explore the grounds. Following our life as the Sahara is full of sand. A cacophony of discoveries, we’ll split into even smaller groups sounds fills the streets as musicians tune their of no more than six travelers and walk to one of instruments; snake charmers dazzle with their the homes of a local family, where we’ll get to fascinating mix of danger and exotic ritual; know local Berber residents and learn about life food stalls line the streets; and a combination in the region over a Home-Hosted Lunch. of horse-drawn carriages, motorbikes, and cars Lunch: We’ll gather in the home of a local are relegated to the outskirts of the square as family to experience life in Morocco and enjoy nightly pedestrian traffic takes center stage. a traditional Berber lunch.This will be a great Dinner: We’ll enjoy dinner in a local restaurant, opportunity to ask our hosts about life in the featuring regional specialties. Ourika Valley, the Berber customs they practice, and more. Evening: You have the freedom to spend the rest of your evening as you wish—your Afternoon: After lunch, we’ll drive back Trip Experience Leader can offer interesting to Marrakesh, where the remainder of the options for you. afternoon is free for your own discoveries. Your Trip Experience Leader will be able to offer you Day 3 Explore the Ourika Valley • Visit plenty of suggestions about where to go. If you local olive mill • Home-Hosted Lunch wish, you can further explore the high-energy street performers in the legendary Djemaa El • Destination: Marrakesh Fna square. • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch • Accommodations: Riad Dar Sara or similar Dinner: On your own—ask your Trip Experience Leader for recommendations. Breakfast: At the riad. Evening: You have the freedom to spend the Morning: Today we set out to explore the rest of your evening as you wish—your Trip Ourika Valley, nestled at the foothills of the Experience Leader will be happy to point out Atlas Mountains. Along the way, we’ll stop some interesting options in Marrakesh. at the Anima Garden, brought to life by artist André Heller. This whimsical, 2-acre botanical garden features over 250 plant species, ranging from bamboo to lofty palm trees and cacti. We’ll

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

38 Day 4 Overland to Casablanca • Browse the exhibits of the Abderrahman Slaoui Foundation Museum, a private col- • Destination: Casablanca lection founded by a Moroccan philanthropist • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch with a passion for the artistic traditions of the • Accommodations: Sofitel Casablanca Tour Arab world. This museum displays a wide va- Blanche Hotel or similar riety of artifacts, ranging from travel posters, Breakfast: At the riad. to Berber jewelry, cosmetic flasks, and more. The museum also offers workshops so that Morning: Your morning is free to make any visitors may get hands-on experience with last-minute discoveries you wish to make in some of the artistic endeavors on display. Marrakesh. You might choose to spend more How to get there: An 8-mile taxi ride, time in the city souk, enjoying a closer look at • approximately $10 USD each way. Marrkesh’s unique artistic traditions. • Hours: 10am-6pm Tuesday-Saturday. Lunch: At a local restaurant, featuring regional • Cost: Free. specialties. • Learn about contemporary Moroccan art at Afternoon: After lunch, we begin our 3-hour the Villa des Arts, a non-profit gallery located private motorcoach transfer to Casablanca, in a picturesque art deco villa. The gallery’s checking in to our hotel upon arrival. Depending collection includes a range of 20th century on the hotel, it may feature an on-site and more modern pieces, featuring about restaurant and lounge. Typical guestrooms 800 paintings in a permanent exhibition and include satellite television, air conditioning, sculpture garden, with temporary collections bottled water, coffee- and tea-making brought in throughout the year. facilities, and an en suite bathroom. Then, we’ll • How to get there: A 15-mile taxi ride, have some tine to relax and get settled in to our approximately $10 USD each way. hotel. Later this afternoon, we’ll gather with • Hours: 9:30am-7pm Tuesday-Sunday. our Trip Experience Leader for an orientation • Cost: $7 USD per person. walk of the area, including Marché Central, • Visit L’Eglise du Sacre-Coeur (church of the the bustling outdoor market in the heart of the sacred heart), a Catholic church located near city’s Art Deco district. Mohammed V Square. While not technically Dinner: On your own—ask your Trip a cathedral, as it is not associated with an Experience Leader for local restaurant active bishop, the church is no less grand for recommendations. its status, featuring a towering white façade that blends European and Moroccan archi- Evening: You have the freedom to spend the tectural styles. The church is also a cultural rest of your evening as you wish—our Trip center that regularly hosts events held by city Experience Leader can offer suggestions on residents. where to explore in Casablanca. • How to get there: A 15-mile taxi ride, Freedom To Explore: During your two days in approximately $4 USD each way. Casablanca, you have the freedom to explore • Hours: Varies throughout the season—ask the city on your own during your free time. your Trip Experience Leader for details. Below are a few recommended options for • Cost: $7 USD per person. independent explorations:

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

39 Day 5 Explore Casablanca & Evening: You have the freedom to spend the Hassan II Mosque rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Trip Experience Leader for recommendations. • Destination: Casablanca • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Day 6 Casablanca • Return to U.S. • Accommodations: Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche Hotel or similar • Included Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast: At the hotel. Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Today we begin with a visit to one Morning: Today, we’ll board a bus and transfer of the city’s highlights: the Hassan II Mosque. to the Casablanca airport for the return This mosque is the largest in Morocco with flight home. the tallest minaret in the world. We’ll have about two hours at the mosque to admire its marble columns, intricately designed dome, and mosaic tiles. While here, you may even hear the call to prayer emanating from the towering minaret.

Following our visit to the mosque, we’ll stop at Casablanca’s Jewish Museum. Originally founded as an orphanage in 1948, it is now considered by many to be the Arab world’s only museum dedicated entirely to Judaism. Here, we’ll get a sense of the cultural diversity throughout Morocco’s history. We’ll end our tour in Casablanca’s Quartier Habous (also known as the New Medina), a colorful area of the city constructed by the French in the 1930s in the style of a traditional medina, whose narrow winding streets are lined with market stalls and interesting shops.

Lunch: On your own—ask your Trip Experience Leader for local restaurant recommendations.

Afternoon: Free for your own discoveries in Casablanca. You can seek out some galleries or museums on your own or ask your Trip Experience Leader to suggest some interesting activities.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

40 POST-TRIP Sicilian Discoveries: Palermo, Corleone, Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples & Coastal Fishing Cultures

INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE

» Accommodations in centrally located » Services of a local O.A.T. Trip hotels for 2 nights in Palermo, 3 Experience Leader nights in Agrigento, and 2 nights in » Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and Castellammare del Golfo luggage porters » 13 meals—7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, » All transfers and 3 dinners » 9 small group activities

POST-TRIP EXTENSION ITINERARY

Immerse yourself in Sicily’s Mediterranean cultural blend as you uncover ancient temples in Agrigento, witness the eclectic architecture of Palermo, delve into the roots of the mafia in Corleone, and more. Plus enjoy intimate moments of people-to-people connection as we veer off the beaten path to spend time with locals in the village of Sant’Angelo Muxaro, meet a Tunisian immigrant family in Mazara del Vallo, and explore the fishing village of Scopello.

Day 1 Fly to Palermo, Sicily Dinner: Enjoy an included Welcome Dinner with your fellow travelers at a local restaurant. • Destination: Palermo • Included Meals: Dinner Evening: On your own to relax or to explore • Accommodations: Hotel in Palermo independently. Ask your Trip Experience Leader for recommendations. Morning: Transfer to the airport for your flight to Palermo. Upon arrival, you’ll be met at the airport by your Trip Experience Leader who will Day 2 Explore Palermo help with your transfer to your hotel, and lead • Destination: Palermo you on a short orientation walk to acquaint you • Included Meals: Breakfast with your new neighborhood. • Accommodations: Hotel in Palermo

Lunch: On your own. Your Trip Experience Breakfast: At the hotel. Leader can recommend a restaurant or café.

Afternoon: Free to relax and settle in or explore independently. Your Trip Experience Leader can recommend activities.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

41 Morning: We’ll explore Sicily’s historic Corleone crime family is a work of fiction, capital city on an included walking tour with Corleone’s historic ties to the Sicilian mafia a local guide. We’ll discover the city’s eclectic are all too real, and after our discovery walk, cacophony of architectural styles, the legacy of we’ll join a local expert for a conversation about a storied and complex past. the Italian crime organization’s roots in this area, and the effect that it still has over local Throughout its history, Palermo’s strategic life today. position in the middle of the Mediterranean drew the attention of a regular succession of Lunch: After our walking tour, we’ll drive by invaders. The Phoenicians, Carthaginians, private motorcoach to Principe di Corleone, Greeks, Romans, Normans, Swabians, and a local winery, where we’ll enjoy an included French are among those who came, conquered, lunch and wine tasting. and left their mark. The cityscape, particularly Afternoon: We’ll continue our motorcoach its civic and religious structures, reflects a transfer to Agrigento, arriving this afternoon strong Baroque influence dating back to the and checking in to our hotel. 17th and 18th centuries. And, more recently, reconstruction after heavy World War II Dinner: On your own. Your Trip Experience bombing added more modern elements Leader can recommend a restaurant. to the mix. Evening: On your own to relax or to explore Lunch: On your own. Your Trip Experience independently. Ask your Trip Experience Leader Leader can recommend a restaurant or café. for recommendations.

Afternoon: The rest of the day is free to explore Palermo at your own pace. Day 4 Explore the Valley of the Temples • Punta Bianca coastal walk Dinner: On your own. Your Trip Experience • Destination: Agrigento Leader can recommend a restaurant. • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Evening: On your own to relax or to explore • Accommodations: Hotel in Agrigento independently. Ask your Trip Experience Leader Breakfast: At the hotel. for recommendations. Morning: We’ll drive by private motorcoach to Day 3 Explore Corleone • Winery visit • the Valley of the Temples, situated just outside Transfer to Agrigento the city of Agrigento. Agrigento was once the Greek city of Akragas, one of the most culturally • Destination: Agrigento advanced cities of the ancient world. Here in • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch the Valley of the Temples, we’ll set off by foot • Accommodations: Hotel in Agrigento with a local guide to explore the archaeological Breakfast: At the hotel. remains of the Greek temples, each built between 510 and 430 BC. In addition to the Morning: We’ll begin our private motorcoach honey-colored architecture, the area provides transfer to Agrigento today, stopping on the sweeping views of the neighboring hillsides, way at the historic hilltop town of Corleone, where homes and agricultural plots form a whose name is synonymous with the novel and patchwork display of green, brown, and white. film, The Godfather. Although the eponymous

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

42 After our tour, we’ll return by private Lunch: Get to know the people of the village a motorcoach to Agrigento’s city center. little better during an included Home-Hosted Lunch with a local family. We’ll enjoy a Lunch: On your own in Agrigento. Your Trip home-cooked meal prepared from fresh, Experience Leader can recommend a café or locally-sourced ingredients, and enjoy restauraunt. lively conversation about life in the Sicilian Afternoon: You’ll have a few hours of free countryside. exploration in Agrigento this afternoon. Before Afternoon: We’ll spend a little more time in dinner, we’ll drive by private motorcoach to the village after lunch, then bid our new friends Punta Bianca, a small beach, where we’ll set farewell as we return to our hotel in Agrigento off on a short but scenic walk along the coast by private motorcoach. toward Montechiara Castle, a historic stone fortification overlooking the sea. Dinner: On your own. Shuttle service to the city center is available, and your Trip Experience Dinner: Included at a local restaurant. Leader can recommend a restaurant. Evening: On your own to relax or to explore Evening: On your own to relax or to explore independently. Ask your Trip Experience Leader independently. Ask your Trip Experience Leader for recommendations. for recommendations.

Day 5 Explore Sant’Angelo Muxaro • Day 6 Visit Mazara del Vallo • Transfer to Home-Hosted Lunch Castellammare del Golfo • Destination: Agrigento • Destination: Castellammare del Golfo • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch • Accommodations: Hotel in Agrigento • Accommodations: Hotel in Breakfast: At the hotel. Castellammare del Golfo

Morning: We’ll drive by private motorcoach Breakfast: At the hotel. to the remote village of Sant’Angelo Muxaro, Morning: We begin our private motorcoach a commune of a little more than 1,000 transfer to Castellammare del Golfo, stopping people, where we’ll meet a member of the on the way to visit Mazara del Vallo, a diverse community and immerse ourselves in the coastal town with a population of around daily lives of the residents during an included 50,000, including an immigrant community tour. Because of our small group size, we’ll of around 3,000 Tunisians and other Maghreb enjoy the opportunity to have meaningful Arabs. During our visit, we’ll meet a Tunisian people-to-people interactions, getting to know immigrant family for a conversation about the locals who live and work here. the challenges and opportunities encountered We’ll also roll up our sleeves and work while intermingling Sicilian and Arab alongside the locals for some hands-on tasks; cultures, and the co-existence of Muslim and we might help harvest pistachios or almonds, Christian faiths. make authentic Sicilian tomato sauce, or pick grapes or olives, depending on the season in which we visit.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

43 Lunch: As we continue our transfer toward pane cunzato, a decadent Sicilian sandwich Castellammare del Golfo, we’ll stop in the made with fresh Mediterranean ingredients seaside town of Marsala for an included lunch that might include olive oil, oregano, tomato, at a local restaurant. anchovies, and Italian cheeses such as soft pecorino. Afternoon: We’ll continue our transfer, and check in to our hotel at Castellammare del Golfo Afternoon: We’ll return to our hotel in early this afternoon. We’ll get to know our Castellammare del Golfo, where you’ll have a surroundings during a short orientation walk free afternoon to explore independently. with our Trip Experience Leader, then have the Dinner: Toast to your adventure during an rest of the day free to explore independently. included Farewell Dinner with your fellow Dinner: On your own. Your Trip Experience travelers at a local restaurant. Leader can recommend a restaurant. Evening: On your own to relax or to explore Evening: On your own to relax or to explore independently. Ask your Trip Experience Leader independently. Ask your Trip Experience Leader for recommendations. for recommendations. Day 8 Return to U.S. Day 7 Explore Scopello • Included Meals: Breakfast • Destination: Castellammare del Golfo Breakfast: At the hotel. Boxed meals • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner will be provided for travelers with early • Accommodations: Hotel in morning flights. Castellammare del Golfo Morning: Transfer to the airport in Palermo for Breakfast: At the hotel. your flight back to the U.S. Morning: We drive by private motorcoach to the nearby village of Scopello, stopping along the way to admire coastal views of the faraglioni, a picturesque formation of rocks jutting out of the cerulean blue Mediterranean waters like a lighthouse. We’ll then arrive in the small coastal village of Scopello, where we’ll set off on a discovery walk with our Trip Experience Leader, learning about this community’s long history as a center of tuna fishing and agriculture. We’ll learn more about its ancient inhabitants’ farming techniques with a visit to the baglio, the historic fortified farmstead around which the present day village slowly grew over the centuries.

Lunch: On your own in Scopello. Your Trip Experience Leader can point you toward a restaurant or café to try local specialties like

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

44 Tunisia: From the OUR SMALL GROUP ADVENTURE COVID-19 VACCINATION POLICY To ensure the safety of all of our travelers, we are requiring that all travelers Mediterranean to the Sahara joining us on one of our Small Group Adventures must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to departure of their adventure— and provide proof of their vaccination on-site. 2022 Dates & Prices For more details, please visit www.oattravel.com/covid-update.

J A N U A R Y ; F E B R U A R Y ; DEC 3-14, SEP 3, 5; MAR 2-9; MAR 12-26; DEPART FROM 24, 28 DEC 17, 21 SEP 7-28 OCTOBER APRIL-MAY NOVEMBER

New York $ 3495 $3695 $3895 $3995 $4195 $3595

Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Miami, Minneapolis, Newark, Orlando, $ 3595 $ 3795 $ 3995 $ 4095 $ 4295 $ 3695 Philadelphia, Phoenix, Tampa, Washington, DC

Los Angeles, Portland, San Diego, $ 3695 $3895 $4095 $4195 $4395 $3795 San Francisco, Seattle

Additional departure cities are available. Upgrade to Business Class may be available for the international portion of your flight. Call for details.

J A N U A R Y ; DEC 3-14, M A R C H ; APRIL; SEP 3, 5; 24, 28 FEBRUARY MAY 14-21 MAY 4-11 DEC 17, 21 SEP 7-28 OCTOBER NOVEMBER Without international airfare $2495 $2695 $2895 $3095 $2395 $2795 $2995 $2595

TNS2022

NEW! STOPOVERS RISK-FREE BOOKING POLICY: RESERVE WITH CONFIDENCE— All O.A.T. Stopovers include 3 nights in a centrally- NOW THROUGH 12/31/21 located hotel, daily breakfasts, and roundtrip private airport transfers. We will waive any change fees if you transfer to another departure date for any reason—up until 24 hours prior to departure. See details at www.oattravel.com/ Paris: $945 per person riskfree-booking. Rome: $895 per person Istanbul: $695 per person Other O.A.T. Stopovers are available. If a city you Prices are per person. Airfare prices include government taxes, fees, and airline fuel are interested in is not offered, we can arrange surcharges. All prices and availability are effective as of the date of this publication, and your airfare for that, too. are subject to change without notice. Standard Terms & Conditions apply, please visit our website: www.oattravel.com/tc. Every effort has been made to produce this information Call your Regional Adventure Counselor for full accurately. We reserve the right to correct errors. details at 1-800-955-1925.

For specific departure dates, current availability, and detailed pricing, visit www.oattravel.com/tns2022 pricing

SAVE UP TO 10% WITH FREE SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS SHARE YOUR LOVE OF TRAVEL OUR GOOD BUY PLAN We offer FREE Single Supplements on all New travelers you refer will instantly save The earlier you reserve your departure of our adventures and pre- and post-trip $100, and you’ll earn increasing rewards— and pay in full, the more you’ll save—up extensions. up to a FREE trip! to 10%—plus, you’ll lock in your price. Each departure has limited solo space For details, visit www.oattravel.com/va For details, visit www.oattravel.com/gbd available—call today to reserve.

Publication Date 5/26/21

Information & Reservations 1-800-955-1925 www.oatt ravel.com/tns2022

45 TRAVEL DOCUMENTS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Your Passport • Must be in good condition

• Must be valid for at least 6 months after your scheduled return to the U.S.

• Must have the required number of blank pages (details below)

• The blank pages must be labeled “Visas” at the top. Pages labeled “Amendments and Endorsements” are not acceptable

Need to Renew Your Passport? Contact the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) at 1-877-487-2778, or visit their website at www.travel.state.gov for information on obtaining a new passport or renewing your existing passport. You may also contact our recommended visa service company, PVS International, at 1-800-556-9990 for help with your passport

Recommended Blank Pages Please confirm that your passport has enough blank pages for this adventure.

• Main trip only: If you are taking only the main trip, you will need 2 blank pages

• Pre-trip extension in Algeria: You will need an additional page, for a total of 3 pages.

• Pre-trip extension in Italy: You will need an additional page, for a total of 3 pages.

• Post-trip extension in Morocco: You will need an additional page, for a total of 3 pages.

• Post-trip extension in Sicily: You will need an additional page, for a total of 3 pages.

• Both a pre- and post-trip extension: You will need a total of 4 pages.

• Stopover in Amsterdam, Munich, or Rome: You will need to add 2 additional pages to the applicable total listed above.

• Stopover in Istanbul, London, Madrid, Paris, Cairo, U.A.E., or Israel: You will need to add an additional page to the applicable total listed above.

Visas Required We’ll be sending you a detailed Visa Packet with instructions, application forms, and fees about 100 days prior to your departure. In the meantime, we’re providing the information below as a guideline on what to expect. This info is for U.S. citizens only. All visas and fees are subject to change.

• Tunisia: No visa required.

46 • Algeria (optional pre-trip extension): Visa required. This visa must be obtained in advance..

• Morocco (optional post-trip extension): No visa required.

• Italy and Sicily (optional pre-trip and post-trip extensions): No visa required.

• Turkey (optional stopover only): Visa required. We suggest you obtain an e-visa in advance through the Turkish government’s website as visas cannot be obtained upon arrival.

• Egypt (optional stopover only): Visa required. U.S. citizens will require a visa to enter Egypt; detailed instructions and information will be included in your Visa Packet, as noted above.

• U.A.E (optional stopover only): Visa required. Currently, the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) allows U.S. citizens to get a tourist visa free of charge on arrival in Dubai.

• The Netherlands, England, Spain, Germany, France, Italy, and Israel (optional stopovers only): No visas required. A visa is not required for U.S. citizens for stays of up to 90 days.

Traveling Without a U.S. Passport? If you are not a U.S. citizen, or if your passport is from any country other than the U.S., it is your responsibility to check with your local consulate, embassy, or a visa services company about visa requirements. We recommend the services of PVS International, a national visa service located in Washington D.C.; they can be reached at 1-800-556-9990 or www.pvsinternational.org.

Traveling With a Minor? Some governments may require certain documentation for minors to enter and depart the country or to obtain a visa (if applicable). For further detail on the required documentation, please contact your local embassy or consulate.

Emergency Photocopies of Key Documents We recommend you carry color photocopies of key documents including the photo page of your passport plus any applicable visas, air itinerary, credit cards (front and back), and an alternative form of ID. Add emergency phone numbers like your credit card company and the number for your travel protection plan. Store copies separate from the originals.

If you plan to email this information to yourself, please keep in mind that email is not always secure; consider using password protection or encryption. Also email is not always available worldwide. As an alternative, you could load these documents onto a flash drive instead, which can do double-duty as a place to backup photos during your trip.

47 Overseas Taxes & Fees This tour may have taxes and fees that cannot be included in your airline ticket price because you are required to pay them in person onsite. All taxes are subject to change without notice and can be paid in cash (either U.S. or local currency). If applicable, you will receive a list of these fees with your Final Documents.

48 RIGORS, VACCINES & GENERAL HEALTH

Is This Adventure Right for You? Please review the information below prior to departing on this adventure. We reserve the right for our Trip Experience Leaders to modify participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home, if their condition would adversely affect the health, safety, or enjoyment of themselves or of other travelers.

PACING • 6 locations in 15 days

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS • Not appropriate for travelers using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids

• You must be able to walk 2-3 miles unassisted; expect 2-4 hours of physical activities on some days

• You will need to access vehicles by ladder without aid, and navigate multi-story accommodations which may have narrow staircases and no elevators

• We reserve the right for Trip Experience Leaders to restrict participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home, if their limitations impact the group’s experience

CLIMATE • May through September are the Sahara’s hottest months; mid-day temperatures can reach 100+ degrees in Tozeur

• In the Sahara, nights and mornings are quite cold between November and March; it could drop as low as 40°F at night

TERRAIN & TRANSPORTATION • We’ll travel over city streets, stairways at ancient ruins, desert sands, uneven and rough ground, as well as unpaved, dusty roads

• We travel via air-conditioned motorcoach (no toilet onboard), 4x4 vehicles, and camel

FLIGHT INFORMATION • Travel time will be 18-28 hours and will most likely have one or two connections of 2-3 hours each

ACCOMMODATIONS & FACILITIES • We spend 2 nights in the Sahara in comfortable but basic canvas tents without heat or electricity, with a chemical toilet outside of your tent. The main camp is a 3-minute walk away

49 • Hotels feature a variety of Western-style amenities and personal services

• All hotels feature private baths

Steps to Take Before Your Trip Before you leave on this adventure, we recommend the following:

• Check with the CDC for their recommendations for the countries you’ll be visiting. You can contact them online at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel or by phone at 1-800-232-4636.

• Have a medical checkup with your doctor at least 6 weeks before your trip.

• Pick up any necessary medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.

• Have a dental and/or eye checkup. (Recommended, but less urgent)

Vaccines Required

COVID-19 Overseas Adventure Travel requires that all travelers are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and are able provide proof of their vaccination upon arrival at their destination. A full vaccination is defined as having been inoculated at least 14 days prior to departure by an approved vaccine. This requirement is not contingent on the countries the tour visits, but a strict company policy due to the nature of the pandemic.

Medication Suggestions • An antibiotic medication for gastrointestinal illness

• Pain medication in the unlikely event of an injury in a remote location

• Something to combat dehydration or heat stroke, such as salt tablets or powered sports drink/electrolytes

Traveling with Medications • Pack medications in your carry-on bag to avoid loss and to have them handy.

• Keep medicines in their original, labeled containers for a quicker security screen at the airport and a better experience if you get stopped by customs while overseas.

• Bring copies of your prescriptions, written using the generic drug name rather than a brand name to be prepared for any unforeseen loss of your medications.

We recommend checking with the State Department for medication restrictions by country: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel- Country-Information-Pages.html. (Pick the country and then follow the links to “Local Laws & Special Circumstances”; if you don’t see any medications specifically mentioned, then you can presume major U.S. brands should be OK).

50 Staying Healthy on Your Trip Jet Lag Tips

• Start your trip well-rested.

• Begin a gradual transition to your new time zone before you leave or switch to your destination time zone when you get on the plane.

• Attempt to sleep and eat according to the new schedule.

• Avoid heavy eating and drinking caffeine or alcoholic beverages right before–and during– your flight.

• Drink plenty of water and/or fruit juice while flying

• Stretch your legs, neck, and back periodically while seated on the plane.

• After arrival, avoid the temptation to nap.

• Don’t push yourself to see a lot on your first day.

• Try to stay awake your first day until after dinner.

Allergies

If you have any serious allergies or dietary restrictions, we advise you to notify us at least 30 days prior to your departure. Please call our Traveler Support team at 1-800-221-0814, and we will communicate them to our regional office. Every effort will be made to accommodate you.

Water • Tap water is not safe to drink in Tunisia and Morocco, but should be fine in Algiers. Tap water is safe to drink in Italy and Sicily.

• Safe water is readily available at mealtimes or on the bus. We recommend you bring a reusable bottle from home to take advantage of any complimentary water refills.

• You can also buy bottled water from local shops. Inspect each bottle before you buy it to make sure the cap is sealed properly.

• Bottled drinks (like soda, pop, or juice) are safe to drink, as are hot drinks that have been boiled.

• We suggest that you use hand sanitizer after washing your hands in tap water.

Food • We’ve carefully chosen the restaurants for your group meals. Your Trip Experience Leader can suggest restaurants for the meal you take on your own.

• Carry a handkerchief to dry any wet utensils or plates.

51 • Be very careful with food sold from vendors on the street, and with uncooked fruit and other foods.

• Fruit at included meals that you peel yourself is usually safe—avoid lettuce and other unpeeled produce when eating on your own.

Electricity Supply for Medical Devices A constant electricity supply cannot be guaranteed during overnight stays. Travelers dependent on electricity supply for health reasons (as in the case of those with sleep apnea) may want to consider a different O.A.T. adventure.

52 MONEY MATTERS: LOCAL CURRENCY & TIPPING GUIDELINES

Top Three Tips • Carry a mix of different types of payments, such as local currency, an ATM card, and a credit card. Traveler’s checks are not accepted in these countries.

• You will not be able to pay with U.S. dollars on this trip; you will need local currency instead.

• Break large bills when you can. Smaller bills make it easier to bargain or pay in cash-only situations, like taxis.

Local Currency For current exchange rates, please refer to an online converter tool like www.xe.com/ currencyconverter, your bank, or the financial section of your newspaper.

Euro Countries The euro is the official currency in many member countries of the European Union. Unless otherwise listed, the countries you will be visiting will use the euro. Euro banknote and coin denominations are as follows:

• Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 euros

• Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents; 1 and 2 euros

Tunisia The official currency of Tunisia is the Tunisian dinar (TND), which is composed of 1,000 millimes. Banknotes and coins come in the following denominations:

• Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 30, and 50 Tunisian dinar

• Coins: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 millimes and 1 and 5 Tunisian dinars

Please Note: It is illegal to take Tunisian currency out of the country. If you exchange currency for Tunisian dinar, be sure to keep all of your exchange receipts. Upon leaving Tunisia, you will be allowed to exchange 30% of the original amount back into dollars, up to a maximum of USD $100.

Algeria The official currency of Algeria is the Algerian dinar (DZD), which is composed of 100 centimes. Banknotes and coins come in the following denominations:

• Banknotes: 100, 200, 500, 1000, and 2000 Algerian dinars

• Coins: 5, 20, and 50 Algerian dinars

53 Please Note: Algerian dinars cannot be taken out of the country. Also, upon entry, travelers must declare at Customs if they are traveling with more than 3000 Algerian dinar or foreign currency that exceeds 1000 euros (or equivalent).

Morocco The official currency of Morocco is the dirham (DH), which is composed of 100 centimes. Banknotes and coins come in the following denominations:

• Banknotes: 20, 50, 100 and 200 dirham

• Coins: 1, 2, 5, and 10 dirham, plus the less-frequent 5, 10, 20 and 50 centimes.

U.S. dollars are not widely accepted in Morocco; the local currency is preferred.

How to Exchange Money There is no need to obtain local currency before your trip. In fact, your bank may not be able to change dollars into Tunisian dinar or Moroccan dirham because of the strict trade laws on currency.

The easiest way to obtain local currency is to withdraw funds from an ATM once you arrive on the trip. The ATM will give you local money and your bank at home will convert that into U.S. dollars. You can also change money when you arrive at the airport, or at banks, most hotels, and money exchange offices.

Leftover Tunisian and Moroccan currency cannot be easily exchanged after you have returned to the U.S., so the rule of thumb is spend it or change it back before you leave.

ATMs When using the ATM, keep in mind that it may only accept cards from local banks, and may not allow cash advances on credit cards; you might need to try more than one ATM or more than one card.

Many banks charge a fee of $1-$10 each time you use a foreign ATM. Others may charge you a percentage of the amount you withdraw. We recommend that you check with your bank before you depart.

Lastly, don’t forget to memorize the actual digits of your card’s PIN number (many keypads at foreign ATMs do not include letters on their keys—they only display numbers.)

Tunisia: ATMs are typically available in larger cities and towns, but may not be available in more rural areas, such as your tented camp.

Algeria: ATMs are typically available in larger cities and towns, but may not be available in more rural areas. Some ATMs may not be able to interface with US banks.

Italy: ATMs are available throughout large cities and small towns in Italy.

54 Morocco: ATMs are common and most accept international cards (check the logos on the machine first). However, they can run out of money during busy periods, like weekends.

Sicily: ATMs are available throughout large cities and small towns in Sicily.

Credit & Debit Cards Even if you don’t plan on using a credit card during your trip, we still suggest that you bring one or two as a backup, especially if you are planning a large purchase (artwork, jewelry). We also suggest that you bring more than one brand of card (i.e. Visa, MasterCard, American Express) if possible, because not every shop will take every card. For example, although the Discover card is accepted in some countries outside the U.S., it is not widely adopted, so other brands will work at a much larger range of stores, restaurants, etc.

Tunisia: Credit cards are accepted in some stores and restaurants, particularly in larger cities. We suggest that you bring alternative options (such as cash) for establishments that do not accept credit cards.

Algeria: Credit cards are accepted in some stores and restaurants, particularly in larger cities, but we strongly recommend that you bring alternative options (such as cash) for establishments that do not accept credit cards.

Italy: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Italy. Occasionally a small “Mom and Pop” restaurant will be cash only, and street vendors or taxis usually are cash only, but most other businesses will take cards.

Morocco: Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist cities and for major purchases, but may incur a surcharge (usually about 5%). Smaller “Mom & Pop” shops or restaurants may be cash only.

Sicily: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Sicily. Occasionally a small “Mom and Pop” restaurant will be cash only, and street vendors or taxis usually are cash only, but most other businesses will take cards.

Notify Card Providers of Upcoming Travel Many credit card companies and banks have fraud alert departments that will freeze your card if they see suspicious charges—such as charges or withdrawals from another country. To avoid an accidental security block, it is a good idea to notify your credit card company and/or bank you will be using your cards abroad. You can do this by calling their customer service number a week or two before your departure. Some banks or credit card companies will also let you do this online.

You should also double-check what phone number you could call if you have a problem with a card while you are abroad. Don’t assume you can use the 1-800 number printed on the back of your card—most 1 800 numbers don’t work outside of the U.S.!

Tipping Guidelines Of course, whether you tip, and how much, is always at your own discretion. But for those of you who have asked for tipping suggestions, we offer these guidelines.

55 • O.A.T. Trip Experience Leader: It is customary to express a personal “thank you” to your Trip Experience Leader at the end of your trip. As a guideline, many travelers give $7-$10 USD (or equivalent in local currency) per person for each day their Trip Experience Leader is with them. Please note that these tips can only be in cash. If you are taking any of the optional extensions, your Trip Experience Leader during the extension(s) may not be the same as the one on your main trip.

• Housekeeping staff at hotels: $1 per night

• Attendants in public restrooms: In this part of the world, most public restrooms are manned by a staff that clean and supply toilet paper/paper towels. It is customary to leave a small tip for the staff equal to about $0.30 - $ 0.50 per person.

Please Note: Your tour price includes gratuities on the main trip and optional extensions for local guides, drivers, and luggage porters that may assist you during the scheduled activities on your adventure. All tips are quoted in U.S. dollars; tips can be converted and paid in local currency or in U.S. dollars. Please do not use personal or traveler’s checks for tips.

56 AIR, OPTIONAL TOURS & STAYING IN TOUCH

Land Only Travelers & Personalized Air Quick Definitions

• Land Only: You will be booking your own international flights. Airport transfers are not included.

• Air-Inclusive: You booked international air with us. Airport transfers are included as long as you didn’t customize your trip’s dates (see next bullet).

• Personalized Air: You booked international air with us, and have customized it in some way. If you have customized your trip’s dates to arrive early, stay longer, or stop on your own in a connecting city, airport transfers will NOT be included. You must also arrange your own accommodations for any additional nights. For your convenience, a preliminary list of your included hotels is available on your My Account at www.oattravel.com/myaccount under “My Reservations”.

Airport Transfers Can Be Purchased For eligible flights, airport transfers may be purchased separately as an optional add-on, subject to availability. To be eligible, your flight(s) must meet the following requirements:

• You must fly into or fly home from the same airport as O.A.T. travelers who purchased included airfare.

• Your flight(s) must arrive/depart on the same day that the group arrives or departs.

Airport transfers can be purchased up to 45 days prior to your departure; they are not available for purchase onsite. To learn more, or purchase airport transfers, please call our Traveler Support team at 1-800-221-0814.

If you don’t meet the requirements above, you’ll need to make your own transfer arrangements. We suggest the Rome to Rio website as a handy resource: www.rome2rio.com.

Optional Tours Optional tours are additional add-on tours that allow you to personalize your adventure by tailoring it to your tastes and needs. And if you decide not to join an optional tour? Then you’ll have free time to relax or explore on your own—it’s about options, not obligations.

What You Need to Know • All optional tours are subject to change and availability.

57 • Optional tours that are reserved with your Trip Experience Leader can be paid for using credit/debit cards only. We accept MasterCard, Visa, and Discover credit cards; we can also take MasterCard or Visa debit cards as long as the card allows you to sign for purchases. (You won’t be able to enter a PIN.)

• To ensure that you are charged in U.S. dollars, your payment will be processed by our U.S. headquarters in Boston. This process can take up to three months, so we ask that you only use a card that will still be valid three months after your trip is over. The charge may appear on your credit card statement as being from Boston, MA or may be labeled as “OPT Boston”.

• Your Trip Experience Leader will give you details on the optional tours while you’re on the trip. But if you’d like to look over descriptions of them earlier, you can do so at any time by referring to your Day-to-Day Itinerary (available online by signing into My Account at www.oattravel.com/myaccount).

Communicating with Home from Abroad

Cell Phones If you want to use your cell phone on the trip, check with your phone provider to see if your phone and service will work outside of the U.S. It may turn out to be cheaper to rent an international phone or buy a SIM card onsite. If you want to use a local SIM, just make certain your phone can accept one.

Calling Apps Another option is to use a smartphone app like Skype or FaceTime. These services are usually less expensive than making a traditional call, but you’ll need a Wi-Fi connection and the calls may count towards your phone plan’s data allowance. Many smartphones—and some tablets or laptops—come with one of these apps pre-installed or you can download them for free from the appropriate apps store.

Calling Cards and 1-800 Numbers When calling the U.S. from a foreign country, a prepaid calling card can be useful because it circumvents unexpected charges from the hotel. Calling cards purchased locally are typically the best (less expensive, more likely to work with the local phones, etc.).

One reminder: Do not call U.S. 1-800 numbers outside the continental United States. This can result in costly long distance fees, since 1-800 numbers do not work outside the country.

Internet Wi-Fi may not always be available throughout your trip or may have a weak signal at times. This may impact your ability to use calling apps (as noted above) in certain locations.

58 How to Call Overseas When calling overseas from the U.S., dial 011 for international exchange, then the country code (indicated by a plus sign: +), and then the number. Note that foreign phone numbers may not have the same number of digits as U.S. numbers; even within a country the number of digits can vary depending on the city and if the phone is a land line or cell phone.

Tunisia: +216 Morocco: +212

Algeria: +213 Sicily: +39

Italy: +39

59 PACKING: WHAT TO BRING & LUGGAGE LIMITS

Luggage Limits

MAIN TRIP LIMITS

Pieces per person One checked bag and one carry-on per person.

Weight restrictions Varies by airline. The current standard is up to 50 lbs for checked luggage and 15 lbs for carry- ons.

Size Restrictions Standard airline size: Checked luggage should not exceed 62 linear inches (length+width+depth) and carry-on should not exceed 45 linear inches.

Luggage Type Duffel bag or soft-sided suitcase. Please do not bring a hard-sided (clam shell) suitcase.

TRIP EXTENSION(S) LIMITS

Same as main trip.

REMARKS/SUGGESTIONS

Luggage rules: Luggage rules and limits are set by governmental and airline policy. Enforcement of the rules may include spot checks or may be inconsistent. However one thing is the same across the board: If you are found to have oversized or overweight luggage, you will be subject to additional fees, to be assessed by—and paid to—the airline in question.

Small additional bag: You may want to consider bringing a smaller bag to pack in your suitcase (or re-purpose your carry-on) for your stay at the tented camp because your main luggage will be stored on the bus for these nights.

Don’t Forget: • These luggage limits may change. If the airline(s) notify us of any changes, we will include an update in your Final Documents booklet.

• It’s a good idea to reconfirm baggage restrictions and fees directly with the airline a week or so prior to departure. For your convenience, we maintain a list of the toll-free numbers for the most common airlines on our website in the FAQ section.

• Baggage fees are not included in your trip price; they are payable directly to the airlines.

60 Checked luggage One duffel bag or suitcase. Look for one with heavy nylon fabric, wrap-around handles, built-in wheels, and a heavy-duty lockable zipper. Please do not bring a rigid (plastic shell) suitcase.

TIP: When traveling with a companion we recommend “cross-packing,” i.e., pack 2 outfits of your clothing in your companion’s luggage and vice-versa, in case one bag is delayed.

Carry-on bag You are allowed one carry-on bag per person. We suggest a tote or small backpack that can be used as both a carry-on bag for your flight and to carry your daily necessities—water bottle, camera, etc—during driving excursions and walking trips. Consider a backpack or waistpack that keeps both hands free and distributes the pack’s weight onto your back or hips.

Small additional bag You may want to consider bringing a smaller bag to pack in your suitcase (or re-purpose your carry-on) for your stay at the tented camp because your main luggage will be stored on the bus for these nights.

Locks For flights that originate in the U.S., you can either use a TSA-approved lock or leave your luggage unlocked. Outside of the U.S. we strongly recommend locking your luggage as a theft- prevention measure.

Clothing Suggestions: Functional Tips • Dress in layers: As you will experience a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions, our list suggests several layers of clothing. Plan to dress in layers to keep warm at night, and adjust to changing conditions during the day. A few of our hotels are not heated, so indoor temperatures are about the same. For several nights in the Sahara, it will be much colder, averaging in the low 40s at night.

• Quick-dry fabrics: If you like to hand-wash your clothes, look for fabrics that will dry out overnight. You can buy clothing designed especially for travel, with features like wrinkle- resistant fabric or built-in sun protection.

• Footwear: You’ll be on your feet and walking a lot, so choose your footwear carefully. You can find especially supportive shoes designed for walking.

Style Hints and Dress Codes Tunisia is a majority Muslim nation, therefore your dress should be modest and conservative, in respect of Tunisia’s traditional Islamic culture. This means:

61 • Covered shoulders and no low-cut necklines. Local men tend to wear collared shirts or polo shirts rather than T-shirts. For women consider a loose, billowy top that covers you from the sun. Or bring a large scarf or shawl that you can drape over your bare shoulders when needed.

• Shorts or skirts to the knee or below. You should usually not wear shorts, and never when visiting a mosque. Women will get a better reception if they wear a mid-length travel skirt or mid-calf or capri pants are a popular choice.

• Context matters. Generally in places of worship or in someone’s home it is better to cover up your shoulders and legs. When touring in large cities or enjoying outdoors activities, you can relax the rules a bit.

• Women don’t need to cover their hair, except perhaps in a mosque, where it is considered a sign of respect. Each mosque has different rules, so if one requires it, your Trip Experience Leader will warn you beforehand. Mosques that require headscarves will have extras to lend or rent, so you don’t need to bring one with you.

• Morocco isn’t as conservative as others in the region. Many of the locals—especially the young—look to Europe for fashion trends. As a result, you will see some people in shorts, sleeveless tops, etc. And it is O.K. for you to wear them too, as long as you don’t mind that you might get occasional stares. But you’ll get a better response if you dress modestly.

And lastly, dress on our trip is functional and casual; there are no formal evenings.

Suggested Packing Lists We have included suggestions from Trip Experience Leaders and former travelers to help you pack. These lists are only jumping-off points—they offer recommendations based on experience, but not requirements. You may also want to consult the “Climate” chapter of this handbook.

And don’t forget a reusable water bottle—you’ll need it to take advantage of any refills we offer as we are working to eliminate single-use plastic bottles on all of our trips.

Year-Round Clothing Checklist ‰Shirts: A mixture of short and long-sleeved shirts in a breathable or wicking fabric. Polo or collared shirts are more versatile than T-shirts. Billowy or loose tops will help you deal with the heat while staying covered from the sun.

‰Trousers and/or jeans: Comfortable and loose fitting is best. We recommend that you bring at least one lighter pair for the day, and one a bit heavier for warmth at night in the desert. Mid-length or capri pants are a popular choice for women travelers.

‰Walking shorts: Cut long for modesty ‰Shoes and socks: Shoes should be comfortable walking or running shoes.

62 ‰Wide-brim sun hat or visor for sun protection ‰Light cotton or wool sweater (motor coach air conditioning can be cold) ‰Underwear and sleepwear ‰Optional: Swimsuit, in case a hotel has a whirlpool or pool ‰Optional: Travel skirt(s) ‰Optional: Large scarf. Can be used as a head covering, shawl, or fashion accessory

Seasonal Clothing Recommendations For fall and winter (October through March): ‰Medium- or expedition-weight long thermal underwear top. ‰Long thermal underwear bottoms ‰Light wool or fleece sweater ‰Polartec fleece jacket, or a medium-weight insulated parka. ‰Warm hat and light gloves

Essential Items ‰Daily essentials: toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, hairbrush or comb, shaving items, deodorant, etc. Our hotels will provide the basics like soap and shampoo, but most hotels do not provide a washcloth.

‰Spare eyeglasses/contact lens ‰Sunglasses ‰Sunscreen, SPF 15 or stronger ‰Insect repellent with DEET (30%-35% strength). Flies can be a serious nuisance in the Sahara.

‰Light folding umbrella ‰Moisturizer and sun-blocking chapstick ‰Pocket-size tissues

63 ‰Hand sanitizer or anti-bacterial moist towelettes (not individual packets) ‰Flashlight, extra batteries/bulb ‰Electrical transformer & plug adapters ‰Camera gear with extra batteries or battery charger.

TIP: We suggest bringing more than one battery for your camera so you can use one battery while the other is charging.

Medicines & First Aid Gear ‰Your own prescription medicines ‰Travel first aid kit: Band-Aids, headache and pain relief, laxatives and anti-diarrhea tablets, something for upset stomach. Maybe a cold remedy, moleskin foot pads, antibiotic cream, or allergy medication.

‰An antibiotic medication for gastrointestinal illness ‰Something to combat dehydration or heat stroke, such as salt tablets or powered sports drink/electrolytes

‰Optional: A strong pain medication for rare emergency purposes

Optional Gear ‰Hand-wash laundry soap such as Woolite and plastic hang-up clothespins ‰Hair dryer – Some hotels will provide one, and some won’t. Bringing your own is only recommended if you need one 100% of the time.

‰A bandanna or buff for the desert ‰Reading materials ‰Travel journal/note pad and pens ‰Photos or post cards from home, small gift for Home-Hosted visit (No alcohol please, it is forbidden in the Muslim religion)

‰Phrase book ‰Folding walking staff, sold in most camping stores ‰Pocket-size calculator for exchange rates

64 ‰Inflatable seat cushion for bumpy roads

Home-Hosted Visits Many of our adventures feature a visit with a local family, often as part of the A Day in the Life experience. It is customary, though not necessary, to return your hosts’ generosity with a small gift. If you do bring a gift, we recommend that you bring something the whole family can enjoy, or something that represents your region, state, or hometown. Get creative and keep it small—peach jelly from Georgia, maple sugar candy from New England, orange blossom soap from California; something that can be used or used up is best. When choosing a gift, be certain to consider the local culture as well. For example, we do not recommend alcohol in Muslim communities because it is forbidden in Islam, and your hosts may be religious. Not all O.A.T. adventures include a Home-Hosted Visit; please check your final itinerary before you depart.

Electricity Abroad When traveling overseas, the voltage is usually different and the plugs might not be the same shape.

Voltage Electricity in Tunisia, Algeria, Italy, and Morocco is 220-240 volts. In the U.S. it is 110 volts. Most of the things a traveler will want to plug in—battery chargers, MP3 players, tablets or computers—can run off both 110 and 220-240. But you should check the item or the owner’s guide first to confirm this before you plug it in. If you have something that needs 110 volts—like a shaver or a hairdryer—you can bring a transformer to change the current. (But transformers tend to burn out, so it might be better to leave whatever it is at home.)

Plugs The shape of plugs will vary from country to country, and sometimes even within a country depending on when that building was built. To plug something from the U.S. into a local socket you’ll need an adapter that fits between the plug and the socket. Because there are multiple plug types in this region, it may be easier to purchase an all-in-one, universal adapter/converter combo. Versatile and lightweight, these can usually be found at your local electronics goods or hardware stores. Sometimes you can buy them at large retailers too, like Target or Walmart. If you forget to bring an adapter, you might also find them for sale at the airport when you arrive at your destination.

Different plug shapes are named by letters of the alphabet. Standard U.S. plugs are Type A and Type B. Here is the list of plugs for the countries on this trip:

Note that Type C plugs can also fit into E and F sockets.

Tunisia: C and E

65 Algeria: C and F

Italy: C, L, or F

Morocco: C or E

Sicily: C, L, or F

Type C Type E Type F Type L

Availability You will have electricity in your tent at the Sahara Desert Camp. However—just like in many parts of Tunisia—the electricity is supplied by a generator and/or solar panels. As a result, the lighting in the tents or in some of your hotels may not be as bright as you are used to. Also we do not recommend using items like electric shavers or hairdryers as these tend to overload the system. Charging camera batteries or phones is fine, but may take longer than back at home.

Lastly, Tunisia is prone to occasional power outages. A constant electricity supply cannot be guaranteed during overnight stays. Travelers dependent on electricity supply for health reasons (as in the case of those with sleep apnea) may want to consider a different O.A.T. adventure.

66 CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES

Tunisia: Tunisia consists of two climatic belts, with Mediterranean influences in the north and Saharan in the south. Temperatures are moderate along the coast, with an average annual reading of 64°. In the Mediterranean north the summer season (from May through September) is hot and dry; the winter, (from October to April) is mild and characterized by frequent rains. In the Sahara and the south, the summer can get very hot and the winter surprisingly cold. Temperatures at Tunis range from an average minimum of 43° and maximum of 57° in January, to an average minimum of 70° and maximum of 91° in August. Precipitation in the northern region reaches a high of 59 inches annually, while rainfall in the extreme south averages less than 8 inches a year.

Algeria: Northern Algeria is in the temperate zone, and has a mild climate similar to other Mediterranean countries. Along the coast, temperatures average between 75° and 79° in the summer, and between 50° and 54° in the winter. Farther inland, the summers are a few degrees warmer, and the winters are about 10 degrees cooler, with frost and occasional snow. In the Sahara region, there are extreme highs and lows, with daily variations of more than 80°, very little rainfall, and frequent intense winds.

Rome, Italy: The city of Rome has a climate similar to that of Tuscany, with temperatures averaging in the 40s and 50s during peak winter months, and the 60s and 70s in spring and autumn. Winter rains can be heavy, but periods of sunshine are also common. Summer can be very hot and humid with average temperatures ranging from 65-85 degrees, but potentially reaching into the 90s, especially during July-August.

Morocco: Morocco experiences a wide range of climates, from the arid climes of the Sahara, to the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. Inland, and especially in the Sahara, temperatures are frequently very hot during the day, depending on the season. Nights are cooler, and can even be cold from November through March. The coldest months are December-February when temperatures in the mountain areas can drop to near freezing, and snow is possible. There is little cloud cover and almost no rain in this desert region. In Marrakesh, the weather is pleasant year round, thanks to cool breezes blowing off the Atlas Mountains. Further north in Rabat, along Morocco’s Atlantic coast, the weather is very mild, with cool temperatures and moderate clouds.

Sandstorms: A sandstorm is when a strong wind picks up loose sand particles and carries them over a distance; typically this phenomenon occurs in desert regions like the Sahara. Sandstorms are usually expected in April-May and September-October, but can occur at any time of year, and if severe can affect our itinerary. Should a sandstorm occur please listen to and follow all instructions for your own safety.

Sicily: Sicily’s varied topography includes mountains in the north and east (where Mt. Etna’s snow-capped peak dominates), a vast central plateau with near desert-like conditions, and a fertile coastline dotted with sea-level resort towns. Consequently, the island has an array of weather patterns, depending on where you are—down by the sea, up in the mountains, or inland. In coastal cities and towns—like Palermo and Catania—the year-round weather is relatively mild. Winter temperatures average in the 50s and often reach into the 60s. Occasional rains are followed by long periods of sunny weather. Spring comes early and ushers in even warmer

67 temperatures, mostly in the 70s, though the weather can still be somewhat unpredictable. Summer has settled, sunny weather, and high temperatures can range from 75 to 100 in July- August. In contrast, near the mountains weather can be very unpredictable: chilly, mild, sunny, or wet. Night temperatures always drop due to the higher altitude. Inland weather tends to be dry and sometimes windy.

NOTE: If you are taking one of our optional stopovers before or after your OAT adventure, please be aware the climate and temperatures might be different from what you experienced during your tour. To prepare for weather differences and pack appropriate clothing, we recommend the following world weather sites:

• www.intellicast.com

• www.weather.com

• www.wunderground.com

Climate Averages & Online Forecast The following charts reflect the average climate as opposed to exact weather conditions. This means they serve only as general indicators of what can reasonably be expected. An extreme heat wave or cold snap could fall outside these ranges. As your departure approaches, we encourage you to go online to www.oattravel.com/myaccount for your 10-day forecast.

68 Average Daily High/Low Temperatures (°F), Humidity & Monthly Rainfall

MONTH TUNIS, TUNISIA TATAOUINE, TUNISIA

Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Humidity (am-pm) (inches) Humidity (am-pm) (inches) JAN 60 to 46 86 to 68 2.4 59 to 41 -- 0.9 FEB 61 to 46 87 to 65 2.1 63 to 45 -- 0.6 MAR 64 to 48 87 to 63 1.8 68 to 48 -- 1.0 APR 68 to 51 84 to 59 1.5 77 to 55 -- 0.4 MAY 76 to 57 82 to 55 0.9 84 to 61 -- 0.3 JUN 84 to 64 76 to 48 0.4 91 to 68 -- -- JUL 90 to 69 75 to 45 0.1 99 to 70 -- -- AUG 90 to 71 79 to 49 0.3 97 to 72 -- 0.1 SEP 85 to 67 85 to 56 1.3 93 to 70 -- 0.3 OCT 78 to 61 87 to 62 2.2 82 to 61 -- 0.6 NOV 68 to 53 86 to 67 2.1 72 to 52 -- 0.7 DEC 62 to 48 86 to 68 2.5 61 to 45 -- 0.6

MONTH ALGIERS, ALGERIA ROME, ITALY

Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Temp. High-Low % Relative Average # of Days Humidity (am-pm) (inches) Humidity (am-pm) with Rainfall JAN 62 to 42 86 to 64 4.6 55 to 39 86 to 67 9 FEB 62 to 44 87 to 65 3.0 57 to 40 86 to 66 8 MAR 67 to 46 88 to 63 2.2 60 to 42 87 to 68 8 APR 70 to 49 87 to 62 2.6 64 to 47 87 to 69 7 MAY 76 to 55 88 to 62 1.4 72 to 53 85 to 68 4 JUN 83 to 61 85 to 56 0.6 78 to 60 83 to 68 2 JUL 89 to 67 83 to 53 0.1 84 to 65 82 to 69 2 AUG 90 to 68 84 to 54 0.2 84 to 65 84 to 68 3 SEP 86 to 64 85 to 57 1.1 79 to 60 87 to 68 5 OCT 79 to 58 84 to 60 3.3 72 to 54 88 to 70 7 NOV 70 to 50 85 to 63 3.7 63 to 47 87 to 70 10 DEC 64 to 45 85 to 66 4.6 57 to 41 86 to 69 9

69 MONTH MARRAKESH, MOROCCO PALERMO, SICILY

Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Humidity (am-pm) (inches) Humidity (am-pm) (inches) JAN 64 to 43 80 to 44 1.1 59 to 50 77 to 72 2.8 FEB 67 to 47 82 to 45 1.2 59 to 50 77 to 71 2.6 MAR 72 to 50 80 to 40 1.4 61 to 52 78 to 71 2.3 APR 74 to 53 80 to 40 1.3 65 to 55 77 to 71 1.7 MAY 80 to 57 79 to 38 0.7 71 to 61 80 to 73 1.0 JUN 87 to 62 78 to 35 0.3 77 to 68 77 to 71 0.5 JUL 97 to 69 69 to 28 0.1 83 to 73 76 to 70 0.2 AUG 97 to 69 69 to 28 0.1 84 to 75 77 to 71 0.5 SEP 90 to 66 71 to 32 0.3 80 to 71 76 to 69 1.6 OCT 80 to 59 76 to 39 0.8 73 to 64 76 to 68 3.9 NOV 72 to 52 77 to 42 1.5 67 to 58 75 to 68 3.7 DEC 66 to 45 79 to 45 1.1 61 to 53 76 to 71 3.1

70 ABOUT YOUR DESTINATIONS: CULTURE, ETIQUETTE & MORE

O.A.T. Trip Experience Leaders: A World of Difference During your adventure you’ll be accompanied by one of our local, expert Trip Experience Leaders. All are fluent in English and possess the skills, certification, and experience necessary to ensure an enriching adventure. As locals of the regions you’ll explore with them, our Trip Experience Leaders provide the kind of firsthand knowledge and insight that make local history, culture, and wildlife come alive. Coupled with their unbridled enthusiasm, caring personalities, and ability to bring diverse groups of travelers together, our Trip Experience Leaders ensure that your experience with O.A.T. is one you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Tunisian Culture While it may be a slim wedge of northern Africa’s expansive coastline, Tunisia is a country layered with thousands of years’ worth of history and culture. Dotted with the ruins of ancient civilizations—from the ancient city of Carthage to Al-Zaytuna Mosque—Tunisia has long been a prize for ambitious empires: the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Ottoman Turks, Italians, and more recently the French. The Arab conquest of the 7th century CE introduced Islam and a more advanced culture. Further invasions by Arab tribesman, the Almoravids, and Almohads transformed the region even further, introducing new cities, sparkling mosques, and near-total Arabization. Tunisia has been predominantly Arabic-speaking and Muslim since then, even though dynasties have come and gone.

This Arab-Muslim country has a rich mixture of native and foreign influences that make up their national identity. Tunisia was deeply imbued with French culture during the 75 years of the protectorate—ending in 1956. Tunisians consider themselves to be more liberal and tolerant than their neighbors given equality laws instituted in the Tunisian constitution by the country’s first president Habib Bourguiba. Women have the right to work, ask for divorce, run their own business, and have access to birth control and abortion. Additionally, women are free to choose to wear a headscarf. In fact, most urban women dress in Western clothes and do not veil themselves. Outside of urban areas, local life is much more traditional.

Religion & Ramadan Festival The main religion in Tunisia is Islam—about 99% of the population identify as Muslim—so an understanding of the religion will assist your discoveries. Practicing Muslims are expected to pray five times daily: dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening. The exact time is listed in the local newspaper each day. The call to prayer, called the ezan, is sung or broadcast from minaret towers to remind the faithful that it is time to pray. Friday is the Muslim Sabbath day, so some businesses will be closed or have limited hours.

When visiting a mosque, it is polite to be modestly dressed (no bare shoulders, no short skirts or shorts). You will be asked to remove your shoes before entering. In most mosques, women visitors are not required to cover their hair, but in others you may be asked to do so. Typically a mosque that requires special dress for female visitors will have pieces to lend or rent.

71 The biggest religious holiday is Ramadan, a month-long celebration that is meant to teach the values of restraint and charity. To participate, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. The fast is strict and includes no eating, drinking alcohol, cigarette-smoking, or gum-chewing during daylight hours. But as the sun starts to set, everyone rushes home so they can celebrate iftar—the joyous breaking of the fast. Suddenly the evening comes alive with music, eating, and shopping. The festivities often continue well into the night. The mosques and some streets are decorated with lanterns, special meals are prepared, and nighttime social events and festivals are planned.

If you’ll be visiting Tunisia during Ramadan, what does this mean for you? Visitors are not required to fast, but out of respect you shouldn’t eat, drink, or smoke openly. (It is OK to eat indoors, but you wouldn’t sit outside with food.) Expect that some restaurants will be closed and others may not serve alcohol, but your Trip Experience Leader will be on hand to advise you of places to eat. Also, it is important to keep in mind that many of the people you meet will be participating in the fast, so they might not be their usual selves. It helps to have a bit of patience.

Meals Our meals will be based on the local cuisine. Breakfast will be continental, but otherwise we will experience the foods of Tunisia—many of them containing ingredients and spices that are new and different to us (although the food is not necessarily spicy). Traveler with dietary restrictions should inform their Trip Experience Leader; he or she will try to assist with changes to the menu wherever possible (but not all menus can be modified). Your Trip Experience Leader can also suggest restaurants for meals that are not included on your adventure.

Photography of Official Buildings Please note that it is not permitted to take photos of government buildings or secure facilities in Tunisia.

Taking Photographs The etiquette of photographing most people in Europe is about the same as it would be on the streets of your hometown. You need permission to take a close-up, but not for a crowd scene. Consent is especially important if you want to take a photo of a child or minor—ask their parent for permission first. To get a great portrait, show interest in your subject and try to have a bit of social interaction to put them at ease. Then use sign language to inquire if a picture is OK.

Safety & Security As you travel, exercise the same caution and awareness that you would in a large American city. Don’t be overly nervous or suspicious, but keep your eyes open. If you are venturing out after dark, go with one or two other people.

72 Carry a one-day supply of cash in your pocket. Carry most of your money, and your passport, in a travel pouch or money belt under your shirt. Replenish your pocket supply when you are in a safe and quiet place, or in our vehicle. Don’t leave valuables unattended in your hotel room. Most hotels will offer use of a hotel safe at the front desk or an electronic in-room safe (for which you can set your own personal number). Please utilize them.

Pickpockets may create a sudden distraction. In any sort of puzzling street situation, try to keep one hand on your wallet or money belt. If an encounter with a local turns out to be long and complicated and involves money or your valuables, be very careful. Con artists sometimes target travelers.

Hotel Courtesy Italian hotels do not allow food and beverages to be taken from their breakfast rooms, nor is it courteous to eat or drink food or beverages purchased elsewhere in hotel common rooms. In conformity with municipal laws to promote urban decorum, hotels do not allow hanging laundry on room balconies. Travel clotheslines, used in your bathroom, are a more private and effective solution.

Tunisian Cuisine Tunisian cuisine is within the Northern African tradition: couscous and marqa stews forming the backbone of most meals. Local cuisine is distinguished by the fiery harissa chili sauce, and the heavy use of the locally abundant tiny olives. Lamb forms the basis of most meat dishes, as does fish—particularly along the coast where local seafood is plentiful. Popular dishes include:

• Chakchouka: Assorted veggies (usually peppers and chickpeas, sometimes onions) are pan fried in a tomato sauce and served with a poached egg on top.

• Tajine: Unlike the Moroccan-style tajine, the Tunisian variety is a dish of beaten eggs, grated cheese, meat and various vegetable fillings—like a quiche, but without the crust.

• Tunisian Salad: A mixture of diced cucumber, peppers, tomatoes, and onions seasoned with olive oil. Sometimes this comes with a protein too, like tuna or hard boiled eggs.

• Merguez: Small sausages made with lamb, beef, or a mixture of both. Redolent of cumin, harissa, sumac, fennel, and garlic they smell divine and have a spicy heat.

• Guenaoia: A slow-cooked lamb or beef stew with okra, chillies, and spices.

• Possion Complete: A whole fish, grilled or fried to perfection and served with potato chips and a spicy pepper-based sauce.

• Bread: In Tunisia, it’s not a meal if you don’t have bread—French-style baguettes are served with everything.

• Makroudh: They may look like Fig Newtons, but they taste so much better. These small cakes are made with semolina flour wrapped around a filling of dates or almonds flavored with cinnamon and orange peel.

73 Algerian Cuisine Algerian cuisine is a diverse blend of Arab, Berber, Turkish, Spanish, Roman, and French cultures. If you like spicy food, you will find much to appreciate. Common ingredients include lamb, chicken, fish, grains, vegetables, and dried fruits. The most popular drink in Algeria is tea served with fresh mint. As in many Muslim countries, alcohol is not widely sold or consumed by the locals. Dishes to try include:

• Couscous: tiny steamed balls of semolina flour, often served with stew on top

• Jwaz: braised vegetables in a spiced tomato sauce with potatoes and chickpeas

• Mechoui: roasted whole sheep or lamb, seasoned and marinated overnight, then roasted on a spit to give it a crispy outside, and stuffed inside with onions, garlic, coriander, and tomatoes

• Bagita: a type of homemade bread, essentially Algeria’s version of a French baguette

• Dolma: grape leaves or cabbage leaves stuffed with meat or seafood, often with a lemon sauce

Italian Cuisine Italy may have been unified as a nation in 1861, but its cuisine is another story—and a glorious one at that. Here, gastronomy has always been a matter of regionalism and seasonality. So in Milan (in the rice-growing Lombardy region), your dinner is more likely to include a delicious risotto (a creamy rice dish) than spaghetti, which would be a typical first course in sunny southern Campania. The country is divided up in to 20 distinct regions, each with its own specialties. The good news is that there is certainly culinary overlap, and since Italians are famously passionate about food, you can enjoy many beloved regional dishes all over Italy. The bad news? There is no bad news. . . . Nearly every meal in Italy is cause for joy.

Here’s more good news: not every meal in Italy is cause to loosen your belt. The Italian diet is heavy on vegetables (such as tomatoes, zucchini, spinach, and beans), and the olive oil that is an Italian staple is low in saturated fats. Though eggs, dairy, and meats are consumed regularly, the portions are much smaller than here in the States.

The structure of a typical Italian meal is designed to stimulate your appetite, and promote moderation—along with variety. So it will begin with an apertivo, a glass of sparkling prosecco or spumante, perhaps with olives or nuts to nibble on. Next come the antipasti, an array of hot and cold appetizers that are largely plant-based. This may be crudo (raw vegetables) with various cheeses and salumi (cold cuts such as prosciutto and salami). Try fritto misto, a lightly fried seafood mix, usually with calamari, shrimp, and fish such as sardines or anchovies. Polpette are savory, seasoned meatballs. They’re bite-sized and eaten on their own—not swimming in a giant bowl of red sauce and pasta. That’s an Italian-American invention.

The first course, called primo, comes next. Here is where you may enjoy your carbohydrates: perhaps a small dish of polenta, a dense cornmeal porridge, or a bowl of soup such as minestrone, or stracciatella, a spinach egg-drop soup. This course is also when you will enjoy the beloved

74 pasta. There are more than 350 types and four times that many names for them, based on the region. For example, bigoli (a thick spaghetti) is popular in the Veneto; cheese- or meat filled tortellini rings are from Emilia-Romagna; fregola are tiny pasta cubes from Sardinia; and orecchiette (or, ‘little ears’) are from Puglia. The shape of the pasta is chosen based on the sauce it’s meant to hold.

The main course is called il secondo. This is usually a small, simply prepared dish of chicken, meat, or fish. Perhaps it will be saltimbocca alla Romana, a cutlet of chicken or veal topped with prosciutto, cheese and sage; tagliata di Manzo (herb-rubbed rib eye); grilled, garlicky shrimp scampi; or osso buco, braised veal shanks crusted with a citrus zest mixture called gremolata. This may be accompanied by a course of contorno, or vegetables. They are usually fresh, flavorful and simply prepared, designed to highlight (not dominate) the meal.

Your meal will conclude with a dolce (sweet) such as the famous tiramisu, a layered confection of sponge cake, mascarpone cheese, coffee and liqueur. In Lombardy, it might be the crumbly almond cake called sbrisolona. In the Naples area, perhaps sfogliatelle, flaky layers of puff pastry filled with luscious cheese and citrus. Or Sicily’s gift to sweets lovers, tubes of crispy cannolli filled with creamy ricotta and perhaps pistachios, candied fruit or chocolate. Dolci may be served with coffee or an alcoholic digestivo such as herbal amaro or limoncello. It is meant to aid your digestion of a memorable meal, one that will certainly have been toast-worthy.

Moroccan Cuisine Moroccan cooking blends Berber, Arabic, African, Spanish, and French traditions to create a culinary canon that is at once complex and delicate. Sweet and sour dishes were introduced by the Arabs, who borrowed them from Persia. Many breads were introduced by sub-Saharan African cultures. And there is a strong tradition of preserving and pickling fruits and vegetables, a contribution of Morocco’s Jewish communities.

Among the staples of the Moroccan pantry you’ll find olives, dates, lemons, lamb, seafood, and poultry, often inventively combined and seasoned with coriander, turmeric, allspice, saffron, or cinnamon. In general, the food is more aromatic than hot or spicy. Most meals are enjoyed with bread (such as kobhz) which is used in place of utensils to scoop up the food.

If you want to start your day as the Berbers do, enjoy a breakfast of b’ssara, a rich soup of dried broad beans swirled with olive oil, sprinkled with cumin, and enjoyed with warm bread.

If you are a vegetarian, you’ll be pleased that moots meals start with a selection of salads, some of which are more like dips such as zaalouk (grilled and pureed eggplant with tomatoes and spices.) As an appetizer, you can try briouats: crunchy, triangular pockets of warqa (phyllo dough) filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables. (There are also sweet varieties.)

The national dish is couscous: tiny granules or pearls of semolina pasta. Traditionally it was prepared on the holy day, Friday, and mounded in a bowl with salads, grilled meat, or vegetables for all to enjoy. Also iconic are Morocco’s tagines. These are delicious meat, poultry, seafood, and vegetable stews that take their name from the conical clay pots in which they are cooked. Try chicken and preserved lemon tagine simmered with herbs, olives, and dried fruit.

75 Another must is bstilla, a flaky casserole of phyllo pastry layered with pigeon or chicken; and flavored with almonds scented with orange flower water, saffron, and cinnamon and dusted with confectioners’ sugar. It is a beloved Fez specialty but you can also find seafood versions along the coast. For something really savory try kefta, spiced beef or lamb meatballs simmered with tomatoes and poached eggs.

If shopping in all those exotic souks makes you hungry, follow your nose to the outdoor dining section where street food vendors prepare grilled kebabs, crispy rings of deep-fried calamari, and grilled sardines stuffed with an herb and spice mix called chermoula. This is also where you can order a steaming bowl of babbouche, snails in the shell swimming in a garlicky broth.

The sweets here are amazing. Start simply with dates stuffed with almond paste and sprinkled with cinnamon. Shebakia are rose-shaped sesame cookies that are dipped or soaked in honey. Move up to kaab el ghazal (Gazelle’s ankles), thin, sugary crescents filled with almonds and orange blossom water. You could call roz bil heleeb “rice pudding,” but it is unlike any you’ve ever had before: a standout dessert of creamy rice custard topped with shredded coconut and almonds or pistachios, flavored with cinnamon and orange blossom.

You might be invited to wash down your meal with a Moroccan or Berber “whiskey,” but don’t expect to get a buzz: observant Muslims do not drink alcohol, so you will be toasting with a mint tea, sometimes spiked with lemon verbena, wormwood, saffron, or star anise.

Sicilian Cuisine The cuisine of Sicily is markedly different than on the Italian mainland—just like Sicilians themselves. One reason is geography. Sicily is blessed with abundant sunshine, fertile volcanic soil, and mild Mediterranean winters that allow for year-round agriculture. The freshness and quality of the ingredients make even the simplest Sicilian dishes pop with intense flavor. Another reason is the culinary legacy of the invaders who came to Sicily. The Greeks brought capers, grapes, pomegranates, figs, olives and hazelnuts. The Romans cleared forests to plant wheat, and we all know what Sicilians do with wheat: they make what is arguably the best pasta and bread in Italy. Later, French and Spanish chefs introduced New World items like tomatoes, turkey and potatoes.

But the invaders who made the biggest culinary impact were the Arabs. They brought almonds, pistachios, couscous, marzipan, lemons, oranges, and more. They added raisins and figs to savory roasts, introduced tuna hunts, and may have been the first to import coffee. Here, the Arab penchant for sweets rose to new heights. They mixed the snows of Mt. Etna with jasmine, roses and bergamot to create aromatic sharbat (sherbert.) Today, its descendant is the popular granita, a crushed ice flavored with lemon or other fruit. While here be sure to try caponata, a stew of fried eggplant, celery, onion and tomatoes flavored with capers, raisins and pine nuts. Maccu is a creamy soup based on fava beans and fennel. Farsumagru, beef roulades stuffed with sausage, eggs, bacon and cheese, is Sicily’s premier meat dish, contributed by the chefs of the Bourbon court.

76 Sicilian cities are celebrated for their street foods, none more so than Palermo. Here the carts are laden with sfincione (pizza with caciocavallo cheese, onions and bread crumbs),panelle (fried chickpea pancakes), arancini(deep-fried rice balls stuffed with meat and cheese) and milze or pani câ meusa, a soft sesame roll filled with cheese and fried cow’s lung and spleen.

Legend says that Marco Polo brought pasta to Italy from the Far East, but the Arab geographer Idrisi wrote that long, tubular pastas were being made in Sicily in 1154—a century before Marco Polo was born. The most iconic Sicilian dish is pasta alla Norma, the signature dish of Catania. Short pasta like penne, ziti or casarecce are tossed with a sauce of fried eggplants and tomato and topped with ricotta insalata cheese. Try also pasta con le sarde—bucatini pasta with sardines, fennel, pine nuts, raisins and saffron.

Sicily’s seafood is outstanding, such as involtini di pesce spade: swordfish rolled with capers, basil and olives, then breaded and fried. Sicily’s gambero rosso (red prawns) grace the tables of Michelin-starred restaurants, but here, locals like them raw, with a splash of lemon and olive oil.

Sicily’s most iconic dessert is cannoli, tubes of fried dough filled with creamy ricotta, pistachios, chocolate and more. The ricotta cake cassata takes its name from the Arabic quas’ta. And cubbaita, a torrone made with honey, sesame seeds and almonds, is another Arabic delight. While Sicilian cuisine represents a true fusion of cultures, ironically, today very little is imported here. Almost everything is grown locally, and you can taste the pride and love in every bite.

Shopping: What to Buy, Customs, Shipping & More There may be scheduled visits to local shops during your adventure. There is no requirement to make a purchase during these stops, and any purchase made is a direct transaction with the shop in question, subject to the vendor’s terms of purchase. O.A.T. is not responsible for purchases you make on your trip or for the shipment of your purchases.

Returns If you discover an issue with an item, you should contact the vendor directly and expect that any resolution will take longer than it would in the U.S. We recommend that you keep a copy of all your receipts, invoices, or contracts, along with the shop’s contact information. Keep in mind, local practice may vary from U.S. standards, so don’t assume that you have a certain number of days after the purchase to speak up or that you are guaranteed a refund.

Crafts & Souvenirs

Tunisia Many travelers are surprised by the variety of goods for which Tunisia is known. Copper ware is formed into trays and engraved and olive wood is sculpted into carvings. You’ll find leather wallets and handbags, clothing (kaftans, jelabas, burnuses) that varies from the colorful to the simple, intricate ceramics, cherubic dolls in local dress, decorative embroidery, and finely

77 polished silverware and jewelry. But the most valuable commodity you’ll find here are Tunisian carpets, either woven (non-pile) or knotted (pile). The National Handicrafts Office oversees the quality of Tunisia’s carpets, so imitations are rare.

If you plan a major purchase, we strongly recommend that you research the prices and quality available at home before your trip. Just one visit to an import shop or gold dealer will put you way ahead when you go shopping. This is the only way to know if you are getting a good price. You must use your best judgment when deciding whether an item is worth the price being asked.

Bargaining

Tunisians enjoy negotiating over prices, and they expect it of their customers. When looking at large items, you’ll often be invited to sit down and drink a cup of tea with the merchants. If this is your first experience at bargaining, don’t worry—you’ll quickly find your own style. Your opening offer should be well under the asking price. The only rule is that, if you make an offer, you should be prepared to buy at that price. And remember, whatever price you pay is okay, as long as the item is worth that price to you.

Algeria Algeria is famous for its handicrafts, such as leatherware, copper, brassware, rugs, jewelry and dresses. Berber carpets and pottery are also of note. They are also famous for their local dresses, which you can often try on in the market and walk around in before deciding whether to buy. Like in Tunisia, bargaining is expected, and is an integral part of the cultural experience of shopping.

Italy Whether it refers to high fashion or Maserati automobiles, “Made in Italy” has become synonymous with style and quality craftsmanship. Among the most popular buys are leather goods, silk ties, knitwear, gold jewelry, ceramics, straw goods and other handicrafts, small cabinets, and jewelry boxes. Each region in Italy has its specialties. Although you may not visit all of these regions on this trip, we understand that a lot of our travelers may also be traveling independently so we’ve included information for all of the regions that our itineraries visit in Italy:

• Rome: Designer fashions, silks, artwork, religious items, leather goods of all kinds, quality sunglasses.

• Sorrento: Coral, cameos, embroidered blouses, tarsia (intricate inlaid wood marquetry), and Capodimonte ceramics.

• Venice: glassware, lace, velvet and damask, Carnival masks, silver products, and silks.

• Tuscany and Umbria: Both regions are known for their high-quality handicrafts such as alabaster, handmade paper, terracotta, and pottery. Leather goods of all kinds—purses, shoes, gloves, belts, etc.—are a popular buy, especially in cities like Florence and Lucca. (For

78 the best quality, and for leather that is truly made in Italy, buy in a shop and not from street vendors.) Pesto in jars make a nice “taste of Italy” souvenir; so too can bottles of local wine, such as Brunello or one of the Super Tuscan vintages, or a bottle of olive oil.

• Bologna & Parma: Both cities are known for their contributions to cuisine, so foodstuffs are popular souvenirs. You can bring back processed foods such as balsamic vinegar, fruit jams or fruit mustard (la mostarda di frutta), and hard cheeses like parmesan. Cheeses should be vacuum sealed if you plan to bring them back to the U.S.

• Sicily: Popular items in Sicily include antiques, ceramics, jewelry, lace, almond pastries (such as marzipan), or local olive oil.

• Sardinia: Sardinia is known for its unique jewelry, specifically wedding rings. However, you’ll find an assortment of options in many shapes and materials.

You’ll also see many different items made from olive wood or Carrara marble; just remember that any marble items you purchase should be put into your checked luggage for the flight home. (If you put them in your carry-on, they may be confiscated by security as “weapons”.)

Value Added Tax: In Italy, a Value Added Tax is levied on most articles, services, and meals, and ranges from 17% to 33%. Depending on how much you spend on certain goods in specially marked Tax Free Shopping stores, you may be eligible for a partial refund of this tax. Ask the shopkeeper, salesperson, or our local staff for details. Be sure to save all receipts and the special Global Tax Refund forms for Customs, as receipts alone are not enough.

Morocco Morocco offers many fine craft items at good prices. Traditional souvenirs include gold and silver jewelry, wood carvings, cotton goods, tapestries, carpets, leather goods, pottery, copperware, brassware, basketry, fine inlaid woodwork, and spices.

Bargaining: Some shops have fixed prices. In the open-air markets prices are usually flexible and negotiating is normal. The only rule is that if you make an offer, you should be prepared to buy at that price. Bring a mix of small bills so that you can pay in exact change. Moroccans enjoy negotiating over prices, and they expect it of their customers.

Sicily Among the most popular Sicilian crafts and gift items are ceramics, wine and food. You can find wonderful items in the street markets and groceries of Palermo, Catania, Syracuse and Taormina—capers, pistachios, olive oil, Marsala wine, Etna honey, and candied fruits and marzipan in a myriad of shapes and colors. Other popular souvenirs include brightly colored Caltarigione pottery, handmade jewelry and decorative items made from lava stone, old- fashioned lace, or hand-painted miniature Sicilian carts and puppets. Sicily is not a high-fashion destination like Italy, though you will find some designer shops in Palermo and Taormina. A more iconic clothing item would be the traditional flat coppola, a hat similar to what we call a newsboy cap that is simple—but very stylish.

79 Value Added Tax: In Italy, a Value Added Tax is levied on most articles, services, and meals, and ranges from 17% to 33%. Depending on how much you spend on certain goods in specially marked Tax Free Shopping stores, you may be eligible for a partial refund of this tax. Ask the shopkeeper, salesperson, or our local staff for details. Be sure to save all receipts and the special Global Tax Refund forms for Customs, as receipts alone are not enough.

U.S. Customs Regulations & Shipping Charges For all things related to U.S. Customs, the ultimate authority is the U.S. Bureau of Customs & Border Protection. Their website, www.cbp.gov has the answers to the most frequently asked questions. Or you can call them at 1-877-227-5511.

The top three points to know are:

• At time of writing, your personal duty-free allowance is $800 for items brought with you. Items totaling more than $800 are subject to duty fees.

• Items shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. Even when the shop has offered to include shipping and duties in the price, this typically means shipping to the nearest customs facility and payment of the export duties—not door-to-door shipping or payment of the import duties. All additional duties or shipping charges would be your responsibility. Unless an item is small enough to send by parcel service (like FedEx), chances are you will need to arrange shipping or pick-up once the item is in the U.S. and will need to pay customs duties.

• It is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins.

80 DEMOGRAPHICS & HISTORY

Tunisia

Facts, Figures & National Holidays • Area: 63,170 square miles

• Capital: Tunis

• Languages: Arabic (official); French and Berber are also spoken.

• Location: Tunisia is located in northern Africa, bordered by Algeria to the west, Libya to the southeast, and the Mediterranean Sea to the north and northeast.

• Geography: The Tunisian coast is rather jagged and irregular, which makes for many fine bays, coves, and harbors. It’s most notable ports are Bizerte, Qabis, Safaqis, and Susah. The Atlas Mountains run through the north, though the Tunisian peaks are mostly below 4,000 feet tall. To the south, the Chott Djerid, a massive salt lake, acts as an eerie prelude to the Sahara Desert, which stretches to the Algerian and Libyan borders.

• Population: 11,516,189 (Estimate)

• Religions: Muslim 99%, Other 1%

• Time zone: Tunisia is on Central European Time, six hours ahead of U.S. EST. When it is 5am in Washington D.C., it is 11am in Rabat. Morocco does not observe Daylight Savings, therefore Morocco is only 5 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time when Daylight Savings is in effect.

National Holidays: Tunisia

In addition to the holidays listed below, 01/14 Revolution and Youth Day Tunisia celebrates a number of national 03/20 Independence Day holidays that follow a lunar calendar, such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. To find out if you 04/09 Martyrs’ Day will be traveling during these holidays, please visit www.timeanddate.com/holidays. 05/01 Labour Day

01/01 New Year’s Day 07/25 Republic Day

10/15 Evacuation Day

Tunisia: A Brief History Tunisia’s history is long and complex, which makes it one of the most fascinating countries in the world to visit. Over three millennia, it has been coveted, conquered, and re-conquered by tribes and countries seeking its fertile northern lands, a rare commodity in the Sahara region. Others

81 sought its valuable position as a strategic power center. With Sicily so close to its north, the maritime passage and trade between the two countries and into the eastern Mediterranean could be controlled.

Phoenicians from today’s Lebanon were the first on record to settle on the coast—3,000 years ago in the tenth century, B.C. Four hundred years later, their city of Carthage grew into a major metropolis, second in size only to Alexandria, Egypt, and dominated the western Mediterranean. As Rome looked to expand their empire, Carthage became an obstacle. And over a period of 120 years (264 to 146 B.C.), the three Punic Wars, during which Hannibal’s army made its now famous Alps crossing on elephants, revealed Rome as the victor. Carthage was relegated as a granary for the empire.

In the fifth century, the East Germanic Vandal tribe took over Tunisia from the west. Byzantine rule followed in the sixth century, and Arab in the seventh. During Arab rule, many Berbers were converted to Islam. Those who resisted conversion grew into a frequent source of rebellion against subsequent dynasties. Other takeovers followed: the Aghlabids and Zurids in the ninth and tenth centuries; Fatmid caliphs in the tenth and eleventh centuries, who went on to found the city of Cairo; and Sicilian Normans and Moroccan Almohad caliphs in the twelfth century. This was followed by a long rule (1230–1574) by the Berber Hafsids, during which Tunisia prospered. As the Hafsids’ power weakened, Spain exerted control over some of Tunisia’s coastal cities, until the Ottoman Turks claimed the region for Islam in 1574. The Turkish beys, or governors, declared independence for Tunisia. This was around the time that pirates roamed the north African coast, pillaging unfortunate ships and earning these waters the name of “Barbary Coast,” a reference that some attribute to the barbarism of their actions and others to Berber tribes. Turkish rule lasted until 1957.

But Turkish Tunisia was not financially stable, and the bey turned to France for support. By the mid 1800s, the French had cause for concern as debts increased with no sign of repayment. They wrested control of the African nation’s finances, with support from the British and Italians, in 1869. France eventually called Tunisia their own with the treaties of Bardo and Mrsa in the 1880s, which put France in charge under a protectorate arrangement with a French general. Tunisian nationalists emerged and in 1920 the Destour, or Constitutional, party was formed with an eye toward liberation from France. Meanwhile, Habib Bourguiba formed the Neo-Destour party, a more extreme group that claimed to be more in touch with the desires of the majority.

France fell to the Germans in June 1940, and Tunisia fell under Vichy rule. Tunisians couldn’t know that their country would become a stage for the most dramatic conflict of the North Africa campaign against the Nazis. This was the site of the Allies’ first major operation in the war.

Post-war nationalist fervor grew, with Bourguiba driving for independence at the helm. But the still-ruling French resisted major reforms and talks of independence fizzled. In 1952, Bourguiba was imprisoned, leading to a wave of unrest. But three years later, Tunisia was granted complete self-government, followed by full independence in 1956. Habib Bourguiba was made Prime Minister. The newly placed assembly deposed the bey, Sidi Lamine, and a republic was declared in 1957. Bourguiba focus was on modernization and economic growth for his largely agricultural country.

82 In 1987, General Zine El Abidine Ben Ali became president. Ben Ali’s regime repaired Libyan relations and opened trade with Algeria, Mauritania, and Morocco. Socially, Ben Ali at first took a liberal stance, but reneged after Islamic activists dominated the 1989 elections—and in fact he took strong measures against their rise. In the 1994 elections, Ben Ali forbade the Islamic party Al Nahda from taking part, even arresting some of its dissidents. The result was 100% support by all legal opposition parties—and 100% of the vote.

Over the next decade, Ben Ali continued to maintain his position as president. And while his economic reforms strengthened Tunisia’s economy, the ever-increasing discontent over high unemployment, police and political corruption, and a lack of freedom of speech outweighed the economic gains. In December 2010 a widespread series of protests and strikes inspired by these issues and other political concerns forced Ben Ali to resign and his party (the RCD) to dissolve.

With Ben Ali’s departure to Saudi Arabia, a state of emergency was declared and a caretaker government put into place to give the country enough time to organize elections. But as many of the ministers had strong ties to the now-defunct RCD, there continued to be a reshuffling in top positions. Eventually Beji Caid Essebsi took over as Prime Minister and announced that elections to a Constitutional Assembly would be held on June 24, 2011; it is expected that once a new constitution is in place general elections will follow.

Algeria

Facts, Figures & National Holidays • Area: 919,600 square miles

• Capital: Algiers

• Languages: Arabic, Amazigh (both official); French and Berber are also spoken.

• Location: Algeria is located in northern Africa, bordered by Morocco to the west, Tunisia to the northeast, Libya to the east, Mauritania and Mali to the southwest, and Niger to the southeast.

• Geography: Algeria once had many forests, which were greatly reduced by forest fires and by agricultural use, especially during the colonial period. More recently, the government undertook a reforestation program, which created a “green barrier” from Morocco to the Tunisian frontier, to prevent further encroachment of the Sahara.

• Population: 43,851,044 (Estimate)

• Religions: Muslim 99%, Other 1%

• Time zone: Algeria is on Central European Time, six hours ahead of U.S. EST. When it is 5am in Washington D.C., it is 11am in Algiers. Algeria does not observe Daylight Savings, therefore Algeria is only 5 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time when Daylight Savings is in effect.

83 National Holidays: Algeria

In addition to the holidays listed below, 01/01 New Year’s Day Tunisia celebrates a number of national 01/12 Yennayer (Berber New Year) holidays that follow a lunar calendar, such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. To find out if you 05/01 Labour Day will be traveling during these holidays, please visit www.timeanddate.com/holidays. 07/05 Independence Day

11/01 Anniversary of the Revolution

Algeria: A Brief History Algeria is a predominantly Muslim country, and a key part of the Arab Maghreb world of Northwest Africa, but it also has a significant Berber population. These influences, along with those of the Ottomans and French who separately ruled over the country, coalesced into a uniquely Algerian culture. From the 8th century through the 16th century, Algeria was ruled by a series of Arab-Amazigh dynasties. Following this era, it became part of the Ottoman Empire. Algeria enjoyed a brief period of independence between the decline of the Ottoman Empire and when it was conquered by France in 1830.

During French rule, the Muslim population in the rural areas was separated economically from the European community. In 1865, Napoleon III allowed Algerians to apply for full French citizenship. Since this would have meant renouncing their ability to be governed by sharia law in their personal lives, few Muslims took advantage of this opportunity. However, there was much evolution during this period in terms of health, infrastructure, and the overall economy, along with the formation of new social classes. During this time, there was also exposure to new ideas about political liberty and equality, which would help lead to the independence movement.

Around World War I, several groups formed which opposed French rule, including the National Liberation Front and the National Algerian Movement. This led to the War of Independence (1954-1962), which ended with most Europeans leaving the country. In the years since independence, Algeria has strived to reassert its Arab and Islamic culture, although there remains a strong French influence on its language and culture. More recently, the development of natural resources such as oil and natural gas has increased the country’s wealth and improved the standard of living. Today, Algeria has one of the largest economies in Africa.

Italy

Facts, Figures & National Holidays • Area: 116,348 square miles

• Capital: Rome

• Languages: Italian is the official language; German, French, and Slovene are also spoken in towns near the borders of Austria, France, and Slovenia.

84 • Ethnicity: Italian, with small clusters of German-, French-, and Slovene-Italians in the north and Albanian- and Greek-Italians in the south

• Location: Italy is bordered by France, Slovenia, Austria, Switzerland, the Ligurian Sea, the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Ionian Sea, the Adriatic Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea.

• Geography: Italy lies in southern Europe and includes the Mediterranean islands of Siciliy, Sardinia, and several other small islands. The region of Tuscany is a blend of rugged hills, fertile valleys, and long stretches of sandy beaches that curve along the west coast of central Italy and fringe the pine-forested coastal plain of the Maremma. Sicily enjoys mountains in the north and east, a vast central plateau, and a fertile coastline dotted with sea-level resort towns.

• Population: 60,317,116 (estimate)

• Religions: Christian 80% (overwhelming Roman Catholic), Atheists and Agnostics 20%, Muslims estimated at less than 2%

• Time Zone: Italy is on Central European Time, six hours ahead of U.S. EST. When it is 6am in Washington D.C., it is noon in Rome. Daylight Saving Time begins the last weekend in March and ends the last weekend in October.

National Holidays: Italy

In addition to the holidays listed below, Italy 05/01 Labor Day celebrates a number of national holidays that 06/02 Republic Day follow a lunar calendar, such as Easter. To find out if you will be traveling during these 08/15 Assumption of Mary holidays, please visit www.timeanddate.com/ holidays. 11/01 All Saints’ Day

01/01 New Year’s Day 12/08 Feast of the Immaculate Conception

01/06 Epiphany 12/25 Christmas Day

04/25 Liberation Day 12/26 St. Stephen’s Day

Italy: A Brief History Italy proudly wears the mantle of Rome, the polity from which so much of Italy’s historical, cultural, and religious heritage has derived. But even though the Romans were the first to unify the peninsula, they were not the first to dominate it. That honor goes to the Etruscans, whose empire, Etruria, reached its zenith in the 7th century BC. It was centered between the Arno and Tiber rivers, mostly in Tuscany. The Etruscans were famers, miners, seafarers and warriors, but they were riven by factionalism and in 509 BC, their last king was tossed out by Ligurian-Latin nobles in the small town of Rome. Tired of monarchs, they created the first Roman Republic.

85 Etruscan culture disappeared by the 2nd century AD, but the Romans were quick to appropriate many aspects of the Greek culture that had taken root in southern Italy and Sicily, where there were Hellenic colonies called “Magna Graecia.” As the colonies were absorbed, so were Greek religion, architecture, and the basic tenets of democracy. During the 1st century BC, Julius Caesar defeated Gaul, making Rome the ruler of the entire Mediterranean world. After Caesar’s assassination in 44 B.C., his nephew Octavian, later called Augustus, became Rome’s first official emperor. The capital became an architectural showcase, and new territories stretched across Europe into Asia Minor, existing under a “Pax Romana” that brought prosperity and stability.

Pax Romana declined in the 3rd century A.D. thanks to inept and corrupt emperors, and attacks by outside barbarians. Rome eventually embraced Christianity in 313 under Constantine I, who established an eastern capital in Constantinople. But splitting the Rome into western (Roman) and eastern (Byzantine) halves did not halt the empire’s demise. The eastern Roman empire fell in 476, and though the Byzantine half survived, it never regained the full might of Rome. In 800, Italy was briefly reunited under Charlemagne, but soon disintegrated into squabbling kingdoms.

Italian culture peaked during the 15th and 16th-century Renaissance. The independent city-states formed a delicate balance of power, with ruling families (such as the Sforzas, Borgias, and the Medicis) funding a golden age of art, invention, and intellectual activity that produced some of the greatest figures of Western civilization—Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Dante Alighieri, Brunelleschi, Galileo, and others. It did not, however, stop the rival families from fighting.

By the 19th century, many Italians believed that they could function as a single nation, a belief spearheaded by the general Giuseppe Garibaldi. Independence was declared in 1861, and by 1870, the nation was consolidated under King Victor Emmanuel II. Italy was ruled as a monarchy and joined the Allies in World War I. But the 1920s ushered in a dark era as Benito Mussolini organized discontented Italians into the Fascist Party to “rescue Italy from Bolshevism.” What he delivered was a totalitarian state. Mussolini joined with Hitler and fought the Allies during World War II, during which 400,000 people were killed, hundreds of thousands were left homeless, and the economy was ruined. In 1945, Mussolini was captured and killed by partisans.

Italy was again declared a republic in 1946, but remained seriously divided during the postwar era by political extremes. Governments rose and fell, and in the 1970s, a series of terrorist acts by the left-wing Red Brigades threatened stability. By the early 1980s, the terrorists had been suppressed, but public discontent spilled into the 1990s as inflation and ongoing scandals involving public officials and the Mafia altered Italian politics. Parties dissolved, new ones formed, and new alliances emerged. This led to the election of media mogul Silvio Berlusconi as Prime Minister in 1994. But within a year, Berlusconi was forced to resign. He ran again in 2001 and was reelected, setting up a pattern that repeated for more than a decade: Berlusconi has been Prime Minster three separate times between 1994–2011, and continues to remain a political force despite having been convicted of tax fraud.

The current Prime Minister, independent Giuseppe Conte, was elected in 2018 and heads up a populist coalition. Among his accomplishments have been the introduction of a national guaranteed minimum income, the nationalization of several companies, stricter immigration policies, and the western world’s first national lockdown in response to COVID-19.

86 Morocco

Facts, Figures & National Holidays • Area: 172,414 square miles

• Capital: Rabat

• Languages: Arabic and Berber are the official languages; French and Spanish are also spoken.

• Location: Morocco is bordered by Algeria in the east, Mauritania in the south, the Atlantic Ocean in the west, and Spain in the north.

• Geography: Morocco’s landscape varies from coastal lands near the Atlantic Ocean to mountainous regions to the Sahara Desert.

• Population: 33,322,699 (Estimate)

• Religions: Muslim 99%, Other 1%

• Time zone: Morocco is on Central European Time, six hours ahead of U.S. EST. When it is 5am in Washington D.C., it is 11am in Rabat. Morocco does not observe Daylight Savings, therefore Morocco is only 5 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time when Daylight Savings is in effect.

National Holidays: Morocco

In addition to the holidays listed below, 07/30 Feast of the Throne Morocco celebrates a number of national 08/14 Anniversary of the Recovery holidays that follow a lunar calendar, such as Oued Ed-Dahab Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. To find out if you will be traveling during these holidays, please 08/20 Anniversary of the Revolution of the visit www.timeanddate.com/holidays. King and the People

01/01 New Year’s Day 08/21 Youth Day

01/11 Anniversary of the Independence 11/06 Anniversary of the Green March Manifesto 11/18 Independence Day 05/01 Labour Day/May Day

Morocco: A Brief History Morocco is unique for having been occupied by one group of people for all of its recorded history—people who have rarely been subjugated by outside forces. The Berbers or Imazighen (men of the land) have endured for millennia. They are not a homogenous group, but comprise various tribes who share some ethnic lineage. Nor were all Berbers nomads despite the stereotype. Most Berbers were farmers, but connected to fellow Berber traders and horsemen who developed semi-permanent encampments as they forged trade routes.

87 The Berbers often frustrated Roman attempts to govern them, though their rebellion was not always violent but often based on shrewd alliances and gamesmanship. Most Berbers continued to practice their traditional, animist religions. They also borrowed from other African and Egyptian religions, and as the millennium turned, many Berbers were Christian or Jewish.

In the 7th century AD, the Ummayad Arabs conquered the Middle East in less than a decade, but needed 70 years to subdue Morocco’s Berbers. They brought the Arab language, architecture, civil codes, and mostly, the new religion of Islam. Its ideals resonated with traditional Berber values and its adoption was widespread, rapid, and willing. But the Arabs were never able to unify the region politically. Though they enlisted Berber vassals to lead their conquest of Iberia, the sprawling caliphate proved difficult to manage, paving the way for Arab-Berber dynasties such as the Almoravids, Almohads, and Nasrids, who presided over Moorish Iberia, called al-Andalus. These dynasties have ruled Morocco continuously from the 8th century to the present.

When the Moors were expelled from al-Andalus in 1492, Muslim and Jewish refugees brought their cultures back to Morocco, enriching the Imperial Cities of Fez, Marrakesh, Rabat, and Meknes. Rulers rose and fell for 140 years and in the 1630s, the Alaouite family overthrew the Saadis, establishing a line that rules to this day. In the late 1800s, Morocco’s strategic location and natural resources attracted France, which took control by 1912. Spain hung onto a small protectorate on the coast, Tangier was made an international zone, and Rabat became the capital. When Berbers rebelled in 1926, it took 25,000 Spanish-French troops to subdue them.

During WWII, Morocco was ruled by Vichy France, which was a Nazi puppet. But independent- minded Casablanca provided crucial support for the Allied North African campaign. After the war in 1944, Morocco demanded freedom, and France was eventually pressured to grant it. Mohammed V returned from exile in 1955; Morocco won its independence in 1956; Mohammed V crowned himself king in 1957; and handed power to his son, Hassan II, in 1961. Hassan II earned the people’s affection in 1975 when he led the Green March into the Western Sahara to force Spain to hand over the province. More than 350,000 volunteers marched that day, but the dispute between Morocco and the western separatist Polisario Front still simmers.

Mohammed VI took the throne in 1999, and advanced many liberal policies including women’s rights. In 2002, he married Salma Bennani, a computer science engineer, and many believed it symbolized the acceptance of modern roles. In 2004, the government imposed changes to family law geared toward lifting the gender inequality and protecting children. During the Arab Spring of 2011, Mohammed VI reacted with a deftness that eluded other leaders, announcing constitutional reforms, ceding more power to parliament, and making Berber an official state language. But Mohammed VI has increasingly been criticized for repressing freedom of speech, and the nation still struggles with poverty, unemployment, and corruption in the justice system.

Sicily

Facts, Figures & National Holidays • Area: 9,927 square miles

• Capital: Palermo

88 • Languages: Most people in Sicily speak both Italian (the official language) and Sicilian, a distinct historical Romance language.

• Ethnicity: Mostly Italian, with smaller groups of Romanians, Tunisians, and Moroccans

• Location: Italy is bordered by France, Slovenia, Austria, Switzerland and the Ligurian, Tyrrhenian, Ionian, Adriatic and Mediterranean seas.

• Geography: Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, located just off the “toe” of Italy. Sicily enjoys mountains in the north and east, a vast central plateau, and a fertile coastline dotted with sea-level resort towns.

• Population: 5,029,675 (estimate)

• Religions: Christian 80% (overwhelming Roman Catholic), Atheists and Agnostics 20%, Muslims estimated at less than 2%

• Time Zone: Italy is on Central European Time, six hours ahead of U.S. EST. When it is 6am in Washington D.C., it is noon in Rome. Daylight Saving Time begins the last weekend in March and ends the last weekend in October.

National Holidays: Sicily

In addition to the holidays listed below, Italy 05/01 Labor Day celebrates a number of national holidays that 06/02 Republic Day follow a lunar calendar, such as Easter. To find out if you will be traveling during these 08/15 Assumption of Mary holidays, please visit www.timeanddate.com/ holidays. 11/01 All Saints’ Day

01/01 New Year’s Day 12/08 Feast of the Immaculate Conception

01/06 Epiphany 12/25 Christmas Day

04/25 Liberation Day 12/26 St. Stephen’s Day

Sicily: A Brief History Sicily sits like a giant rock at the toe of Italy’s boot, and indeed, it has been kicked around quite a bit during its 8,000-year history. But the Italians were not the first to tread on this storied island.

There is evidence of Paleolithic settlement in the caves of northwest Sicily. But by 5,000 BC, the earliest tribes to live here were immigrants: the Sicani from North Africa, the Siculi from Latium (Italy) and the Elymni from Troy. By 900 BC the Phoenicians arrived, and their Carthaginian heirs founded Palermo. Today, the Phoenician legacy lives on in the enigmatic ruins of Mothyia.

Attracted by the island’s strategic location, the Greeks arrived in 750 BC and established colonies in Syracuse, Agrigento, Segesta, Selinute and beyond. Hellenic culture thrived, but the island became a battleground as the Carthaginians rose against the Greek interlopers. Beaten but not broken, the Carthaginians remained until the Romans drove them out in 211 BC. Rome made

89 Sicily its first province, but never realized its dream of making it Rome’s granary, as the empire was increasingly beset by corruption and war. In 965 AD, the Arabs arrived, bringing advances in agriculture, irrigation, art, architecture and land reform. Palermo was made the capital, boasting more than 100 mosques.

The Arabs’ success attracted the Normans, who conquered Sicily in 1071. But the Normans were outnumbered by their vanquished foes, and had to accept and integrate Arab administrative and judicial systems. It was not a hard pill to swallow, for the Norman King Roger I was entranced by the lavishness of Arab culture. He employed many Arabic craftsmen and architects, and promoted a tolerant society where Muslims, Jews and Christians lived in peace. The legacy of the Norman golden age lives on in Palermo’s opulent palaces and churches.

In 1194, the kingdom fell to the Hohenstaufens, who ruled until 1266 when the House of Aragon took over. The Crusades swept through the island, sowing the seeds for more conflict. Sicily fell to French, Spanish and Austrian rule in succession before the Spanish Bourbons united the island with Naples in 1734. They redistributed many lands, an act that resulted in many minor legal disputes among ordinary Sicilians. Tired of being governed by generations of absentee rulers, the people turned to influential local “godfathers” who understood la cosa nostra, “our thing,” and could dispense a quick form of justice. The Sicilian Mafia was born.

Sicily joined a unified Italy in 1861, but the Rome-based government was still disconnected from Sicilian life. By the end of the century, poverty drove thousands of Sicilians to America. Italy joined the Allies in World War I; then in the 1920s, Mussolini and his Fascist Party ushered in one of the darkest periods in Italy’s history. Mussolini formed an alliance with Hitler during World War II, and sent Cesare Mori to fix “the Sicilian problem,” largely crippling the Mafia.

Many Sicilians who had emigrated to America worked with Allied intelligence to identify Nazi sympathizers in Sicily. Some of these informants were Mafiosi, and in exchange for their help they struck deals that let them to regain a foothold in Sicily. The Mafia grew until the 90s, when political scandal, activism, and judicial changes enabled the prosecution of hundreds of Mafiosi.

Today, Sicilians are the proud custodians of a vast repository of historic treasures. Though many were left by onetime oppressors, their preservation reflects the endurance of the Sicilian spirit.

90 RESOURCES

Suggested Reading

General North Africa Sahara Unveiled: A Journey Across the Desert by William Langewiesche (Travel Narrative). An unusually rich and insightful travel memoir about across the Sahara.

The Adventures of Ibn Battuta: Muslim Traveler of the Fourteenth Century by Ross Dunn (Memoir). Born in Tangier, Ibn Battuta was known as the “Traveler of Islam.” In thirty years of travel, Battuta visited the lands of every Muslim ruler, covering 750,000 miles and traveling to the Maghreb, Arabia, India, China, Indonesia, and even Russia.

The Sheltering Sky by Paul Bowles (Literature). Bowles’ most famous work, the tale of three American travelers whose lives unravel in the desert of North Africa. Another interesting work by the same author is Their Heads Are Green and Their Hands Are Blue, a collection of eight travel essays, mostly on North Africa, but also India, Sri Lanka, and South America.

Tunisia A History of Modern Tunisia by Kenneth Perkins (History) A more in-depth look at Tunisian history than the Traveller’s History listed above. Perkins explores the history of Tunisia from the mid-19th century to the present, with an examination of French colonial rule from 1881 to 1956, when the Tunisians achieved independence, and the subsequent process of state-building.

Hannibal and Scipio by Ross Leckie (Historical Fiction) The first two books of the Punic War Trilogy by a classicist who draws on historical sources and presents the stories as personal memoirs, first of Hannibal and then of his rival Scipio Africanus. A third book entitled Carthage was also released in 2010.

Tunisian Mosaics, Treasures from Roman Africa by Aicha Ben Abed (Art) Aicha Ben Abed introduces the history of Roman Africa and the rise of Mediterranean mosaics, the art of private citizens rather than the imperial Roman court. Lots of glorious illustrations, plus updates on current methods of preservation.

The Pillar of Salt by Albert Memmi (History, Autobiography) This semi-autobiographical novel follows a young boy growing up in French-colonized Tunisia. In order to gain access to the privileges of French society, he must assimilate and reject many aspects of his identity—his religion, culture, and family. On the brink of World War II, he confronts anti-Semitism in Tunis and the Nazi occupation of Tunisia.

Behind Closed Doors: Women’s Oral Narratives in Tunis by Monia Hejaiej (Fiction) This book presents 47 tales told by three Beldi women—members of a historic society—in Tunis. The Arabic language and customs of Islam are firmly rooted in this community. Tale-telling is important to all Beldi women, and these three women tell stories which echo their life experience and have

91 deep meanings for them. Their tales reflect accepted moral codes, and yet many depict attitudes, relationships, and practices that contradict established norms. These contradictory visions offer a kaleidoscopic view of the position of women in the rich life of a historic North African city.

Algeria Fantasia: An Algerian Cavalcade by Assia Djebar, translated by Dorothy S. Blair (1996, Historical Fiction). Follow the life of a young girl through the history of Algeria, starting with the French conquest in 1830, to the War of Liberation in the 1950s.

A Savage War of Peace: Algeria 1954-1962 by Alistair Home (2006, History). A historical breakdown of the Algerian War for liberation from France.

The Lovers of Algeria by Anouar Benmalek, translated by Joanna Kilmartin (2004, Fiction). Nine- year-old Jallal, a homeless boy in Algeria, is found and taken in by Anna, an elderly Swiss woman, who wants Jallal to work as a translator for her. as they travel through the mountains of Algeria. Anna, having suffered numerous tragedies after living through the Algerian War of Independence, simply wants to find her lost love, an Arab man named Nasreddine, and pray at the graves of her murdered children before she passes.

Children of the New World by Assia Djebar, translated by Marjolijn De Jager (2005, Historical Fiction). Based off of Djebar’s experiences with the Algerian resistance during French colonial rule, Children of the New World depicts the struggles of women in Algeria as they join the fight for independence, outlining the reasons for violent insurrection and the tragic ramifications.

General Italy The Italians by Luigi Barzini (1964, Social Commentary) This definitive guide to the Italian national character and way of life, written by the renowned journalist and politician, still rings true today.

La Bella Figura: A Field Guide to the Italian Mind by Beppe Severgnini (2007, Nonfiction/Humor) An Italian columnist and best-selling author journeys through his homeland while providing hilarious observations at the beautiful face Italy shows to the world, and the chaotic, garrulous, and often contradictory impulses that lie behind it.

The Monster of Florence by Douglas Preston and Mario Spezi (2008, Non Fiction) A remarkable true story by best-selling author Douglas Preston who, with Italian investigative journalist Mario Spezi, try to track down the identity of a serial killer known as the Monster of Florence.

History by Elsa Morante (1974, Fiction) A half-Jewish, Roman mother tries to survive in WWII Rome with her two sons. Though the main characters are fictional, each chapter opens with an factual account of real events that happened when the action takes place.

SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome by Mary Beard (History) World-renowned classics expert Mary Beard gives an excellent, if somewhat dense, background on the world of ancient Rome.

92 I, Claudius by Robert Graves (Historical Fiction) An engaging fictionalized look at the life of Emperor Claudius, who survived the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, and Caligula. The book is the basis for the acclaimed PBS series of the same name.

A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway (Literature) Set during the Italian campaign of World War I, this classic novel tells the story of a romance between an American ambulance driver and an English nurse.

It Happened in Italy by Elizabeth Bettina (Memoir/History) Recounts true stories about how regular Italians defied the SS and hid or protected their Jewish neighbors during the Holocaust— and the author’s story in how she found out about this slice of Italian history

Morocco Dreams of Trespass, Tales of a Harem Girlhood by Fatima Mernissi (Memoir). This memoir captures the true story of Mernissi’s life growing up in a Fez harem during World War II. The harem was not an exotic seraglio of concubines but rather a part of the house where all the women of a family are secluded.) A coming of age story with vivid and often hilarious detail.

The Sand Child by Tahar Ben Jelloun (Fiction) To sidestep inheritance laws, a father raises his eighth daughter as a boy. Growing up as “Ahmed,” the family’s sole male child, Zahra enjoys the rights, privileges, and arrogance that society affords to men. But as she approaches womanhood, her desires and sexual identity begin to change. This award-winning novel offers a pointed critique of Arabic social norms, Islamic law, and colonialism.

Lords of the Atlas by Gavin Maxwell (History) An eventful history that reads more like an adventure story. It follows the ruthless Glaoui clan, who ruled Morocco from 1893 to 1956 with the brutality of gangland mobsters and the extravagance of medieval princes. Recommended by our staff in Morocco.

The Food of Morocco by Paula Wolfert (Cookbook) Let this reknowned James Beard Award- winning chef introduce you to the food and culture of Morocco, with dozens of recipes, culinary essays, and lavish photographs.

The Last Storytellers by Richard Hamilton (Anthology) Wander through Marrakech’s legendary Jmaa el Fna square, and among the snake charmers, musicians, jugglers and hawkers, you may occasionally notice a storyteller holding court. As the tradition of publicly recounting folktales or fables slowly dies, Hamilton has here collected the best of these engaging stories.

The Caliph’s House, A Year in Casablanca by Tahir Shah (Memoir). An entertaining account of the transformation of a ruined palace in Casablanca. Shah is a marvelous storyteller, interweaving Moroccan customs, history, black humor, and portraits of neighbors into one work.

The Spider’s House by Paul Bowles (Fiction). American writer Paul Bowles lived in Morocco for 52 years. This story is set in Fez and deals with the conflicts and transformations of the last stages of French occupation in Morocco.

93 Sicily The Florios of Sicily by Stefania Auci (2020, Historical Fiction) This sweeping epic is based on an entrepreneurial dynasty that dominated Sicily for more than a century. In 1799, after a devastating earthquake forces them to flee Catania, the Florios arrive in Palermo with nothing, and then grow their small spice shop into an international shipping juggernaut. Auci casts a shrewd eye on the lives of the Florio women, who unapologetically demand their place alongside their husbands, fathers, sons and lovers despite the rigid constrictions of class and gender.

Sicily: A Literary Guide for Travellers by Andrew and Suzanne Edwards (2014, History) Part guidebook, part history, and wholly enjoyable, this literary journey begins in Palermo and works its way counter-clockwise around Sicily, village by village. The authors trace the Sicilian paths of famous writers from Pindar to Puzo, sharing passages from their work, practical tips, and anecdotes about illustrious visitors like Oscar Wilde, Cary Grant, Winston Churchill, Truman Capote, Marlene Dietrich and more kings and queens than you can shake a scepter at.

The Silent Duchess by Dacia Maraini (1999, Historical Fiction) A finalist for the International Man Booker Prize. In 18th-century Sicily, young Marianna Ucria has been left deaf and mute after a sexual assault. She finds no sympathy among the indolent aristocrats in her family, who marry her off to her abuser. Trapped in a world of silence, Marianna nonetheless manages to educate, liberate and express herself through gorgeous prose.

Midnight in Sicily: On Art, Food, History, Travel, and la Cosa Nostra by Peter Robb (1996, History/ Crime/Cuisine) The author reveals how Sicily’s rich history, landscapes, cuisine, customs and politics have all been entwined with an ancient network of crime and violence. Whether extolling the virtues of Sicilian pasta con le sarde or deconstructing the landmark prosecution of former Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti, Robb will leave you hungry for more.

On Persephone’s Island: A Sicilian Journal by Mary Taylor Simeti (1995, Memoir) An American expert on Sicilian medieval and culinary history describes her life as an expatriate who splits her time between Palermo and managing her family’s working farm in the Sicilian countryside. The book is filled with insights into Sicilian food, cooking, and customs; the corrosive influence of the Mafia; and the titular Greek goddess whose dual existence parallels Simeti’s own life, and that of Sicily itself.

Sicilian Carousel by Lawrence Durrell (1977, Travel Writing) The esteemed author departs from his usual style of writing (and traveling) in this tale about his bus tour around Sicily with a mixed bag of companions. Along the way he shares his growing understanding of Sicilian (and Mediterranean) culture, hilarious anecdotes, previously unpublished poems, and a selection of evocative engravings. Sicily comes alive with wit and affection.

A House in Sicily by Daphne Phelps (1999, Memoir) The story of an Englishwoman who moves to Taormina in 1947 with plans to sell a property that she inherited, but instead converts it into a charming pensione. Illustrious guests, quirky local characters and an abiding love for Sicilian culture pervade every page.

94 Sicily: A Short History, from the Greeks to Cosa Nostra by Julius Norwich (2016, History) A well written introduction to the history of Sicily by a knowledgeable expert who has been studying it since 1961. Norwich says that “The Strait of Messina is only a couple of miles across and the island is politically part of Italy; yet somehow one feels that one has entered a different world,” and then explains why this is so.

Suggested Film & Video

Tunisia Star Wars (1977-2019, Science Fiction) This popular science fiction saga entered the cinematic stage in 1977 to tell the story of a rebel alliance fighting against the tyranny of an evil empire. Four movies in the saga (Episodes I-IV) feature scenes filmed in Tunisia, including that of the desert planet Tatooine. Episode IV: A New Hope introduces the hero of the original trilogy on his home planet with stunning views of the sandy vistas.

Gladiator (2000, Action) Although this historical drama of a Roman general forced to become a gladiator to survive is largely centered around Rome, the scenes set in Roman North Africa could easily be in Classical-era Tunisia.

Desert Fox: The Story of Rommel (1951, Drama) Desert Fox portrays the life of German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel at the end of WWII. It tracks Rommel’s career beginning with a failed campaign in North Africa and ending with his eventual decision to join in a conspiracy against Hitler.

Algeria The Battle of Algiers (1966, War) Nominated for three Oscars, this Italian-Algerian joint venture uses documentary-style techniques to recreate events from the Algerian War of 1954-1962, focusing on events between 1954 and 1957 when rebels waged guerilla warfare against the French government in the city of Algiers.

Chronicle of the Years of Fire (1975, Historical Drama) This film spans the period from the beginnings of World War II to the start of the Algerian Revolution, and explores the effect of colonialism on everyday people, through the eyes of a farmer. It won the Palme d’Or at the 1975 Cannes Film Festival.

Italy Life Is Beautiful (1997) Roberto Benigni is the lead actor and director of this heart-wrenching comedy/drama about a Jewish Italian bookshop owner in Mussolini’s Italy who tries to shield his son from the horrors of a Nazi concentration camp. Italian with English subtitles.

La Strada (1954, Drama) Iconic Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini directed this tale of a waif named Gelsomina (played by his wife, Giulietta Masina) who is sold into the employ of Zampano (played by Anthony Quinn), a brutal strongman in a traveling circus. Italian with English subtitles.

95 The Bicycle Thief (1948, Drama) As it follows a man desperate to retrieve the stolen bicycle that is crucial to his family’s survival, Vittorio De Sica’s film subtly examines the human condition, society, family, justice, and anguish in the poverty of post-World War II Italy. Simple and powerful, many consider it one of the greatest films of all time. Italian with English subtitles.

1900 (1976, Drama) Bernardo Bertolucci’s epic history follows the lives of two friends (one a peasant, the other a land-owner) born on the same day in Italy. Their lives unfold with vivid cinematography and lush imagery of the beautiful countryside. The movie jumps forward, to the end of World War 1, and follows their story until 1945. The original version clocks in at well over five hours (the longest commercially released film ever), but it always fascinates and never bores. Italian with English subtitles.

Ciao, Professore! (1994, Comedy) The great Italian screenwriter and director Lina Wertmuller (Seven Beauties, Swept Away, and many more cult classics) helmed this “fish out of water” comedy about an elementary school teacher from northern Italy who is mistakenly sent to a poor town in the Naples region of southern Italy. Italian with English subtitles.

Tea with Mussolini (1999, Drama) A semi-autobiographical account of Zeffirelli’s life in World War II Italy. Luca, Zeffirelli’s character, is raised in Florence by his absent father’s secretary among a group of British and American women, who must deal with the rise of fascism, the dangers of resistance, and weather dictatorial custody and betrayal.

Big Night (1996, Comedy/Drama) This brilliant little gem is about the volatile relationship between two brothers and their failing Italian restaurant in late-1950s America—a time when “authentic” Italian dining was often a recipe for disaster. Primo (played by Tony Shalhoub) is the uncompromising chef. Secondo (his younger brother played by Stanley Tucci), runs the dining room. Sparks fly as they prepare a feast of a lifetime during one special “big night” to try to save the business. The soundtrack in wonderful too, featuring Louis Prima lots more ‘50s-era Italian- American artists.

Summertime (1955, Drama/Romance) A lonely spinster comes to Venice, falls under its spell, and surprisingly finds herself falling in love with an unlikely suitor. Katherine Hepburn is the leading lady, but Venice itself is the star of this beautifully filmed, David Lean chestnut.

The Merchant of Venice (2004, Drama) Al Pacino gives us one of the most masterful portrayals on stage or screen of Shakespeare’s tragic moneylender, Shylock. He receives strong support from Jeremy Irons and Joseph Fiennes, and Venice itself, where much of the production was filmed. The city looks so enticing, it’s a wonder that Pacino did not chew up the scenery.

The Wings of the Dove (1997, Drama) With no economic prospects, Edwardian lovers Kate and Merton are unable to marry, but then a prospect shows up in the form of a dying American heiress. Her only wish? To see Venice and fall in love. A plot is hatched, with all the psychological nuances you would expect in this sumptuous film version of the Henry James novel.

96 The Tourist (2010, Thriller) Beautiful Elise (Angelina Jolie) has a mysterious off-screen lover, Pearce, who has fled England and is wanted by both Scotland Yard and the mob. He tells Elise to entrap an unwitting tourist (Johnny Depp), who will be mistaken for Pearce (who is rumored to have altered his appearance), and arrested in his place. This convoluted caper plays out beautifully in Venice’s mysterious alleys, romantic canals, and opulent palaces.

Don’t Look Now (1973, Drama) Grieving the death of their daughter, a Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie come to Venice seeking solace. Instead, they are plunged into a hallucinatory world where the supernatural seems to pervade every atmospheric inch of Venice. An eerie, erotic thriller from director Nicholas Roeg, based on a Daphne du Maurier novella.

Amarcord (1973, Drama/Comedy) This semi-auto-biographical masterpiece, whose title means “I remember,” is director Federico Fellini’s loving and fantastical homage to his 1930s boyhood in the Adriatic coastal town of Rimini. Ribald, exaggerated, filled with hilarious characters and infused with warmth, it won the Oscar for Best Foreign Film.

The Life Ahead (2020, Drama) At 86, Sophia Loren makes her first screen appearance in ten years in this Netflix original, filmed in Puglia. And it’s a stunner. She plays Madame Rosa, a Holocaust survivor who takes in the children of local sex workers. A neighbor asks her to care for Momo, a Senegalese refugee whose delinquency may be too much for Rosa, whose own tormented past is catching up to her.

The Gospel According to St. Matthew (1964, Biblical Drama) Considered a classic of world cinema, this story of Jesus’ life was shot in neo-realist style in the ancient rockbound city of Matera, which director Pier Paolo Pasolini found to be more authentic in feel than Galilee itself.

Two Women (1960, Drama) Sophia Loren won her first Oscar for this gripping portrayal of a Roman mother trying to protect her daughter from the ravages of World War II. Directed by Vittorio de Sica and based on the acclaimed book by Alberto Moravia.

Rome (2005-07, Television Series) This multiple Emmy-winner from HBO deftly weaves the stories of fictional and real characters (Julius Caesar, Octavian, Marc Antony, Cleopatra, etc.) during Rome’s 1st century BC transition from a republic to an empire. Outstanding production values and a stellar cast.

Roman Holiday (1953, Romantic Comedy) A runaway princess (Audrey Hepburn) sheds her royal persona to experience Rome as the Romans do, with reporter Gregory Peck as her guide. Between the leads and the glorious Roman locations, it’s hard to know where to feast your eyes.

La Dolce Vita (1960, Comedy) The “sweet life” is anything but for Marcello (Mastroianni), a dissipated gossip reporter with whom we spend seven debauched and disjointed nights in mid- century Rome. Considered one of Fellini’s masterpieces. Italian with English subtitles.

Rome, Open City (1945, Docu-Drama) Roberto Rosellini’s landmark, neo-realist film is as remarkable for its content (the story of a real-life priest and the Roman Resistance fighters he helped) as for the hardships faced while making it during the actual Nazi occupation.

97 Morocco Casablanca (1942, Romance). “Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine.” Although the plot has little to do with Morocco itself, any excuse is good enough to see this classic which deftly combines elements of romance, intrigue, political commentary, and sharp comedy. Consistently places on “Top 10” lists by critics, the public, and the American Film Institute.

Hideous Kinky (1999, Drama) Kate Winslet plays a free-spirited, single British mother who decamps with her daughters to Morocco to find herself. Optimistic despite financial and personal setbacks, she remains dangerously oblivious to the needs of her children. A thoughtful look at Morocco’s 1970s hippie mystique, and its reality.

The Sheltering Sky (1990, Adventure/Drama) An unhappy American couple ventures deep into the North African desert in the hopes of rekindling their relationship. The farther they go, the more the chasm between them widens. Directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, starring Debra Winger and John Malkovich, and featuring Paul Bowles, who wrote the book.

Changing Times (2004, Comedy/Drama) A French engineer (Gérard Depardieu) contrives a job in Tangier in order to reconnect with a lost lover of thirty years (Catherine Deneuve.) Various other characters and subplots cast an interesting light on modern urban Moroccan life.

Le Grand Voyage (2004, Drama). Driving his dad to Mecca for the Islamic pilgrimage is not what Reda, a French-Moroccan teenager, had planned. But plans change in this emotional road trip that explores the generational and cultural divide experienced by the many Moroccan immigrants. In French and Arabic with subtitles.

The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956, Thriller). This Hitchcock classic stars James Stewart and Doris Day as Americans traveling in Morocco, who get caught up in an international assassination plot. Filmed in and around Marrakech.

Sicily The Leopard (Il Gattopardo) (1963, Drama) Based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Giuseppe di Lampedusa, this early Luchino Visconti film is a poignant and powerful meditation on change, loyalty and love set in 1860 Sicily. Burt Lancaster stars as the aging Sicilian prince Salina, who struggles to preserve his family’s dignity and wellbeing as Garibaldi’s republican troops press to unify Italy and change Sicilian life forever. The all-star cast includes Alain Delon, Terence Hill, and a stunning Claudia Cardinale in her debut role. Italian with English subtitles.

Cinema Paradiso (1989, Drama/Comedy) The Oscar-winning Best Foreign Film of 1989. A famous director flashes back to his childhood in Sicily upon the death of his mentor, a projectionist at the local cinema who inspired his love of film and gave him the courage to leave home to follow his dream. The film was shot in several Sicilian locales, including Cefalù and the hometown of director Giuseppe Tornatore, Bagheria. A sentimental and funny coming of age story that beautifully evokes the charm of Sicilian village life. Italian with English subtitles.

98 Stromboli (1950, Drama) A classic example of Italian neo-realism, this film depicts the struggles of a displaced Lithuanian refugee (Ingrid Bergman) who secures her release from a postwar internment camp by marrying a Sicilian fisherman. Her life on volcanic Stromboli is as barren and isolated as the island itself. The film includes several documentary-like segments including a famously jarring tuna-fishing scene, and an actual evacuation after the eruption of the titular volcano. Equally explosive was the affair between Bergman and director Roberto Rossellini, which led to her being blacklisted in Hollywood until her triumphant Oscar-winning turn (six years later) in Anastasia.

Divorce, Italian Style (1961, Comedy) Heartthrob Marcello Mastroianni plays Sicilian Baron Ferdinando Cefalù, who falls in love with his beautiful cousin (Stefania Andrelli). But there is the pesky problem of his wife, whom he cannot leave since divorce in Sicily is illegal. Instead, he tries to trick his wife into having an affair so he can murder her in a (pardonable) crime of passion. Of course, things go hilariously wrong. Mastroianni’s inspired performance as the bumbling, besotted baron won him a Best Actor nomination, and the location filming took place in Sicily— notably Ragusa, Messina, and Catania. Italian with English subtitles.

L’Avventura (1976, Drama) If you want to take a cinematic road trip through Sicily, this moody classic (directed by Michelangelo Antonioni) will transport you to Palermo, Messina, Syracuse, the Aeolian Islands, Mount Etna and beyond. Along the way, you’ll be engrossed in the mystery of Anna, a young woman who disappears during a Mediterranean yacht cruise. Her wealthy lover and her best friend set out to solve the mystery and begin their own liaison—which is not exactly a romance, but an attempt to dispel the ennui of their lives. Italian with English subtitles.

The Godfather Trilogy (1972, 1974, 1990) All three parts of Francis Ford Coppola’s masterwork had substantial scenes set in Sicily, where key events in the fictional Corleone family’s life unfold— including the saga’s grandly operatic climax filmed on the steps of Palermo’s Teatro Massimo. The actual village of Corleone was too modern to evoke the 1940s feel Coppola was after, so Forza d’Agro, just outside Taormina, was used as a stand-in. Other scenes were filmed in Taormina, Messina, and Fiumefreddo in Catania.

99 Useful Websites

Overseas Adventure Travel World Weather www.oattravel.com www.intellicast.com www.weather.com Overseas Adventure Travel Store www.wunderground.com www.oatshop.com Basic Travel Phrases (80 languages) Overseas Adventure Travel Frequently www.travlang.com/languages Asked Questions www.oattravel.com/faq Packing Tips www.travelite.org International Health Information/CDC (Centers for Disease Control) U.S. Customs & Border Protection http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel www.cbp.gov/travel

Electricity & Plugs Transportation Security www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/ Administration (TSA) plugs-and-sockets www.tsa.gov

Foreign Exchange Rates National Passport Information Center www.xe.com/currencyconverter www.travel.state.gov www.oanda.com/converter/classic Holidays Worldwide ATM Locators www.timeanddate.com/holidays www.mastercard.com/atm www.visa.com/atmlocator

100 VACCINATIONS NOW REQUIRED FOR ALL TRAVELERS, SHIP CREW, TRIP EXPERIENCE LEADERS, AND COACH DRIVERS Plus, updated Health & Safety Protocols for our Land Tours

The health and safety of our travelers is always our #1 priority, and we understand travelers are concerned about exploring the world in light of the unprecedented crisis we are currently facing. To ensure your safety and give you peace of mind, we have worked with our regional team and listened to government guidance and feedback from our travelers to create these health and safety protocols for our trips. As we continue to make changes, we will keep our website updated with the latest information.

VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS • All travelers, ship crew, and Trip Experience AND UPDATED HEALTH & SAFETY Leaders will have their temperature checked PROTOCOLS FOR SMALL SHIP every time they return to the ship using a non- ADVENTURES contact infrared temperature scanner. • All travelers must be fully vaccinated against • All meals are served by the dining staff— COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to departure buffets are no longer available. and provide proof of vaccination upon VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS AND boarding the ship. If you are unable to UPDATED HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS provide proof of vaccination upon arrival at FOR SMALL GROUP ADVENTURES ON LAND your destination, you will have to return • All travelers must be fully vaccinated against home at your own expense. COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to departure. If To meet this requirement, please bring your you are unable to provide proof of vaccination original COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card upon arrival at your destination, you will with you on your trip. The white card must have to return home at your own expense. display your name, type of vaccine, and the To meet this requirement, please bring your date(s) the vaccine was administered. We also original COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card with suggest taking a picture of this card to keep for you on your trip. The white card must display your records as a backup. your name, type of vaccine, and the date(s) • All local Trip Experience Leaders, the vaccine was administered. We also suggest fully ship staff, and crew will be taking a picture of this card to keep for your vaccinated against COVID-19. records as a backup. fully • All coach drivers will be • All local Trip Experience Leaders will be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. vaccinated against COVID-19. • All public areas will be sanitized nightly and • All coach drivers will be fully vaccinated all ships are equipped with High Efficiency against COVID-19. Particulate Air (HEPA) filters.

Help us ensure travelers’ safety and health while on our trips. Please follow best health and hygiene practices to prevent the spread of illness—wash your hands regularly and cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. Together, we can create a safer travel experience for everyone.

Learn more at www.oattravel.com/covid-update

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r Tataouine El Jem Sidi Bou Said (Optional Tour) Kairouan Houmt Souk

a Tunis Hammamet Carthage Sbeitla Douz TUNISIA

h Dougga Mediterranean Sea Mediterranean Chott El Jerid

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107 YOUR TRIP EXPERIENCE LEADER

Your O.A.T. Trip Experience Leader is an insider who lives in the destinations you are exploring. They are not just knowledgeable, but personable and personal—eager to understand your own interests, and happy to share their own. This makes all the diff erence between just visiting a place, and experiencing its true spirit.

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