Tour overview
Discover the rich cultural tapestry of Morocco with an itinerary that highlights the country’s profound Jewish heritage. Begin your journey in Casablanca, where you’ll be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel, setting the stage for an unforgettable adventure. This carefully curated trip not only showcases Morocco’s breathtaking landscapes and historic sites but also delves deeply into its Jewish history. From the remarkable Hassan II Mosque to the enlightening Casablanca Jewish Museum, your travels will explore the unique blend of Moroccan and Jewish culture. Visit sacred sites like the Temple Beth-El Synagogue and the vibrant Jewish quarters in Fez, a city once graced by notable Talmudic scholars. As you journey through Meknes Volubilis, and beyond, you’ll uncover the stories and legacies that have shaped Morocco’s Jewish communities. Each day is thoughtfully designed to provide a captivating glimpse into the spiritual and historical significance of Jewish landmarks across Morocco, ensuring a journey that resonates with both heart and mind. Trust in our expertise to guide you through an enriching and personalized experience, highlighting the Jewish importance woven into the very fabric of Moroccan society.Included
- ● 12 days private transport in an air-conditioned 4x4 or minivan.
- ● Camel trekking through Erg Chebbi dunes along with an overnight in a Sahara camp
- ● licensed local guides Fes and Marrakech
- ● Multi-lingual driver (guide) for the entire trip.
- ● 11 nights in authentic Moroccan riads. ● All breakfasts and a few dinners as per itinerary.
Not Included
- ● Lunches.
- ● Meals not specified in inclusions
- ● Tips for guide, drivers.
- ● Beverages (Drinks).
- ● Flight Tickets.
Day 1 Arrival in Casablanca
Arrival in Morocco at Casablanca's Mohammed V Airport. Transfer to the hotel in the center of Casablanca. Casablanca is home to the largest Jewish community in the country, and continue its traditions, worshipping in several synagogues, eating in kosher restaurants, enjoying recreation at Jewish Community Centers, and attending Jewish schools. Moreover, this city boasts a Jewish Museum, created by the Jewish community, as well as the Foundation of Jewish-Moroccan Cultural Heritage, which is unique in the Arab world. Begin your tour with a visit to the striking and unusual Museum of Moroccan Judaism, built with the support of both Moroccan Jews and
non-Jews. Next, visit Temple Beth-El, the main synagogue, the centerpiece of a once gigantic jewish community. Its stained glass windows are uniquely beautiful and draw tourists from around the world. Continue to the waterfront to see the impressive Hassan Il Mosque. Return to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.Overnight in your Hotel includes bed and breakfast.
Day 2 Casablanca - Rabat - Tangier
This morning, tour Casablanca's uniquely picturesque Jewish Mellah (Quarter). While Jews no longer live within the Mellah, kosher butchers are still found in the old market. The adjacent Jewish cemetery is also impressive, with well-kept markers in French, Hebrew, and Spanish. Next, continue on to Rabat. See the Royal Palace and Hassan Tower, as well as the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, decorated with stained glass, white marble, and a gorgeous dome. Finally, visit Sale, birthplace of Rabbi Hayyim Ben Moses Attar, an 18th century Kabbalist. In the afternoon, continue to Tangier, also known as the Gate of Africa. Upon arrival, Overnight in your Hotel includes bed and breakfast.
Day 3 Tangier - Tetouan
The Jews of Morocco were already living in the coastal, port city of Tingis (Tangier) back in the Phoenician era, but the community really came into prominence in the 18th century. In the 20th century - particularly after 1948 - many Jewish families chose to emigrate from here to South America, particularly to Venezuela. (It is worth noting that Morocco's Jews were never chased out.) Begin sightseeing in colorful Tangier with a visit to its bustling Medina, Grand and Petit Socco, and the Moshe Nahon Synagogue on the Synagogues Street - whose very name attests to the rich Jewish presence here. After Lunch, drive along the panoramic sea-view road towards the white town of Tetouan, where the biggest Jewish Quarter is located. This area once boasted an important Jewish community, most coming from medieval Spain. Some of these scholars were among our most eminent Sephardic Rabbis, such as Jacob Marrache, Menahem Attias, and Itshaq Ben Oualid. Enjoy a visit to Medina, view the exquisite exterior of the Royal Palace, and stroll through the Jewish Quarter, overnight in your Hotel includes bed and breakfast.
Day 4 Tetouan - Chefchaouen - Fez
After breakfast, drive to Chefchaouen, a mystical, blue-hued town nestled between the mountains. (The sky-blue paint, uniquely used throughout, is thought to be a Jewish choice.) Enjoy a walking tour along narrow streets through the Medina. Continue via the Kasbah to Uta El Hammam square, and the Great Mosque (Jamaa El Kebir ), which dates back to the 15th century. In the afternoon, drive to Fez, the religious capital of Morocco. Upon arrival, enjoy a panoramic tour en route to the hotel.overnight in your riad includes bed and breakfast.
Day 5 Fez free day
Today is devoted to Fez, equally renowned during the Middle Ages for its Talmudic studies and eminent Rabbis (including the great Maimonides) and Muslim Scholars. Its numerous synagogues testify to the importance as well as comfort of the Jewish community here. Visit the traditional Muslim study centers (Medersas) en route to the Mellah. Here, visit the well-kept Jewish cemetery and the historic Aben Danan synagogue. Continue to Fez el Jdid, with a view of the exterior of the Royal Palace adjacent to the Mellah. Later, visit the Robben Bensadoun Synagogue en route back to the hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy time at leisure or take an excursion to some of the finest craft centers in the city. overnight in your riad includes bed and breakfast.
Day 6 Fez - Meknes - Volubilis - Fez
Shabbat Shalom. Today, you may choose to rest, or join a tour to nearby Meknes and Volubilis. A few centuries ago, Meknes had an important Jewish community with Spanish origins. Prominent Rabbis included Raphael Berdugo, Daniel Toledano, and David Benmidan, the Patron of Meknes. Although redüced in number, the Jewish community is still very active. Visit the Ismailian capital, famous for its long walls with monumental gates such as Bab Mansour, the Old and New Mellahs, and the Royal stables (Arabian horses, as you may know, are among the most prized in the world). Continue to the ruins of the Roman city of Volubilis, where you will see a Hebrew epitaph proving the existence of a jewish community during the Roman occupation. Return to Fez in the afternoon. overnight in your Hotel includes bed and breakfast.
Day 7 Fez - Ifrane - Ziz Valley - Erfoud
This morning, depart for Erfoud through the Atlas Mountains. En route, pass Ifrane, a charming ski resort, and Azrou, known for its cedar woods. After crossing the spectacular mountains, descend via the gorges and arrive at the Ziz Valley. Continue along oases filled with palm trees; you are now in the legendary Sahara! In Erfoud, visit the tomb of Rabbi Shmuel Abu Hatzeira, grandson of the legendary Moroccan rabbi known as the Abir Yaakov, and first cousin of the Moroccan-Israeli iconic rabbi known as the Baba Sali. His tomb in the Erfoud Cemetery was once exposed to the elements, covered only by a small roof with no walls. In recent years, a formal complex has been built around his grave, including a large function hall where guests can celebrate his annual Hiloula (Yahrzeit). overnight in your Hotel includes bed and breakfast , Dinner.
Day 8 Erfoud - Rissani - Merzouga
Today is devoted to the golden sands of the Sahara. Drive towards Merzouga, located at the edge of seemingly endless dunes. Upon arrival at the Sahara's Luxury Tent Camp, enjoy Lunch. In the afternoon, ride into the desert on a caravan of camels. Later, return to Camp and enjoy time at leisure and to witness the sky turn unimaginably colorful (then unimaginably starry) as the sun sets over the endless sands. Dinner and overnight at the Luxury Tent Camp. Alternatively.
Day 9 Merzouga - Erfoud - Ouarzazate - Ait Ben Haddou
This morning, enjoy a spectacular desert sunrise. After breakfast, depart to the Dades Canyons for a visit to this naturally beautiful sight, then continue to Ouarzazate via the Thousand Kasbah Route and the Dades Valley. Morocco's scenic Ouarzazate is a favorite for the film industry, and many iconic movies have been shot here. Continue to the fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou, the most uniquely preserved fortress in the south of Morocco, which has likewise served as the uniquely exotic setting for many films. Overnight in your Hotel includes bed and breakfast.
Day 10 Ait Ben Haddou - Marrakesh
Today, enjoy a morning tour in quiet Ait Ben Haddou, before visitors arrive from Ouarzazate or Marrakesh. Now, depart to Marrakech via the Tizi n'Tichka pass, which offers an impressive landscape in the heart of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. Marrakesh, longtime trading hub and cultural crossroads, is Morocco's second oldest Imperial city, a lush oasis known as "the Pearl of the South." With its winding streets, colorful homes and shops, and fascinating energy, it is a world-class delight that has long mesmerized celebrities - from rock stars to business magnates - from around the world. The chic French influence in Marrakesh is also palpable, blending the city's
African feel with the culture of Europe, Upon arrival in Marrakesh, begin touring with a visit to the colorful and sensual Majorelle Garden - once the pride of designer Yves Saint Laurent - and continue to explore the city that connects the Sahara to the rest of Morocco. Check-in at the hotel, located in the center of the chic Gueliz area of Marrakesh. Before the sun sets, visit the nearby famed Djemaa El Fna Square, packed with everything from storytellers to snake charmers. Radisson Blue Carre.
Day 11 Marrakesh free day
a strong Jewish community (like many others in the Arab world) specialized in commerce and handicrafts, and there are still some prominent Jewish families here. Today is reserved to explore this fascinating city. See the Koutoubia Tower (the city's landmark) and the Bahia Palace. Later, visit the Mellah, with the Salat Al Azama Synagogue and Jewish Center. Next, visit the peaceful and well-preserved Jewish cemetery. In the afternoon, visit the Menara Garden. You may also visit the souks and handicraft quarters, with a chance for last-minute gift shopping. Overnight in your Hotel includes bed and breakfast.
Day 12 Marrakesh - Home flights
After breakfast and at your convenience, your driver will escort you to the airport for departure. Safe travels!
