Morocco Cultural and Jewish Heritage

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival, Casablanca

  After arrival in Casablanca, you will be indirectly escorted to the city of Casablanca.

  The tour starts with a visit to the Museum of Moroccan Judaism, the only museum devoted to Judaism in the Arab world. You can learn the history, religion, traditions and daily life of Jews through the museum's religious, ethnographic and artistic collections. Continue to the Hassan II Mosque, the only mosque in Morocco that allows non-Muslims to enter. When the tour ends, head to the hotel for overnight.

  • Casablanca

• Day 2: Casablanca - Rabat

  In the morning, head for Rabat. Upon arrival, you will explore the historical heritage sites in Rabat with your personal driver.

  You will first view the Royal Palace of Rabat from the outside, followed by the Hassan Tower and the nearby Mausoleum of Mohammed V. Later, wander around the Jewish mellah, which today is home to very few Jewish families. Explore the gardens nearby and the Palace of Rabat before proceeding to the historical Kasbah of Chellah (Necropolis at Chellah) and the elegant Kasbah Oudayas. You may opt to visit the seaside community in Sale - the birthplace of an 18th Century Kabbalist known throughout the Jewish world.

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  • Rabat

• Day 3: Rabat - Chefchaouen

  After breakfast, you will depart to Chefchaouen, well-known for its buildings in shades of blue. On the way, stop in the city of Tetouan. Tetouan Mellah is an old Jewish quarter home to many traditional shops. Meandering through this neighborhood, you'll see beautiful facades, doors and windows embellished with colored ceramics and elegant ironworks. Your afternoon tour in Chefchaouen includes the Outa-el-Hammam Square, the cobblestone medina and the Grand Mosque.

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  • Chefchaouen

• Day 4: Chefchaouen - Meknes - Fez

  After breakfast, a private transfer will take you to Fez. During the way, you will explore the famed Ismailia ancient capital - Meknes. Step into the Bab Mansour, the entrance to the Imperial city proper, and visit the sultan's mausoleum and the Place El-Hedim. The next stopover will be Volubilis, where you could admire ancient Roman ruins. Stroll through the important pilgrimage town Moulay Idriss Zerhoun before driving to Fez for overnight.

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  • Fez

• Day 5: Fez

  Fez is one of the four imperial cities with a history of thousands of years, which remains the oldest mellah of Morocco. Your guided Fez Jewish heritage tour will be combined with synagogues, universities, mosques, cemeteries, and the mellahs, along with gardens and palaces.

  You will learn more about Jewish history stories at the Maimonides and the Danan Synagogue. Passing through the blue gate into the walled medina, you will visit the ancient University of Al-Karaouine, Zaouia of Moulay Idriss II and the fabulous Dar Batha. Maybe you will encounter weavers at work and do some shopping when crossing the narrow and mazy streets.

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  • Fez

• Day 6: Fez - Ifrane - Marrakech

  On the road to Marrakech, you will pass by Ifrane, established during the French colonial era as an alpine-style ski resort nicknamed Little Switzerland. Stop for a view of Ifrane University. The elevation and oceanic climate will make you feel cooler there during summer. Enjoy coffee, tea, and pastries at an outdoor cafe in Ifrane. Continue the drive to Marrakech and make a stop at Zaouiat Cheikh, where one of the thirty dams is scheduled to be built by 2030 for irrigation.

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  • Marrakech

• Day 7: Marrakech City Highlights

  On this day, you will visit the gardens, palaces and Jewish heritage sites in Marrakech. Start your guided city tour from the Majorelle Garden with a rich collection of flora and fauna, and then the Berber Museum inside the garden. When wandering in the colorful Old Spice Market, you will see a wide array of spices. Get a glimpse of the Jewish mellah, the El Bahia Palace, and the Lazama Synagogue in the old medina.

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  • Marrakech

• Day 8: Marrakech - Essaouira

  You will be transferred to Essaouira by a private vehicle. Essaouira, formerly known as its Portuguese name Mogador, is situated by the seaside. Many blue, white and yellow painted houses, fresh seafood, artist community, and blue boats are docked at the pier. The town is also famous for the Gnaoua World Music Festival held annually. Each year, religious Jews from all over the world come to Essaouira for an annual pilgrimage to visit the grave of Rabbi Hain Pinto, who passed away in 1845.

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  • Essaouira

• Day 9: Essaouira

  Feel leisure at the beach, and stay overnight at Essaouira.

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  • Essaouira

• Day 10: Essaouira - Marrakech, Departure

  Enjoy some free time, and then you will be transferred to Marrakech airport for your homebound flight.

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