Morocco Jewish Tours

5.0 (387 reviews)
11 days
From
$5760
Overview
Itinerary in details
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Duration:
11 days itinerary
Destinations:
Rabat | Meknes | Volubilis | Fes | Marrakech | Skoura | Merzouga | Ouarzazate | Casablanca
Theme:
Cultural Exploration, Historical Discovery, Adventure, Culinary Delight (Kosher)

Explore Morocco's Jewish Heritage

Discover the rich history of Morocco's Jewish community through ancient synagogues, vibrant Mellahs, and historic cemeteries.

Enjoy Kosher Cuisine & Shabbat Hospitality

Relish kosher culinary delights and join local families for heartwarming Shabbat celebrations.

Admire Moroccan Architecture

Witness Morocco's architectural marvels, including Royal Palaces, grand gates, and beautifully crafted synagogues.

Adventure Through Natural Landscapes

Journey across the High Atlas Mountains and the Sahara, experiencing camel treks and 4x4 rides to uncover oases and kasbahs.

Experience Cultural Diversity

Dive into the mix of Jewish, Arab, and Berber traditions in medinas, souks, and artisanal workshops.

Meet Local Communities

Connect with Moroccan communities, from Jewish families to traditional artisans, enriching your journey with personal interactions.

Judith Reynolds

Morocco Travel Expert

Are you ready for a Moroccan adventure tailored just for you?

Contact me today, and together, we'll craft a hassle-free, unforgettable journey exclusively for you.

1
Monday: Casablanca | Unveiling Jewish Rabat

Shalom Alechem!

Welcome to Casablanca, the vibrant economic heart of Morocco. Your journey in Morocco begins with the warmest of welcomes, as your personal driver - knowledgeable and friendly - greets you at the airport. You'll be promptly transferred to your luxury riad in Rabat. With every detail meticulously handled.

Should you arrive early, your personal local guide accompanies you on an enchanting exploration of Rabat, delving into its vibrant history and awe- inspiring architecture.

Stroll through the Jewish quarter, Rabbi Shalom Zaoui Shul, and the Alliance Israélite Universelle (AIU). Marvel at the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the Kasbah of the Udayas, before admiring the Royal Palace and the ancient ruins of Chellah.

If your arrival is late in the day, unwind and rejuvenate preparing for the adventures that await the following day.

Note: The Jewish heritage tour of Casablanca is thoughtfully scheduled for the final day of your journey.

2
Tuesday: Delving into Jewish Meknes, Volubilis & Venturing to Fes

Savor a delectable breakfast before transfer to Meknes, the "Versailles of Morocco", renowned for its grand architecture and Jewish heritage.

With your personal local guide, explore the Jewish Quarter, the shul, Jewish Cemetery, and the Dar Jamai Music Museum, which houses exhibits on traditional Moroccan and Jewish music and instruments.

Next, visit the 18th-century Heri es Souani complex, which houses the granaries and horse stables of Sultan Moulay Ismail. Marvel at Bab Mansour, Morocco's most famed gateway.

The journey continues to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you delve into Morocco's Roman past.

En route to Fes, pause to capture the mesmerizing panoramic view of Moulay Idriss, a spiritually significant town named after Morocco's first dynasty founder.

3
Wednesday: Fes - A Journey Through Jewish Heritage and Moroccan Culture

Start your day in Fes's walled medina, a maze alive with spice aromas and artisanal sounds, reflecting Moroccan tradition. With your local guide, explore hidden corners that reveal Fes's character.

Start at the Royal Palace to appreciate Fes's regal past, then proceed to the Miaara Jewish Cemetery and the tombstone of Lalla Solica, paying tribute to a revered Jewish martyr. Continue through the Jewish Quarter to the Ben Danan Synagogue, a focal point of Jewish faith and community.

Next, visit the Foundouk Nejjarine, a caravanserai-turned-museum showcasing woodcraft, and the Bou Inania Madrasa, highlighting Merinid design from 1358.

At the renowned Tannery, observe artisans crafting leather goods, a generations-old practice. Continue to an atelier where master craftsmen create Zellij tiles, embodying Morocco's artistic heritage.

Wander the souk market, a vibrant mix of colors, scents, and sounds, then explore a traditional "F'rnatchi", a bakery that also warms the nearby hammam, highlighting Moroccan ingenuity.

End your day at your boutique guest house, a peaceful retreat.

4
Thursday: Fes to Marrakech

After a leisurely breakfast catch a 1-hour flight to Marrakech, bypassing the 7-hour drive. Your personal driver will facilitate your transfer to the Fes airport, and upon landing in Marrakech, another driver will escort you to your elegant riad.

After settling in, spend your afternoon at the Yves Saint Laurent Moroccan Gardens, a testament to the designer's love for Marrakech, blending art with nature.

Conclude your day with a nostalgic horse carriage tour of the city, an experience that transports you to an era of traditional charm and elegance.

5
Friday: Unearthing the Wonders of Jewish Marrakech - (Shabbat Hospitality)

Begin a full-day guided exploration of Marrakech, where past and present meld to form a dynamic, enchanting atmosphere.

Led by your knowledgeable personal guide, admire the Koutoubia Minaret, a Moorish architectural masterpiece, before exploring the Jewish quarter, cemetery (Miaara), Slat Lazama shul, and the splendid Bahia Palace.

Wander through the historic Kasbah and discover the Saadian Tombs, a testament to Morocco's vibrant history and the final resting place of the Royal Family.

Next, indulge in the beauty of the Majorelle Gardens and immerse yourself in the bustling souks, where skilled Moroccan craftsmen showcase their talents.

Conclude the day by venturing into the iconic Jemaa El Fna Square, the epicenter of trade and commerce that has defined the city for centuries.

To cap off your journey, join a Jewish Moroccan family for a traditional Shabbat celebration. Experience the warmth of the local Jewish community as you savor a delectable kosher Shabbat meal.

Shabbat Shalom!

6
Saturday: Shabbat in Marrakech

In the morning, embrace the serenity of Shabbat by attending Shacharit and Kiddush at the shul.

Afterward, delight in a traditional Moroccan Shabbat lunch with a local Jewish family, savoring their flavors and hospitality.

In the afternoon, relax and soak in the city's energy before an evening of captivating entertainment.

Witness a fusion of Moroccan songs, traditional dances, fantasia, and equestrian acrobatics that showcase the rich cultural heritage of Morocco in a spellbinding performance.

7
Sunday: A Journey from Marrakech through the High Atlas Mountains to Skoura Oasis

Bid farewell to magical city of Marrakech and journey through the High Atlas Mountains to Skoura's oasis. The Tizi Ntichka pass offers breathtaking views of peaks and valleys, enhancing the travel experience.

Visit Telouet, a historic Berber village rich in culture, once a pivotal stop along the Sahara to Marrakech caravan route. Make a meaningful detour to Agouim to visit the grave of Rabbi David Ou Moshe, a site of deep spiritual significance.

Discover Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with your local guide explaining its history and its role as a favored filming location for Hollywood, earning it a cinematic allure.

Proceed to Ouarzazate, the "Hollywood of Morocco", exploring the iconic Taourirt Kasbah, once a stronghold of the powerful Pasha El Glaoui.

Conclude your day in Skoura, within a charming guesthouse in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, surrounded by the peaceful ambiance of palm groves and the fragrance of orange blossoms, offering a perfect setting for relaxation.

8
Monday - High Canyons and Oasis Adventure to the Sahara

After breakfast, visit the Ameridil Kasbah in Skoura, a 17th-century fortress that graces the 50-dirham note, showcasing Morocco's rich heritage.

Next, head to Kalaat M'gouna, known as the Town of Roses, for its annual rose festival. Drive to Tinrhir to explore the Old Jewish Quarter or Mellah, where Jewish culture once thrived, notably in its unique architecture and communal practices.

After visiting the Mellah, head to the Todra Canyons, where lunch amidst towering cliffs offers a scenic break.

Continue to Erfoud, making stops at the Oasis Museum Khorbat to delve into Berber culture and the ancient Khattarat irrigation system, a testament to ingenious agricultural practices.

In Erfoud, by late afternoon, take a thrilling 4x4 ride to Merzouga, then experience the Sahara with a spectacular sunset camel trek.

Arrive at your deluxe Berber tents, where nomadic charm meets modern comfort. Enjoy dinner under the starlit sky, a serene and memorable culinary experience. The night is further enhanced with live Saharan music around the campfire, adding to the magic of the desert.

Guests opting out of the camel trek can take a 4x4 directly to the camp for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

9
Tuesday: From the Great Sahara to the Draa Valley & Ouarzazate

Embark on a picturesque long drive towards Ouarzazate via Rissani, pausing to explore its bustling traditional souk, the largest in southern Morocco (open on Tue, Thu, and Sun).

Continue your journey through the breathtaking Draa Valley, famed for its stunning landscapes and scenic vistas.

Upon arrival in Ouarzazate in the late afternoon, check into your hotel and unwind after a day of exploration.

10
Wednesday: Ouarzazate | Casablanca

Early in the morning, transfer to Ouarzazate airport for a domestic flight to Casablanca.

Upon arrival, freshen up before venturing out to explore Casablanca's most iconic Jewish landmarks, including the Jewish Museum, the Beth El Shul, Jewish Quarter and the magnificent Hassan II Mosque.

Cap off your exploration tour of Moroccan jewish heritage with a special farewell dinner at the iconic Rick's Café, immersing you in a scene straight from the classic movie 'Casablanca'.

11
Thursday: Homeward Journey

Today, your personal driver ensures a smooth transfer to the airport for your departure.

Though your journey with Zayan ends at the airport, the memories, stories and connections you've made will continue to resonate for a long time.

Request a Quote

Judith Reynolds

Morocco Travel Expert

Are you ready for a Moroccan adventure tailored just for you?

Contact me today, and together, we'll craft a hassle-free, unforgettable journey exclusively for you.

Inquire Now

Complete the form below, and a Zayan Travel Consultant will contact you within a few hours to confirm availability and finalize your booking. For any questions, call Zayan at +1 203-921-7133

If possible, please specify the number of travelers with you, your intended stay duration, and the month of your travel.

Judith Reynolds

Morocco Travel Expert

Are you ready for a Moroccan adventure tailored just for you?

Contact me today, and together, we'll craft a hassle-free, unforgettable journey exclusively for you.

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