Jewish History Morocco Tour 9D/8N

Overview

Embark on a captivating 9-day journey designed to unveil the deep and resonant Jewish history woven into the fabric of Morocco. This tour takes you from the bustling port of Casablanca to the spiritual heart of Fes and the vibrant energy of Marrakech, exploring ancient Mellahs, sacred synagogues, and the enduring legacy of Moroccan Jewry. It's a profound exploration for anyone interested in history, culture, and heritage.

Highlights

• Visit the Museum of Moroccan Judaism in Casablanca.
• Explore the historic Mellahs of Fes, Meknes, and Marrakech.
• Discover ancient synagogues like Aben Danan in Fes and Lazama in Marrakech.
• Pay respects at the tombs of important Tzadikim (righteous sages).
• Journey through the Imperial Cities of Rabat, Meknes, Fes, and Marrakech.
• Experience the blend of Jewish and Moroccan cultures.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca Arrive at Mohammed V Airport (CMN), where you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. We begin with a visit to the Hassan II Mosque, a modern marvel, and then explore the Beth-El Synagogue, a central part of Casablanca's Jewish community. Dinner and overnight in Casablanca.

Day 2: Casablanca → Rabat → Meknes → Fes Visit the Museum of Moroccan Judaism, the only Jewish museum in the Arab world. We then travel to Rabat to see the Chellah necropolis and the Kasbah of the Udayas. Continue to Meknes to explore its historical Jewish quarter (Mellah) and the tomb of Rabbi David Ben-Imdan. Arrive in Fes in the evening.

Day 3: Fes Jewish Heritage Tour A full day dedicated to the rich Jewish history of Fes. We will visit the Mellah, the 17th-century Aben Danan Synagogue, and the sprawling Jewish cemetery, where you can find the tomb of the martyr Solica Hatchouel. Explore the ancient streets and learn about the city's once-thriving Jewish community.

Day 4: Fes City Exploration Today we explore the rest of Fes, the oldest of Morocco's imperial cities. We'll visit the Bou Inania Madrasa, the famous tanneries, and the Quaraouiyine Mosque (exterior view). The afternoon is free for you to explore the labyrinthine souks.

Day 5: Fes → Sefrou → Bhalil → Ifrane → Midelt We take a day trip to Sefrou, a town known for its strong Jewish heritage and once called "Little Jerusalem." We explore its Mellah and shrines. We continue through the Atlas mountains, stopping at Bhalil and Ifrane, before arriving in Midelt.

Day 6: Midelt → Ziz Valley → Erfoud → Merzouga Travel south towards the Sahara, passing through the scenic Ziz Valley with its vast palm groves. We stop in Erfoud, known for its fossil discoveries, before arriving at the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga. Tonight, we stay in a hotel at the dune line.

Day 7: Merzouga → Todra Gorge → Dades Valley Today you can choose an optional sunrise camel trek. We then depart for the Dades Valley, stopping to admire and walk through the magnificent Todra Gorge, a massive canyon. We continue along the "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs."

Day 8: Dades Valley → Ouarzazate → Ait Benhaddou → Marrakech We drive to Ouarzazate, the "Hollywood of Morocco," and visit the iconic Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We then cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass to arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon.

Day 9: Marrakech Jewish Heritage & Departure A morning tour of Marrakech’s Jewish heritage, including the Mellah, the Lazama Synagogue, and the Miara Cemetery. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to Marrakech-Menara Airport (RAK) for your departure.

What's Included

• Private A/C vehicle transportation.
• Experienced English-speaking driver/guide.
• 8 nights of accommodation.
• Daily breakfasts and dinners.
• Guided city tours focused on Jewish heritage.

What's Not Included

• Lunches and drinks.
• Flights.
• Entrance fees to monuments.
• Personal expenses and tips.