Mohamed organized everything for us !
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Experience the rich cultural heritage of Morocco through a journey of its Jewish history with Travel Exploration’s Jewish Heritage Morocco Tour. This unique tour offers an immersive and authentic experience for the discerning traveler looking to explore the enduring influence of Jewish traditions, customs, and architecture on Moroccan society.
Explore the fascinating historic synagogues, cemeteries, and architectural treasures that have stood the test of time and continue to inspire awe and wonder. Take a stroll through the vibrant and colorful markets, or souks, and immerse yourself in the sounds, smells, and flavors of Moroccan life.
From attending Jewish Shabbat services to enjoying dinner at the home of a local rabbi, this tour offers a rare and valuable opportunity to connect with the local community and gain a deeper understanding of Moroccan Jewish culture.
With a focus on cultural immersion and education, this tour is the perfect choice for the cultured traveler seeking a unique and enriching experience in Morocco. Discover the diversity and vibrancy of Morocco’s Jewish heritage and create memories that will last a lifetime.
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Airport transfer | Casablanca |
| Day 2 | Casablanca Jewish heritage sightseeing tour, night in Rabat | Rabat |
| Day 3 | Rabat Sightseeing, head to Fez | Fez |
| Day 4 | Cultural & Jewish heritage sites city tour of Fez | Fez |
| Day 5 | Sefrou day trip | Fez |
| Day 6 | Onwards to Marrakech through Ifrane and Beni Mellal | Marrakech |
| Day 7 | Historical guided city tour of Marrakech | Marrakech |
| Day 8 | Free day to discover other sites of the red city | Marrakech |
| Day 9 | Day trip to Essaouira to explore its Jewish heritage | Marrakech |
| Day 10 | Airport departure |
The arrival time of your flight
Upon arrival at Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport, enjoy a delicious kosher dinner at a restaurant in the city center. For those arriving early in the morning, visit the iconic Temple Beth-El, the centerpiece of a once thriving Jewish community. Admire the craftsmanship of the stained glass windows and take a moment to soak up the history of this revered synagogue. If time permits, consider a visit to the equally impressive Temples Em Habanim and Neve Chalom. Retire for the night at the hotel in Casablanca.
Discover the rich Jewish heritage of Casablanca by visiting the Museum of Moroccan Judaism, the first of its kind in the Arab world. Spanning over 700 square meters, this museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and ethnography of Moroccan Jews. Established in 1997 by the Jewish Community of Casablanca and the Foundation of Jewish-Moroccan Cultural Heritage, the museum features religious, artistic, and ethnographic objects that depict the daily life, traditions, and religion of the Jewish community in the context of Moroccan civilization. The museum employs world-class conservation standards to preserve its national and international collections. Located in a residential neighborhood, the Jewish Museum in Casablanca is a must-visit for both locals and tourists. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Mellah and the Jewish Cemetery, which offer further insights into the Jewish community’s rich history and traditions in Casablanca.
Visit the Mosque of Hassan II’s promontory offers lovely views overlooking Casa in the residential Afna quarter. After touring the Mosque, head over to the New Town of Casablanca also designed by the French architect Henri Prost.
Overnight at the Hotel in Rabat.
Visit Rabat, and then take the road to visit Meknes and the Roman Ruins of Volubilis.
Visit the Royal Palace, the Hassan tower which stands on the hill overlooking the Wadi Bou Regreg. It is a gigantic mosque, emblematic of Rabat and famous for its unfinished minaret where storks nest. Next door, visit the beautiful Mausoleum of Mohammed V decorated with stained glass windows, white marble and a wrought-iron entryway with a stairway leading to an impressive dome. Visit the Jewish Mellah which today is now the home of very few Jewish families.
Visit the Jewish Quarter on arrival in Meknes. Explore the Jewish Mellah, with its narrow lanes and colorful courtyards. The presence of Jewish history is evident in the Hebraic epitaphs that date back to the Christian era. These epitaphs along with Greek inscriptions can be seen on the Meknes Jewish zaouia, a place of pilgrimage where the tomb of Rabbi David Benmidan still resides.
Begin your visit by discovering the fascinating Roman ruins adorned with beautiful mosaics and colorful tiles depicting Roman mythology. The ruins are spread out across several acres and what remains visible are several fragments of wall, parts of massive columns, the capitol, the basilica and a triumphal arch. The ruins reveal how the Roman Empire transformed the original Carthaginian settlement into a typical Roman city complete with mansions, a town center, a triumphal arch and temples devoted to the Roman gods. Commence your visit in Volubilis, and then take the road to Fez.
Overnight at the Hotel in Fez.
Discover the hidden gem of Fez – the Mellah, a collection of 17th century buildings that are unmarked on their exteriors yet provide a glimpse into the rich history of the Jewish community in Morocco. Explore the vast Jewish cemetery and witness the picturesque whitewashed tombs. Don’t miss the nascent Jewish Museum at the Em HaBanim synagogue. Lastly, visit the University of Al-Karaouine for a deeper understanding of the city’s scholarly heritage.
Overnight at the Hotel in Fez
Step into the historic town of Sefrou, renowned in its heyday as Little Jerusalem. Experience the rich Jewish heritage of the town through its quaint walled white pedestrian medina adorned with wooden balconies that once belonged to its Jewish inhabitants. Don’t miss the cherry festival that Sefrou is famous for. Marvel at the mellah that constitutes half of the old city, witness to the significant influence that the Jewish community had in the region, including producing a rabbi who was elected to Parliament.
Overnight in Fez.
Embark on a picturesque journey to Marrakech and pause en route to marvel at the stunning Ifrane University view. Stroll through the delightful garden to witness the “Little Switzerland” of Morocco with its charming architecture, picturesque cedar forest, and skiing options. Originally developed by the French for their administration during the protectorate era due to its Alpine climate, the town boasts a remarkable European style. Relax at an outdoor cafe and indulge in some delectable tea, coffee, and pastries. Visit Zaouia Cheikh, one of the scheduled 30 dams to be built in Morocco by 2030 as part of King Mohammed VI’s vision for irrigation. Satisfy your appetite with an enjoyable lunch at Hotel Paris in Beni Mellal. Unwind at a Boutique Hotel or Riad in Marrakech for a peaceful overnight stay.
Commence your day with an authentic breakfast before embarking on a journey through Marrakech. Our knowledgeable tour guide will accompany you to explore the city’s most significant and culturally rich landmarks, including the Synagogue, Mellah, El Bahia Palace, The Koutoubia mosque, The market, and Jemaa El Fna square. Tuck into a hearty lunch at a traditional restaurant situated in the new city. In the afternoon, hop inside the car and explore the contemporary side of Marrakech, and wander through the lush gardens of Majorelle. To complete your evening, you may opt for a delicious dinner at a Kosher Restaurant.
The iconic La Mamounia Gardens and Hotel, situated at the core of Marrakech, boasts a rich history, dating back to 1929. Maintained by 40 skilled gardeners, the gardens remain a sight to behold, with 60,000 annual plants installed twice a year to enhance the beauty of the immaculately trimmed grass under the citrus-and-olive orchards, rose gardens, desert gardens, tropical gardens, and numerous fountains. The centuries-old avenue of olive trees will lead you to the serene garden pavilion where you can unwind with a cup of Moroccan mint tea.
Visit Abderrazzak Benchaabane’s Palmeraie Gardens & Museum, a prominent Marrakech attraction. Benchaabane, a famous Garden Designer, Ethno botanist, Perfumer, Teacher, Photographer, Writer, and publisher, has transformed stables and piste buildings into a museum and private collection of Moroccan contemporary and modern art. Rest for the night at one of Marrakech’s finest Boutiques Hotels or Riads.
Depart for Seaside Essaouira, a seaside fishing town known for its Portuguese and Jewish History along with hand painted charming blue, white and yellow painted houses, fresh seafood and artist community.
Essaouira’s charming artist colony that boasts lovely whitewashed and blue-shuttered houses, colonnades, thuya wood workshops, art galleries and mouth watering seafood. Once called Mogador by European sailors and traders, Essaouira is known for its annual Gnaoua Music Festival that attracts 300,000+ people in June. It also has an expansive beach for surfing called Plage de Safi.
Many of Essaouira’s painted houses still have the Star of David above the doorways of Jewish homes. Each year religious Jews from around the world come to Essaouira for an annual pilgrimage to visit the grave of Rabbi Haim Pinto who passed on in 1845. The hiloula celebrating Rabbi Haim Pinto is held each September. Today the home of Rabbi Haim Pinto and the synagogue have been preserved as a historic and religious site. The building is an active synagogue, used when pilgrims or Jewish tour groups visit the city. A generation ago there were Jewish inhabitants in Essaouira however today there is just one family left called the Jacky Kadoch family and descendants of other Jewish families. Jacky Kadoch is the president of Essaouira’s Jewish community.
Overnight in Marrakech.
Departure to Casablanca or Marrakech’s airport.
