Morocco

12 days Jewish tours to Morocco

Morocco in Depth

Jewish people may have misgivings about visiting a Muslim country, but beautiful Morocco is not only safe, it is welcoming. Even with the decline of the Moroccan Jewish population after the formation of Israel, Jews have continued to live here, eating kosher food, attending Jewish schools, and attending one of many synagogues. The cemeteries, too, are beautifully tended, often by Moroccan « shomrim » (custodians) who take their duties seriously and faithfully.

Visit a land which has enjoyed the influence of Jewish life for centuries, incorporating it into its very fiber. Most cities in Morocco feature a Jewish Quarter (or Mellah), and many were the birthplace of some of our most prominent Rabbinical scholars and Kabbalists. What other country offers a touch of Arabia, a touch of Africa, the starry Sahara desert (with a luxurious tent camp experience), a beautiful Sephardic presence and a sweet, welcoming populace ? Come to Morocco and feel the magic yourself.

Explore Our 7 DAY JEWISH TOURS TO MOROCCO

Day 1 Monday 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 II Mosque. Return to the hotel and enjoy remainder of the day at leisure. Hotel Le Doge.

Day 2 Tuesday 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, check in at the hotel. Hilton Hotel. (B)

Day 3 Wednesday 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 the Medina, view the exquisite exterior of the Royal Palace, and stroll through the Jewish Quarter. Check-in at the hotel. Sofitel Tamuda Bay Beach and Spa. (B)

Day 4 Thursday Tetouan – Chechaouene – Fez

This morning, 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. Hotel Sahrai. (B)

Day 5 Friday Fez

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 Roben 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. Hotel Sahrai. (B)

Day 6 Saturday 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. Its prominent  Rabbis included Raphael Berdugo, Daniel Toledano, and David Benmidan, the Patron of Meknes. Although reduced in number, the Jewish community is still very active. Visit the Ismaïlian 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. Hotel Sahrai. (B)

Day 7 Sunday 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 to 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). Check-in to the hotel with Dinner included. Kasbah Xaluca. (B/D)

Day 8 Monday 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, spend the overnight in Hotel Kasbah Tombuctou, located by the immense sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. (B/L/D)

Day 9 Tuesday 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 Aït Ben Haddou, the most uniquely preserved fortress in the south of Morocco, which has likewise served as the uniquely exotic setting for many films. Riad Ksar Ighnda. (B)

Day 10 Wednesday Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakesh

Today, enjoy a morning tour in quiet Ait Ben Haddou, before visitors arrive from Ouarzazate or Marrakesh. Now, depart to Marrakesh 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 on 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 story tellers to snake charmers. Radisson Blue Carre Eden. (B)

Day 11 Thursday Marrakesh

Marrakesh’s 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 Slat 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. Radisson Blu Hotel Carre Eden. (B)

Day 12 Friday Marrakesh – Home flights

Time for an early breakfast. Afterwards, transfer to the airport for return flights, or continue on a post-tour extension: “Beyond the Morocco Experience.” (B)