Morocco 7 days

7 days Jewish tours to Casablanca, Rabat, Essaouira and Marrakesh

A taste of Morocco

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, a beautiful Sephardic presence and a sweet, welcoming populace?

EXPLORE OUR 12 DAY JEWISH TOURS TO MOROCCO

Day 1 Arrival in Casablanca (Monday)

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 Casablanca – Rabat (Tuesday)

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, check in at the hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure. Villa Mandarine Hotel. (B)

Day 3 Rabat – Essaouira (Wednesday)

After breakfast, drive towards breezy coastal city of Essaouira. This is one of the loveliest places in Morocco, a multicultural center that has captivated household names like Jimi Hendrix, Orson Welles, and the Rolling Stones. Essaouira’s charm still lures creative souls to its whitewashed fishing village, trimmed with the brilliant azure of the skies. Stroll around the Jewish Quarter (Mellah) that covers one tenth of the town. Jewish stars on the doors show the degree to which Jews thrived in Essaouira, to the point that some richer Jews lived outside the Quarters. Essaouira’s Medina was built in the 18th century; nowadays, the city is a World Heritage Site protected by UNESCO. Here is the favorite place for most Moroccan artists and musicians, as well as the site of the popular music festival called “Gnawa,” an old spiritual art form of North-Africa. Former inhabitants of Essaouira, most of them Jewish, formed a committee to rehabilitate this unique and precious town. The Jewish cemetery, just outside the city gates, is extremely well kept, and two historical synagogues (Chaim Pinto and Simon Attias), have undergone restoration and were re-inaugurated. Later, check-in at the hotel. Essaouira Atlas Hotel. (B)

Day 4 Essaouira – Marrakesh (Thursday)

Today, depart for Marrakesh. This 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 5 Marrakesh (Friday)

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 6 Marrakesh (Saturday)

A day of leisure in Marrakesh to explore Marrakesh on your own, or maybe make an optional day trip to Ait Ben Haddou across the Atlas Mountains. Radisson Blu Carre Eden. (B)

Day 7 Marrakesh – Home Flights (Sunday)

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