Day 1 : Casablanca – Arrive in Morocco’s Most Contemporary City
Welcome to Casablanca, a city with a French colonial legacy and traditional Arab Culture. This bustling city serves as the main gateway to Morocco and is well-known for its picturesque Medina alleys lined with Moorish buildings. From the world’s second-largest mosque to some of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in Morocco, there are plenty of amazing attractions on every corner of the city. We will let you rest after a long flight and take you on a tour of the Casablanca’s Jewish Neighborhood first thing in the morning.
Day 2 : Casablanca – A Full-Day Tour of Morocco’s Current Jewish Neighborhood – Rabat
Our Jewish Heritage tour of Casablanca starts with a visit to the city’s most famous synagogues including the Beth El, Eim Habanim and David Hamelekh, which is located in the beachside Corniche quarter. Although Jews no longer live in the old Jewish Mellah of Casablanca, it’s still a great place to visit and check out the kosher butchers in the old market. Our next stop is the Jewish cemetery in the mellah where we will come across beautiful white stone markers in French, Hebrew, and Spanish. Created by the Jewish Community of Casablanca in 1997, the Museum of Moroccan Judaism in Casablanca houses numerous religious, ethnographic, and artistic objects that focus on the daily life of the Jewish people. Expect to see many paintings and sculptures, as well as Torahs and Chanukah lamps at the Jewish Museum in Casablanca. If time allows, we will take you to visit the lovely Casablanca’s Jewish Club. There are many traditional kosher bakeries and restaurants in the city including places like Cercle de L’Alliance and La Truffe. We will be leaving Casablanca and heading out to the capital of Morocco, Rabat.
Day 3 : Tour Rabat and Sale on route to Chefchaouen
No visit to Morocco is complete without spending a few hours in the country’s capital, Rabat. You will be happy to hear that the city is home to a small Jewish community which includes one active synagogue and one kosher restaurant. The city of Rabat boasts many interesting historical attractions including the Royal Palace and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. In the old medina, we will come across many traditional Moroccan souvenirs. There is also a nice flea market in this part of the city.
Later in the day, our experienced local guide is taking you to the town of Sale which is famous for its iconic Great Mosque and the Mausoleum of Sidi Ben Ashir. Expect to see many shopping souks selling everything from fresh produce and spices to jewelry and household goods.
Day 4 : Guided Visit to Chefchaouen Home to Historical Synagogues
Our next stop is Chefchaouen, also known as Morocco’s blue city. Home to many historic synagogues, this beautiful town was founded back in the 15th century Jewish and Moorish people moved here to escape from the Reconquista of Spain. The most popular attractions in the city are the Medina, the 15th century Kasbah, and Utta El Hamam square. The city’s medina is a perfect spot for leisurely strolls and here you will have an opportunity to buy authentic traditional souvenirs. Popular with tourists because of its picturesque octagonal minaret, the Grand Mosque of Chefchaouen boasts stunning architecture and is one of the most important buildings in the town.
Day 5 : Chefchaouen – Asjen (Mausoleum Rabbi Amram ben Diwan), then See the 17th-Century Capital at Meknes and Ruins at Volubilis
In the morning, our professional guide is taking to see the shrine of Rabbi Amram ben Diwane. Located in the small village of Azjen, it is one of Morocco’s major Jewish shrines. Once we arrive in Meknes, we will take you to the city’s Jewish Quarter which is well-known for its colorful courtyard and narrow lanes. See the Hebraic epitaphs and Greek inscriptions that date back to the Christina era and admire the beauty of the tomb of Rabbi David Benmidan. In the afternoon, our guide is taking you to see the famous ruins at Volubilis. These fascinating Roman ruins are spread across several acres of land and including remains of the basilica, the capitol, massive columns, and a triumphal arch. Transfer to Fes.
Day 6 : Fes – Visit the Historical Jewish Neighborhood and Restored Synagogue
Your Morocco travel itinerary continues with a visit to the beautiful city of Fes. It is one of the best-known cities in medieval Jewish history, so it should come as no surprise that we will be spending the entire day here. The city’s mellah which was founded back in the 15th century is a great place to start our travel adventure in Fes. The nearby Jewish
cemetery is home to many tombs of Jewish saints including the
famous Solica. You will also be visiting dozens of Jewish Heritage sites including Synagogues, Universities, and Mosques during our guided tour of the city.
Day 7 : Fes – Sahara Desert – See the Synagogue of Midelt and an Evening in the Desert
Before we embark on a journey to the Sahara Desert, we will visit the charming town of Midelt. Surrounded by the majestic Ayachi Mountain, the town is home to a lovely synagogue and the Christian monastery called Kasbah Myriem. Another excellent place of interest is El Karma Couscous, a place where local village women gather and organize many excellent workshops. If you want to learn how to make hand-rolled couscous, this is where to go. An evening visit to the desert is included in our travel itinerary.
Day 8 : Sahara Desert – See the Synagogue of Midelt and an Evening in the Desert
Day 9 : Sahara – Explore the Dadès Gorge, the Ancient City of Jews and Rose Valley
A dramatic landscape, Dadès Gorge is a great addition to our Jewish Heritage Travel itinerary. These beautiful valleys offer some of the most spectacular scenery in Morocco including spectacular views of the Dades River below. You will also come across the famous Rose Valley which sits in the shadow of the Central Atlas.
Day 10 : Skoura – Find an Adobe Synagogue in Arazan en route to Taroudant
Founded in the 12th century, Skoura is one of many kasbahs on the road between Tafialet and Ouarzazate. The impressive 17th century Amerhidl Kasbah is the main attraction here and thousands of travelers come to visit this place every year. There are also several other kasbahs along this route including Dar Ait Sidi el-Mati, Ben Amar, and Ait Ben Abou Kasbahs. Later in the day, our guides will take you to admire the sheer beauty of the Tarodaunt Synagogue in the tiny village of Arazan. Adorned with spectacular Amazigh decorations, this Adobe synagogue is one of Morocco’s best-kept secrets.
Day 11 : Taroudant – Marrakech
Known as little Marrakech, Taroudant is the next destination on our
Morocco travel adventure journey. Explore Taroudant’s souqs and
squares which are blessed with Maghrebi mystique. The town’s
medina offers a more laid-back vibe than Marrakesh and is a good
base for a variety of activities such as trekking. Make sure to get some
rest in the evening, since our next destination is the amazing city of
Marrakesh which is one of the tour’s highlights.