Jewish Tour to the Land of Mystery and Magic, Morocco –12 Days

Discover the rich heritage of Jewish culture with Jewish tours of Morocco. These unique journeys offer an immersive experience into Morocco’s vibrant Jewish history, exploring ancient synagogues, historic Jewish quarters, and cultural landmarks. Visitors can learn about the coexistence of Jewish and Moroccan traditions, sample traditional cuisine, and engage with local communities. Whether wandering through the old medinas of Casablanca or visiting the ancient Mellah of Marrakech, these tours provide a meaningful connection to Morocco’s Jewish past. Perfect for history enthusiasts and cultural travelers alike, Jewish tours of Morocco celebrate a remarkable legacy.

The beautiful kingdom of Morocco welcomes with open arms all who wish to spend a wonderful time in this land of history and magic, especially Jewish people who will find a safe and familiar harbor in the Jewish heritage of the country. The Moroccan Jewish population might have decreased after the creation of Israel, but it is still a strong community with strong traditions that attend Jewish schools and visit the many wonderful synagogues scattered across the country. Jewish cemeteries are also a sight to see, as they are beautifully cared for by Moroccan “shomrim” (custodians) with the utmost faith and respect. The Jewish influence can be felt everywhere on the land, as most Moroccan cities will open their Jewish Quarter (Mellah) for you to explore, and you’ll find that some of the most famous Rabbinical scholars and Kabbalists were born here. Morocco is a culturally-fueled experience of the Arabian, African, and Sephardic heritage, with a luxurious camp experience in the unforgettable Sahara desert on top. What are you waiting for? Morocco awaits you to make your dreams come true.

Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca

We’ll wait for you outside Mohammed V Airport when you arrive. The Jewish community of the city counts 4,500 devoted, over 30 synagogues, kosher restaurants, a beautiful Jewish Community Center, and, of course, Jewish schools. Not to mention, the Casablanca Jewish Museum is quite a unique sight and one that is not to be missed, as it was founded thanks to the Jewish community and the Foundation of Jewish-Moroccan Cultural Heritage. Your visit to Casablanca will start with the very heart of the Jewish community, Temple Beth-El, whose main charm is certainly the stained-glass windows that attract millions of tourists every year. Next, you can choose to visit the impressive Temple Em Habanim and Neve Chalom. Later, dinner will be served at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, where you will spend your first Moroccan night.

Day 2 : Casablanca – Rabat – Tangier

You can start your morning by visiting the unique Museum of Moroccan Judaism, the only museum entirely dedicated to Judaism in the Arab world. It was built in 1997 thanks to the joint effort of Moroccan Jews and non-Jews. After that, delve into the unique Jewish Mellah (Quarter) and its old market, where you will find some traditional kosher butcher shops. Nearby, you can visit the extraordinary Jewish cemetery with its well-preserved signage in French, Hebrew, and Spanish. If the timing is lucky, you might happen to visit during the annual prayer festival dedicated to the Jewish “saint” Eliahu. You will then move on to Rabat, where there is so much to see, starting from the Royal Palace and the Hassan Tower, continuing to the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, whose white marble silhouette will enchant you just as much as its green-tiled roof. Soon after, you will visit Sale, where the famous 18th Kabbalist, Rabbi Hayyim Ben Moses Attar, was born. Later, you will finally reach Tangier, in time for dinner. Overnight in Tangier.

Day 3: Tangier

The coastal city of Tangier has a long history that goes back thousands of years. This city has had a Jewish community since the Phoenician era, which came into the limelight starting from the 18th century. The 20th century brought many more Jewish families to Tangier directly from South America, particularly from Venezuela. (It’s important to mention that Moroccan Jews were never cast out.) The best way to start your Tangier experience is to visit the lively Medina with its Grand and Petit Socco, and of course, the Synagogues Street, whose name is proof enough of the prosperous Jewish community of the city. You will have lunch in the city during the day, and in the afternoon, you can visit the charming Kasbah Square, where you can enjoy the dazzling view over the ocean and the Spanish coast. Next, a dive into the legend with a visit to the mystical Hercules Caves at Cape Spartel.

Day 4 : Tangier – Tetouan – Chefchaouen – Fez 

Today, the white city of Tetouan awaits us with its rich history. This city is known for being the home of several famous Sephardic Rabbis, such as Itshaq Ben Oualid, Jacob Marrache, and Menahem Attias. Most of the Jewish community of this city came from Medieval Spain. You will get the chance to visit the stunning medina, the Royal Palace with its luxurious exterior, and go for a walk through the Mellah (Jewish Quarter). From here, go forward to Chefchaouen, the Blue Pearl of Morocco, shielded by the mountains. It is said that the blue shade of this city was an idea of the Jewish people. There is much to see in this little colorful kingdom, starting from the Medina, going to the Kasbah, the Uta El Hammam square, and the Great Mosque of Jamaa El Kebir, going as far back as the 15th century. Before leaving for Fez, you’ll have lunch in Chefchaouen. Later, you will have time to rest and unwind at the Hotel.

Day 5: Fez 

Your visit to Fez will take the whole day, and it will be a worthy one. You will find Fez to be rich of religious history. In fact, this city has been known for centuries for some remarkable studies of the sacred Jewish text of laws (Talmud) and for its renowned Rabbis (special mention to the great Maimonides). You will find confirmation of its status as a holy city in the countless synagogues and the strong presence of the Jewish community. You can’t miss the visit to the old Mellah (Jewish Quarter) and to the Jewish cemetery and its perfectly kept engraved tombs. There is still much more to see! Head over to the famous medusa of Bou Inania and Al-Attarine, snap some pictures of the spectacular Nejjarine Fountain, and don’t miss the visit to the newly renovated synagogue of Ibn Danan. Of course, you will get to see the grand Karaouine and Andalous Mosques of the city as well. After a fancy lunch inside the Moroccan Palace of the Medina, move on to Fez el Jdid to see the outside of the Royal Palace and the nearby Mellah. After a restorative dinner, you can rest comfortably for the night.

Day 6 : Fez – Meknes – Volubilis – Fez  

Shabbat Shalom. Today, you can rest, or you might enjoy a visit to the neighboring city of Meknes. There was a group of very famous Rabbis in Meknes in the past: they were called the Patrons of Meknes, and they came from a Jewish community that had its origins in Spain. Among the most well-known were David Benmidan, Raphael Berdugo, and Daniel Toledano. Today, the Jewish community is still very much present, especially in commerce. Stop by the Ismaïlian capital to admire the sight of its defensive walls and the immense gates like the Bab Mansour, then move on to the Old and New Mellahs, the Royal Stables (you might like to know that Arabic horses are worldwide considered priceless). Lunch in the city. Then, moving on to the ruins of Volubilis, once a city of the Roman Empire, where you’ll find traces of the Jewish community of the time in the Hebrew epitaph on the site. After the visit, you’ll return to Fez to have dinner and rest at the Hotel.

Day 7: Fez – Midelt – Erfoud  

Bask in the beautiful panorama of the natural landscape of the Middle Atlas Mountains as you travel to Midelt. On the road, a brief visit to Ifrane, a European-styled ski resort, and Azrou, an important center for handcrafted cedar woodworks. Crossing the breathtaking Zad Pass, you’ll be in Midelt by lunchtime. During the French protectorate of the early 20th century, the Jewish community of Midelt started to grow, but today most of it has moved to bigger cities like Casablanca. Leaving Midelt, we’ll move to Erfoud, passing through Errachidia and the Ziz Valley with its famous palm tree forests. After dinner, overnight at the Kasbah.

Day 8: Erfoud – Rissani – Merzouga 

Today, you will meet the golden king — the Sahara desert. After driving through the endless stretch of dunes, you’ll reach Merzouga and your Luxury Tent Camp, where you can enjoy an exquisite lunch. In the afternoon, the beauty of the desert is just one camel ride away. After enjoying your exploration, you will return to the Camp and use some free time to relax and take in the stunning colors of the sunset over the desert (and later, the incredible sea of stars in the night sky). Dinner is served at the camp, then you can choose to return to Kasbah in Erfoud or spend an unforgettable night in the desert at the Luxury Tent Camp.

Day 9: Merzouga –  Erfoud – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou

A new adventure begins this morning with the visit to the Dades Canyons in their indescribable massiveness. Next, you will travel through the route of the famous Thousand Kasbah to reach Ouarzazate. Movie lovers will find in the landscapes of Morocco many familiar places, as this country and Ouarzazate in particular have been featured in many big-budget movies and shows like Lawrence of Arabia and Game of Thrones. You can learn more about these curiosities at the Film Museum, before moving on to the fortified village of Aït Ben Haddou. You won’t find a similar view in any other place in Morocco, and in fact the village has served as a setting in many unforgettable films. After dinner, overnight at the Kasbah.

Day 10: Ait  Ben Haddou – Marrakesh

Early morning is your chance to visit Aït Ben Haddou before crowds of tourists from Ouarzazate and Marrakesh arrive. You will then leave for Marrakesh through the Tizi n’Tichka pass, at the very heart of the Atlas Mountain chain. The view from this spot is unmatched. Marrakesh was founded in the late 11th century by the Almoravides, and it’s the second most ancient Imperial city of Morocco. Its other names include the alluring “Pearl of the South”. Lunch on the road. Your tour of Marrakesh will start with the Majorelle Garden, much loved and cherished by the late Yves Saint Laurent, and the charming new city. We will reach the beautiful Hotel, where you can unwind and rest after the long day.

Day 11: Marrakesh

There is much to see in Marrakesh, starting with the magnificent Bahia Palace, going through the Jewish Mellah, the stunning Menara Gardens, and a more cultural stop at the Dar Si Saïd Museum. The Jewish community of Marrakesh (as many more in the Arab world) focuses mainly on commerce and handicrafts, and in the afternoon, you will get a chance to visit the souks and handicraft quarters. Stop by the Djemaa El Fna square to enjoy some of the city’s finest entertainment (snake charmers included!). For your last dinner in Marrakesh, a traditional Moroccan Farewell Dinner under tents and a unique Horse Fantasia show, all of it under the charming natural environment of the palm grove. Overnight at the Hotel in Marrakech.

Day 12: Marrakesh – Home Flights 

Can’t get enough of Morocco? We got you covered. On this last day, you can choose to extend your tour for another in-depth immersion in the Moroccan culture. Or you can have a dreamy breakfast at the hotel and choose to be accompanied back to the airport for your scheduled flight.