Jewish Heritage Tour

Casablanca & Rabat Visits
After breakfast in Casablanca, we will visit the interior of the Hassan II Great Mosque, one of the Islamic world’s greatest monuments, followed by a visit to the Place Mohammed V, Casablanca Jewish Museum and the United Nations Square, and the surroundings of the Royal Palace before strolling along the Ain Diab corniche as well as a visit to the Temple Beth- El Synagogue, Em Habanim & Neve Chalom in Casablanca. After Casablanca, we will continue to depart to the administrative capital of Morocco. In Rabat, we will visit the splendid Mohammed V Mausoleum, the Hassan Tower. Overnight at your selected accommodation

Rabat
Rabat literally “Fortified Place,” is the capital city of Morocco. The city is located on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the river Bou Regreg. On the facing shore of the river lies Salé, Rabat’s bedroom community. Together with Temara, the cities account for a combined metropolitan population of 2.6 million. It is an easy-going city by Moroccan standards. The city of Rabat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

MEDINA
From the medina’s busy and colorful alleys and the peaceful Chellah necropolis to the buzzing marina, you will discover Rabat’s full complexity.
In contrast to the maze of streets, the historic city center is linear and impressive. A walk through Rabat’s medina might look something like this. From the Bab el-Had gate, walk down Suik Street, the largest and busiest street in the medina. You will arrive at al-Sabat, a reed mat-covered shoe market selling baboush (leather slippers), and silver and gold jewelry. Then, on the partially glazed Consular Street, artisans make wool rugs, textiles, and copper objects. The Medina also offers cheap local food, so don’t hesitate to try mint tea, marshmallows, tagines, and more.

KASBAH OF THE UDAYAS OUDAYAS
Oudayas Kasbah near Rabat’s Medina has kept its old cannons placed on a bastion. Its massive gate is entirely carved, while its blue and white walls give it a Mediterranean atmosphere.
A cobblestone path leads to El Attica Mosque, the oldest mosque in the city, and to an old traffic light. From here and the terrace of the adjacent Café de la Moret, one can enjoy magnificent views of Rabat, the nearby town of Salé, and the Boulleg River as it flows into the sea. Further up, the Udayas Palace, now a national museum, retains its original décor, which is simple and serene. The Andalusian-style gardens are an oasis of serenity, with fruit trees, oleanders, and a waterfall of bougainvillea.

BAB ROUAH
The magnificent Bab Rouak, known as the “Gate of the Winds,” is monumental. The richness of the ornamentation is remarkable, and it also serves as an exhibition hall: under the ornate arches of its four square halls are placed works by famous Moroccan artists.

CHELLAH NECROPOLIS
Built on the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Sala Colonia, the necropolis, described in guidebooks as “the most romantic place in Morocco,” did not always have the charm it has today.

Destroyed by an earthquake in 1755 and robbed of its best materials by marauders, it remained in a state of ruin for several hundred years.

HASSAN TOWER
The Hassan Tower, once part of the world’s largest mosque, offers a spectacular view of the Bregregreg River. The square in front of the tower is also impressive with its many columns.

At 10:45 a.m. daily, visitors may enter the courtyard of the Royal Guard Barracks to watch the raising of the national flag. You may also participate in the changing of the guard on horseback, which takes place in front of Hassan Tower at 7:00 a.m. daily.

MOHAMMED VI MUSEUM OF MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY ART
The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMVI), featuring the work of nearly 200 Moroccan artists, opened in 2014 and is named after the King of Morocco. The museum offers beautiful architecture and a wide variety of exhibitions.

On day three of the Jewish Heritage Tour, after breakfast in Rabat, set off through the Moroccan countryside on your way to Meknes. A cultural center for more than ten centuries, Meknes boasts a fascinating medina (old city) and maze of streets filled with colorful stalls and architectural delights such as the intricately carved Bab el-Mansour. Continue to Moulay Idriss, Morocco’s holiest city, and then onto the Roman ruins at Volubilis to see the Triumphal Arch and exquisite mosaics. Late this afternoon, arrive in Fez.

Fez City
Spend the day exploring Fez, the oldest of the imperial cities and the country’s religious and cultural heart. See the old Medina, the largest living Islamic medieval city in the world, before visiting the Kairaouine mosque, where a meeting with a senior cleric in the private library has been arranged. Continue through the Jewish quarter to the Nejjarine Museum of Woods & Crafts and the nearby fountain. After lunch, visit the Bou Inania madrassa, an excellent example of Marinid architecture and one of the few religious sites accessible to non-Muslims. Finish the day with a short drive to the Merenid tombs. Formerly a 16th-century palace and necropolis, the ruins offer panoramic views of the city ramparts.

THE MELLAH
Dating back to the 14th century, the Jewish Quarter (Mellah) of Fez is now home to 160,000 people on 9,500 streets. The various Jewish sights are worth seeing, but because of the maze of streets, Mellah is best explored with an official guide.

JEWISH CEMETERY & HABARIM SYNAGOGUE
In the southwest corner of Mellah, on a slope next to the synagogue of Habarim, a sea of white tombs makes it easy to find the rabbi’s grave, which is considered one of the oldest cemeteries in Morocco, since Rabbi Vidal Hasselfati, who died in 1600, is buried there.

ROYAL PALACE DAR EL-MAKHZEN
Kings Square (Royal Palace) is an elegant building covering at least 80 hectares, with seven 80-foot-tall gates symbolizing the seven days of the week. Although the palace is not open to the public, it is well worth the time to admire its stunning architecture.

CHOUARA TANNERIES
Among the three tanneries in the city of Fez, this famous factory produces some of the finest leather in the world, using age-old methods and the finest materials. Visit this oldest part of the Medina to discover this interesting process and buy some souvenirs.

MERENID TOMBS AT BORJ NORD
The fortresses and tombs built in the 16th century, although dilapidated, still retain the magnificent decorations of the time, creating a very atmospheric atmosphere. Dusk is the best time to take in the spectacular view of Fez, but be sure to leave early as the streets are not lit.

NEJJARINE MUSEUM
The Nejarin Museum is an interesting and well-preserved building with wood artifacts on display that is well worth a visit. It demonstrates the importance of arts and crafts in the history of Morocco and provides a deeper understanding of the country.

ATTARIN MEDERSA
The Attarine Medersa, a former madrasa, may not be the largest in the city, but it is impressive in many ways, not just for its size. The colorful tiles and architecture make it a must-see addition to any itinerary.

JNAN SBIL GARDEN
The garden, with an area of 9000 m2, is one of the most charming and mystical in Morocco. It was created over forty years ago and is a maze of intersecting paths, overlapping plains, and colorful Art Deco Moorish buildings. The garden is a gigantic and sumptuous collection of exotic plants and trees from around the world, conceived in 1922 by the French artist Jacques Majorelle as a refuge and workshop.

KARAOUIYNE MOSQUE
Built-in 859 under Fatima al-Fihriyah and continually expanded since its construction, the al-Quarouiyyin Mosque, also known as al-Qaraouiyyin, is one of the largest architectural complexes in Fez also a must-seeing sites that you should visit while you’re in Fes.

BAB BOUJLOUD
You will pass through the blue gate called Bab Bu Jeroud, and we highly recommend that you have a guide to take you around and talk to you about the history of the gate. There are also many restaurants in the area where you can have lunch or refreshments.

EL MOKRI PALACE
The palace was built in 1906 and is still inhabited by members of the El Mokri family. Nowadays, it’s one of the must-see sites in Fes and also a great example of worthy heritage. The entire palace, which measures 20,000 square meters, is a testament to perfect taste and sophistication. The ancient palace had magnificent carved moldings, painted wooden ceilings, carved cedar wood, beautiful staircases and windows, and Murano glass chandeliers.

ART NAJI
The family business has been making ceramics for generations and is known by local residents for its beautiful products. This authentic store offers everything from vases to plates and cups. Please take your time to browse through the mosaics and painted ceramics.

AL-QARAWIYYIN LIBRARY
The Al-Qarawiyyin Library considered the oldest library in the world, founded in Fez over 1000 years ago (9th century), has recently completed restoration work and opened to the public. The library is still in use as the library of the University of Qarawiyyin and is the oldest continuous library in the world.

BOU INANIA MEDERSA
Medersa Bu Inania is a religious and educational building in Talaa Kebira that is a remarkable work of art in itself.

Ask for a guide to help you better understand Medersa and its history, and you will be fascinated by its atmosphere.

Continues our Jewish Heritage Tour, we will make our way south toward the Sahara Desert, the drive is about 6.5 hours which may seem a lot but don’t worry, our drivers will make it very enjoyable and we have scheduled a night in the city of Erfoud so that next day, we will have a full day to explore the desert.
We will drive through fertile valleys and into the cedar forests and beautiful lakes of the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop for a picnic lunch at the nature reserve of Midelt before descending into the impressive palm groves and fortified villages of the Ziz valley arriving at Erfoud around 4 pm.

Morning at your leisure in Erfoud, then we will head to the village of Merzouga via the holy city of Rissani, a site where the ancestors of the Alaouite Dynasty are buried in the Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Sherif. Also in this Jewish Heritage Tour, you will visit of the ruins of Ksar Abbar, a Kasbah that dates from the 17th century. Continuation to the village of Khamlia known for its Jazz and Gnawa music before we arrive at the auberge close to the dunes, we will then have lunch, and relax for a couple of hours before we start the Camel adventure for an hour to see the sunset over the Golden dunes of Erg Chebbi and arriving to the camp for the overnight.

An early morning to see the beautiful sunrise, a delicious breakfast in the middle of the dunes, followed by a camel ride back to the hotel. Once there, you will trade your camels and get into your private vehicle departing to Dades Gorge, where we have a scheduled overnight. En route, we will visit the Todgha, where you will experience the unbelievable glory of the massive canyon walls reaching some 300 meters (900 feet) high and continuing for some 100 meters (300 feet). We will make a few stops along the way as we drive through various small Berber villages and the town of Tinjdad, and we can even schedule a short walk through the Todgha Valley if time permits.

After breakfast in Dades Gorge, we will continue our drive toward the city of Marrakech, one of the most popular destinations in the country. En route, we will drive through the oasis of Skoura, the City of Ouarzazate, before we arrive at the Unesco World Heritage Center of Ait Ben Haadou Kasbah. The entire route offers wonderful photo opportunities, especially the Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, where various films took place, such as Gladiator, The Mummy, Laurence Arabia, and Jesus of Nazareth. After Ait Ben Haddou, we will drive across the peak of Tizi Ntichka and into Marrakech, arriving in the afternoon. Check in to your Hotel or Riad and enjoy the rest of the day.

On the ninth day of our Jewish Heritage Tour, you will join one of our licensed local tour guides on a private tour and visit the gorgeous Saadian Tombs, elegant El Badi Palace, and the 12th-century Koutoubia mosque. Meander through the medina, exploring an endless procession of souqs, mosques, and madrasas. Just before sunset, visit the Djemaa el-Fna, the enormous square and atmospheric wonderland of torch-lit food stalls, snake charmers, storytellers, and acrobats.

EL BADI PALACE
El Badi Palace was built in the 16th century and is considered one of the most beautiful palaces in the world. It originally had 360 rooms, a large courtyard, and a 90 x 20 meter swimming pool.

SAADIAN TOMBS
The Royal tombs of the Saadian dynasty are beautifully adorned with domed ceilings, intricate carvings, and ornate plasterwork. This is a popular sight in Marrakesh, so prepare to stand in line when going there.

MENARA GARDENS
The 12th-century Menard Gardens are surrounded by olive groves and set in a beautiful and tranquil setting with the Atlas Mountains as a backdrop.

THE SOUKS
Stroll through this maze of markets and let the sights, smells, and sounds overwhelm your senses. If you feel the urge to shop, be prepared to bargain.

CITY WALLS
The 12-kilometer-long Marrakech Wall was built more for its outward beauty than for its defensive function. Today, it is the perfect place to spend a romantic moment with a loved one. The medina and the walls can be toured by a kaliki (horse-drawn carriage), and it is recommended to see them at sunset.

DJEMAA EL-FNA
Jemaa el-Fna is a square and market in the bustling heart of the medina. Especially at dusk on hot days, life in Melaka is at its most colorful and vibrant. Stores sell freshly squeezed juices and restaurants appear (as if they didn’t exist) in the evenings.

MAISON DE LA PHOTOGRAPHIE
Located in the heart of the city, this museum presents the history of Morocco through 3,500 photographs taken between 1870 and 1950. From its rooftop, one of the highest in the region, visitors can enjoy a spectacular view while having a light meal.

ALI BEN YOUSSEF MADRASA
Madrasah Ali Ben Yousef is an old Koranic school built in the 14th century. At its peak, it had 900 students and was the largest seminary in North Africa; it was closed in the 1960s and reopened as a public place in 1982. Although it does not look like much from the outside, inside you will be amazed at its beauty.

KOUTOUBIA MOSQUE AND MINARET
Built-in 1120, the Koutoubiya Mosque and its minaret stand 70 meters high and are a spiritual landmark in Marrakech. Unfortunately, only Muslims are allowed to enter, but the building itself is impressive from the outside.

MAJORELLE GARDEN
The garden, with an area of 9000 m2, is one of the most charming and mystical in Morocco. It was created over forty years ago and is a maze of intersecting paths, overlapping plains, and colorful Art Deco Moorish buildings. The garden is a gigantic and sumptuous collection of exotic plants and trees from around the world, conceived in 1922 by the French artist Jacques Majorelle as a refuge and workshop.

YVES SAINT LAURENT MUSEUM
Opened in 2017, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum of Fine Arts surprises with its unusual architecture. The brick building combines curves and lines, cubes and motifs, and houses exhibition rooms, an auditorium, and a library.

The YSL Museum of Art, located next to the Majorelle Gardens, displays most of the French fashion designer’s work and also holds special exhibitions. Fashion and design lovers will want to spend an afternoon in this unique museum.

Transfer to the Marrakech airport and board your international flight home.