Jewish culture permeates the globe as seen in artistic influences and cultural traditions. On this customized tour of Morocco, you will have an in-depth exploration of Jewish culture and its history throughout the country’s existence, from the time of the Philistines to contemporary neighborhoods. Historic mellahs stand beside graceful sultanate palaces; fine jewelers display their wares next to vivacious spice vendors. Synagogues now hide behind subtle doorways and, if you’re looking, you can...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Casablanca – Arrive in Morocco’s Most Contemporary City
Arrive in Casablanca and your private transfer will be waiting for you at the airport. The city has a unique energy, historical in the Art Deco neighborhoods, and contemporary in the lavish art galleries and fashionable streets. Palm trees line the wide avenues and sway in the seaside breeze as the Hassan II Mosque stands over the Atlantic Ocean with a minaret rising 690 feet above the sea. The beautiful architecture and design are emblematic of historical Islamic art, decorated with lavish, geometric mosaics and bright colors. The majority of Morocco’s modern Jewish population resides in Casablanca, where kosher restaurants and old cemeteries, communal spaces and rabbinic shrines highlight the Jewish neighborhoods, both old and new.
What's Included:
Day 2
Casablanca – A Full Day Tour of Morocco’s Current Jewish Neighborhood
Day 3
Tangier – Tour Rabat and Sale en route to Tangier
Day 4
Tangier – Visit the American Legation and Cafe Haffa
Day 5
Tangier – Day Trip to the City of Tetouan, Home to Historical Synagogues
Day 6
Fes – See the 17th-Century Capital at Meknes and Ruins at Volubilis
Day 7
Fes – Visit the Historical Jewish Neighborhood and Restored Synagogue
Day 8
Sahara Desert – See the Synagogue of Midelt and an Evening in the Desert
Day 9
Ouarzazate – Explore the Dades Gorge and the Ancient City of Jews
Day 10
Marrakech – Find an Adobe Synagogue in Arazan en route to Marrakech
Day 11
Marrakech – Be Guided through the Old Jewish Neighborhoods of the City
Day 12
Marrakech – Jewish and Portuguese Roots of Seaside Village Essaouira
Day 13
Marrakech – Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Witness an adobe synagogue in Arazan with over 500 years of history where Hebrew prayers continue to decorate the earthen walls
- Experience the largest remaining Jewish community of Morocco in the thriving city of Casablanca
- Explore the mellah of Marrakech, home to an exceptional spice bazaar and gold trade
- Discover the oldest existing synagogue, the Ibn Danan Synagogue, in the medieval city of Fes
- Spend time in the small village once home to the Ancient City of the Jews, situated near the oases of the Dadès Gorge
- Visit the often overlooked city of Salé to see the birthplace of Rabbi Hayyim Ben Moses
- Enjoy a spiritual evening under the stars in the Sahara Desert to view the same sky as Jewish merchants and traders from centuries ago
Detailed Description
Morocco’s contemporary Jewish culture stems from more than a millennium of coexistence with Berbers, Muslims, and European colonialists. Your 13-day tour takes you along the footsteps of these perseverant people, throughout the history of the country and the religion. Find elements of Jewish ancestry dating back to the Roman occupation, along with synagogues protected through 500 years of existence. Find cities filled with contemporary photos and ancient tombs, familiar flavors and lavish legends all connected to Judaism.
Your excursions begin in Casablanca, a city with the largest Jewish population in Morocco. Your private transfer meets you upon arrival and escorts you to your luxurious hotel. Make your way through the city on a private tour, visiting the old Jewish district, and then the newer quarter to find Temple of Beth-El and the beautiful Hassan II Mosque. The following day, private transfer takes you away from the city to Tangier. En route, visit the current capital of Morocco, Rabat, and its sister city Salé.
Salé, the birthplace of Rabbi Hayyim Ben Moses Attar, contains elements of his historical connection to cabbala. In Tangier, visit a touch of American history at the American Legation, the first American Public Property outside of the United States, along with a charming café overlooking the ocean. Enjoy a day trip to Tetouan, a city located in the Rif Mountains and home to a collection of synagogues that have recently been remodeled into homes. Before arriving in Fes, stop at Meknes, the 17th-century capital of Morocco that had two separate mellahs in its time, with eight synagogues collectively.
The nearby Roman ruins of Volubilis contain traces of the first Jewish settlement in the country. Once in Fes, find a mellah once home to over 10,000 Jewish and 40 synagogues. The medieval city maintains a semblance of its historic architecture, design, and tradition, charming visitors from around the world. Your private guide takes you through the city, finding similar tastes amongst the architecture of the mellah and the surrounding medina. Venture over the Atlas Mountains visiting Berber villages with remnants of a synagogue and Jewish cemetery.
In the Sahara Desert, have an evening under the stars to enjoy the unfettered view of the night and the rolling sand dunes. Before arriving in Ouarzazate, visit the small village of Tiliit, located in the Dadès Gorge and once called the Ancient City of Jews. Ouarzazate is home to the famous Kasbah of Aït ben Haddou, a remarkably preserved southern Morocco architecture. Venture through the mountains once again, stopping in Arazan to discover the exceptional 500-year-old synagogue.
Once in Marrakech, see the rich ancient culture in the synagogues and Jewish cemetery. Travel around the legendary Djemaa el Fna Square and take a day to visit the Portuguese seaside settlement of Essaouira, where Stars of David are situated above a number of doorways, including the entry gate to the city. On your final day, your private transfer will meet you at your hotel and escort you to the airport. You ventured across the rugged and verdant countryside in search of a celebrated culture and found beauty in the past, and present, presence of Judaism in North Africa.
Starting Price
$4,800 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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