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14 Days morocco jewish heritage tour from casablanca
Casablanca to Marrakech
Overview
Jews have lived in Morocco for more than 2,500 years. Jews were distributed across the Roman Empire, including modern-day Morocco, after the Roman invasion of Judaea in 6 AD. Numerous Jews moved in with the Berber tribes, picking up their languages, engaged in farming, raising livestock, and trading. As a result of the Spanish Expulsion in the 15th century, Sephardic Jews migrated to Morocco and Northern Africa. A fresh wave of emigration to Europe and the Americas in the 1970s and 1980s caused the Jewish population, which had reached roughly 250,000 by 1948, to start declining in the 1950s and 1960s. Currently, only about 2000–2500 Jews dwell in Morocco, mostly in Casablanca… …
Included/Exclude
- Private Car with Driver Guide Tour
- Accommodations
- Daily Breakfast
- Local Guides
- Camel Ride
- Sandboarding
- Show In Deseert
- Self-expense
- Monuments Fees
- Flight
- Tips
Tour Plan
You've arrived in Casablanca, a city steeped in the traditions of both the French colonial era and the Arab world. This lively city is Morocco's primary point of entry and is famous for its Medina and its array of beautiful Moorish architecture. Everything from the second-largest mosque in the world to some of the best examples of Art Deco architecture in Morocco can be found here. After a long journey, we'll give you the night to recover before leading you on a tour of the Jewish Quarter in Casablanca first thing in the morning.
To begin our exploration of Casablanca's Jewish heritage, we'll go to the Corniche district, where we'll visit the beachfront synagogues of Beth El, Eim Habanim, and David Hamelekh. The ancient Jewish Mellah of Casablanca is still a terrific spot to come and check out the kosher butchers in the old market, even though Jews no longer reside there. The next place we'll visit is the Jewish cemetery in the mellah, where we'll see stunning white stone monuments written in French, Hebrew, and Spanish.
The Jewish community of Casablanca established the Museum of Moroccan Judaism in 1997 to preserve and display Jewish artifacts and relics from all walks of life. The Jewish Museum in Casablanca is a great place to see art, sculpture, Torahs, and Chanukah candles. We plan to take you to the charming Jewish Club in Casablanca if time permits. Spots like Cercle de L'Alliance and La Truffe are just two of the numerous classic kosher bakeries and eateries in the city. We are departing from Casablanca for Rabat, the Moroccan capital.
Rabat, the capital of Morocco, is a must-see on any trip to the nation. An busy synagogue and a kosher eatery speak to the city's tiny but vibrant Jewish community. The Royal Palace and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V are only two of the numerous fascinating historical sites in the city of Rabat. Our search for authentic Moroccan mementos begins in the ancient medina. In addition, the area has a charming flea market.
In the afternoon, your knowledgeable local guide will take you to the town of Sale, known for its magnificent Great Mosque and the Mausoleum of Sidi Ben Ashir. You may get everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to exotic spices and fine jewelry at the many souks.
Chefchaouen, the "Blue City" of Morocco, is our next destination. This picturesque town was established in the 15th century by Jews and Moors fleeing the Reconquista of Spain. It is now home to numerous ancient synagogues. The Medina, Kasbah (a fortified building from the 15th century), and Utta El Hamam plaza among the city's most visited tourist destinations. The city's old market, or medina, is a great place for strolls and shopping for genuine local relics. The Grand Mosque of Chefchaouen is one of the most significant structures in town, and it is also one of the most photographed due of its distinctive octagonal tower.
Visit the Volubilis Ruins and the Capital of the 17th Century, Meknes
Our expert guide will take us to see the tomb of Rabbi Amram ben Diwane first thing in the morning. One of the most significant Jewish places of worship in Morocco is found in the quaint town of Azjen. We'll visit the Jewish Quarter of Meknes, which is famed for its vibrant courtyard and winding alleys, after we get there. Travel back in time to the Christina period and marvel at the grave of Rabbi David Benmidan, which has both Hebraic and Greek inscriptions. Our tour guide will take you to the historic site of Volubilis in the afternoon. Extending over a wide area, these remarkable Roman ruins include enormous columns, a triumphal arch, and the foundations of a basilica and the capital building. Move to Fes.
Next up on your Morocco vacation is a trip to Fes, one of the country's most stunning cities. We will be spending the full day at this city, since it is one of the most important in medieval Jewry. The city's mellah, established in the 15th century, is an excellent starting point for our exploration of Fes. Many prominent Jewish saints are buried at the adjoining Jewish cemetery. During your guided tour of the city, you will see hundreds of places significant to Jewish history and culture, including as synagogues, universities, and mosques.
We'll stop in the picturesque city of Midelt before heading out into the Sahara Desert. The beautiful Kasbah Myriem Christian monastery and the town's synagogue are set against the backdrop of Ayachi Mountain. El Karma Couscous, a meeting spot for the ladies of the surrounding villages, is another must-see. This is the place to go if you want to know how to prepare couscous by rolling it out by hand. Our schedule included a nighttime trip to the desert.
On day nine, you'll visit the Sahara and see sights including Dadès Gorge, the Ancient City of Jews, and Rose Valley.
Dadès Gorge, with its spectacular scenery, is a perfect stop on our Jewish Heritage Tour. As well as some of Morocco's most breathtaking vistas, these valleys provide access to the Dades River. In the shade of the Central Atlas Mountains, you'll find the world-famous 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.
Skoura, one of the kasbahs along the route between Tafialet and Ouarzazate, was established in the 12th century. The majestic Amerhidl Kasbah, built in the 17th century, draws tens of thousands of tourists every year. Along this path you'll also find the kasbahs of Dar Ait Sidi el-Mati, Ben Amar, and Ait Ben Abou. Our guides will next transport you to the Tarodaunt Synagogue in the nearby hamlet of Arazan so you may take in its stunning architecture later in the day. This Adobe synagogue, one of Morocco's best-kept secrets, is adorned with stunning Amazigh embellishments.
Taroudant, sometimes referred to as "little Marrakech," is the next stop on our Morocco travel odyssey. Discover the Maghrebi magic of Taroudant's squares and souks. A more relaxed atmosphere than that of Marrakesh may be found in the town's medina, which serves as a convenient home base for outdoor pursuits like hiking. Get plenty of sleep tonight since the following stop is one of the tour's highlights, the magnificent city of Marrakesh.
Marrakech is an imperial city steeped in history; it was formerly home to a sizable Jewish population, and evidence of their presence can be seen around every corner. Licensed tour operators will lead you to the Jewish Mellah, Dar Si Sad Museum, Bahia Palace, and Menara Garden. Don't miss out on Djemaa El Fna's wonderful souks and artisan markets. There is also the Jewish cemetery where the great rabbis Rabbi Hanania Hacohen and Rabbi Mordekhai Ben Attar are buried.
At the end, you'll arrive in Essaouira, a picturesque fishing village on the coast. This charming town is well-known for its rich Jewish and Portuguese heritage, and it has dozens of intriguing wood crafts and art galleries among its hand-painted yellow, white, and blue houses. As you go throughout town, keep an eye out for the Star of David prominently displayed over the doorways of many of the brightly painted homes. In September, many Jews make the journey to Essaouira to pay their respects at the tomb of the late Rabbi Haim Pinto. In this little coastal town of Essaouira, the synagogue and the residence of Rabbi Haim Pinto are the most well-known monuments
On our last day together, you'll have the morning free to see the sights of Marrakech before we arrange transportation to the airport.
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