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jewish heritage tour - a 10 day visit to jewish sites, synagogues & communities
TOURS
Jewish Heritage Tour - A 10 Day Visit to Jewish Sites, Synagogues & Communities
10-Day Morocco Jewish Heritage Tour: Expert Guided Cultural Exploration (2024-2025)
Explore Morocco's Jewish heritage on a 10-day private tour. Visit historic synagogues, mellahs, UNESCO sites, and vibrant communities with expert guides. This comprehensive journey delves deep into Morocco's rich Jewish heritage, offering an unparalleled exploration of ancient Jewish sites across the country. Uuncover hidden treasures of Jewish Morocco, where every synagogue, cemetery, and Mellah tells a story of resilience, faith, and cultural richness.
You will discover Morocco's rich Jewish legacy on this excluisve tour of the Imperial Cities' Jewish Heritage sites. In each city you will visit historic synagogues, holy tombs, and vibrant markets. You will tour the Museum of Moroccan Judaisam in Casablanca, the only Jewish Museum in the Arab World, and experience Shabbat with local communities in Fes and Marrakech. Ideal for first-time Jewish visitors, this tour offers an authentic journey through Morocco's Jewish past and present, set against a backdrop of stunning landscapes and Andalusian gardens. This authentic 10-Day Jewish Heritage Tour offers the best of Jewish travel experience in the Kingdom of Morocco.
- Tour Name: Morocco Jewish Heritage
- Duration: An 10-Day Morocco Tour 10-Day Tour
- Places Visited: Casablana, Imoerial Rabat and Meknes, Roman Volubilis, Atlas Mountains, Marrakech
- Transportation: Luxury Mercedes Vito or 4x4 vehicle
- Staff: Multilingual driver (English, Arabic, French, Berber) expert local guides
Morocco Jewish Heritage 10-Day Tour Highlights
- Visit well-preserved synagogues that echo with centuries of prayers and traditions
- Explore historic Jewish cemeteries, final resting places of revered rabbis and community leaders
- Discover the spiritual significance of Zaouias in Moroccan Jewish culture
- Wander through the atmospheric Mellahs, the traditional Jewish quarters in Moroccan cities
- Engage with the local Jewish community, gaining insight into contemporary Jewish life in Morocco
- This carefully crafted itinerary takes you on a journey through time, from ancient Jewish settlements to modern-day communities.
- Witness the enduring legacy of Jewish culture in Morocco, beautifully preserved in architecture, traditions, and the warm hospitality of the local people.
- Led by knowledgeable guides specializing in Moroccan Jewish history, this tour offers unique insights and access to sites of great historical and cultural significance.
- Whether you're tracing your own Jewish heritage or simply interested in this fascinating aspect of Moroccan history, this tour promises a deeply enriching and memorable experience.
Signature Jewish Heritage Experiences:
- Discover the grandeur of Casablanca's synagogues: Beth-El, Em Habanim & Neve Chalom
- Uncover Jewish history at Casablanca's Museum of Moroccan Judaism in Casablanca, Established in 1997 in a building that was originally a Jewish orphanage in 1948,
- Meet the Jewish Museum's curator Zhor Rehihil, a Moroccan Muslim woman who studies the anthropology of Muslim-Jewish relations in Morocco. (Advance arrangements required)
- Experience the spirituality of Shabbat services in ancient Fes
- Savor authentic cuisine at a Rabbi's home or premier Kosher restaurant
- Engage intimately with Morocco's vibrant Jewish community
- Explore rich Jewish heritage sites in Fes, Meknes, Seffrou and Marrakech
- Indulge in Morocco's finest boutique riads and luxury hotels
Book Your Extraordinary Moroccan Jewish Heritage Tour
To embark on this unparalleled journey through Morocco's most captivating Jewish sites, contact our dedicated team:
- Book Here or Call (800) 787-8806
- Email: alecia@travel-exploation.com
Unveiling Morocco's Jewish Legacy on A 10-Day Jewish Heritage Private Journey
Morocco's unique position as a cultural crossroads between Africa, Europe, and the Middle East has shaped its rich and diverse heritage. At the heart of this tapestry lies a profound Jewish legacy, woven into the very fabric of Moroccan society over millennia. Our Jewish Heritage Tour invites discerning travelers to uncover this hidden history through an immersive journey across the country.
Explore ancient synagogues echoing with centuries of prayers, wander through time-worn Jewish cemeteries, and marvel at architectural wonders that bear witness to a long-standing Jewish presence. This carefully crafted itinerary offers more than mere sightseeing; it's an opportunity to engage deeply with living traditions. Participate in Shabbat services alongside local communities, and savor traditional meals in the home of a Rabbi, gaining intimate insights into Morocco's vibrant Jewish culture. From bustling Mellahs to serene natural landscapes, each stop on this tour unveils another layer of Morocco's fascinating Jewish heritage.
Morocco Jewish Heritage Itineary:
Day 1: Casablanca Arrival: Jewish Heritage & City Highlights
Upon landing at Casablanca's Mohammed V Airport, your Moroccan adventure begins. After settling in, savor a traditional meal at a local kosher restaurant, immersing yourself in the flavors of Moroccan-Jewish cuisine.
Your cultural exploration starts with a visit to Temple Beth-El, the jewel of Casablanca's Jewish heritage. This synagogue, once the heart of a thriving Jewish community, captivates visitors with its stunning stained glass windows and exquisite artistic details.
Time permitting, you may also explore two other significant synagogues:
- Temple Em Habanim
- Neve Chalom
Overnight in Boutique Hotel in Casablanca.
Day 2: Explore Casablanca's rich Jewish legacy, then journey to the imperial city of Rabat
- Visit the Museum of Moroccan Judaism in Casablanca. The Jewish Museum in Casablanca covers an area of 700 square meters, is the first of its kind in the Arab world. The Museum of Moroccan Judaism of Casablanca is a museum of history and ethnography, created by the Jewish Community of Casablanca in 1997 with the support of the Foundation of Jewish-Moroccan Cultural Heritage. The Jewish Museum in Casablanca is tucked into a residential neighborhood and holds a treasure trove with it being the Arab region’s only Jewish Museum. It uses world-class standards of conservation for its national and international collections. The Museum of Moroccan Judaism presents religious, ethnographic and artistic objects that demonstrate the history, religion, traditions and daily life of Jews in the context of Moroccan civilization.
- Visit Casablanca’s Jewish Cemetery, Mellah & Synagogues: The mellah of Casablanca is young by Moroccan standards, not much more than a century old. It assaults the senses in the evening, with a sea of women in brightly colored djellabas carrying and selling fruit and vegetables throughout the cramped, narrow streets. While Jews no longer live in the mellah, kosher butchers are found in the old market, next to other butchers selling horsemeat. The Jewish cemetery in the mellah is open and quiet, with well-kept white stone markers in French, Hebrew and Spanish. Once a year, Casablancans celebrate a hiloula, or prayer festival, at the tomb of the Jewish saint, Eliahou.
- The Jewish cemetery in the mellah is open and quiet, with well-kept white stone markers in French, Hebrew and Spanish. Once a year, Casablancans celebrate a hiloula, or prayer festival, at the tomb of the Jewish saint, Eliahou.
- The 4,500 Casablanca Jews live outside the mellah in the European city, where they worship in over 30 synagogues, eat in kosher restaurants, entertain themselves in community centers, and attend Jewish schools and social service centers. Beth El is the largest synagogue and an important community center, seating 500 persons.
- Visit Temple Beth-El, the Jewish Synagogue in Casablanca. Beth-El, is considered the center piece of a once vibrant Jewish community. Its stained glass windows and other artistic elements, is what attracts tourists to this synagogue.
- Explore the Ettedgui Synagogue is well appointed in the Casablanca Medina. The house of worship is located alongside the El Mellah Museum where paintings and photographs are exhibited that retrace the history of Judaism in Morocco. It was one of a dozen synagogues that received funding for restoration and that King Mohammed VI personally attended for its celebratory reopening. The original founders, the Ettedgui family were once considered part of the bourgeois community of Casablanca. The land was registered in the cadastre 1873 and carried the legacy of the “Makhzen,” with the French protectorate welcoming the construction of the synagogue in 1920. It was partly destroyed in error, during the bombing of the allies in 1942. Ettedgui was then rebuilt in the 1980s with the complete reconstruction finalized as part of the rehabilitation project of the old medina of Casablanca launched by the Sovereign in 2010. This synagogue is steeped in history and remains a symbol of openness and of peace between Moroccan communities.
- Tour the Mosque of Hassan II's promontory offers lovely views overlooking Casa in the residential Afna quarter. After touring the Mosque, head over to the New Town of Casablanca also designed by the French architect Henri Prost.
Overnight at a Boutique Hotel or Riad in Rabat.
Day 3:Embark on a captivating Guided Tour in Rabat. Explore the Imperial Splendor of Meknes and Berber Excavated Roman Volubilis along the way.
- Learn about Rabat's hitory and tour its beautiful domes, minarets, wide avernues and green spaces.
- Visit the Royal Palace, the Hassan tower which stands on the hill overlooking the Wadi Bou Regreg. It is a gigantic mosque, emblematic of Rabat and famous for its unfinished minaret where storks nest.
- Next door, visit the beautiful Mausoleum of Mohammed V decorated with stained glass windows, white marble and a wrought-iron entryway with a stairway leading to an impressive dome.
- Discover the Jewish Mellah which today is now the home of very few Jewish families. Explore the gardens nearby and visit the Palace of Rabat and visit the Necropolis at Chellah/ Kasbah of Chellah and Kasbah Oudaya.
- Option to tour the seaside community in Sale, the birthplace of Rabbi Hayyim Ben Moses Attar. Attar was an 18th Century Kabbalist born in Morocco in 1696 and known throughout the Jewish world for his Bible commentary with mystical content.
Take the road to visit Imperial City of Meknes, "the Moroccan Versailles" and the Roman Ruins of Volubilis "Walili."
Meknes has a historic Jewish presence. It is home to an ancient Hebraic epitaph that dates back to the Christian era. Today Greek inscriptions still remain on the synagogue where the tomb of Rabbi David Benn Imdan, “the patron of Meknes” lies. Each street named after Jewish Rabbi’s and other well-known Jews who once occupied the city. Eleven synagogues in total remain in Meknes of which none are currently in use daily. You may visit 1-2 during your guided Jewish Heritage Tour of Meknes along with the local Cemetery and a Jewish School.
Discover the Highlights of Meknes:
- Panoramic View of Meknes - Begin the visit with a panoramic view of Meknes, which offers a splendid look at the old Islamic Medina with its numerous tall and soaring minarets. Other sites explored include Bab El Mansour, the Meknes Stables, Hedim Square, the Thursday Gate and mosque of Moulay Ismail.
- The Jewish Mellah & Quarter, with its narrow lanes and colorful courtyards. The presence of Jewish history is evident in the Hebraic epitaphs that date back to the Christian era. These epitaphs along with Greek inscriptions can be seen on the Meknes Jewish zaouia, a place of pilgrimage where the tomb of Rabbi David Benmidan still resides.
Afternoon Exploration of Meknes: Historical Treasures & Jewish Heritage Sites:
- Talmud Torah Synagogue
- Jewish Quarter & Cemetery
- Royal Stables & Agdal Reservoir
- Musée Dar Jamaï, Museum
- Bou Inania Medersa
- Grand Gate
- Old Medina
- Bab El-Khemis
- 17th Century Kasbah
Take the road to the Roman City of Volubilis.
Begin your visit by discovering the fascinating Roman ruins adorned with beautiful mosaics and colorful tiles depicting Roman mythology. The ruins are spread out across several acres and what remain visible are several fragments of wall, parts of massive columns, the capitol, the basilica and a triumphal arch. The ruins reveal how the Roman Empire transformed the original Carthaginian settlement into a typical Roman city complete with mansions, a town center, a triumphal arc and temples devoted to the Roman gods. Commence your visit in Volubilis, and then take the road to Fes.
Overnight at a Boutique Hotel or Riad in Fes.
Day 4:Uncover Fes' Rich Tapestry: A Guided Journey Through UNESCO Wonders and Jewish Legacy
Explore the intertwined Muslim and Jewish heritage of historic Fes:
- Our guided tour of UNESCO-listed Fes offers a unique journey through the city's rich Jewish Heritage Sites and Cultural landmarks. You'll visit synagogues, universities, mosques, cemeteries, the Mellah (Jewish quarter), along with enchanting gardens and palaces. Your expert guide will illuminate the deep connections between Muslim and Jewish Morocco throughout history.
Jewish History of Fes & Historic Fes El Bali
- Fes stands as a beacon in medieval Jewish history, once home to some of the most influential Talmudic scholars of all time. Founded by Idriss I in the eighth century, Fes (often referred to as Fes El Bali) has long been Morocco's leading spiritual center and its former artistic and intellectual capital.
- The city's name itself is steeped in legend, said to derive from the word for pickaxe, which Idriss reportedly used in silver or gold to mark the boundaries of the old city. This mythic founding sets the stage for Fes' centuries of cultural significance.
- Fes earned its reputation as a haven for Jewish life, with a historically significant Jewish population that openly celebrated their faith and traditions. The city was home to Rabbi Isaac Alfasi, one of the most influential Talmudic scholars in history, further cementing its place in Jewish intellectual heritage.
During this Guided Jewish Heritage and Cultural Tour of UNESCO Fes, you will explore Jewish Heritage Sites and Cultural Landmarks that blend visits to Synagogues, Medieval Universities, Mosques, Cemeteries, a Children's School, and the Mellah, alongside gardens and palaces. Your knowledgeable guide will illuminate the intricate connections between Muslim and Jewish Morocco throughout history.
- The Jewish Mellah: A 650-Year-Old Haven Unlike the relatively young Mellah of Casablanca, Fes's Jewish quarter boasts over six centuries of history. As you wander its narrow streets, you'll find yourself in the shadow of the royal palace, its gleaming brass doors a stark contrast to the weathered facades around it. These very palace walls once sheltered Jews during the tumultuous pogrom of 1912, a poignant reminder of the community's resilience.
- A Cemetery of Saints Just steps away, the Jewish cemetery tells tales of devotion and sacrifice. Here, more Jewish saints rest than in any other Moroccan burial ground. Pay your respects at the tomb of Solica, a young woman who chose martyrdom over conversion to Islam, her story a testament to unwavering faith.
- In the Footsteps of Maimonides As you traverse the old city, traces of Jewish life reveal themselves at every turn. Pause at the home where the great philosopher Maimonides sought refuge from 1159 to 1165, fleeing the Almohad dynasty's persecution. Though the Jewish population has dwindled, the community's spirit remains strong, embodied in the vibrant Centre Communautaire "Maimonide" with its kosher restaurant and modern synagogue.
- The Ibn Danan Synagogue: A Timeless Treasure In the heart of the Mellah stands the Ibn Danan Synagogue, one of Morocco's oldest and best-preserved. Once just one of many, it now stands as a rare window into a pivotal era of Moroccan Jewish history. Its unassuming exterior belies the architectural and spiritual wealth within.
- A Legacy Preserved The Mellah once boasted 40 synagogues, their 17th-century architecture among the most unique in the world. Today, you can still glimpse this golden age as you explore the vast, whitewashed Jewish cemetery near the Royal Palace gates. Don't miss the emerging Jewish Museum at the Em HaBanim synagogue, where artifacts and memories intertwine to keep the flame of Fes's Jewish heritage burning bright.
Fes El Bali: Explore Ancient Islamic Landmarks and Vibrant Souks
Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of Fes El Bali as you discover these iconic sites:
- University of Al-Karaouine: Founded in 859 AD, this is the world's oldest continually operating university and a center of Islamic learning, featuring stunning Moroccan architecture and intricate mosaics.
- Zaouia Moulay Idriss II: This ornate mausoleum houses the tomb of Moulay Idriss II, the founder of Fes, and is a significant pilgrimage site known for its beautiful green-tiled roof and intricate decorations.
- Dar Batha: Once a royal palace, this museum showcases an impressive collection of traditional Moroccan arts and crafts, including ceramics, woodwork, and textiles, set within a stunning Andalusian-style garden.
- Weavers Cooperative: Watch skilled artisans at work as they create intricate textiles using traditional looms, preserving centuries-old weaving techniques passed down through generations.
- Embroidery Cooperative: Witness the meticulous artistry of Moroccan embroidery as local women create stunning designs on fabrics, continuing a cherished tradition of handcrafted textile arts.
- Ain Nkobi Pottery Cooperative: Observe master potters shaping clay into beautiful ceramics and creating hand curated zellige tiles using time-honored techniques, and explore a colorful display of finished pottery ranging from decorative pieces such as urns and trickling fountains to functional house hold items.
Overnight at a Boutique Hotel or Riad in Fes.
Day 5: Fes Guided Excursion to Jewish Seffrou: Where Cultures Intertwine:
As you leave the bustling streets of Fes behind, the landscape transforms into rolling hills dotted with olive groves and cherry orchards. Your first stop is the tranquil village of Bhalil, where you'll visit an ancient Jewish cemetery. Wander among weathered tombstones adorned with Hebrew inscriptions, each telling a story of lives lived in this land centuries ago.
Seffrou: A Tapestry of Faiths
Arriving in Seffrou, you'll immediately sense the town's unique character. Once home to a thriving Jewish community, Seffrou's mellah (Jewish quarter) comprises half of the old city, a testament to the significant role Jews played in the town's history. As you explore the winding alleys of the white-washed pedestrian medina, your guide will point out distinctive Jewish architectural features:
- Wooden balconies that once allowed women to observe street life while maintaining privacy
- Visit Seffrou, the capital of cherries. Sefrou, south of Fes, was known as Little Jerusalem due to its high percentage of Jews and its well-developed religious life. Upon Morocco's independence, a rabbi from Sefrou was elected to Parliament. Sefrou's mellah makes up half of the old city.
- En route to Sefrou make a short stop to visit Bhalil a cemetery
- Sefrou was once a major center for Morocco's Jews and its walled white pedestrian medina is still characterized by their houses with wooden balconies.
- A good example of interfaith dialogue in Morocco can be witnessed in the city of Sefrou. In Sefrou lived Muslims and Jews in good harmony door to door and practiced their religious rituals in unison.
A Legacy of Coexistence
Seffrou stands as a powerful symbol of interfaith harmony. Here, Muslims and Jews lived side by side for centuries, their daily lives and religious practices intertwined in a unique cultural tapestry. Your guide will share stories of:
- Shared celebrations, where Jewish and Muslim neighbors would participate in each other's festivities
- The election of a rabbi to Parliament upon Morocco's independence, highlighting the integration of the Jewish community
- Local legends of Muslim guardians protecting Jewish holy sites
The Cherry on Top
No visit to Seffrou is complete without indulging in its famous cherries. Depending on the season, you might:
- Visit a local cherry orchard and pick your own fruit
- Sample cherry-infused delicacies at a family-owned café
- Learn about the annual Cherry Festival, a celebration that once brought together all of Seffrou's diverse communities
Afternoon Option: Fes' Glorious Gardens and Palaces
Return to Fes for an afternoon of sensory delights:
- Jnane Sbil Gardens: Lose yourself in this oasis of tranquility, where the gentle sound of fountains mingles with the scent of orange blossoms.
- Batha Museum & Andalusian Garden: Step into a 19th-century summer palace turned museum, showcasing exquisite Moroccan crafts amidst a stunning Andalusian-style garden.
- Bou Inania Medersa: Marvel at the intricate zellige tilework and carved cedar of this 14th-century theological college, a masterpiece of Marinid architecture.
This excursion offers a unique glimpse into Morocco's rich Jewish heritage and the enduring legacy of cultural coexistence. From the poignant reminders of Seffrou's Jewish past to the living traditions of Fes, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse threads that weave together Morocco's cultural fabric.
Day 6: Journey to Marrakech via Ifrane and Beni Mellal
- Embark on the scenic route to Marrakech.
- Pause at Ifrane University for a picturesque view and a brief garden stroll. Nicknamed Morocco's "Little Switzerland," Ifrane charms with its unique blend of Moroccan and Alpine aesthetics. Developed during the French Protectorate era, this town stands out with its European-inspired architecture, lush cedar forests, and winter sports facilities. Its high altitude grants it a snowy winter and mild summer climate, a rarity in Morocco.
- Savor a moment of relaxation at an open-air café in Ifrane, indulging in coffee, tea, and delectable pastries.
- Make a quick detour to Zaouia Cheikh, home to one of Morocco's ambitious dam projects. This initiative, conceived by Hassan II and continued by King Mohammed VI, aims to construct 30 dams by 2030, enhancing the nation's irrigation capabilities.
- Break for lunch at Hotel Paris in Beni Mellal, before continuing your journey to the vibrant city of Marrakech.
Overnight at a Boutique Hotel or Riad in Marrakech.
Day 7: Marrakech Guides Historical Tour, City Visit, Yves Saint Laurent Gardens & Berber Museum, UNESCO Sites & Jewish Heritage Sites
Visit Marrakech’s Gardens, Palaces, and Jewish Heritage Sites.
- The Majorelle Gardens & Berber Museum The Majorelle Gardens, previously the Jardin Bou Saf, bears its name from its original creator, Jacques Majorelle, the French expatriate artist who was born in Nancy France in 1886. In 1947 he opened his gardens to the public and during this time also painted a magnificent ceiling space at La Mamounia hotel. Later, French fashion designer Yves Saint-Laurent purchased the gardens. Today the Majorelle Gardens house a unique collection of flora and fauna along with the Berber Museum.
- The Old Spice Market The Rahba Kedima is a colorful market filled with a wide array of spices from Cumin, Cinnamon, Saffron, Dried Pepper and more.
- The Jewish MellahFounded in 1558 by Moulay Abdallah, the Mellah district was designated as the Jewish quarter in Marrakech.
- El Bahia Palace The El Bahia Palace in Marrakech is a beautiful building and an excellent example of Eastern Architecture from the 19th century that represents trends and standards of the wealthy that lived at that time.
- Marrakech Lazama Synagogue in the old medina. This Quarter was created in the Kasbah area in 1558. The Jewish community enjoyed autonomy even though Jews weren't allowed to own any property outside the Mellah and controlled the sugar trade. There are approximately 250 Jews still living in Marrakech, and most live outside the Medina.
- Synagogue Beth-El, Impasse Des Moulins (Centre American) - Gueliz.
- Rabbi Hanania Hacohen Cemetery. Tour the Rabbi Hanania Hacohen Cemetery, the place of burial for Rabbi Mordekhai Ben Attar and Rabbi Pinhas Hacohen Azough, where the “patron of Marrakech” resides.
- The Saadian Tombs The Saadian tombs in Marrakech date back from the time of the sultan Ahmad al-Mansur (1578-1603). The tombs were only recently discovered (in 1917) and were restored by the Beaux-arts service. The mausoleum comprises the corpses of about sixty members of the Saadi Dynasty that originated in the valley of the Draa River.
Overnight at a Boutique Hotel or Riad in Marrakech.
Day 8: Marrakech Leisure Day - La Mamounia Gardens, Abderrazzak Benchaabane's Palmeraie Gardens & Museum& Spa Experience
- La Mamounia Gardens: Immerse yourself in the lush oasis of this iconic hotel, established in 1929. A team of 40 dedicated gardeners maintains these sprawling grounds, planting 60,000 annuals biannually to enhance the beauty. Wander through meticulously manicured lawns shaded by citrus and olive trees, explore the diverse desert, rose, and tropical gardens, and admire the numerous fountains. Stroll down the historic 200-year-old olive tree avenue, leading to a tranquil garden pavilion perfect for savoring a cup of traditional Moroccan mint tea.
- Abderrazzak Benchaabane's Palmeraie Gardens & Museum: Discover the multifaceted talents of Marrakech's living legend, Abderrazzak Benchaabane. This soft-spoken polymath has made his mark as a garden designer, ethnobotanist, perfumer, educator, photographer, writer, and publisher. Visit his unique property in the Palmeraie, where former stables and piste buildings have been transformed into an exquisite showcase for his private collection of Moroccan modern and contemporary art. As you explore the grounds, you'll experience a harmonious blend of nature and creativity, reflecting Benchaabane's diverse expertise. This hidden gem offers a rare glimpse into the artistic and botanical heritage of Morocco through the eyes of one of its most respected cultural figures.
- Hammam & Spa Experience: Indulge in ultimate relaxation at La Mamounia's world-class spa facilities. Choose from a variety of traditional Moroccan treatments, including hammam rituals, aromatic oil massages, and rejuvenating facials. Let the skilled therapists pamper you in luxurious surroundings, helping you unwind and refresh. After your treatments, take advantage of the spa's amenities, such as the indoor pool, jacuzzi, or sauna, to complete your day of self-care and tranquility in the heart of Marrakech.
Overnight at a Boutique Hotel or Riad in Marrakech.
Day 9: Essaouira Day Trip: Coastal Charm and Jewish Heritage
- Journey to picturesque Essaouira, a coastal gem renowned for its Portuguese and Jewish history, vibrant artist community, and charming blue, white, and yellow painted houses.
- Explore the enchanting artist colony, featuring whitewashed buildings with blue shutters, elegant colonnades, thuya wood workshops, and diverse art galleries. Formerly known as Mogador, Essaouira hosts the popular annual Gnaoua Music Festival, drawing over 300,000 visitors each June. Surf enthusiasts can enjoy the expansive Plage de Safi beach.
- Discover Essaouira's rich Jewish heritage, evident in the Star of David symbols still visible above many doorways. Each September, Jewish pilgrims gather to honor Rabbi Haim Pinto at his grave during the annual hiloula celebration.
- Visit Rabbi Haim Pinto's preserved home and synagogue, now a historic site that still functions as an active place of worship for pilgrims and Jewish tour groups.
- Learn about Essaouira's dwindling Jewish population, including Joseph Sebag, the last permanent Jewish resident, whose ancestors fled the Spanish Inquisition. Meet Jacky Kadoch, president of Essaouira's Jewish community.
- Tour key Jewish heritage sites: Attia Synagogue, Bayt Dakira (House of Memory Museum), Haim Pinto Synagogue, Bayt Dakira, the Jewish Mellah, and the Old Jewish Cemetery with its distinctive cubist and Amazigh tombstones.
Day 10:Farewell to Marrakech
Depending on your travel arrangements, you'll depart from either Marrakech Menara Airport or make your way to Casablanca's Mohammed V International Airport for your outbound flight.
What's Included in Your Morocco 10-Day Jewish Heritage Tour:
- Luxury transportation in Mercedes Vito or 4x4 with multilingual driver fluent in English, Arabic, French
- Complimentary airport transfers on arrival and departure
- Specialized Jewish Heritage guides for city tours, day excursions, and trekking experiences
- Admission fees to all heritage sites and attractions
- Accommodations in elegant Moroccan Riads and select Boutique Hotels
- 11 meals - Kosher options available
- Itinerary Starts and Ends in Casablanca
