13-Day Jewish Heritage Tour in Morocco with Sahara Desert Experience

• Upon your arrival at Marrakech Menara Airport, you will be greeted by our professional English-speaking driver, who will assist you with your luggage and escort you to your accommodation.
• After a long flight, you can relax and unwind at your hotel or riad in Marrakech.

Accommodation: Riad or hotel in Marrakech.

• Depart early in the morning from Marrakech. After a two-hour drive, we will stop at Ait Barka village to enjoy the panoramic view and a refreshing cup of mint tea or coffee. Here, you can also use the restroom facilities. We continue our journey through the Tichka Pass, where we will pause for some scenic photographs. Our next stop is at Talouet, where we visit the Kasbah, a significant site in Moroccan history.
• We then drive to Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Historically, this village had a Jewish community that was vital to the local economy. Jews lived in harmony with the Berber Muslims, contributing to the rich tapestry of Moroccan culture. Enjoy a guided tour of the village, exploring its narrow streets and ancient buildings. Afterwards, we will have lunch here before continuing our journey.
• Next, we visit the Atlas Cinema Studio in Ouarzazate, known as the "Hollywood of Morocco." This studio has been a filming location for many famous movies and TV series. We then proceed to Ouarzazate to visit Taourirt Kasbah, another historical landmark with Jewish influences. Our journey continues to Skoura and the Rose Valley, where we climb to a panoramic viewpoint to see the entire city from above. We will also visit a women's cooperative to learn about the production of rose products and taste some rose tea.

Accommodation: Riad or hotel in Dades Valley.

• After breakfast, we drive to Tinghir and Todra Gorge, making several stops to visit old Jewish villages. These villages are remnants of a once-thriving Jewish community that lived harmoniously with Berbers and Arabs. Their legacy includes synagogues and cemeteries that tell stories of coexistence and mutual respect.
• We then drive to Tinjdad for lunch at an old kasbah transformed into a restaurant by a local family. After lunch, we continue to Al Malaab Center, where we will stop at a women's cooperative. Here, you can dress in traditional local attire and take memorable photos. Our journey continues to Erfoud, a gateway to the Sahara Desert. From here, we will embark on a camel ride to a luxury tent in the bivouac in Merzouga.

Accommodation: Luxury tent in Merzouga desert.

• After breakfast in the desert, we drive to Erfoud and Errachidia. We will stop at a panoramic viewpoint to take photos and use the restroom. Our next stop is in Midelt for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, we drive to Ifrane, often called the "Switzerland of Morocco" due to its alpine architecture and lush surroundings. We will stop for coffee or mint tea before continuing to Fes.

Accommodation: Riad or hotel in Fes.

• Start your city tour of Fes with our experienced guide. Fes is home to one of the oldest Jewish communities in Morocco, and it still boasts many historical Jewish sites. We will visit the Ibn Danan Synagogue, one of the oldest and most important synagogues in North Africa, built in the 17th century. It has been restored and is a testament to the long-standing Jewish presence in Fes.
• Next, we visit the Jewish Cemetery, known for its white tombstones and well-maintained graves. The cemetery is a poignant reminder of the Jewish community's significant contributions to the city. We will also explore the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter, where Jews once lived and thrived.
• Your tour will include visits to the famous Al Quaraouiyine University, considered the oldest continuously operating university in the world, the Bou Inania Madrasa, and the Nejjarine Fountain. You will also visit the Chouara Tannery, where you can see the traditional process of tanning leather.
• After a morning of exploration, we will have lunch in a nice Moroccan restaurant.

Accommodation: Riad or hotel in Fes.

• After breakfast, we drive to Meknes, another city with a rich Jewish heritage. In Meknes, you will meet our local tour guide to start exploring the city. You will visit the Talmud Torah Synagogue, a historic synagogue that served as a center of learning and prayer for the Jewish community. The Jewish Cemetery in Meknes is another important site, reflecting the city's deep roots in Jewish culture.

The Royal Palace of Meknes, known as Dar El Makhzen, was Sultan Moulay Ismail's residence. While the palace is not open to the public, its splendid architecture and the vast, beautifully landscaped gardens are significant examples of Moroccan imperial design. The palace complex includes several gates, courtyards, and structures that reflect the grandeur of the Sultan's reign.

Bab Mansour is one of Meknes's most iconic landmarks. Built by Sultan Moulay Ismail in the late 17th century, this monumental gate is renowned for its intricate tilework and grand arches. It served as the main entrance to the royal palace and is a classic example of Moroccan architecture, featuring detailed mosaics and imposing proportions.

Heri es-Souani is an impressive historical site with a large granary and a vast stables complex built by Sultan Moulay Ismail. The site was used to store grain and house horses and is notable for its advanced architectural techniques, including large cisterns to ensure a steady water supply. The Sultan's desire to maintain a well-supplied and powerful empire was reflected in the site's vast size and ingenious design.

The Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail is a significant religious site and a pilgrimage destination. It is the final resting place of Sultan Moulay Ismail and is an excellent example of Moroccan religious architecture. The mausoleum is adorned with intricate tilework and carvings and features a peaceful courtyard where visitors can reflect on the Sultan's legacy.

El Hedim Square is the central public square in Meknes and is often compared to Marrakesh's Jemaa el-Fnaa. Sultan Moulay Ismail originally constructed the square to be a grand open space for public gatherings and celebrations. Today, it remains a lively area where locals and visitors can experience the city's vibrant atmosphere.

• We will dine in a traditional Moroccan restaurant for lunch, enjoying local delicacies.

Accommodation: Riad or hotel in Meknes.

• Today, we drive to Chefchaouen, passing through beautiful landscapes and vast agricultural lands. We will make several stops along the way to capture photos of the stunning scenery. Upon arrival in Chefchaouen, known for its blue-washed buildings and charming streets, you will meet our local tour guide.
• We will have lunch and then explore the city, including a visit to the Ras el-Maa Synagogue. Chefchaouen's Jewish history is intertwined with the city's development, and the synagogue is a testament to the once-thriving Jewish community.

Accommodation: Riad or hotel in Chefchaouen.

• After breakfast, we drive to Tangier via Akchour. In Tangier, you will meet our experienced tour guide for lunch and a tour of the city's historical and archaeological sites. We will visit the Nahoun Synagogue, an important place of worship for the Jewish community in Tangier. The Jewish Cemetery here is another significant site, reflecting the long-standing presence of Jews in the city.
• Your tour will include visiting the Kasbah Museum, housed in the former Sultan's palace, which provides a fascinating insight into the city's rich history. The American Legation Museum, the only U.S. National Historic Landmark outside the United States, is another must-see, showcasing the long history of diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Morocco.

Accommodation: Riad or hotel in Tangier.

• Today, we drive to Rabat, Morocco's capital, passing through Asilah and Larache. In Rabat, we will have lunch and visit historical and archaeological sites, including the Jewish Cemetery located in the Mellah. This cemetery tells the story of the Jewish community's contributions to the capital city.
• Visit the Royal Palace, the official residence of the King, and the historic Kasbah of the Udayas, a UNESCO World Heritage site with its charming blue and white streets and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. After our tour of Rabat, we continue to Casablanca for the night.

Accommodation: Hotel in Casablanca.

• We start the day by visiting the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. We then drive along the Corniche, stopping at the Morocco Mall to shop.
• We also visit Mohamed V Square and the Museum of Moroccan Judaism, which provides a comprehensive overview of Morocco's Jewish community's history. Our tour continues with a visit to Beth-El Synagogue.
• After lunch in a nice restaurant, we drive to Essaouira.

Accommodation: Riad or hotel in Essaouira.

• After breakfast, start your city tour with our experienced guide exploring the enchanting city of Essaouira. Essaouira has a rich Jewish history, and we will visit the Simon Attias Synagogue, the Jewish Cemetery, Bayt Dakira, and the Haim Pinto Synagogue. Each site offers a glimpse into the vibrant Jewish community that once thrived in Essaouira.
• We will also visit the Skala de la Ville, a fortified sea wall lined with historic cannons and offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
• Stroll through the medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and discover its narrow streets filled with artisan workshops, galleries, and colourful markets.
• Visit the Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdallah Museum, which showcases a collection of traditional Moroccan art, including pottery, jewellery, and musical instruments.
• We will have lunch in a coastal restaurant before driving to Marrakech.

Accommodation: Riad or hotel in Marrakech.

• Start your city tour of Marrakech with our experienced guide. We will visit the Slat al-Azama Synagogue in the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter. This synagogue is still active and serves as a place of worship and community for the remaining Jewish families in Marrakech. We will also visit the Jewish Cemetery, Miara Cemetery, one of the largest in Morocco.
• Our tour continues with visits to the Badi Palace, Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, Koutoubia Mosque, the souks, and the old medina. If time allows, we will also visit the Majorelle Garden and Menara Gardens.

Accommodation: Riad or hotel in Marrakech.

• After breakfast, you will have some free time to relax or do last-minute shopping.
• Our driver will then transfer you to the airport for your departure, marking the end of your memorable Jewish heritage tour in Morocco.