10 Days / 9 Nights – Rabbinical Jewish Heritage Tour of Morocco

A spiritual and cultural journey tracing the roots of Moroccan Jewry from Casablanca to the Atlas Mountains and ancient mellahs.

Explore the deep and enduring legacy of Moroccan Jewry on this immersive 10-day private tour. From the centuries-old synagogues and mellahs of Fes and Marrakech to the tombs of revered rabbis in remote Atlas villages, this journey is designed for those seeking spiritual enrichment, historical depth, and cultural immersion.

You’ll walk in the footsteps of Andalusian exiles, visit Jewish museums and preserved cemeteries, attend Shabbat in a Moroccan synagogue (if desired), and experience warm encounters with the country’s remaining Jewish community — all while enjoying the hospitality, cuisine, and elegance Morocco is known for.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Casablanca – Arrival & Jewish Landmarks

Arrive in Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city and a modern hub of Jewish life. Visit the Temple Beth-El, one of the most beautiful synagogues in North Africa, and stop by the Jewish Museum of Casablanca, the only Jewish museum in the Arab world. If time allows, stroll the Corniche seaside or visit the majestic Hassan II Mosque. Overnight in Casablanca.

Day 2: Casablanca – Rabat – Meknes – Fes

Travel to Rabat, the country’s capital. Visit the Jewish cemetery, which faces the royal palace — a testament to the longstanding coexistence of Jews and Muslims in Morocco. Stop at the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the Kasbah of the Udayas. Continue to Meknes, home to Talmud Torah Synagogue and the tomb of Rabbi David Benmidan. By evening, arrive in Fes, the spiritual capital of Morocco. Overnight in a traditional riad in the Fes medina.

Day 3: Fes – Guided Jewish Heritage Tour

Explore Fes, once home to one of the largest and most vibrant Jewish communities in Morocco.

• Visit the Ibn Danan Synagogue, restored with support from UNESCO.

• Explore the Mellah (Jewish quarter), the Jewish Cemetery, and the tomb of Solika Hatchouel, a local martyr.

• Tour the medina, including the Al-Quaraouiyine University, artisan quarters, and tanneries.
  Optional: Attend a Shabbat service or private dinner with members of the local Jewish community. Overnight in Fes.

Day 4: Fes – Sefrou – Bhalil – Ifrane – Midelt

Drive south through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop in Sefrou, once known as “Little Jerusalem,” to visit the old mellah and the tomb of Rabbi Lahou Harroch. Continue to Bhalil, a town with traditional cave dwellings, and on to Ifrane, the alpine-style town nicknamed “Switzerland of Morocco.” Overnight in Midelt, gateway to the High Atlas.

Day 5: Midelt – Erfoud – Rissani – Merzouga (Sahara)

Descend through the Ziz Valley, dotted with palm groves and ksour, toward Erfoud, a town once home to a large Jewish community. Visit the ruins of a former synagogue or meet descendants of local Jews. Continue to Rissani, birthplace of the Alaouite dynasty. Arrive in Merzouga and take a sunset camel ride into the dunes. Spend the night in a luxury Sahara camp, with a fireside dinner and star-filled sky.

Day 6: Merzouga – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

Rise early for sunrise in the desert. After breakfast, visit Tinghir, home to another historic mellah and a beautifully preserved Jewish quarter. Visit the Todra Gorges, Morocco’s dramatic limestone canyons. Continue through the Dades Valley, stopping at local kasbahs and villages. Overnight in a boutique hotel in the valley.

Day 7: Dades – Skoura – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech

Drive along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, stopping at Skoura oasis and its Jewish ruins. Visit the film studios of Ouarzazate and the iconic Ait Ben Haddou, a ksar used in many historic and Hollywood productions. Cross the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains and arrive in Marrakech by evening.

Day 8: Marrakech – Jewish Heritage Tour

Explore Marrakech’s Mellah, established in the 16th century. Visit the Lazama Synagogue, the Jewish Cemetery, and walk through the narrow lanes of the old Jewish quarter. Highlights of the broader tour include the Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, and Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Optional dinner at a kosher-friendly restaurant or a Shabbat dinner experience. Overnight in a riad.

Day 9: Excursion to Ourika Valley – Rabbi Shlomo Bel Hensh

Take a day trip to the Ourika Valley, home to one of Morocco’s most venerated Jewish pilgrimage sites: the tomb of Rabbi Shlomo Bel Hensh. Visit Berber villages and enjoy a light hike through the valley. Return to Marrakech for your final night.

Day 10: Departure from Marrakech or Casablanca

After breakfast, transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport or Casablanca Mohammed V Airport depending on your flight plan. End of the tour.

Tour Details

Inclusions:

• Private transport in luxury 4×4 or minivan

• English-speaking driver and licensed local guides

• Airport transfers

• 9 nights in boutique riads and hand-picked hotels

• 1 night in luxury desert camp

• Daily breakfasts, 4 dinners

• All guided tours and site entrances

• Camel ride in Sahara

Exclusions:

• Flights

• Lunches and beverages

• Tips and personal expenses

• Optional Shabbat meals or synagogue donations

Custom Options:

• Add Shabbat experiences or kosher-style dining upon request

• Optional day trips to Azemmour, Essaouira, or Casablanca Jewish sites

• Fully adjustable pace and luxury level