- 8 Days
- Casablanca | Rabat | Fez | Marrakech
“Explore historic synagogues, mellahs, and engage with rich Jewish history in Morocco“
Tour Highlights
Mellah Jewish Quarters
Rabbi Shrines
Lunch with a Jewish Family
Ancient Roman Sites
Synagogue Visits
Mountain Resort
Islamic Architecture
Jewish Cuisine
about this tour
about this tour
Morocco has a deeply rooted and enduring Jewish heritage that spans over two millennia, making it one of the most historically significant Jewish communities in the Arab world. Jewish presence in Morocco dates back to ancient times, with migrations linked to the destruction of the First Temple in Jerusalem and later during the Roman era. Across Morocco, cities like Fez, Marrakech, Meknes, and Essaouira feature mellahs, synagogues, and cemeteries that tell stories of once-thriving Jewish communities. In Fez, the Ibn Danan Synagogue and the restored cemetery are notable sites. Essaouira, historically known as Mogador, was home to a significant Jewish population and still retains traces of their influence in its architecture and culture. Marrakesh boasts the Lazama Synagogue and a well-preserved mellah, reflecting its Jewish heritage. Under the Moroccan monarchy, the Jewish community enjoyed periods of protection and prosperity, though there were challenges during colonial times and after the establishment of Israel. Today, Morocco continues to honor its Jewish heritage, with the government actively supporting the restoration of synagogues, cemeteries, and other cultural landmarks. Annual pilgrimages to Jewish saints’ tombs and festivals, such as those in Safi and Demnate, also serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of Moroccan Jewry.
DAY 7 Lunch is arranged in a Jewish home in The Mellah, offering the chance to sit with a local family and learn about their way of life. You will share a meal prepared with care, giving insight into traditions that have been passed down through generations. The setting allows for conversation in a relaxed atmosphere, where stories and perspectives are exchanged naturally. This visit provides a meaningful glimpse into daily life while enjoying authentic dishes at the family table.
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Arrival in Casablanca & Transfer to RabatYou will be met at Casablanca airport by your driver for your private transfer to Rabat. Your first day is at leisure to unwind from your journey, so you can relax and enjoy the facilities of your hotel or take a wander around the area. Rabat is the capital of Morocco, it is a serene city on the Atlantic coast where modernity meets tradition. Known for its historic landmarks like the Hassan Tower and the Kasbah of the Udayas, it offers visitors a chance to see stunning architecture and well-preserved relics of its past. The city’s clean streets and tranquil gardens, such as the Chellah ruins, provide a peaceful atmosphere. As Morocco's political and administrative heart, Rabat has a more relaxed pace compared to other major cities, making it an ideal place to experience a blend of the old and the contemporary. In Rabat, the mellah (Jewish quarter) reflects the historical coexistence of Jewish and Muslim communities. Although the Jewish population in Rabat has diminished over the years, landmarks such as the city’s Jewish cemetery, synagogues, and cultural sites preserve its legacy.
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You will be met at Casablanca airport by your driver for your private transfer to Rabat. Your first day is at leisure to unwind from your journey, so you can…2
Jewish History of Rabat - Transfer to FezExplore the historical and cultural treasures of Rabat, Morocco's capital, with a special focus on its Jewish heritage. Begin in the Royal Palace area, a 19th-century landmark reflecting the city’s administrative significance. Continue to the Necropolis of Chellah, a 14th-century site that blends Islamic architecture with Roman ruins from Sala Colonia, including artifacts that speak to the diverse communities that once thrived here. Visit the Kasbah Oudaya, known for its tranquil Andalusian gardens, and the History Museum, where a tombstone with Hebrew inscriptions from the Roman site of Volubilis highlights Morocco’s long-standing Jewish presence. Conclude at the Mausoleum of King Mohamed V, a revered figure among Moroccan Jews for protecting the Jewish community during World War II. There will be plenty of time for you to have lunch in one of the many restaurants before you travel through picturesque agricultural plains to the historic city of Fez, a city rich in Jewish cultural landmarks.
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Explore the historical and cultural treasures of Rabat, Morocco's capital, with a special focus on its Jewish heritage. Begin in the Royal Palace area, a 19th-century landmark reflecting the city’s…3
Mellah, Jewish Quarter of FezAfter breakfast, begin with a visit to the Mellah, the Jewish quarter built by Jews expelled from Spain. Start at the cemetery where rabbis, judges, and saints of Fez's Jewish community are buried. There will be the opportunity to meet Mr. Edmond Gabbay, a member of the Fez Jewish community responsible for the cemetery and the preservation of Jewish heritage. You will walk through the streets of Mellah, with its beautiful Moorish architecture, which the Jews brought from Southern Spain, there will be stops to visit the recently restored 17th-century Aben Danan Synagogue and the older El Fassiyine Synagogue. Then on to the Blue Gate of Fez, one of the main entrances to the 9th-century old Medina (Fez El Bali). In 14th-century Medressa you will see the former location of the house of the Jewish philosopher, Maimonides. Lunch will be at the Jewish club of Fez, with specialties of Moroccan Jewish cuisine. Then continue the walking tour through the colorful, lively souks, handicraft centers, commercial squares, and medieval monuments of old Fez.
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After breakfast, begin with a visit to the Mellah, the Jewish quarter built by Jews expelled from Spain. Start at the cemetery where rabbis, judges, and saints of Fez's Jewish…4
Meknes & VolubilisThis morning, you will take a short drive to Meknes, another former Moroccan capital built around 1672 by King Moulay Ismail and once home to a substantial Jewish community. You will visit the Bab El Mansour gate with its impressive size, the vast granaries, the stables that housed hundreds of horses, and the nearly ten-acre pool once used to irrigate the Royal Palace gardens. You will also visit the Jewish quarter, its two old cemeteries, and the former Hebraic Talmud Torah School. After a lunch break, you will continue on to Volubilis, Morocco's most significant archaeological site, known for its detailed mosaics and monuments. Over 2,000 years ago, a Jewish population resided here, as indicated by inscriptions on tombstones in either Hebrew or Greek. In the late afternoon, you will drive back to Fez across the Rif Mountains' foothills.
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This morning, you will take a short drive to Meknes, another former Moroccan capital built around 1672 by King Moulay Ismail and once home to a substantial Jewish community. You…5
Flight Fez to MarrakechYou will be collected from your hotel in Fez and taken directly to the airport for your onward flight to Marrakech. A direct flight takes around 90 minutes, however be aware that several flight options include a stop and may take longer. Upon arrival in Marrakech, you will be met at the airport for private transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours at leisure to relax and unwind in your hotel or check out the sights and sounds of Marrakech.
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You will be collected from your hotel in Fez and taken directly to the airport for your onward flight to Marrakech. A direct flight takes around 90 minutes, however be…6
Shrines to RabbisThe day begins with a journey to some of the region’s most revered Rabbi shrines in the Marrakech area. The first stop is the sanctuary of Rabbi Shlomo Ben Lahnech, situated in a breathtaking valley south of Marrakech. This sacred site is cared for by a local Jewish family, offering an opportunity to learn about their role in preserving this important spiritual location. After exploring the serene surroundings of the Ourika Valley, the route continues through the mountains to the Asni Valley. In the village of Ouirgane, the itinerary includes a visit to the shrine of Rabbi Haim Ben Diwane, an enduring place of spiritual significance nestled amid the striking mountain landscapes. Lunch is planned at the charming mountain resort La Roseraie, where guests can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty of the area. Following the meal, the journey resumes with a drive to the village of Amizmiz, home to the shrine of Rabbi Raphael Hacohen. This site provides further insight into the region’s spiritual heritage and its enduring cultural traditions.
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The day begins with a journey to some of the region’s most revered Rabbi shrines in the Marrakech area. The first stop is the sanctuary of Rabbi Shlomo Ben Lahnech,…7
Mellah - Lunch in Jewish home - Meet the RabbiThe morning begins with a guided tour through the 16th-century Jewish quarter, The Mellah, featuring Moorish architecture and markets filled with spices and herbs. The visit includes the synagogue with the shrines of Rabbi Hanania Hacohen and Rabbi Mordekhai Ben Attar, significant figures in the Jewish community of Marrakech. The itinerary also covers "Salat Laazama," Morocco’s oldest synagogue, dating back to 1492, which remains active and offers insights into the city’s Jewish heritage. Lunch is arranged in a Jewish home within The Mellah, providing an opportunity to engage with a local family and experience traditional hospitality. In the afternoon, the schedule includes a walk through the artisan quarters and the main square of Marrakech, ending at the central synagogue, Beth El, with a chance to meet the rabbi.
overnight
The morning begins with a guided tour through the 16th-century Jewish quarter, The Mellah, featuring Moorish architecture and markets filled with spices and herbs. The visit includes the synagogue with…8
Departure DayYour guide will advise you of pick up time for your private transfer to Marrakech International Airport, allowing plenty of time for checking in at the airport and shopping for your final Moroccan items. Have a wonderful flight!
overnight
Your guide will advise you of pick up time for your private transfer to Marrakech International Airport, allowing plenty of time for checking in at the airport and shopping for…
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