Discover the Jewish Heritage of Morocco 2026
Departure Date: Aug 03, 2026
Return Date: Aug 12, 2026
Day 1 – Aug 02 | Sunday: USA → Casablanca
Overnight flight from your home city to Casablanca, Morocco.
Day 2 – Aug 03 | Monday: Arrive Casablanca → Rabat
Meet and greet upon arrival at Casablanca Airport, followed by an immediate transfer by private coach to Rabat, the political capital of Morocco and home to the King’s main palace.
This evening, enjoy an orientation meeting at the hotel.
Overnight: Sofitel Rabat Jardin des Roses
Day 3 – Aug 04 | Tuesday: Rabat – Meknès – Fès
After a leisurely breakfast, begin your exploration of Rabat, Morocco’s royal capital. Stroll through the Jewish Quarter (Mellah) and its historic synagogue, discovering the enduring legacy of the city’s Jewish community. A visit to the Mausoleum of King Mohammed V highlights the deep and respectful relationship between Morocco’s Jewish population and its monarchy.
Continue to the Kasbah des Oudaias, one of the country’s most picturesque historic sites. Wander through its winding streets, beautifully restored gardens, Rabat’s oldest mosque, and the Kasbah Museum. Ascend the steps to the imposing Bab Oudaya Gate, offering panoramic views of the Bouregreg River and the Atlantic Ocean.
Travel onward to Meknès, once known as the “Jerusalem of Morocco.” Jewish communities settled here long before the advent of Islam, flourishing for centuries and producing respected Chakhamim (Rabbis) and prominent merchants.
In Meknès, visit the historic School of Talmud Torah, a former center of Jewish learning, followed by visits to the ancient and new Jewish cemeteries, commemorating generations of Jewish families. Admire the majestic Bab Mansour Laleuj Gate, one of Morocco’s most impressive monumental entrances.
Enjoy lunch and a wine-tasting experience at Château Roslane, Morocco’s premier family-owned vineyard. Dine outdoors in a serene garden surrounded by vineyards while savoring a refined food-and-wine pairing, followed by a visit to the historic wine cellar.
Time permitting, stop at the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that flourished between 45–285 AD as the capital of Mauretania Tingitana. From this tranquil site, enjoy views of the holy town of Moulay Idriss, Morocco’s most revered pilgrimage destination.
Continue to Fès.
Overnight: Marriott Jnan Palace
Day 4 – Aug 05 | Wednesday: Fès – Full-Day Jewish & Historical Tour
Fès is considered Morocco’s spiritual and cultural capital and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in the 9th century, its medina reached its golden age during the 13th and 14th centuries.
Explore the Mellah (Jewish Quarter), including the 17th-century Ibn Danan Synagogue, the old Jewish cemetery, and the revered burial sites of great Rabbis and holy women. Visit the Royal Palace (Dar al-Makhzen) and the beautifully restored Bensadoun Synagogue.
Continue through the medina, visiting historic madrasas, souks, fundouks, fountains, traditional workshops, the famous tanneries, and the house of Maimonides (Rambam).
Dinner at Palais Faraj, offering refined Moroccan gastronomy and panoramic views over the medina.
Overnight: Marriott Jnan Palace
Day 5 – Aug 06 | Thursday: Fès – Ifrane – Beni Mellal – Marrakech
Depart Fès for a scenic journey to Marrakech, passing through Berber villages and the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop in Ifrane, a charming alpine-style town known for its cool climate and wood carvings and enjoy tea at a local Berber home.
Continue through Beni Mellal, an important regional center with rich history and dramatic natural landscapes. Optional lunch at a local restaurant before arriving in Marrakech in the late afternoon.
Overnight: Savoy Le Grand Hotel
Day 6 – Aug 07 | Friday: Marrakech – Jewish Quarter & Shabbat Eve
After breakfast, explore Marrakech’s Mellah, including the 500-year-old Slat Al Azama Synagogue, built by Sephardic Jews expelled from Spain in 1492. Visit the Jewish Cemetery, the Bahia Palace, and the exquisitely decorated Saadian Tombs.
Continue to the Kasbah to visit traditional herbalists and learn about the uses of argan oil. After lunch (time permitting), stroll through the souks.
Return to the hotel to prepare for Shabbat. Transfer to Beth-El Synagogue for candle lighting and services, followed by a hosted Shabbat dinner with local Jewish families (TBC). Return to the hotel on foot or by bus as needed.
Overnight: Le Naoura Barrière Marrakech
Day 7 – Aug 08 | Saturday: Marrakech – Shabbat
Enjoy a full Shabbat experience in Marrakech, including walking tours and hosting with local families. After Shabbat, visit the world-famous Djemaa El Fna Square, alive with storytellers, musicians, and performers.
Dinner with entertainment at Palais Gharnata.
Overnight: Le Naoura Barrière Marrakech
Day 8 – Aug 09 | Sunday: Marrakech – Essaouira
Travel to Essaouira, a coastal city rich in Portuguese and Jewish heritage. En route, pass through argan forests and visit a women’s cooperative producing argan oil.
In Essaouira, explore the historic medina, harbor, and city walls. Discover the Jewish Quarter, once home to nearly 40% of the population, and visit the Simon Attias Synagogue, now part of Bayt Dakira, a Jewish museum and cultural center honoring historian Haim Zafrani.
Optional seafood lunch, followed by visits to the Jewish cemeteries, including the tomb of Rabbi Haim Pinto.
Overnight: Sofitel Essaouira Mogador Golf & Spa
Day 9 – Aug 10 | Monday: Essaouira – Safi – Oualidia – El Jadida – Casablanca
Depart for Safi, visiting the Portuguese Sea Castle and pottery district. Continue to Oualidia, famed for its oyster farms (optional lunch).
Proceed to El Jadida, formerly the Portuguese fortress of Mazagan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring Renaissance military architecture, the cistern, and the Church of the Assumption. Continue to Casablanca.
Overnight: Hyatt Regency Casablanca
Day 10 – Aug 11 | Tuesday: Casablanca – Jewish Heritage & City Tour
Full-day tour of Casablanca, including the interior visit of the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. Drive through United Nations Square, Anfa, and Ain Diab.
Meet leaders of the local Jewish community, including the president Mr. Berdugo, and visit the Talmud Torah School. Explore the Jewish Museum of Casablanca, the only Jewish museum in the Islamic world, followed by a walk along the Street of the Seven Synagogues, Beth-El Synagogue, the Mellah, and the Jewish cemetery.
Kosher farewell dinner at a Jewish-owned club with a presentation on Moroccan Jewish heritage.
Overnight: Hyatt Regency Casablanca
