Morocco Jewish Heritage Journey for the Connoisseur

For more than two millennia, Morocco has been home to one of the world’s oldest and most vibrant Jewish communities. From the arrival of Sephardic Jews following the expulsion from Spain in 1492 to the flourishing Jewish communities that shaped Morocco’s cities, commerce, culture, and diplomacy, the Jewish story of Morocco is one of resilience, creativity, and coexistence.

This exceptional heritage journey combines Morocco’s legendary Imperial Cities, breathtaking mountain landscapes, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the remarkable legacy of Jewish-Muslim coexistence that continues today under the protection of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.

Throughout this unforgettable experience, you will discover historic Mellahs (Jewish quarters), magnificent synagogues, sacred burial sites of revered rabbis, ancient cemeteries, museums, and centuries-old traditions — while experiencing Morocco’s legendary hospitality, cuisine, and cultural richness.

Journey Dates:	August 2–10, 2026
Duration:	9 Days / 8 Nights

This Journey Includes:

Private touring throughout Morocco in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle with your own professional English-speaking licensed driver/guide. Eight nights' accommodation in carefully selected premium hotels and authentic Moroccan riads, daily hotel breakfasts, one traditional Moroccan dinner, airport arrival and departure transfers, all sightseeing as outlined in the itinerary, entrance fees to included sites, and all hotel and government tourism taxes.

Destinations Visited:

Casablanca • Chefchaouen • Ouazzane • Fès • Boumalne Dades • Marrakech • Essaouira

Premium Accommodations:

Casablanca: Royal Hideaway Hotel (1 night)

Chefchaouen: Riad Nila (1 night)

Fès: Palais Houyam Hotel (2 nights)

Boumalne Dades: Dades Palm Hotel (1 night)

Marrakech: Riad N.L. Collection (2 nights)

Essaouira: Madada Mogador Hotel (1 night)

Land Package:

US $4,775.00 per person, based on double occupancy.

Single supplement available upon request.

Luxury Hotel Upgrades

For travelers seeking an even more luxurious experience, upgrades to Morocco's finest five-star hotels and luxury riads are available in most destinations, subject to availability.

Recommended upgrade options may include:

Casablanca: Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca or Royal Mansour Casablanca
Chefchaouen: Lina Ryad & Spa or Dar Jasmine
Fès: Palais Faraj Suites & Spa or Riad Fès – Relais & Châteaux
Boumalne Dades: Xaluca Dades or Dar Ahlam (Skoura)
Marrakech: La Mamounia, Royal Mansour Marrakech, Four Seasons Resort Marrakech, or Oberoi Marrakech
Essaouira: Heure Bleue Palais – Relais & Châteaux or Sofitel Essaouira Mogador Golf & Spa

Please inquire about upgrading pricing and customized luxury accommodation options.

Following the Footsteps of Morocco's Ancient Jewish Communities

Day 1 – Aug 2 | Sunday: Welcome to Morocco – Casablanca

Upon arrival at Mohammed V International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your private English-speaking guide and driver, who will accompany you throughout your journey. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy time to relax after your international flight. Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to enjoy the hotel's amenities or take a leisurely stroll before your Moroccan adventure begins.

Overnight: Royal Hideaway Hotel – Casablanca

Day 2 – Aug 3 | Monday: Casablanca – Chefchaouen

Begin your journey exploring Casablanca, once home to one of Morocco's largest Jewish communities. Visit the Museum of Moroccan Judaism, the only Jewish museum in the Arab world, followed by the beautiful Beth-El Synagogue and the city's historic Jewish Cemetery. Before departing, stop at the magnificent Hassan II Mosque overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. This afternoon, travel north through Morocco's fertile countryside into the Rif Mountains, arriving in the enchanting Blue City of Chefchaouen.

Overnight: Riad Nila – Chefchaouen

Day 3 – Aug 4 | Tuesday: Chefchaouen – Ouazzane – Fès

Awake in the enchanting Blue City of Chefchaouen, where, according to local tradition, many of the city's distinctive blue-painted streets were inspired by Sephardic Jews who settled here following the Expulsion from Spain in 1492. Enjoy a guided walk through the picturesque medina before continuing to Ouazzane, home to the sacred shrine of Rabbi Amram Ben Diwan, one of Morocco's most revered Jewish sages and an important pilgrimage site for Jews from around the world. Continue through the rolling countryside to the Imperial City of Fès, Morocco's spiritual and cultural capital.

Overnight: Palais Houyam Hotel – Fès

Day 4 – Aug 5 | Wednesday: Imperial Fès

Today's exploration reveals why Fès has long been regarded as the spiritual heart of Morocco. Visit the historic Jewish Mellah, the beautifully restored Ibn Danan Synagogue, the historic Jewish Cemetery, and the magnificent gates of the Royal Palace. Continue into the UNESCO-listed medieval Medina, where centuries-old workshops, bustling souks, traditional tanneries, and remarkable Islamic architecture create one of the world's most authentic historic cities.

Overnight: Palais Houyam Hotel – Fès

Day 5 – Aug 6 | Thursday: Fès – Middle Atlas – Todra Gorge – Boumalne Dades

Travel south through the spectacular Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping in the alpine town of Ifrane and the nearby cedar forests, home to Morocco's famous Barbary macaques. Continue through Midelt and the fertile Tinghir Oasis before arriving at the dramatic Todra Gorge, where towering limestone cliffs rise hundreds of feet above the valley floor. By evening, arrive in the breathtaking Dades Valley, renowned for its unique rock formations and ancient kasbahs.

Overnight: Dades Palm Hotel – Boumalne Dades

Day 6 – Aug 7 | Friday: Boumalne Dades – Aït Ben Haddou – Marrakech

Journey along the famous Route of a Thousand Kasbahs, passing through the Valley of Roses, Skoura Oasis, and Ouarzazate before visiting the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aït Ben Haddou, one of Morocco's best-preserved fortified villages. Cross the spectacular High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka Pass before descending into Marrakech, where you'll settle into your traditional Moroccan riad in time to welcome Shabbat.

Overnight: Riad N.L. Collection – Marrakech

Day 7 – Aug 8 | Saturday: Marrakech – Shabbat

Spend Shabbat discovering the rich Jewish heritage of Marrakech. Explore the historic Mellah, visit the sixteenth-century Slat Al Azama Synagogue, and pay your respects at the historic Miaara Jewish Cemetery. Guests wishing to attend local synagogue services may do so, while the remainder of the day offers an opportunity to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of one of Morocco's most captivating Imperial Cities.

Overnight: Riad N.L. Collection – Marrakech

Day 8 – Aug 9 | Sunday: Marrakech – Essaouira

Travel west to the charming Atlantic port of Essaouira, historically known as Mogador. Once home to one of Morocco's most influential Jewish communities, the city prospered through the international trade networks of its Jewish merchants. Visit Bayt Dakira (House of Memory), explore the historic Jewish Mellah, stroll through the UNESCO-listed Medina, and enjoy the city's picturesque harbor, artisan workshops, and Atlantic coastline.

Overnight: Madada Mogador Hotel – Essaouira

Day 9 – Aug 10 | Monday: Essaouira – Casablanca – Departure

Following breakfast, depart Essaouira for Casablanca, traveling through Morocco's scenic Atlantic countryside. Upon arrival at Mohammed V International Airport, your guide will assist with your departure arrangements as your unforgettable journey through Morocco's remarkable Jewish heritage comes to a close.

End of Services

I think this format is ideal for your website: each day is concise, engaging, and easy to scan, while encouraging visitors to imagine themselves on the journey. It also aligns well with the premium positioning of the Jewish Heritage Alliance.

Pedro Seidl

21. November, 2025.

Jewish heritage alliance put together a trip to Portugal to understand the roots of Jewish communities after the inquisition. I joined with great expectations, and the reality was even greater than my expectations. A well organized tour, first class lodging and dining and amazing guides and guests. The participants were also an important part of the experience because many of them were actual descendants from families torn apart and banished from their original lands by the inquisition. I highly recommend any tour that Jewish heritage alliance puts together and am looking forward to joining on upcoming projects.

Steven and Enid Wassner

21. November, 2025.

We are writing to express our appreciation for the wonderful Portugal tour that you put together. As you recall we were on the tour, March 2024. From the very beginning we were impressed with your organization as well as your personal attentiveness and availability. Beginning with our arrival at Lisbon airport we were well cared for by our guide, Antonio and our content expert, Peter Tarlow who were always available and very helpful throughout the tour . The tour bus was comfortable and the presence of WIFI, a real bonus. The accommodation and meals were very good and we especially appreciated the fado dinner when we returned to Lisbon. We thought the pace of the tour was appropriate. There were many sites to see but we didn’t feel rushed. Both Antonio and Peter were interesting speakers and were able to convey a great deal of information in an enjoyable manner. This tour had as its focus the Jewish history of Portugal and it more than met that goal. We learned a great deal and enjoyed ourselves immensely. We have already recommended this tour to several of our friends. Thank you for your help in organizing this tour, Steven and Enid Wassner

Nancy and Larry Peters

21. November, 2025.

Our friends, Enid and Steve Wassner had invited us on the Portugal tour. We were fortunate that we were the last couple to sign up for your trip. As Christians, we felt that it was an incredible trip. We give thanks to Antonio Goncalves who escorted us through the cities in Portugal giving us insight into history of the sites in the relationship to the Jewish population and Dr. Peter Tarlow who gave us a clear picture of the Jewish journey through his lectures. They were very conscious of any needs we may have had. The tour was well organized, and the hotels were comfortable. The only suggestion we have was to spend a few more days in Lisbon. We found that the company of the other guest added to our enjoyment. Thank you Michael for your work in making this trip possible. Best Regards, Nancy and Larry Peters

Ellen and Gershon Bodner

21. November, 2025.

We are finally home after a busy and extraordinary trip. We are all grateful that you were able to organize the first part of our experience in Portugal. Benny was fabulous and with his knowledge and experience he helped us understand the Jewish experience in Portugal. We spent 2 full days in the villages and towns and had the privilege of meeting Danielle, her family and see the synagogue and museum in Belmonte. Although we thoroughly enjoyed seeing many of the places where crypto Jews lived, we felt what was lacking was the connection with a living community, which, in reality does not exist except for in Belmonte, Lisbon and Porto. And they are practicing modern Judaism not old customs. In addition, if we had more time, we would have gone to the Holocaust museum on the border with Spain and I would have arranged a guide through you for Porto. Then I think our experience would have been more complete. We found the Portuguese to be a warm and kind people open to discussion about the Inquisition and their Jewish past. Everyone in the hotels was so nice and accommodating. Looking forward to seeing you again soon. Ellen and Gershon Bodner

Bernadette Martinez

21. November, 2025.

I loved the trip! Having led tours to Israel, I understand the difficulty of trying to please every one---so you don't!!! But having experience in putting trips together, I have to say that Michael did a great job! All of the extras (not realized by most of the group) were great! I so enjoyed the heart Michael and how much more he put into this trip that I plan to sign up for more trips! Rose and I did not know what to expect--and afterward we both agreed that this trip more than met our expectations! Hanukkah sameach (or is it chag urim sameach) Bernadette Martinez

Judi Hochman

21. November, 2025.

The extensive tour I was on in Portugal sept 12 to sept 29 2024 was one of the best tours I’ve been on. I have travelled a lot over 50 yrs and this tour was way beyond my expectations. Our private tour guide was very knowledgeable, educated, caring and fun to be with. His passion for making the experience of getting to know Portugal from every point was extraordinary. Benny our private guide and driver took us to 14th and 15th century villages with Jewish history. Besides visiting historical villages, we visited a cork factory, wool factory, embroidery group, tapestry museum and illustration of tapestry making, port tasting, wine tasting, tile making, and sites in Lisbon i.e. train station, McDonald’s, riverfront and major statues. In Porto we visited the beach where many expats are living. Benny wanted my traveling companion and I to experience diƯerent types of cooked fish and in the town of Cascais we did. I highly recommend this private tour given by the Jewish Heritage Alliance. It’s a tour you will be telling your family and friends about for years to come. Judi Hochman Los Angeles

Linda E. Rosenzweig

21. November, 2025.

Our trip to Portugal was flawless. The hotels were excellent and well-located. The trip had an superb itinerary which allowed the participants to visit not only the important tourist sites in Lisbon, Porto, Sintra and Cascais like many other tours, but also to visit other cities (Tomar, Belmonte, Vilar Formoso) with key sites that played a significant role in the history of the Jews in Portugal. The individuals who led our trip - Antonio and Rabbi Tarlow -- were a superb duo, knowledgeable, informative and patient. Not only did Antonio have a great personality and sense of humor, the love of his country was infectious. The Rabbi’s commentaries perfectly completed Antonio's talks, and the Rabbi's post-dinner presentations were fascinating and entertaining, even after a long day of travelling. His expansive knowledge of the history of the Spanish and Portuguese inquisition, as well as all things Jewish, added great value to the experience as well as an unparalleled understanding of Jewish Portugal. They are top professionals in their fields. I highly recommend the trip.

Testimonials