Morocco Jewish Heritage Tour – 12 Days

Morocco Jewish Heritage Tour – 12 Days | Go to Sahara

Explore Morocco’s Jewish history on a 12-day heritage tour. Visit synagogues, cemeteries & historic Jewish quarters in Marrakech, Fes, Casablanca & more.

Our 12-day Morocco Jewish Heritage Tour celebrates the deep-rooted connection between the Kingdom of Morocco and its Jewish community, strengthened by the recent resumption of official relations. This carefully designed journey takes you through Morocco’s rich cultural mosaic, where Jewish traditions, customs, and historic landmarks have flourished for centuries.

With Go to Sahara’s expert guides, you’ll explore ancient synagogues, Jewish cemeteries, historic quarters, and unique architectural gems that reveal the fascinating stories of Morocco’s Jewish past. Beyond the heritage sites, discover the vibrant blend of Berber, Andalusian, Roman, Arab, and Jewish influences that shaped Morocco’s identity.

From sacred monuments and timeless traditions to breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cities, this tour is tailored for the cultured traveler seeking authenticity and depth. Join us on this unforgettable journey and uncover the hidden treasures of Morocco’s multicultural and multi-religious history.

Tour Map

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎

You will be arriving at the airport in Morocco on the first day of your Jewish Heritage tour. Home to over 30 synagogues, Casablanca is a great base to kick off our travel itinerary in Morocco. Make sure to get some rest, as tomorrow we are taking you to see some of Casablanca’s most famous Jewish sites ranging from temples and synagogues to kosher restaurants and museums.You will be arriving at the airport in Morocco on the first day of your Jewish Heritage tour. Home to over 30 synagogues, Casablanca is a great base to kick off our travel itinerary in Morocco. Make sure to get some rest, as tomorrow we are taking you to see some of Casablanca’s most famous Jewish sites ranging from temples and synagogues to kosher restaurants and museums.

🏨 Overnight Hotel (Optional):

Luxury Option: Barcelo Anfa

★★★★★

Day 2:Casablanca – Rabat‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎

After breakfast in Casablanca, we will visit the interior of the Hassan II Great Mosque, one of the Islamic world’s greatest monuments, followed by a visit to Casablanca Jewish Museum and the United Nations Square, and the Temple Beth-El Synagogue. After Casablanca, we will continue departure to the administrative capital of Morocco. We will visit the splendid Mohammed V Mausoleum in Rabat, the Hassan Tower.

🏨 Overnight Hotel (Optional):

Luxury Option: Sofitel Jardins Rose

★★★★★

Day 3: Rabat – Meknes – Fes‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎

Today after breakfast in Rabat, set off through the Moroccan countryside on your way to Meknes. A cultural center for more than ten centuries, Meknes boasts a fascinating medina (old city) and maze of streets filled with colorful stalls and architectural delights such as the intricately carved Bab el-Mansour. Continue to Moulay Idriss, Morocco’s holiest city, and then onto the Roman ruins at Volubilis to see the Triumphal Arch and exquisite mosaics. Late this afternoon, arrive in Fes.

🏨 Overnight Hotel (Optional):

Luxury Option: Riad Fes

★★★★★

Day 4: Fes Guided Sightseeing Tour ‎ ‎ ‎

Today is reserved for the lovely city of Fes. Considered the spiritual capital of the country, Fes is one of the oldest imperial cities in the world, with a mellah that dates back to the 15th century. In the company of our local guide, visit the Jewish cemetery where prominent Jews like Rabbis such as Yehuda Ben Attar, Monsengo, and Rabbi Isaac Alfasi are buried. Don’t forget to check out the souks which specialize in everything from tanneries and carpets to ceramic and pottery. Fes used to be home to more than 40 synagogues. Nowadays, the most famous synagogue is the Danan Synagogue which is one of the rare survivors.

🏨 Overnight Hotel (Optional):

Luxury Option: Riad Fes

★★★★★

Day 5: Fes – Midelt – Erfoud – Merzouga ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎

We begin our journey southeast toward Erfoud, passing through the charming city of Ifrane and the cedar forests. Interestingly, Ifrane was once the heart of a Jewish kingdom many centuries ago. Before experiencing the stunning landscapes of the Sahara Desert, we’ll make a stop in the picturesque town of Midelt, nestled at the foot of the impressive Ayachi Mountain. Here, you’ll have a chance to visit Midelt’s beautiful synagogue and explore the nearby Kasbah Myriem, a serene Christian monastery. As evening falls, we’ll continue onward to the iconic Sahara Desert, where we’ll spend the night under the stars in traditional tents.

🏨 Overnight Hotel (Optional):

Luxury Option: Sahara Stars Camp

★★★★★

Day 6: Sahara Desert Exploration ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎

Today is dedicated to soaking in the beauty of the Sahara’s golden dunes and exploring the surrounding nomadic communities. A highlight of the day is a visit to the village of Khamlia, historically home to descendants of Sub-Saharan slaves, now celebrated for its rich tradition of Gnawa spiritual music. As the afternoon unfolds, you’ll ride camels across the sweeping dunes of Erg Chebbi, making your way to the Sahara Stars luxury camp. There, you’ll enjoy a traditional dinner and spend the night beneath the vast desert sky.

🏨 Overnight Hotel (Optional):

Luxury Option: Sahara Stars Camp

★★★★★

Day 7: Merzouga – Todra Gorges – Ouarzazate ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎

If you wake up early enough, you can watch the fabulize sunrise, when the colour of the dunes and the play of shadows are an awesome sight. On the way to Todra gorges, we will stop in the water channels(khattarat), which you can descend into to admire the architecture and genius behind this form of irrigation to prevents evaporation in the summer heat.

The itinerary continue to Dades valley, in which we will have the opportunity to visit a Jewish cemetery dated back to 15th century. Later, we continue toward the Rose valley before we reach Ouarzazate for overnight.

🏨 Overnight Hotel (Optional):

Premium Option: La sultana Royal Golf

★★★★

Day 8: Ouarzazate – Ait Benhaddou – –Taroudant

Our journey begins with a visit to the iconic Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, one of Morocco’s most well-preserved fortified villages and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a guided tour through its historic mud-brick structures. From there, we head to Taznakht, a town renowned for its traditional Berber rugs. Here, you’ll have the chance to witness the time-honored craftsmanship of rug and carpet weaving. After a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant, we continue west toward Taliouine, Morocco’s saffron capital. We’ll stop at one of the local cooperatives to learn about saffron production before making our way to Taroudant, where we’ll spend the night in a charming and authentic riad.

🏨 Overnight Hotel (Optional):

Premium Option: Riad Zitoune

★★★★

Day 9: Taroudant – Agadir – Taghazout – Essaouira

Our adventure begins with a visit to the medina of Taroudant, often referred to as the “Little Marrakech” due to its impressive ramparts and bustling souks. This charming town also has deep-rooted Jewish heritage. The local Jewish community has played an important role in its cultural and spiritual history. Within the mellah (Jewish quarter), you’ll find a historic Jewish cemetery, the resting place of the revered saint David ben Baruk Cohen Azog. A visit to one of the oldest adobe synagogues in the world awaits you—this remarkable 700-year-old synagogue in Azran features Hebrew prayers painted across its walls and a sacred ark inscribed with Berber script.

Following our time in Taroudant, we continue on to Agadir for a midday break and lunch. From there, the journey takes us along the scenic Atlantic coastline until we arrive in Essaouira, where you’ll settle in for the night at a welcoming riad.

🏨 Overnight Hotel (Optional):

Luxury Option: Mgallery by Sofitel

★★★★★

Day 10: Essaouira – Marrakech ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎

After breakfast, you’ll meet our officially licensed guide for a half-day walking tour through the captivating Medina of Essaouira, with a special focus on its rich Jewish heritage. As you stroll through the narrow streets, you’ll uncover the history of the Jewish Mellah, visit notable synagogues, explore the centuries-old Jewish cemetery, and take in the charm of the historic medina and its impressive ramparts.

Following lunch, we’ll set off for Marrakech. Upon arrival, you’ll check in for the night at a traditional riad nestled in the heart of the city’s vibrant medina.

🏨 Overnight Hotel (Optional):

Luxury Option: La Maison Arabe

★★★★★

Day 11: Explore the landmarks of Marrakech ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎

Today, explore the vibrant city of Marrakech with an English-speaking tour guide. Start your journey at the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, whose majestic minaret rises above the city’s skyline and can be seen from almost every angle, thanks to city planning regulations that preserve its prominence.

Next, visit the grand El-Bahia Palace, a 19th-century masterpiece known for its intricate decoration and expansive gardens. Built for Ba Ahmed, the son of Grand Vizier Si Moussa, the palace took seven years to complete and offers a stunning glimpse into Morocco’s royal past.

Continue to the Saadian Tombs, a historic burial site now open to the public. Accessed via a narrow passage, this serene garden is home to over a hundred beautifully decorated tombs, with two grand mausoleums at its heart.

Next, visit the Medersa Ben Youssef, a theological college founded in the 14th century by the Merenid Sultan Abu Hassan and later restored by the Saadians in 1564. It was once the largest theological school in the Maghreb.

Finally, explore the famous Djemaa el-Fna Square, a bustling cultural hub filled with food stalls, snake charmers, acrobats, and storytellers. The atmosphere is truly a wonder to experience.

Overnight at the Riad.

🏨 Overnight Hotel (Optional):

Luxury Option: La Maison Arabe

★★★★★

Day 12: Departure from Casablanca‎ or Marrakech‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight, carrying with you a wealth of unforgettable memories and stories of the enchanting Arabian and Berber days and nights you experienced throughout your journey in Morocco. Safe travels!

Accommodation: 12 days, 11 nights in carefully selected stays with daily breakfast
Dining: 3 special dinners in Erfoud/Merzouga and Dades Gorge
Air-conditioned luxury vehicle for enjoyable drives.
Dedicated Guide: English-speaking driver throughout the journey
Exclusive Guided Tours & Entry Fees: Hassan II Mosque (interior visit) - Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou
Licensed local guides in Rabat. Chefchaouen, Fes, Meknes, Volubilis, and Marrakech
Airport Services: Private pick-up and drop-off in Casablanca

Places you will see

We offer different categories of accommodation — Comfort, Premium, and Luxury — and we carefully select the one that best suits your style and preferences.

Our tours are fully flexible: they can be reversed, shortened, extended, or customized in any way to match your schedule and specific needs.

charleston

New Jersey

02 Dec 2024

amazing trip

It has been a Good experience with experience guides, english speaking drivera , I reccomend it for a trip in Morocco and Marakesh, hope to back soon!!

Abby holder

Arizona

15 nov 2024

Moroccan Adventure

GoToSahara provided us with an encompassing and authentic experience in Morocco. The itinerary was wonderful – we did the Discover Morocco tour, which was 13 days. We visited the imperial cities, the desert, took a hot air balloon ride, and participated in a cooking class in Fez (highly recommend). You will see many historical places, and your guide…

Alyssa M

Piscataway, NJ

23 nov 2024

7 days in morocco

Great travel agency!!
Thank you!!!
The trip to the Sahara Desert and Ouarzazate was amazing.
The camp and hotel were great.
Our guide was very helpful!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Vegan and Vegetarian Meals

Our partners cater to vegan and vegetarian diets. Simply let us know your preferences during booking or when meeting your driver so we can prepare accordingly.

What Are Desert Temperatures Like?

Deserts in Morocco are scorching in summer, with temperatures reaching 50°C (122°F) in July and August. Winters, however, bring freezing nights. Be prepared: bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a wide hat, breathable clothing, insect repellent, and warm layers for winter.

Morocco Jewish Heritage Tour – 12 Days