Morocco Jewish Heritage Tour
From Casablanca
7 Days
Overview
Visit a land which has enjoyed the influence of Jewish life for centuries, incorporating it into its very fiber. Most cities in Morocco feature a Jewish Quarter (or Mellah), and many were the birthplace of some of our most prominent Rabbinical scholars and Kabbalists. What other country offers a touch of Arabia, a touch of Africa, a beautiful Sephardic presence and a sweet, welcoming populace? Beautiful Morocco is not only safe, it is welcoming.
Details & Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Casablanca
Arrival in Morocco at Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport. Transfer to the hotel in the center of Casablanca. Casablanca is home to the largest Jewish community in the country, and continues its traditions, worshipping in several synagogues, eating in kosher restaurants, enjoying recreation at Jewish Community Centers, and attending Jewish schools. Moreover, this city boasts a Jewish Museum, created by the Jewish community, as well as the Foundation of Jewish-Moroccan Cultural Heritage, which is unique in the Arab world. Begin your tour with a visit to the striking and unusual Museum of Moroccan Judaism, built with the support of both Moroccan Jews and non-Jews. Next, visit Temple Beth-El, the main synagogue, the centerpiece of a once gigantic Jewish community. Its stained glass windows are uniquely beautiful and draw tourists from around the world. Continue to the waterfront to see the impressive Hassan II Mosque. Return to the hotel and enjoy remainder of the day at leisure.
Day 2 – Casablanca – Rabat
This morning, tour Casablanca’s uniquely picturesque Jewish Mellah (Quarter). While Jews no longer live within the Mellah, kosher butchers are still found in the old market. The adjacent Jewish cemetery is also impressive, with well-kept markers in French, Hebrew, and Spanish. Next, continue on to Rabat. See the Royal Palace and Hassan Tower, as well as the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, decorated with stained glass, white marble, and a gorgeous dome. Finally, visit Sale, birthplace of Rabbi Hayyim Ben Moses Attar, an 18th century Kabbalist. In the afternoon, check in at the hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure.
Day 3 – Rabat – Essaouira
After breakfast, drive towards breezy coastal city of Essaouira. This is one of the loveliest places in Morocco, a multicultural center that has captivated household names like Jimi Hendrix, Orson Welles, and the Rolling Stones. Essaouira’s charm still lures creative souls to its whitewashed fishing village, trimmed with the brilliant azure of the skies. Stroll around the Jewish Quarter (Mellah) that covers one tenth of the town. Jewish stars on the doors show the degree to which Jews thrived in Essaouira, to the point that some richer Jews lived outside the Quarters. Essaouira’s Medina was built in the 18th century; nowadays, the city is a World Heritage Site protected by UNESCO. Here is the favorite place for most Moroccan artists and musicians, as well as the site of the popular music festival called “Gnawa,” an old spiritual art form of North-Africa. Former inhabitants of Essaouira, most of them Jewish, formed a committee to rehabilitate this unique and precious town. The Jewish cemetery, just outside the city gates, is extremely well kept, and two historical synagogues (Chaim Pinto and Simon Attias), have undergone restoration and were re-inaugurated. Later, check-in at the hotel.
Day 4 – Essaouira – Marrakesh
Today, depart for Marrakesh. This longtime trading hub and cultural crossroads, is Morocco’s second oldest Imperial city, a lush oasis known as “the Pearl of the South.” With its winding streets, colorful homes and shops, and fascinating energy, it is a world-class delight that has long mesmerized celebrities – from rock stars to business magnates — from around the world. The chic French influence in Marrakesh is also palpable, blending the city’s African feel with the culture of Europe. Upon arrival in Marrakesh, begin touring with a visit to the colorful and sensual Majorelle Garden – once the pride of designer Yves Saint Laurent – and continue to explore the city that connects the Sahara to the rest of Morocco. Check-in at the hotel, located on the center of the chic Gueliz area of Marrakesh. Before the sun sets, visit the nearby famed Djemaa El Fna Square, packed with everything from story tellers to snake charmers.
Day 5 – Marrakesh
Marrakesh’s strong Jewish community (like many others in the Arab world) specialized in commerce and handicrafts, and there are still some prominent Jewish families here. Today is reserved to explore this fascinating city. See the Koutoubia Tower (the city’s landmark) and the Bahia Palace. Later, visit the Mellah, with the Slat Al Azama Synagogue and Jewish Center. Next, visit the peaceful and well-preserved Jewish cemetery. In the afternoon, visit the Menara Garden. You may also visit the souks and handicraft quarters, with a chance for last-minute gift shopping.
Day 6 – Marrakesh
A day of leisure in Marrakesh to explore Marrakesh on your own, or maybe make an optional day trip to Ait Ben Haddou across the Atlas Mountains.
Day 7 –Marrakesh – Home Flight
Time for an early breakfast. Afterwards, transfer to the Marrakesh or Casablanca International Airport for return flights.
Ready for your Jewish Morocco Tours? Get started with Morocco Culture Travel!
Choose us as your trusted licensed local Tour Operator! We know how to make your Morocco Jewish tours unforgettable! Planning from your arrival in Morocco at Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport to return flights from Casablanca International Airport: our tour covers landmarks, temples, and neighborhoods, providing an in-depth journey into the history and traditions of the Jewish community in Morocco!
With more than 20 years of experience in the travel industry, we understand each traveler’s unique needs! Our experts create each tour with extensive knowledge of Morocco’s history and heritage! We consider each detail to ensure a unique and engaging experience.
Morocco Culture Travel combines comfort, adventure, and culture in one trip! We ensure a hassle-free experience by providing the best accommodations, reliable transportation, and excellent dining options. We understand that a comfortable journey enhances the overall travel experience, allowing you to focus on the cultural exploration and enjoyment of your surroundings.
You can also check out our Morocco city tours!
Tour Itinerary
Day 1–Arrival in Casablanca
Day 2 – Casablanca – Rabat
Day 3 – Rabat-Essaouira
Day 4 –Essaouira -Marrakech
Day 5– Marrakech
Day 6 – Marrakech
Day 7–Marrakech -Home Flight
What’s Included
Planning and quality control by seasoned travel leaders
Knowledgeable Guides (Multi-lingual), special lectures, and insightful meetings
Entrance Fees to Historic Monuments
All Transfers-even individual airport transfers, when required.
Luggage Handling-at all hotels, airport, etc.
Air-Conditioned, comfortable, and luxurious vehicles depending on your choice (4*4, Mini-bus…).
Nights at the top range hotels, Riads, Kasbahs, and Bivouacs.
Elegant Meals (Breakfast daily, and usually either Dinner).
All details are handled by reliable, experienced Tour Leaders.
Outstanding value and convenience.
No hidden add-ons or markup.
What’s Excluded
Lunchs
Tips
Travel insurance charges
Travel Advices
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Best time to visit Morocco
The climate in Morocco varies wildly according to the season and area of travel. In the lowlands, the cooler months from October to April are popular among visitors. This time of year is pleasantly warm to hot (around 30°C) during the day and cool to cold (around 15°C) at night. Winter in the higher regions often brings snow and can therefore get seriously cold, particularly at night. Tourists flock to the coastline from June to September for fun in the sun, with warm mostly rain-free days. Further inland it can get hot and rain is rare, which makes the best times to travel March to June and September to December.
Morocco Culture & Customs
Morocco’s culture has developed over centuries of influence from far and wide. Contemporary Morocco is a fascinating mix of Berber, Mediterranean, Andalucian, and African traditions, which are present in the cuisine, clothing, music, language, customs, and lifestyle. As an Islamic country, most Moroccans are Muslim; however, there are small populations of people who practice Judaism and Christianity. Classic examples of Islamic architecture can be observed all throughout the country and tenets of the Islamic religion are carried out in the customs and lives of the people. The ‘Call to Prayer’ can be heard five times a day, women are expected to dress modestly and alcohol isn’t drunk by most of the population.
Most of Moroccan society can be considered traditional, with respect for elders, connection to family, and giving alms to the poor hallmarks of everyday life for many Moroccans. Hospitality is another important element of society, with warmly welcoming people into your home a time-honored tradition and social responsibility that dates back centuries.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options in Morocco ?
Much of Morocco’s cuisine revolves around meat, but vegetables are an important staple and a crucial ingredient in many dishes of the Maghreb. Your diet can consist of more than just flatbread and hummus – trust us. Keep an eye out for vegetable-based tagines and couscous, the renowned Zaalouk (a smokey eggplant and tomato salad), vegetable Briouats (triangular-filled pastries), and cinnamon oranges. Vegan options are slightly more limited, as many of the pieces of bread and couscous dishes have butter added to them, but your best bet is to enquire if yours can be made using oil instead. Otherwise, it’s easy to dine well on varied vege offerings in Morocco.
Frequently Asked Questions
Morocco Tour Add-ons
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Frequently Asked Questions
Morocco Safety & Marrakech safety
Is safe to travel to morocco ? Is marrakech safe ?
Until now,there is no travel warnings for Morocco.
The political and security situation allows the organization of professional and tourist trips to Morocco, provided that you should be vigilant, especially when traveling along the South of the borders with Algeria & Mauritania.
Terrorist risk , Marrakech morocco safety & security
Morocco remains a safe country where tourism can be practiced without difficulty.
There has been no attack in Morocco since that of April 2011 in Marrakech, in the restaurant “Argana” in Jemâa El-Fna, which had cost 17 lives.
However, the Moroccan authorities have taken a series of measures to deal with a persistent terrorist risk, fueled in particular by the threats made by Daech. They regularly communicate the dismantling of terrorist cells.
The “Hadar” (vigilance) system, set up in 2014, was enhanced following the Paris bombings of 13 November 2015.
Theft & Assulats risk
- Avoid walking with jewelery & valuables or carry large amounts of money with you at night in the city centers or peripheral districts, in order to limit the risk of theft. Take preferably a safe transport.
- It is not recommended to walk, a fortiori at night, in places deserted by the public (beachs, public parks, in particular), or those whose bad attendance is notorious locally.
- People traveling their cars alone, especially in the south near the beaches, should avoid parking in isolated areas, day or night, especially near a city due to the risk of assaults or theft. If you do not use the services of a campground, it is advisable to inform the Moroccan local authorities.
Do I need a visa for Morocco?
USA: No – Not required
UK: No – Not required
Australia: No – Not required
Canada: No – Not required
European countries: No – Not required
Singapore: No – Not required
Hong Kong: No – Not required
Thailand: No – Not required
Singapore: No – Not required
Malaysia: No – Not required
South Africa: Yes – in advance (in general, visa processing can take approximately 20 working days)
Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it’s important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of Morocco for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Your consultant will also be happy to point you in the right direction with acquiring visas. Visas can take several weeks to process, so familiarize yourself with any requirements as soon as you have booked your trip to allow for processing time.
What is the internet access like in Morocco ?
Morocco’s cities have internet access available in internet cafes and hotel lobbies. In some cases, free Wi-Fi can be accessed in public places. Less internet access is available in rural areas, so be prepared to ‘disconnect’ when traveling out of Morocco’s big cities.
Buying a SIM card in Morocco
To avoid roaming charges, it is possible to buy a local SIM card in Morocco. Make sure that your phone is unlocked before you leave home so a local SIM will be compatible. Morocco has three main mobile phone networks – Meditel, Maroc Telecom, and Inwi – all of which have great coverage, which may be less effective in remote areas. 4G is widely available in the main cities and towns of Morocco.
You’ll be able to buy a SIM from a convenience store, or at a newsstand, kiosk, and this will usually set you back around 100 dirhams (around USD 10) for a fair amount of calls and mobile data. Depending on the time you travel, there will be a range of prepaid deals offered by these providers.
Please note that some Moroccan telecommunications companies have blocked the call feature on internet calling apps like Skype and WhatsApp so customers use their local call network. Messaging services on these apps are not blocked. If you’d like to call with apps like this during your time in Morocco, you may need to install a Virtual Private Network (VPN) on your mobile phone.
Will my mobile phone work in Morocco?
Mobile/cellphone coverage is generally excellent in Morocco’s cities and metropolitan areas, although expect limited coverage in remote, desert, or mountainous areas. If you want to use your mobile phone on the go, your best bet is to buy a local SIM to insert into your unlocked phone for the duration of your stay. Otherwise, global roaming can be activated with your current service provider, but be sure to check the charges associated with this as it can often be very expensive, especially in Morocco.