10 DAYS MOROCCO JEWISH AND HERITAGE DESERT TOUR FROM CASABLANCA
An individualized and comfortable tour. From Casablanca you will reach the Imperial Cities of Rabat, Meknes, Fèz and Marrakech. From Fèz we will reach the desert of Merzouga and take a dromedary trip at sunset and overnight in the luxury desert camp; nomadic hospitality guarantee a unique and unforgettable experience. Passing through the oases of the DADES GORGES you will cross the High Atlas and reach Marrakech before the tour brings you back to Casablanca.
Activities
ITINERARY
Day 1
ARRIVAL IN CASABLANCA
Arrival in Morocco at Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport. Casablanca’s 4,500 Jews live proudly – worshipping in over 30 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, that is (for many reasons) unique in the Arab world. Begin your tour of Casablanca with a visit to Temple Beth-El, the main Jewish Synagogue, and the centerpiece of a once gigantic Jewish community. Its stained glass windows are uniquely beautiful, and draw tourists from around the world. Option to visit Temple Em Habanim as well as Neve Chalom if time allows.
Day 2
CASABLANCA – RABAT
This morning, visit the striking and unusual Museum of Moroccan Judaism, built with the support of both Moroccan Jews and non-Jews in 1997. Next, tour Casablanca’s uniquely picturesque Jewish Mellah (Quarter). While Jews no longer live within the quarter, kosher butchers are still found in the old market. The adjacent Jewish cemetery is impressive, with well-kept markers in French, Hebrew, and Spanish. (Casablancans celebrate an annual prayer festival at the tomb of the Jewish “saint,” Eliahu.) 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 uniquely gorgeous dome. Finally, visit Sale, birthplace of Rabbi Hayyim Ben Moses Attar, an 18th century Kabbalist.
Day 3
RABAT - MEKNES -VOLUBILIS - FES
Departure to Meknes where the Jewish presence in the imperial city is evidenced by Hebraic epitaph dating from the Christian era as well as Greek inscriptions that still appear in local synagogues, and a place of pilgrimage where the tomb of Rabbi David Benimdan, “the patron of Meknes” is located. The crowded old Mellah, known by historic Jewish streets names is not to be missed. There is also the new Mellah (Jewish ghetto) which harbors eleven synagogues, eight of which are still in use. Visit Bab El Monsour, the Hedim Square and the mosque of Moulay Ismael. Continue to Fes via Volubilis, a very preserved Roman city. Check in at the hotel and overnight.
Day 4
FES GUIDED TOUR
This whole day will be devoted to a visit to Fes, the religious capital of Morocco. Fes was equally renowned during the Middle Ages for its Talmudic studies and eminent Rabbis (including the great Maimonides). Its numerous synagogues testify to the importance as well as comfort of the Jewish community here. Visit the old Mellah (Jewish Quarter), as well as the caringly kept Jewish cemetery with its engraved tombs. Continue to Ibn Danan (a recently renovated synagogue), Attarine and Bou Inania Medersas, and the scenic Nejjarine Fountain. You will also see Fes’s impressive Karaouine and Andalous Mosques. In the afternoon, continue to Fes el Jdid, and view the exterior of the Royal Palace and the adjacent new Mellah.
Day 5
FES – IFRAN - MIDELT - ERFOUD - MERZOUGA DESERT
Departure to Merzouga across the Middle Atlas mountains, Midelt and Rich through the Tizi N'Talghemt pass at 1907 meters high. ,an enjoyable drive across the Ziz valley with green oasis and palm groves. Continuation to Merzouga sand dunes. Dinner and overnight in a Hotel.
Day 6
MERZOUGA DESERT TOUR
After having a delicious tasty breakfast, we will go on a tour around Erg Chebbi passing in village of Khamlia to enjoy listening Gnawa music (originally from Sudan). Later on, we stop for deserted mines, Berber nomads and oasis of palm trees, then you get ready for camel ride crossing the desert to spend the night in a camp.
Day 7
MERZOUGA – TODRA GORGES- DADES GORGES - OUARZAZATE
This morning after watching the sunrise and having breakfast, depart to Todra gorges for a visit of this naturally beautiful sight, then continue to Dades gorges and after that to Ouarzazate via the Thousand Kasbah Route and the Dades Valley. Morocco and scenic Ouarzazate is a favorite for the film industry, and many iconic movies have been shot here such as Game of Thrones, Jesus, Gladiator and much more, Stop into the Film Museum to learn about this Hollywood's film spot, Continue to the fortified village of Aït Ben Haddou, the most uniquely spectacular fortress in the South of Morocco, which has likewise served as the uniquely exotic setting for many films, Denner and overnight in a hotel in Ouarzazate.
Day 8
OUARZAZATE- AIT BEN HADDOU - MARRAKECH
Today after you have breakfast we will visit the fortified village of Aït Ben Haddou, the most uniquely spectacular fortress in the South of Morocco, which has likewise served as the uniquely exotic setting for many films, Afterwards, depart to Marrakech via the Tizi’n’Tichka pass, which offers an impressive landscape in the heart of the Atlas Mountain chain. Marrakech, founded by the Almoravides at the end of the 11th Century, is Morocco’s second oldest Imperial city, Dinner and overnight in a Riad.
Day 09
MARRAKECH SIGHTSEEING
Marrakech’s strong Jewish community (like many others in the Arab world) specialized in commerce and handicrafts, and there are still some prominent Jewish families settled in this attractive city.
This exciting day tour is going to take you through Marrakech’s most important attractions and monuments, With an experienced local guide, we will uncover all of this red city’s secret gems, After we pick you up in the morning, we will start by discovering the Majorelle botanical garden and its founder Jacques Majorelle and visit the Berber museum located inside the property. Then, we will head to the Old Medina to visit different monuments and historical places such as Ben Youssef School, Jardin Secret,Bahia palace, El Badi Palace and Saadian tombs, After that your local guide will take you to the Koutoubia mosque and Menara garden.
Finally, we will end our tour by a visit to the famous Jamaa El-Fna square, where the heritage and different arts of Morocco are showcased.
Day 10
MARRAKECH - AIRPORT
Depends on your flight time, we will transfer you from Marrakech to Casablanca Mohammed V International airport for your return flight with plenty of tales of Arabian and Berber days and nights, end our services.
What's included In this Tour :
- Private and comfortable Vehicle with A/C
- Multilingual speaking driver
- Accommodations with half board
- Pick up & drop off at your accommodations
- Camel trekking and overnight in a camp
- local guide in Marrakech and Fes
- Fuel
What's not included In this Tour :
- Lunch
- Entrance fees to the Monuments
- Drinks
- Tips