12 DAYS MOROCCO NORTH AND SOUTH TOUR
With our 12 days tour from Casablanca, you will fully experience the kingdom of Morocco. There are many places that we will take you to visit. To start with, the most and the highlight of our Morocco tours is Merzouga Sahara. Here, we will take you on andvaturous camel ride to spend an overnight in Berber tents. Secondly, we will take you to explore the 7 imperial cities, Fes, Rabat, Meknes, Tanger, Tetouan, Chefchaouen and Marrakech. Thirdly, we will visit some Kasbahs, the main one is Ait Benhaddou. Not only we will take you to visit the Hollywood of Africa Ouarzazate but also the ziz valley.
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 – TANGIER
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. In the late afternoon arrive in Tangier.
Day 3
TANGIER
Jews of Morocco were already living in the coastal, port city of Tingis (Tangier) back in the Phoenician era, but the community really came into prominence in the 18th century. In the 20th century – particularly after 1948 – many Jewish families chose to emigrate from here to South America, particularly to Venezuela. (It is worth noting that Morocco’s Jews were never chased out.) Begin sightseeing in colorful Tangier with a visit to its bustling Medina, Grand and Petit Socco, and Synagogues Street – whose very name attests to the rich Jewish presence here. Next, visit Kasbah Square – which offers gorgeous views overlooking the ocean and Spanish coasts. Finally, experience the spectacular Hercules Caves at Cape Spartel. Hilton Hotel.
Day 4
TANGIER– TETOUAN – CHEFCHAOUEN – FES
Today, journey to the exotic town of Tetouan. This area once boasted an important Jewish community, mainly coming from Medieval Spain. Some of these scholars were among our most eminent Sephardic Rabbis, such as Jacob Marrache, Menahem Attias, and Itshaq Ben Oualid. Enjoy a visit to the medina, view the exquisite exterior of the Royal Palace, and stroll through the Mellah, or Jewish Quarter. Then, continue to Chechaouene, a mystical, blue-hued town nestled between two mountains. (The blue paint, uniquely used throughout, is thought to be a Jewish choice.) Tour its Medina, the Kasbah, Uta El Hammam square, and the Great Mosque (Jamaa El Kebir ), which dates back to the 15th century. Later, continue to Fes.
Day 5
FES SIGHTSEEING
This whole day will be devoted to a visit to Fez, the religious capital of Morocco. Fez 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 Fez’s impressive Karaouine and Andalous Mosques. In the afternoon, continue to Fez el Jdid, and view the exterior of the Royal Palace and the adjacent new Mellah.
Day 6
FES – MEKNES – VOLUBILIS– FES
Shabbat Shalom. You may choose to rest, or join a tour to nearby Meknes. A few centuries ago, Meknes had an important Jewish community with Spanish origins. Its prominent Rabbis included Raphael Berdugo, Daniel Toledano, and David Benmidan, the Patron of Meknes. Although reduced, the Jewish community is still very active in commerce. Visit the Ismaïlian capital, famous for its long walls with its monumental gates such as Bab Mansour, the Old and New Mellahs, and the Royal stables (Arabic horses, you may know, are among the most prized in the world). Next, then continue to the ruins of the Roman city of Volubilis, where you will see a Hebrew epitaph proving the existence of a Jewish community during the Roman occupation. Later, return to Fez.
Day 7
FES– IFRAN– ZIZ VALLEY - MERZOUGA
Depart to Erfoud through the mountains and cedar woods of the middle and High Atlas Mountains. En route, pass Ifrane, a charming ski resort, and Azrou, an important handicraft center specialized in cedar wood. After crossing the spectacular Zaida Pass, arrive in the Sahara and continue along valleys dotted with palm trees. Upon arrival in Merzouga, check-in the hotel.
Day 8
MERZOUGA DESERT
After seeing a beautiful sunrise and having a delicious and 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, after having lunch we will head to our desert hotel to rest and enjoy the rest of your day.
Day 9
MERZOUGA – TINGHIR -OUARZAZATE – AIT BEN HADDOU
This morning, depart to the Dades Canyons for a visit of this naturally beautiful sight, then continue 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. Stop into the Film Museum to learn about this history. 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.
Day 10
AIT BEN HADDOU – MARRAKECH
Today, enjoy a morning tour in quiet Ait Ben Haddou, before visitors arrive from Ouarzazate or Marrakesh. Afterwards, depart to Marrakesh via the Tizi’n’Tichka pass, which offers an impressive landscape in the heart of the Atlas Mountain chain. Marrakesh, founded by the Almoravides at the end of the 11th Century, is Morocco’s second oldest Imperial city, and known as “the Pearl of the South.” Upon arrival in Marrakesh, begin touring with a visit to the Majorelle Garden – once the horticultural pride of designer Yves Saint Laurent – and the fascinating new city. .
Day 11
MARRAKECH
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 settled in this attractive city. Continue your tour of sensuous Marrakesh with a visit to the Jewish Mellah, Dar Si Saïd Museum, Bahia Palace, and the Menara Garden. In the afternoon, visit souks and handicraft quarters (and perhaps watch a snake charmer or two) at the famous Djemaa El Fna square with its non-stop entertainment.
Day 12
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