12 Days Jewish Heritage Morocco Tours

Overview of 12 Days Jewish Heritage Morocco Tour

Paradise Morocco has designed this 12 Days Jewish Heritage Morocco Tour as a fascinating journey through Morocco’s Jewish heritage, extending from the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert to the Imperial cities. The itinerary includes visits to historical Jewish sites, including ancient Mellahs, synagogues, cemeteries, and the Museum of Moroccan Judaism in Casablanca. Key cultural landmarks are also highlighted, such as Casablanca’s Hassan II Mosque and Essaouira’s vibrant Jewish quarter, which played a significant role in Moroccan society. Travelling through cities like Rabat, Fes, Meknes, and Taroudant reveals Morocco’s deep Jewish history and its enduring legacy. The desert experience features the magic of the Erg Chebbi dunes, a night in a traditional Berber camp, and visits to Kasbahs and Berber villages along the scenic Ziz Valley and Dades Gorges. Insights into Berber culture are further explored through a visit to the historic Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou. The journey concludes in Marrakech, with an exploration of the Jewish Mellah, the Lazama Synagogue, and renowned landmarks such as the Saadian Tombs and Majorelle Gardens. This comprehensive tour offers an in-depth exploration of Morocco’s rich Jewish heritage while highlighting its broader cultural and historical significance

12 Days Jewish Heritage Morocco Tour – highlights:

Visiting the Hassan II Mosque, the Museum of Moroccan Judaism and Beth-El synagogue in Casablanca
Exploring Rabat’s Jewish Mellah, the iconic Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the ancient ruins of the Chellah
Discovering Fes’ synagogues, Jewish Mellah, vibrant souks, leather tanneries, madrassas, and palaces
Enjoying a camel ride to a luxury camp in Erg Chebbi, arriving just in time for a breathtaking desert sunset
Savouring a dinner under a starlit sky, followed by an evening of nomadic music and drumming around a campfire
Admiring Morocco’s famous Kasbahs, including Ksar Aït Ben Haddou, Telouet, and the beautifully preserved Kasbah Amredhil
Discovering the Synagogues of Essaouira, including Bet Ha-Knesset Simon Attias, and touring its museum and historic medina
Exploring Marrakech’s Jewish Mellah and Lazama Synagogue, as well as Djemaa El Fna Square and historical monuments

Good to know about Jewish trips in Morocco: 12 Days Jewish Heritage Morocco Tour

Guided tours of the Hassan II mosque are limited on Fridays or religious holidays.
You can buy entry tickets at each monument during your guided tour of Marrakech, but Majorelle Garden tickets (https://tickets.jardinmajorelle.com/visite) must be booked online in advance.
Activities and day trips in Fes or Marrakech can be added to this tour
Please note that Kosher food is available only in the main cities of Morocco, such as Casablanca, Marrakech, Fes and Rabat
You can tailor this Jewish Heritage tour in Morocco to fit your individual points of interest You can always consult your driver about skipping some places to spend more time elsewhere
You can ask us if others are interested in sharing the tour, or in the case of an early booking, let us know that you are interested in this yourselves
We require a 30% deposit of the total price to book the car, while the balance is payable to us
in the office in Merzouga Rissani
There is a 25% reduction for children under 12 years old, whilst we do not charge children under 5
These prices are liable to fluctuation according to the current exchange rate
Our prices can be subject to an increase over the busy season, and, in particular, the Christmas and New Year’s Eve period

12 Days Jewish Heritage Morocco Tour

Day 1 : Airport Transfer

Upon your arrival at Casablanca airport, our driver will greet you and transfer to start the 12 Days Jewish Heritage Morocco Tour , passing through the scenic Moroccan countryside in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Welcome to Morocco! After checking in and settling into your hotel, you may wish to visit the Hassan II Mosque, inaugurated in 1993. Built in celebration of King Hassan II’s 60th birthday, it is the second-largest religious building in Africa and features the world’s second-highest minaret. On Fridays and religious holidays, visits are restricted to specific times. Due to its popularity, there may be queues at the ticket office. The tour of this magnificent mosque lasts around an hour, with tickets priced at approximately 120 dirhams (subject to change). In the evening, enjoy dinner at one of Casablanca’s kosher restaurants. You’ll spend the night in a hotel or riad.

2rd day : Casablanca – Rabat

Casablanca is home to over 20 synagogues and a vibrant Jewish heritage. This tour includes visits to key sites, such as the renowned Temple Beth-El, the Jewish Mellah, the Jewish Cemetery, and the Museum of Moroccan Judaism. The tour begins at Temple Beth-El, Casablanca’s most famous synagogue, known for its stunning stained glass windows, biblical inscriptions, and grand chandeliers. It serves as a central gathering place for over 5,000 Jews. Next, the Mellah, Casablanca’s Jewish quarter, reveals its character, where kosher butchers still operate. The nearby Jewish Cemetery features well-preserved markers and the tomb of the Jewish saint, Eliahou. After lunch, a visit to the Museum of Moroccan Judaism in the Oasis neighbourhood of Casablanca is included. Established in 1997, it is the first and only museum devoted to Judaism in the Arab world. The building, which originated in 1948 as a Jewish orphanage that housed up to 160 Jewish youth, underwent renovation in 2013. Later on, an hour’s drive along the motorway leads to Rabat, where accommodation for the night is arranged in a beautiful riad. the second day of your 12 Days Jewish Heritage Morocco Tour.

3th day : Rabat – Fes

After breakfast at the riad, the day starts with a visit to the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, built in honour of the late king who passed away in 1961. His son, Hassan II, who passed away in 1999, is also entombed here. The mausoleum features stunning tilework, with each piece meticulously hand-cut and placed, while the guards’ uniforms enhance the grandeur , Next, the Jewish Mellah of Rabat is explored, with its narrow alleyways now home to only a few remaining Jewish families. From here, a visit to the Necropolis of Chellah provides insights into its connections to Jewish history.

After lunch, the journey continues to Meknes for a brief Jewish Heritage Tour of this Imperial City. The

Jewish Quarter, with its narrow streets and vibrant courtyards, showcases Jewish history evident in the Hebraic epitaphs from the Christian era, alongside Greek inscriptions found at the Meknes Zaouia, where the tomb of Rabbi David Benmidan resides.

The day concludes with an overnight stay in a beautiful riad in Fez

4th day: Fes Sightseeing, Fes Guided Jewish Heritage Tour

Discover the Jewish Heritage and Historic Wonders of Fes

Fes, one of Morocco’s four Imperial Cities, boasts a remarkable Jewish legacy woven into its medieval past. This ancient city was once home to the esteemed Talmudic scholar Rabbi Isaac Alfasi and remains a treasure trove for those interested in Jewish history. Travelers can explore this heritage through iconic synagogues, age-old cemeteries, the historic Mellah (Jewish quarter), and the city’s renowned gardens, universities, and palaces all of which echo Fes’s enduring cultural and spiritual influence.

Depending on your interests, here are some of the most significant sites you can visit:

The Mellah Quarter
Dating back over 650 years, Fes’s Jewish quarter is a living testament to the city’s deep-rooted Jewish presence. Once home to more than 40 synagogues, the Mellah is located beside the Royal Palace and stands as a vibrant symbol of the coexistence and cultural exchange that marked Morocco’s past.
Ibn Danan Synagogue
Among the oldest and most intact synagogues in Morocco, the Ibn Danan Synagogue offers an authentic glimpse into Fes’s once-flourishing Jewish community. Its elegant interior and historical significance make it a key stop for visitors seeking a deeper connection to the city’s Jewish roots.
Jewish Cemetery
Located near the Mellah, this serene cemetery is the burial site of numerous Jewish saints, including the beloved Saint Solica. It remains a sacred place of remembrance, preserving centuries of devotion and tradition.
Fes Medina
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Fes Medina is a sprawling maze of medieval alleyways, vibrant souks, and historic landmarks. As you wander its streets, you’ll discover a rich mosaic of cultures, religions, and craftsmanship that define the city’s character.
Leather Tanneries
Fes’s ancient tanneries provide a fascinating look into traditional leather-making techniques still in use today. These iconic sites highlight the city’s reputation as a center of artisanal excellence.
Local Markets
The bustling souks of Fes overflow with color and culture. From aromatic spices and handwoven textiles to exquisite ceramics, jewelry, and leather goods, these markets offer a sensory journey into Moroccan daily life.
Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts
Set within a beautifully restored caravanserai, this museum celebrates the legacy of Fes’s master woodworkers. The exhibits showcase intricate woodwork that reflects the artistic soul of the city.

After a day rich in history and cultural discovery, your guide will accompany you back to your riad, where you can relax and reflect on the journey through time.

Day 5: Fes – Seffrou – Ifrane – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga

After breakfast at your riad in Fes, your adventure toward the Sahara Desert begins with a rich blend of cultural and scenic experiences.

Our first stop is Seffrou, a town with deep Jewish roots where the Mellah (Jewish quarter) remains a symbol of Morocco’s long history of Muslim-Jewish coexistence. Explore its white-walled medina, distinctive wooden balconies, and the Bhalil Jewish cemetery all reflecting the town’s once-flourishing Jewish community.

Next, we travel to Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco” due to its alpine-style architecture, clean streets, and cedar forests. Historically, Ifrane also hosted a significant Jewish community, with synagogues and cemeteries that have served as pilgrimage sites for centuries.

We continue through Azrou, where you may encounter playful Barbary apes in the oak and cedar forests of the Middle Atlas. From there, we ascend to Midelt, located at 1,508 meters and known as “the apple capital” of Morocco. Nestled at the base of Mount Ayachi, this town offers a pleasant break for lunch.

Our route then winds through the Tizi-n-Talghemt Pass, also known as the “she-camel pass,” before descending into the breathtaking Ziz Valley a lush corridor of palm trees framed by rocky cliffs. Along the way, we’ll make photo stops in traditional Berber ksour (fortified villages) and admire peaceful desert views. By late afternoon, we arrive in Merzouga,

The camel ride begins around 5:00 PM and lasts about an hour to an hour and ten minutes. Your camel guide will lead you through the dunes, and 20 to 30 minutes before sunset, you’ll stop at a high dune to enjoy the breathtaking view. After the sunset, you’ll continue riding for another 15 minutes to reach the camp. Your luggage will already be transferred to the camp by 4×4 and placed in your luxury tent. The tent is spacious and fully equipped with comfortable beds, a private bathroom, hot shower, and everything you need for a cozy stay.

Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed with Moroccan tea, sweets, peanuts, and almonds. After checking in, dinner will be served in the camp restaurant. The evening will continue with Berber music by the fire under a sky full of stars. It’s a magical atmosphere one that invites you to relax, reflect, and truly enjoy the beauty of the Sahara. You’ll spend a peaceful night in the camp, surrounded by silence and stars.

6th day : Merzouga Sahara – Rissani – Erfoud – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley - Ouarzazat

If you rise early, witnessing the breathtaking sunrise is possible as the colours of the dunes shift and the shadows create a stunning display. After breakfast at the camp, the journey towards Tinghir begins. En route, the “khettarat” water channels are passed, with an opportunity to descend and admire the ingenious architecture of this irrigation system, designed to prevent evaporation in the summer heat. The journey continues to the Dades Valley, with a stop to explore the Dades Gorges and enjoy a short walk after lunch. In the Valley of the Roses, renowned for its Damascene Rose Festival in May, cooperatives in Kelaat Mgouna produce fragrant organic cosmetics. Next, in Skoura’s oasis, Kasbah Amredhil is visited, which is a beautifully restored example of multigenerational Berber living. Made entirely from adobe, the kasbah offers a glimpse into traditional life, with its thick walls providing warmth in winter and coolness in summer. Following this insightful visit, arrival in Ouarzazate is expected, where a guest house stay is planned for the night.

7th day: Ouarzazate – Taroudant

After breakfast, a short 30-minute drive leads to Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site  and the oldest, most famous kasbah in Morocco. A local guide provides insights during the visit, sharing the rich and fascinating history of this iconic site. The journey continues west to Taznakht, renowned for its Berber rugs, where there is an opportunity to observe the ancient art of Berber rug and carpet making. This stop also includes lunch. As the journey progresses, the scenic Tizi-n-Ikhsane and Tizi-n-Tighatine passes are crossed before arriving in Taliouine, the heart of Morocco’s saffron cultivation. Here, a visit to a small government-run museum dedicated to saffron horticulture is possible. The day concludes in Taroudant, where dinner and an overnight stay in a charming, authentic riad are planned. 12 Days Jewish Heritage Morocco Tour

8th day: Taroudant – Essaouira

In the morning, there is an opportunity to explore Taroudant, often referred to as “the little Marrakech” due to its impressive ramparts and bustling local markets. Known for its craftsmanship, the town is famous for jewellery and Berber rugs. Unlike Marrakech, Taroudant’s ancient walls remain fully intact. The town’s Jewish community has played a significant role in its history, and a visit to the Jewish Mellah and cemetery reveals the burial site of the revered Saint David Ben Baruk Cohen Azog. A highlight of the visit is the rare chance to see one of the only adobe synagogues in the world, located in Azran. This 700- year-old synagogue features Hebrew prayers painted on its walls and an ark with Berber inscriptions. Afterwards, the journey through the Souss River Valley continues, passing thousands of argan trees, as well as banana and orange plantations. Following lunch in Agadir, the journey progresses north along the coast through Taghazout, a renowned surfer’s paradise, offering stunning views of the Anti-Atlas Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. Upon arrival in Essaouira, your driver will escort you to your riad, providing time to settle in and relax. In the evening, the charming atmosphere of one of the cosy cafés in the town centre can be enjoyed.

9th day: Essaouira Jewish Heritage Sightseeing

In your 12 Days Jewish Heritage Morocco Tour Essaouira is important to visit is a coastal town known for its Portuguese and Jewish heritage, as well as its iconic blue boats, whitewashed houses, fresh seafood, and the renowned Gnawa music festival. After breakfast at your riad, there is an opportunity to explore the medina’s vibrant, windy alleyways and photograph its impressive fortifications. Local shops offering leather and metal goods can be visited, allowing for the chance to capture artisans at work. Later, the lively seaport can be explored to see the famous blue boats and select freshly caught fish for a delicious lunch prepared on the spot. In the afternoon, a guided Jewish heritage tour of Essaouira is available. The Jewish quarter, established in the 18th century, once housed up to 40% of the town’s population and had over 25 synagogues, though only a few remain today. The recently restored Simon Attias Synagogue can be discovered, which also includes a Jewish museum and a cultural centre named after historian Haim Zafrani, dedicated to preserving Moroccan Jewish heritage and celebrating Essaouira’s identity.

10th day: Essaouira – Marrakech – Free Half a day in Marrakech

The Jewish cemeteries can be visited, where notable figures such as Rabbi Haim Pinto, whose mausoleum is the focus of an annual hilloula, are buried. The second cemetery, opened in the 18th century to accommodate the growing Jewish population, serves as the resting place for many rabbis, intellectuals, musicians, and other prominent members of the Jewish community. An overnight stay is arranged in a charming riad in the heart of Essaouira. After breakfast, the Jewish Morocco tour continues with a drive to Marrakech. Along the way, numerous Berber villages can be seen, and there may be a stop at an argan cooperative, where higher-quality argan products than those available outside Morocco can be found. This presents a good opportunity to purchase argan oil products if desired. There is also the possibility of witnessing the rare sight of goats climbing the argan trees to munch on the leaves and argan nuts. Upon arriving in Marrakech, the afternoon offers time to explore the old medina and wander through the vibrant, colourful souks. Alternatively, relaxing with a traditional glass of Moroccan mint tea on a rooftop terrace overlooking Djemaa El Fna is an option. Dinner is arranged at one of Marrakech’s beautiful kosher restaurants.

11th day: Marrakech Sightseeing Tour – Jewish Tour Guide in Morocco, Marrakech

Marrakech, one of Morocco’s four Imperial Cities, is not only a vibrant cultural hub but also one of the most iconic travel destinations in the world. As part of this Jewish Heritage tour, you’ll explore both the spiritual landmarks of the city’s Jewish past and the architectural and cultural treasures that define Marrakech today.

Depending on your time and interests, your itinerary may include the following highlights:

Jewish Mellah & Synagogues

Begin your journey in the historic Jewish Mellah, established in 1558. Though originally a place of autonomy, Jews were historically restricted from owning property outside its walls. Today, the Mellah has been carefully restored and remains a symbol of Marrakech’s rich multicultural heritage.

Wander through its lively souks and narrow streets, and visit the Bet-El Synagogue, still active and serving the local Jewish community. You’ll also explore the Lazama Synagogue, one of the oldest synagogues in the city, known for its peaceful courtyard and vibrant tilework.

El Bahia Palace

Step into the grandeur of El Bahia Palace, a stunning 19th-century residence built for Grand Vizier Ahmed Ibn Moussa. The palace spans over eight hectares and boasts 160 ornately decorated rooms. Admire exquisite zellij tilework, carved cedar ceilings, stucco reliefs, and lush courtyards filled with orange trees and fountains a true masterpiece of Moroccan craftsmanship.

Ben Youssef Medersa

Discover the architectural splendor of the Ben Youssef Medersa, once one of North Africa’s largest Islamic colleges. Founded in the 14th century and expanded in the 16th, the medersa could house up to 800 students. Its elaborate decoration, from mosaic-tiled walls to intricate plasterwork and woodcarvings, reflects the peak of Saadian artistry.

Majorelle Gardens

A serene retreat in the heart of the city, the Majorelle Gardens were originally designed by French artist Jacques Majorelle and later restored by fashion legend Yves Saint Laurent. Stroll among rare exotic plants, bamboo groves, and koi-filled ponds. The iconic Majorelle Blue structures add a striking contrast to the greenery. Within the gardens, you’ll also find a Berber Museum, a chic café, and a stylish restaurant.

Le Jardin Secret

Experience calm and contemplation in Le Jardin Secret, a beautifully restored Islamic garden tucked away within the medina. Divided by elegant water channels and framed by traditional architecture, the garden features interpretive panels explaining its reconstruction and historic significance. A perfect stop for relaxation and reflection.

Marrakech Souks

No visit to Marrakech is complete without exploring its famous souks, a labyrinth of market stalls bursting with life and color. Shop for spices, handmade leather goods, traditional slippers (babouches), woven textiles, silver jewelry, and local ceramics. The souks offer a vibrant sensory experience and an opportunity to interact with local artisans and merchants.

After a day filled with cultural immersion and discovery, return to your charming riad for the night a tranquil and stylish oasis where you can unwind and recharge.

12th day : Marrakech – Casablanca

Your driver will transfer you to the airport to catch your flight on time, marking the end of your Morocco Jewish tour. This day will be planned depending on the flight’s timing and bringing your wonderful Jewish tours or Morocco adventure to a close.

Tour Includes

Pickup & drop off
Breakfasts and 4 Dinners
Berber tent in the desert
Camel ride in Sahara desert
Professional English / Spanish Guide
Private Vehicle with A/C
Authentic Hotel/Riad
Fuel
Entrance fees (except in Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, and Marrakech)
Local guides in the relevant places
Tea, coffee and mineral water in the desert
All meals (except lunches, and dinners in Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, Marrakech, Essaouira, and the journeys in between) – with vegetarian and vegan options available
Accommodation in air-conditioned rooms/suites with private bathroom

Tour Excludes

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Note :

Please In the event that the agendas we provide do not meet your concerns, we ask that you get in contact with us as soon as possible. in addition, tell us about your ideas, and one of our experts will get in touch with you to help you in planning an unforgettable vacation.