A Journey Through Morocco’s Jewish Heritage (10 Days)

Following breakfast, join your tour guide to continue exploring Casablanca's Jewish heritage. Your first stop will be the Museum of Moroccan Judaism, the first of its kind in the Arab World, showcasing a priceless collection of religious, artistic, and ethnographic objects that illustrate the history, traditions, and daily life of Jews in Morocco. Next, visit the Mellah quarter and explore its narrow streets until you reach the Jewish Cemetery, a serene and beautifully designed space adorned with inscriptions in French, Hebrew, and Spanish. Take some time to admire the Hassan II Mosque, offering enchanting views of Casablanca, and then venture into the modern New Town. Conclude your exploration of Casablanca and head to Rabat for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, embark on a walking tour through the vast and narrow alleys of the Old Medina in Rabat. Visit the Kasbah, the Chellah, and the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. In the afternoon, leave Rabat and make your way to Fez, stopping by the imperial city of Meknes along the route. Explore the Jewish Quarter with its labyrinthine lanes and vibrant courtyards. Discover the tomb of Rabbi David Ben Midan, where well-preserved Hebraic epitaphs and Greek inscriptions from the Christian era can still be found. Don't miss the impressive Bab El Mansour gate, the Dar Jamai Palace, the Royal Stables, the tomb of Moulay Ismail, and the Talmud Torah Synagogue. Depart Meknes and proceed to the Roman City of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that brings ancient Roman civilization to life with its rich cultural heritage and picturesque surroundings. Finally, arrive in Fez and check into your Riad for an overnight stay.

Embark on a guided tour of Fez, starting with the major attractions outside the old Medina. Visit the Mellah, or Jewish Quarter, and then proceed to the Royal Palace and the ruins of the monumental Marinid Tombs, offering breathtaking views of the entire Medina. Enter the old Medina through one of its grand gates, such as Bab Rcif, and be captivated by the iconic Al-Qarawiyyin University, the world's oldest continually operating higher educational institution according to UNESCO and Guinness World Records. Explore the Bouanania Madrasa and the magnificent Moulay Idriss Mausoleum. Pay a visit to one of the renowned tanneries and pass by the Nejjarine Foundouk, a museum showcasing various wooden arts. Continue along the bustling street of Talaa, passing by numerous fascinating attractions and monuments, until you reach the Bab Boujloud gate. Close by, discover the Batha Museum, a place worth exploring. In the evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel in Fez.

After being picked up from your Hotel or Riad, head to the city of Sefrou. Explore its old Medina, featuring imposing ramparts, kasbahs, and archaeological and cultural treasures. Sefrou is a spiritual city boasting numerous mosques, sanctuaries, mausoleums, and synagogues. Take a leisurely stroll through the Mellah, the downtown heartbeat, and visit the 18th-century Zaouia of Sidi Lahcen Ben Ahmed. Visit Bab Mekam and wander through Mohammed V Street. Admire the city's enchanting fountains and springs, particularly the magical source of Lalla Rekia, as you bid farewell to Sefrou. Return to Fez for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, your personal driver will pick you up from your accommodation and commence the journey to Merzouga. En route, make a stop at Ifrane, the former capital city of the Jewish kingdom, known for its numerous synagogues. From Ifrane, proceed to Midelt and then Erfoud. Upon arrival in Erfoud, transfer to a 4x4 vehicle and embark on a desert adventure, with an opportunity to witness the splendid panorama of the sunset. After approximately 45 minutes of driving from Erfoud, you'll reach Merzouga, where you'll be transferred to your camp. Enjoy dinner and spend the night under the starry sky.

Rise early to witness the exquisite sunrise over the desert (optional). Afterward, pack up and hit the road to Ouarzazate. Make a stop at Todra, renowned for its massive steep rocky walls and breathtaking gorges. Take some time to explore these canyons and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant with scenic views. Continue the journey through the beautiful Dades Valley, a captivating site that will leave you in awe. Arrive in Tinghir and visit the old-fashioned and colorful Jewish quarter. Next, make a stop at Kelaat M'gouna, famous for its annual rose festival. Nearby, visit the castle of Tillit, once ruled by the Spanish-Jewish Perez family for about a century. Conclude the day with a visit to Sekoura Valley, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, before finally reaching Ouarzazate for an overnight stay.

Today's expedition is dedicated to exploring Ouarzazate and its surroundings. Ouarzazate, also known as the Hollywood of Africa, is home to the largest film studios in the world. Although often overlooked, the Kasbah of Taourirt is still worth a visit. This town was once owned by the influential Glaoui family, who gained their fortune from levies collected from camel trains transporting gold, spices, and slaves from Mali to the markets of Marrakech. Continue to Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most prominent attractions of your journey. This town, surrounded by walls and adorned with grand Kasbahs, was once inhabited by wealthy and powerful families. Ait Ben Haddou has also served as a backdrop for numerous blockbuster movies and series, including Gladiator and Game of Thrones. After leaving Ait Ben Haddou, make a stop at the Telouet Kasbah. Then, traverse the challenging and picturesque Tizi N Tichka pass in the High Atlas Mountains before reaching Marrakesh. If time permits, you can make a quick visit to the famous Jemaa El-Fna square before enjoying dinner at your accommodation.

After breakfast, meet your guide in your accommodation and embark on a guided tour of Marrakesh, also known as the Red City. Start by exploring the Old Medina, a true masterpiece with its narrow alleys adorned in light-red hues and craft shops showcasing colorful carpets and curtains. Immerse yourself in the rare traditional artworks found within the Medina. As you wander through the labyrinthine streets, visit the Mellah, the historic Jewish quarter. Discover the Rabbi Hanania H Cohen cemetery, the tomb of Rabbi Mordechai Ben Attar, and the tomb of Rabbi Pinhas Hacohen Azough, also known as the "Patron of Marrakech." Just outside the Medina, you'll find the renowned Jemaa El-Fna Square, a vibrant hub of food, shows, and shops. It comes alive both day and night, with storytellers and performers during the day and a lively food and music scene at night. Adjacent to the square is the historic El-Koutoubia Mosque, featuring beautiful monuments and inscriptions dating back to the Middle Ages. Don't miss the incredible Majorelle Garden and the Bahia Palace, both showcasing stunning architecture and exquisite gardens. Spend the night in Marrakesh.

On the final day of your itinerary, your private driver will pick you up from your accommodation and transfer you to the airport for your departure.