Explore Morocco’s Jewish Legacy – A Journey Through Time
Overview
Step into the heart of Morocco’s Jewish past and present on this immersive 10-day journey. From Casablanca’s Beth-El synagogue to the holy tombs in Fes and the coastal charm of Essaouira, you’ll witness centuries of shared history, culture, and spiritual resilience. This tour is designed for travelers seeking meaningful cultural exploration, blending Jewish history with Morocco’s iconic landscapes and architecture. You’ll travel in comfort with a private multilingual driver, staying in hand-picked boutique hotels and riads.
This journey is ideal for Jewish travelers, heritage seekers, and anyone interested in Morocco’s multi-faith cultural fabric.
Tour Highlights
- Visit iconic synagogues in Casablanca, Fes, Marrakech & Essaouira
- Tour the Museum of Moroccan Judaism – the only one in the Arab world
- Explore ancient Jewish quarters (Mellahs) and cemeteries
- Experience Shabbat in Fes or Marrakech with local communities
- Discover the tomb of Rabbi Haim Pinto in Essaouira
- Learn about interfaith harmony in Seffrou and Bhalil
- Visit UNESCO-listed medinas, palaces, gardens, and Roman ruins
- Stay in elegant riads and boutique hotels with kosher meal options
- Travel in luxury with a private Mercedes van or 4x4 and expert guides
Day-by-Day Itinerary – 10-Day Morocco Jewish Heritage Tour
Upon arrival at Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport, you'll be greeted by your private driver and transferred to your boutique hotel. Begin your journey with a traditional Moroccan-Jewish welcome dinner at a kosher restaurant.
Start exploring the city’s Jewish history with a visit to Temple Beth-El, the spiritual heart of Casablanca’s Jewish community. If time permits, continue to Temple Em Habanim and Neve Chalom, two additional active synagogues that reflect the city’s vibrant Jewish presence.
Overnight in Casablanca
Begin the day at the Museum of Moroccan Judaism, the only Jewish museum in the Arab world. Explore its rare collection of religious, cultural, and ethnographic artifacts.
Continue to the Jewish Cemetery, the Mellah, and the Ettedgui Synagogue, located next to the Jewish Heritage Museum in the old medina.
Visit Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, before departing for Rabat, Morocco’s capital.
Upon arrival, enjoy a scenic city tour: visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the Royal Palace, the Hassan Tower, and stroll through the Kasbah of the Udayas.
Overnight in Rabat
After breakfast, depart for the Imperial city of Meknes, where you'll visit the old Jewish Mellah, the Jewish Cemetery, and the Talmud Torah Synagogue.
Discover Meknes' rich Jewish legacy, including the tomb of Rabbi David Benmidan, a revered figure in Moroccan Judaism.
Then explore the majestic Bab El Mansour, Royal Granaries, and El Hedim Square.
Continue to the Roman archaeological site of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its mosaics and ancient Jewish presence.
Arrive in the spiritual city of Fes and settle into your riad.
Overnight in Fes
Fes is one of Morocco’s oldest and most significant Jewish cities. Begin your full-day guided tour in the Jewish Mellah, where you'll visit the Ibn Danan Synagogue, one of the oldest in North Africa.
Pay respects at the Jewish Cemetery, home to numerous saints, including Solica, and see the home where Maimonides once lived.
Explore Fes El Bali, the medieval medina: visit Al Quaraouiyine University, Nejjarine Fountain, and traditional craft markets.
Enjoy a deep dive into the interwoven Muslim and Jewish history of the city.
Overnight in Fes
Drive to the town of Bhalil and visit an ancient Jewish cemetery tucked into the hillside. Continue to Seffrou, historically known as “Little Jerusalem,” where Muslims and Jews lived peacefully side by side.
Explore the old Jewish quarter, featuring distinct balconies and architectural elements, and learn about the Cherry Festival—once a celebration of religious harmony.
Optionally return to Fes for a visit to Jnane Sbil Gardens, the Dar Batha Museum, or enjoy leisure time in your riad.
Overnight in Fes
Embark on a scenic road trip through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop in Ifrane, known as Morocco’s “Little Switzerland,” and stroll through its European-style streets.
Continue via Zaouiat Cheikh and Beni Mellal, enjoying panoramic views and a traditional lunch en route.
Arrive in Marrakech, the red city of magic and markets.
Overnight in Marrakech
Visit the 16th-century Jewish Mellah, founded by Sultan Moulay Abdallah, and explore the Lazama Synagogue and the Jewish Cemetery, burial place of Rabbi Mordekhai Ben Attar.
Explore Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, and the Ben Youssef Medersa.
In the afternoon, stroll through the Majorelle Gardens and visit the Berber Museum—originally restored by Yves Saint Laurent.
Discover the blend of Jewish and Moroccan heritage across this vibrant city.
Overnight in Marrakech
Relax with a day of luxury in Marrakech. Visit the stunning La Mamounia Gardens or take a guided tour of Abderrazzak Benchaabane’s Palmeraie Garden & Private Museum, showcasing Moroccan contemporary art.
End the day with a rejuvenating traditional Hammam and spa experience at a high-end facility.
Overnight in Marrakech
Depart for the Atlantic coast and the historic city of Essaouira, once home to a large and thriving Jewish population.
Visit the Haim Pinto Synagogue, Bayt Dakira Jewish Museum, and the Old Jewish Cemetery with its cube-shaped tombs and Hebrew inscriptions.
Explore the medina, art galleries, fish markets, and Portuguese fortifications.
Return to Marrakech in the evening.
Overnight in Marrakech
Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport or return to Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport for departure.
End of Tour – Sahara Tours Morocco thanks you for exploring with us.
What’s Included
Cost Includes
- Private transportation in Mercedes Vito or 4x4 with English-speaking driver
- Airport transfers on arrival & departure
- 9 nights in boutique hotels/riads with breakfast
- 11 meals with kosher options available
- Specialized Jewish Heritage guides
- Entry fees to museums, synagogues & historical sites
- Guided walking tours in Fes, Marrakech, Essaouira, and more
What’s Not Included
- Flights to/from Morocco
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Personal expenses and tips
- Meals not mentioned
- Optional spa treatments or activities
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This tour includes luxury transportation with a multilingual driver, 9 nights in boutique riads or hotels, guided Jewish heritage city tours, entrance fees to synagogues and museums, and 11 meals with kosher options. Airport pickup and drop-off are also included.
You will explore Morocco’s most historically significant Jewish communities in Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes, Volubilis, Fes, Seffrou, Ifrane, Marrakech, and Essaouira. Each city offers synagogues, Mellahs (Jewish quarters), cemeteries, and Jewish cultural sites.
You will discover the legacies of several renowned Moroccan rabbis, including:
- Rabbi Haim Pinto – Buried in Essaouira, his tomb is a pilgrimage site for Moroccan Jews worldwide.
- Rabbi David Benmidan – Revered sage from Meknes, his tomb is a site of local devotion.
- Rabbi Isaac Alfasi (Rif) – One of the greatest Talmudic scholars, lived and taught in Fes.
- Rabbi Hayyim Ben Attar – Born in Sale near Rabat, a kabbalist best known for his commentary Or HaChaim.
- Solica Hatchouel – A Jewish martyr buried in Fes, honored for her spiritual courage.
These sites are not only visited but brought to life by our expert guides who specialize in Jewish Moroccan history.
Morocco is the birthplace of dozens of famous rabbis who left a lasting impact on Jewish thought and tradition. Some of the most notable include:
- Rabbi Haim Pinto (Essaouira)
- Rabbi David Benmidan (Meknes)
- Rabbi Isaac Alfasi (Fes)
- Rabbi Hayyim Ben Attar (Sale)
- Rabbi Shlomo Bel Hench (Tinghir)
- Rabbi Amram Ben Diwan (Asjen)
- Rabbi Yehuda Ben Attar (Fes)
- Rabbi Raphael Ankawa (Sale)
Many of their tombs remain pilgrimage destinations, and their teachings continue to influence Sephardic communities globally.
Yes. We offer kosher meal options, and you can participate in Shabbat experiences in Fes or Marrakech with local Jewish communities. If you are Shomer Shabbat or have specific needs, we can customize the tour for you.
Absolutely. Sahara Tours Morocco specializes in tailor-made Jewish heritage experiences. Whether you want to extend your stay, focus on specific spiritual sites, or add VIP services, we can personalize every part of your journey.
You’ll enjoy a mix of luxury boutique hotels and traditional Moroccan riads, selected for their comfort, charm, and proximity to Jewish heritage sites. All accommodations are vetted for quality and service.
Yes. You will be accompanied by a multilingual driver and specialized Jewish heritage guides for each city. These experts bring Morocco’s Jewish story to life through local insight and historical knowledge.
Morocco is home to one of the oldest and best-preserved Jewish communities in the Arab world. Jews have lived in Morocco for over 2,000 years. The country is known for its Mellahs, centuries-old synagogues, and deep interfaith history where Muslims and Jews lived side-by-side for centuries.
