Jewish Heritage & Historic Morocco - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Casablanca & Get to Know the City

Welcome to Morocco! Enjoy a comfortable private transfer from Casablanca's airport to your accommodation, then spend the rest of the day exploring the city on your own. You can begin in the medina (old town). While Casablanca's medina is only around 250 years old—much newer than those of Fes and Marrakech—it's a nice place to get your first taste of a traditional Moroccan neighborhood. Wander through its cobbled streets, perhaps picking up some fresh fruit or a souvenir. Then head onward to the Habbous, Casablanca's New Medina, which was built in the early 20th century by the French.

In the Habbous, keep an eye out for Art Deco architecture, and stop in some shops selling crafts or djellabas (traditional Moroccan robes). Afterward, head down to the beachside promenade along the Boulevard de la Corniche, sometimes referred to as "Morocco's Miami." Here, you can pause for a meal in one of the high-end restaurants lining the waterfront, or gaze out over the Atlantic from the top of the El Hank Lighthouse. In the evening, follow in the footsteps of Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart by visiting Rick's Café, which recreates the famous scene in the legendary film.

Day 2: Visit the Hassan II Mosque & Museum of Moroccan Judaism

The next day, tour Casablanca's imposing Hassan II Mosque, inaugurated in 1993. This enormous structure can host a total of 105,000 worshippers—25,000 inside, and a further 80,000 in the exterior courtyards. Wander through and admire its lavish design, including gilded ceilings and details in wood, marble, and carved stone. The mosque's 690 feet (210 m) tall minaret is the tallest structure in Morocco and the second-tallest minaret in the world. This is one of the few mosques in Morocco that non-Muslims can enter. 

In the afternoon, visit a few locations specific to Moroccan Jewish heritage. The first is the Museum of Moroccan Judaism, originally a Jewish orphanage. You will see historical jewelry and manuscripts, including a reconstructed jewelry-making shop. Next, visit Temple Beth-El, a beautifully refurbished synagogue with exquisitely-colored glass windows. If you have extra time in the late afternoon, return to the Habbous for shopping and relaxation. In the evening, be sure to enjoy a Moroccan meal at one of the city's fine dining restaurants.

Day 3: Transfer to Chefchaouen via Rabat & Ouazzane

Today, travel from Casablanca to Chefchaouen. On the way, stop in Morocco's capital, Rabat, to visit the Hassan Tower. This red sandstone tower, standing 144 feet (44 m) high, is one of the most magnificent buildings of the Almohad Dynasty. Originally, it was the minaret of an incomplete 12th-century mosque. Directly across from the Hassan Tower, you'll find the modern Mausoleum of Mohammed V. This structure is home to the tombs of Moroccan king Mohammed V and his two sons, Prince Moulay Abdallah and King Hassan II.

Continuing on, stop in the town of Ouazzane, which is a holy city for many Moroccan Jews. Annually, they make a pilgrimage to this town to visit Rabbi Amram ben Diwan's tomb. Born in Jerusalem, this rabbi was known for performing many miracles in Morocco during his lifetime. Later, get back on the road until you reach Chefchaouen, located in the heart of the Rif Mountains. Known as the "Blue City," this picturesque town is famous for its colorful sky-blue buildings, alleys, and archways. Head out to explore the town at your own pace, or relax in Outa el-Hammam, the main square. 

Day 4: Transfer to Fes via Moulay Idriss, Volubilis & Meknes

In the morning, say goodbye to Chefchaouen and travel south to Fes, one of Morocco's four Imperial Cities. On the way, visit Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to Morocco's best-preserved Roman ruins. Wander through the sizeable complex, exploring temples, large merchant homes, and mosaics. Next, move on to Moulay Idriss, Morocco's first Islamic capital and a site of ongoing cultural significance. The city contains the only round minaret in Morocco. Have lunch here, or wait until you reach the prosperous imperial city of Meknes.

In Meknes, explore the Ville Impériale area, where you can see gardens, palaces, the impressive gate of Bab al-Mansour, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, and the Royal Stables. Then, get back on the road and travel onward to Fes. Once you arrive, settle into your riad (traditional house with a courtyard). In the evening, wander through the medina at your own pace. Stop for a traditional mint tea, enjoy a flavorful Moroccan meal, shop for handicrafts, or simply sit at a café and watch the world go by—the choice is yours.  

Day 5: Guided Tour of Fes' Jewish Quarter & Medina 

Meet your tour guide after breakfast to start your exploration of Fes' old medina, which is full of charming alleyways and narrow roads. Your local guide will share stories and show you secluded corners of the medina, allowing you to observe both the small details of daily life, and the grandiosity of the historic madrasas (religious schools) and palaces. You'll also get to know Fes' rich Jewish heritage with a visit to the Mellah (Jewish quarter) and the Jewish cemetery, where Rabbi Raphael Moshe Elbaz and Rabbi Lahou Harroch are both buried. 

Later on, get to know Fes' artisan community by visiting some of the city's iconic tanneries and mosaic workshops. Meet local craftspeople, watch them at work, and learn about the history and importance of their artistry, not just within Fes but beyond the old city's walls. Then, spend the rest of the day however you like. In the evening, enjoy a relaxing dinner on your own at a restaurant in town.  

Day 6: Day Trip to Sefrou: Jewish Heritage Tour & Artisan Craft Center

In the morning, meet your guide for a day tour of the city of Sefrou. Sefrou is a walled town nestled in the slopes of the Middle Atlas Mountains, about 18 miles (29 km) southeast of Fes. It began as a market town in the Roman era and as a stopping point for caravans of traders making their way from the Mediterranean to the Sahara Desert. Over the centuries, the town became a melting pot of cultures. Before most Jewish Moroccans left the country when the French departed in the 1960s and 1970s, a third of Sefrou's population was Jewish. 

While in town, visit the Craft Center of Sefrou. This beautiful complex is located by the old city and is home to several workshops where artisans create woodworks, ceramics, woven rugs, and even silk buttons for djellabas. You will get the chance to see their work and learn about their crafts, before heading back to Fes for the evening. 

Day 7: Explore Fes' Medieval Medina & Transfer to Azrou in the Atlas Mountains

Fuel up with a delicious breakfast, then get ready to explore more of the UNESCO-listed medina on a guided tour. Once you've worked up an appetite again, ask your guide for lunch suggestions—there are many elegant restaurants here hidden behind unassuming doorways.

After lunch, say goodbye to Fes and head higher into the Middle Atlas Mountains. About an hour into the journey, you'll see Ifrane National Park's vast cedar tree forests. This park is known for its Barbary macaque monkeys, an endangered species and the only African monkeys found north of the Sahara Desert. Once you've passed through the park, you'll reach Azrou, a beautiful Berber town known for its rug and jewelry making. Here, you can have dinner and relax before bedtime.

Day 8: Cross the Middle Atlas to the Desert: Erfoud, Merzouga & the Sahara

Get an early start as you head out of the Middle Atlas Mountains and into the Sahara Desert region. First, make a short stop in Midelt, known as "the apple city" due to its prolific apple production. Keep an eye out for the nearby Moulouya River, which allows this fruit to grow in the desert. Continuing onward, traverse the Tizi n'Talremt Pass and enter the Ziz Valley, known for its hidden oases and clusters of palm trees. You can stop in the city of Errachidia for lunch.

After lunch, head toward the bustling market town of Erfoud, known for its date festival, fossil mining, and artisan workshops. Visit a local artisan collective, then return to the road. Soon, you'll see the sand waves of the Erg Chebbi. This vast sea of dunes covers 22 square miles (35 sq km), with some dunes rising to over 656 feet (200 m). Take a short break near the town of Merzouga as you prepare for a camel ride through the dunes. Later, head to your outdoor camp for dinner and an evening by the campfire, as you enjoy Berber music from the locals. Spend the night in a traditional tent, sleeping under the stars.

Day 9: Transfer to Ouarzazate via Rissani, Alnif & Boumalne Dadès

Wake up early to be rewarded with a sunrise over the sand dunes. Eat breakfast in camp and travel back across the desert to Merzouga. Meet your driver there, and begin your long and scenic drive to Ouarzazate. Consider stopping in Rissani on the way. This is an excellent place to walk around a traditional market, especially on market days when many animals are bought and sold. Rissani is even home to a "donkey parking lot!"

Spend the rest of the day traveling through the remote, empty landscape bordering the Sahara. You'll be surrounded by views of desert plains, high mountains, and plateaus. Along the way, make a brief stop in Alnif to see the local fossil workshops, and stop for lunch in the town of Boumalne Dadès, located near the scenic Dadès Gorge. Finally, end your day in Ouarzazate, a town that has become famous after being used as the backdrop for many films and television shows. 

Day 10: Transfer to Marrakech via the High Atlas Mountains

Today, cross the High Atlas Mountains that separate Ouarzazate from Marrakech. Wind your way up the dry desert slopes through the Tizi n'Tichka Pass. Near the top, you'll enjoy incredible panoramic views of the mountain range and the plains of Marrakech below. Be on the lookout for Mount Toubkal—North Africa's highest mountain—to the west. As you descend the north-facing slopes of the mountain range, you'll notice a dramatic change in climate and landscape, as you cross deep river valleys and abundant almond and walnut orchards.

Soon, you'll leave the tranquility of the desert and mountains behind, as you enter the hustle and bustle of vibrant Marrakech. Once you arrive, settle into your accommodation and spend the afternoon at a slower pace. In the early evening, Marrakech's main square, Jemaa el-Fna, comes alive with musicians, performers, snake charmers, games, food stalls, and more. There are many cafés surrounding the square where you can sit and observe the activity over a meal.

Day 11: Marrakech Medina Tour & Hammam

Head off on a guided tour to explore the old medina of Marrakech, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the city's lively souks (markets), you will be dazzled by the variety of colorful crafts, clothes, and spices for sale. Enjoy your time wandering through the souks' winding alleyways accompanied by your guide, then grab a bite to eat on your own. Later, continue your tour with a visit to the El Badi Palace, which was once home to a large community of Spanish and Moroccan Jews. You'll also have the chance to see the historic Saadian Tombs and the Jewish Cemetery of Marrakech.

Spend the afternoon bathing in an authentic Moroccan hammam (traditional bathhouse). Learn about the history of the hammam, and enjoy a rejuvenating scrub using traditional methods. Many hammams offer massages and an extensive spa treatment menu, using locally-sourced products like argan oil. End your day with one last stroll through the medina to taste some street food, or head to a restaurant to discover Marrakech's culinary flair. This city has produced many of the Moroccan royal family's top chefs, and the food here is some of the best in the country.

Day 12: Transfer to Essaouira, Argan Oil Tour & Jewish Heritage Tour

Check out of your hotel and transfer to Essaouira, a picturesque coastal city known for its surfing, beaches, and historic old town. During the three-hour drive from Marrakech, you'll traverse rolling plains and argan forests. Argan oil is a significant Moroccan export that is world-renowned for its health and beauty benefits. Stop to visit an association of local women that make argan oil. On the way, keep an eye out for goats standing high up in the tree branches, grazing on the fruits of the argan trees—it's quite a sight!  

Later on, enjoy a seafood lunch in Essaouira with recommendations from your driver. The city's fishing harbor is very active and is a great place to see the fishermen returning with their catches and selling their goods. Jewish heritage is also very present in Essaouira. In the afternoon, your guide will take you to the city's mellah, one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in Morocco. It's a perfect example of a community of coexistence, and a fascinating place to explore. Once there, you'll visit Bayt Dakira, a Jewish cultural institution with a museum, synagogue, and research center.

Day 13: Travel to Casablanca via the Atlantic Coast & Portuguese Ports

Return to Casablanca via the coastal route, making some brief, interesting stops in other seaside cities along the way. First, visit Safi, known for its excellent surfing beaches and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Next, stop in El Jadida to tour its Portuguese fortress and cistern. Spend some time walking the ramparts and visiting the Church of the Assumption, then pause for a lunch break.

Afterward, move on to Azemmour. This small city has inspired many Moroccan artists over the decades, some of whom have chosen to live here. Life in this community is still traditional, despite its proximity to the cosmopolitan art market of Casablanca. Get inspired by Azemmour's beautiful, crumbling 16th-century medina, squeezed between the Oum Er-Rbia (Mother of Spring River) and the ocean. Once you arrive in Casablanca, check into your hotel to relax, before venturing out for dinner and some evening exploration.

Day 14: Depart Casablanca

If you have time, enjoy one final stroll through Casablanca's wide boulevards after checking out of your hotel. Then, travel in a comfortable private vehicle from your accommodation to Casablanca Mohammed V Airport (CMN), a trip which takes about 45 minutes. Have a safe and comfortable journey home, or to your next destination!

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