Morocco
OUR STORY MOROCCO
“Morocco is a very fine place, spoiled by civilization” (Richard H. Davis)
Explore the greatness of authentic Sephardic tradition while touring the colorful markets, architecture, and culture of Marrakesh, Fes, Rabat, Casablanca, and more.
Experience the very best of Morocco on this fully guided 9-day tour. Our travels begin in Marrakesh, an ancient walled-in city featuring bustling markets and exotic gardens. From our base in Marrakesh, we explore the diverse natural beauty of Morocco – with day trips to the Agafay Desert and the Ourika Valley at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Our travels continue in Rabat, Morocco’s monumental capital along the coast, and then on to Fes, which boasts the largest medina in Africa and the cultural center of the entire Maghreb Region. We conclude the journey in Casablanca, Morocco’s modern metropolis, and the welcoming home to a proud Jewish community.
The experience tells the story of the Jewish People through the lens of Sephardic history and cultural traditions. Together, we will tour spectacularly beautiful synagogues, discover the stories of legendary Jewish figures, and learn about contemporary Jewish life in this Abraham Accords country. Along the way, we explore many UNESCO world heritage sites, browse seemingly endless markets, and embrace adventure in the Moroccan countryside.
Our Story Morocco is led by a professional Jewish educator as well as by a local Moroccan guide. Groups are limited to 28 adult travelers for your comfort.
DAY 1 | MONDAY
GETTING ORIENTED
NOTE: Those arriving on Sunday evening can be accommodated at the Marrakesh hotel based on our group rates. Contact us to learn more.
- Arrive to Marrakesh and take a taxi to our hotel in the city
- Group Meeting #1 at 12:00pm at the hotel lobby
- Explore the exotic plants and water features of Jardin Majorelle
- The Yves Saint Laurent Museum – Tour the former home of the legendary fashion designer and view some of his most famous works
- Group Meeting #2 at 5:00pm at the hotel lobby
- Explore the Djemaa el-Fna Square and its vibrant open-air market atmosphere
- Mark the start of our journey over a welcome dinner from Le Sepharade Restaurant
OVERNIGHT: MARRAKESH (Jaal Riad Resort Hotel or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
DAY 2 | TUESDAY
HISTORY & ADVENTURE IN MARRAKESH
- Tour the beautiful Bahia Palace and wander the winding streets of the Old Medina
- Visit Al Azama Synagogue and tour Ben Youssef Madrassa’s intricate mosaics
- This afternoon we travel just outside Marrakesh for a dune buggy tour of the Agafay Desert followed by a traditional desert tent dinner and fire show
OVERNIGHT: MARRAKESH (Jaal Riad Resort Hotel or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 3 | WEDNESDAY
THE OURIKA VALLEY – FOOTHILLS OF THE ATLAS MOUNTAINS
- This morning we travel to the Ourika Valley in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains
- Explore a traditional Berber market and an authentic argon oil workshop (“Moroccan oil”)
- Visit the tomb of Rabbi Solomon Ben Hench and learn about the extraordinary family that protects it
- Return to Marrakesh where a henna artist will decorate your hands in the traditional Moroccan style
- Dinner is catered at our hotel and this evening is free to explore the markets of Marrakesh on your own
OVERNIGHT: MARRAKESH (Jaal Riad Resort Hotel or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 4 | THURSDAY
ALONG THE MOROCCAN COAST
- Depart Marrakesh and head up the Moroccan coast, stopping along the way for a beachside lunch on your own
- Arrive in Rabat where we’ll visit the city’s most impressive monuments, including the Hassan Tower, the Hassan Gardens, and a view of the Royal Palace
- Check-in to our hotel in Rabat for the night followed by a catered dinner
OVERNIGHT: RABAT (Rabat Marriot Hotel or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 5 | FRIDAY
RABAT – MOROCCO’S CAPITAL CITY
- Rabat walking tour – Rabbi Zaoui Shul, the Andalucian Gardens, and the Kasbah of the Udayas
- This afternoon we continue on to Fes – Morocco’s historic imperial capital
- Check in to our centrally located hotel and prepare for a Moroccan Shabbat
- Experience Kabbalat Shabbat at a local synagogue followed by a Shabbat dinner
OVERNIGHT: FES (Palais Medina Riad Resort or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 6 | SATURDAY
TRACING JEWISH HISTORY IN FES
- Relaxed morning to explore Fes on your own or attend a local Shabbat service
- This afternoon we visit the Rambam Jewish Community Center of Fes where we’ll meet with local residents over Shabbat lunch
- Afternoon walking tour – Explore the Jewish Mellah (Quarter) of Fes, visit the grave of “St. Sulika”, and view the Royal Palace of Fes
- This evening is free to enjoy Fes on your own
OVERNIGHT: FES(Palais Medina Riad Resort or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 7 | SUNDAY
HISTORICAL JEWELS + THERMAL POOLS OF FES
- Spend the morning exploring the Old Medina of Fes, including its medieval walls, the Nejjarine Museum, the Attarine Madrasa, and the Seffarine Market
- This afternoon we hold our noses as we discover the old-world leather-making process at the traditional tanneries of Fes
- Close out the day luxuriating in the Moulay Yacoub thermal waters just outside of Fes where dinner is provided
OVERNIGHT: FES (Palais Medina Riad Resort or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 8 | MONDAY
TREASURES OF THE MOROCCAN COUNTRYSIDE
- Start the morning exploring Morocco’s Roman Empire era at the Volubilis – an archeological ruin located over 1,000 miles from Rome!
- Lunch today is on the beautiful estate of Villa Volubila, where we will learn about viticultural practices dating back to 2000 BCE and sample the leading wines and olive oils of Morocco
- Travel to Casablanca, Morocco’s commercial capital – enjoy dinner at one of Casablanca’s kosher restaurants
OVERNIGHT: CASABLANCA (Casablanca Marriot Hotel or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 9 | TUESDAY
A FOND FAREWELL TO MOROCCO!
- Discover the vibrancy of Morocco’s contemporary Jewish community visiting the Jewish Museum of Morocco and Beth El Synagogue
- Break for lunch on own and a photo-op at Rick’s Café, inspired by the famous Casablanca film
- Tour the enormous and endlessly ornate Hassan II Mosque along the Casablanca coast
- Closing session and wrap-up in a park along the Casablanca coastal corniche
- Celebrate the end of our journey over a banquet dinner at Cercle de l’Union – a unique social club enjoyed by the Jewish community
OVERNIGHT: CASABLANCA (Casablanca Marriot Hotel or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 10 | WEDNESDAY
A FOND FAREWELL TO MOROCCO!
Board a morning flight from Casablanca back to your gateway city or onwards
CUSTOMIZE YOUR TRIP
Authentic Europe welcomes the challenge of working side by side with you to craft your unique experience. Drawing from our extensive knowledge we will work with you to make sure your group will have the most enriching, enjoyable and educational experience possible.
Ensuring that your trip will fit your budget, interests, group size and preferences. No matter your groups expectations we will work tireless to guarantee a successful trip. Personalized itineraries, hand picked cities and sites our experts work with you and for you.
