Morocco Jewish Heritage

Depart this evening on your transatlantic flight on Royal Air Maroc’s direct flight to Casablanca.

Upon arrival, you will be met and assisted by a representative of our local Oussaden Tour Office. You will begin your exploration of the Morocco Imperial Cities this morning by going to Rabat (60 mile drive), the present capital of Morocco and official residence of King Mohammed VI. Check into your riad. Afternoon tours will include the walking to the bustling Medina, followed by a visit to the Kasbah of the Oudayas, the Great Mosque, the Hassan Tower and the magnificent Mohammed V Mausoleum. You will drive past the ramparts and the walls of Mechouar that encompass the royal palace. Dinner and overnight in Rabat. (B,L,D)

Another 18th century landmark of Jewish history awaits you today in Azjen where is found the tomb of Rabbi Amram ben Diwan who lived in Ouazzane, his tomb was known around the world as a pilgrimage destinations. you will also have a chance to visit the synagogues and shrines before continuing to Fez. Fez’ Jewish history dates back to the middle ages when it was known as the center of Jewish learning. (B/D)

Volubis is the archeological site of Roman ruins and where a community of 15000 Jewish resided in 1950. you can sense the Jewish history here, visit the Mellah and see the many streets labled with Jewish names. visit the tomb of Rabbi David Benmidan, who was the “Patron of Meknes” another pilgrimage shrine. in the new Mellah there are 11 synagogues of which eight are still in use today. your return to Fez will bring you to the Medina where Rabbi Isaac al Fasi, a great Talmud scholar, lived in the 12th century. return to your hotel this evening for a special Sabbath dinner. (B/D)

After breakfast you may attend services at one of the local synagogues. after services you will be hosted by the local Fezian community for some traditional Moroccan mint tea and dates. enjoy a leisurely stroll through the town with your new friends before this evening’s dinner and show with entertainment. (B/.D) OPTIONAL TOUR AVAILABLE Today’s journey brings you to the mystical south to experience its pre-Islamic history in Sefrou. this gateway to the Sahara is an old walled city where, through the early 1950’s, there lived a mostly Jewish community. although many were later converted during the Marinid Dynasty many Jews contiued to settle here. a stop will also be made in B’halil, another pre-Islamic Jewish community.

Depart early this morningf and travel through the Middle Atlas Region of Imouzer Kender, through Berber village to the delightful ski resort of Ifrane. continue to Azrou, a local Berber village known for its handicrafts and carpet weaving. travwling through wooded and mountainous scenery brings you to Beni Mellal for optional lunch. travel on to Marrakesh, known as “the Pearl of the south”- a lush tropical resort. (B/D)

Here, in 70 A.D., it was reported there were indications of a Jewish community was before the actual settlement of Marrakesh in 1603. in the Jewish quarter there are synagogues and schools and a Jewish cemetery where Rabbi Hanania Ha-cohen, the “Lion of Marrakesh” is buried. Also, buried here is Rabbi Pinchas Cohen. (B/D)

The rural Jewish lifestyle is experienced today. In Ourika you will visit the shrine of the famous Rabbi Salomon Bel Hench. (B/D)

Depart this morning for Essaouira, a picturesque fighting port of an 800 year old city which shows traces of Iberian influence in its forts and towers. We suggest you have lunch outdoors at Chalet de la Place – their seafood dishes are highly recommended. Continue back to Casablanca to your hotel for overnight. (B/D)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport and you will be assisted with customs for your safe return flight home arriving to New York / Washington / Miami the same day. (B)