Private guided tour · Morocco
12 Days — Jewish Heritage Morocco
Trace the living legacy of Judaism in Morocco across millennia: from Casablanca's Museum of Moroccan Judaism and the mellahs of Fes and Marrakech, to the ancient synagogues, cemeteries, and pilgrimage sites that tell the story of the oldest Jewish community in the Arab world.
12-Day Jewish Heritage Morocco Tour from Casablanca
Morocco is home to the oldest and largest Jewish community in the Arab world, with a history stretching back more than 2,000 years. GoFez Travel's 12-Day Jewish Heritage Private Tour takes you on a profound journey through this living legacy — from Casablanca's Museum of Moroccan Judaism and the beautifully restored Temple Beth-El, through the mellahs (Jewish quarters) of Fes and Marrakech, to the ancient synagogues, cemeteries, and pilgrimage sites that continue to draw visitors from across the globe. With expert local guides in Fes, Marrakech, and Essaouira, and your private English-speaking driver throughout, this is the most complete Jewish heritage experience in Morocco.
Trip Highlights
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Museum of Moroccan Judaism in Casablanca — the only Jewish museum in the Arab world, housed in a former orphanage
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Temple Beth-El in Casablanca — a beautifully refurbished synagogue with exquisite stained-glass windows
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Jewish Cemetery of Salé — birthplace of Rabbi Hayyim Ben Moses Attar, the 18th-century Kabbalist and author of the Or HaChaim
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Meknès — explore the mellah with its 11 synagogues and the tomb of Rabbi David Benmidan, patron of the city
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Fes el-Bali — the largest Jewish quarter in Morocco: Ibn Danan Synagogue, Jewish cemetery, and the house of Maimonides
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Sefrou — optional day trip to the walled town where a third of the population was Jewish until the 1970s, with its whitewashed cemetery
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Marrakech Mellah — the Slat Al Azama Synagogue, Jewish cemetery, and the Lazama Synagogue with a leader of the local Jewish community
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Essaouira — one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in Morocco, Bayt Dakira Jewish culture centre, and the tomb of Rabbi Haim Pinto
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Volubilis — Roman ruins with Hebrew epitaphs proving the existence of a Jewish community during the Roman occupation
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Meal with a Jewish family in Marrakech — share a traditional Shabbat or kosher meal and learn about Jewish life in modern Morocco
Your Route
A cultural circuit of roughly 900 km connecting Morocco's most significant Jewish heritage sites from the Atlantic coast to the imperial cities.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Casablanca
Welcome at Mohammed V Airport by your private driver. Transfer to your hotel and begin your Jewish heritage journey with a visit to the Museum of Moroccan Judaism — the only Jewish museum in the Arab world, housed in a former orphanage and displaying historical jewelry, manuscripts, and artifacts. Continue to Temple Beth-El, a beautifully refurbished synagogue with exquisite stained-glass windows. Stroll through the old Jewish Mellah, where kosher butchers still operate in the old market, and the adjacent Jewish cemetery with well-kept markers in French, Hebrew, and Spanish.
Casablanca → Rabat
Drive to Rabat, Morocco's elegant capital. Visit the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the Chellah necropolis. Then journey to nearby Salé, birthplace of Rabbi Hayyim Ben Moses Attar — the 18th-century Kabbalist and author of the Or HaChaim. Visit the Jewish cemetery where his legacy is honoured. Return to Rabat for an evening stroll along the Bouregreg riverfront.
Rabat → Meknès → Volubilis → Fes
Depart for the imperial city of Meknès, which once boasted 11 synagogues — 8 still in use. Explore the mellah with its Hebraic epitaphs dating from the Christian era, and visit the tomb of Rabbi David Benmidan, patron of Meknès. See the grand Bab Mansour gate and the Royal Stables. Continue to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, where Hebrew inscriptions prove the existence of a Jewish community during the Roman occupation. Arrive in Fes for your overnight in a traditional riad.
The Ancient Medina & Mellah of Fes
Full-day guided tour of Fes el-Bali with a local expert, focusing on Jewish heritage. Visit the Ibn Danan Synagogue, one of the oldest and most important in North Africa, and the adjacent Jewish cemetery with its carefully maintained graves. See the plaque marking the house of Moses Ben Maimon (Maimonides), who lived here in the 12th century. Explore the bustling mellah, the largest Jewish quarter in Morocco, before discovering the Chouara Tanneries and the ornate Bou Inania Madrasa. Lunch in a traditional riad in the heart of the medina.
Fes — Free Day & Optional Sefrou Excursion
A free day to explore Fes at your own pace, or take an optional excursion to Sefrou — a walled town on the slopes of the Middle Atlas where a third of the population was Jewish until the 1970s. Visit the Jewish cemetery with its tidy whitewashed graves, where Rabbi Raphael Moshe Elbaz and Rabbi Lahou Harroch are buried. Explore the Ensemble Artisanal de Sefrou to see local crafts. Alternatively, enjoy a traditional hammam or a Moroccan cooking class in Fes.
Fes → Marrakech
An early departure for Marrakech, driving through the Middle Atlas Mountains and along the base of the High Atlas. The scenic route takes you through Ifrane ("Little Switzerland"), the cedar forests of Azrou, and across the fertile plains before arriving in the "Red City". Settle into your riad in the medina and enjoy your first evening in Jemaa el-Fna square — storytellers, musicians, and the scent of grilled meats beneath the stars.
Marrakech Guided Tour
Explore Marrakech with a local expert, including its rich Jewish heritage. Visit the Mellah with the Slat Al Azama Synagogue and Jewish Centre, and the peaceful, well-preserved Jewish cemetery. See the Lazama Synagogue in the heart of the mellah. Continue to the Bahia Palace, the Koutoubia Mosque, and the hidden Saadian Tombs. In the afternoon, visit the Majorelle Garden. Special experience: share a traditional meal with a leader of the local Jewish community and learn about Jewish life in modern Morocco.
Free Day in Marrakech
A full day to enjoy Marrakech at your own rhythm. Relax in a traditional hammam, take a Moroccan cooking class, shop for spices and leather in the souks, visit the Menara Gardens, or simply sip mint tea on a rooftop terrace overlooking the Koutoubia. Your driver remains on standby for any optional excursions.
Marrakech → Essaouira
Drive to the Atlantic coast and the whitewashed port of Essaouira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that once had a significant Jewish population. Visit one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in Morocco — the Mellah of Essaouira, with its vestiges of colourful doorways and intricate carvings. Explore Bayt Dakira, the Jewish culture centre housing a museum, synagogue, and research centre. Visit the Jewish cemetery and the Slat Lkahal Synagogue. See the tomb of Rabbi Haim Pinto, whose home and synagogue are annual pilgrimage sites.
Essaouira — Free Day
A leisurely day in Essaouira. Stroll the Skala de la Kasbah ramparts overlooking the Atlantic, watch the blue fishing boats unload their catch in the bustling port, and browse the thuya wood workshops and spice souks. Enjoy fresh grilled sardines for lunch and perhaps a horseback ride along the endless beach. Essaouira's relaxed atmosphere and artistic community make it a perfect place to unwind.
Essaouira → El Jadida → Casablanca
Follow the Atlantic coastline north, stopping at El Jadida — a former Portuguese fortress town and UNESCO site. Explore the extraordinary underground cistern, the fortified ramparts, and the Church of the Assumption. Continue to Casablanca for your final evening. Optional visit to the Hassan II Mosque illuminated at night, or a farewell dinner in the Habous district.
Casablanca Airport
Private transfer to Mohammed V International Airport, timed around your return flight. Bid farewell to Morocco with a heart full of ancient synagogues, mellah memories, and the enduring spirit of the oldest Jewish community in the Arab world. End of our services.
Tour Overview
- Day 1: Casablanca — Museum of Moroccan Judaism, Temple Beth-El, Mellah & cemetery
- Day 2: Casablanca → Rabat — Hassan Tower, Mausoleum, Salé & Rabbi Attar's legacy
- Day 3: Rabat → Meknès (mellah & synagogues) → Volubilis → Fes
- Day 4: Fes — Ibn Danan Synagogue, Jewish cemetery, Maimonides, medina tour
- Day 5: Fes — free day, optional excursion to Sefrou's Jewish heritage
- Day 6: Fes → Middle Atlas → Marrakech
- Day 7: Marrakech — Mellah, Slat Al Azama, Lazama Synagogue, meal with Jewish family
- Day 8: Marrakech — free day at leisure
- Day 9: Marrakech → Essaouira — Mellah, Bayt Dakira, Rabbi Haim Pinto
- Day 10: Essaouira — free day on the Atlantic coast
- Day 11: Essaouira → El Jadida → Casablanca
- Day 12: Casablanca Airport — departure
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. This tour is designed for anyone interested in Morocco's rich multicultural history. The Jewish heritage sites are an integral part of Morocco's national identity, and visitors of all backgrounds are welcomed at synagogues, cemeteries, and museums.
Yes. Most synagogues and Jewish cemeteries in Morocco are open to visitors, though some require advance notice or a small donation. Your private guides will arrange all necessary access. The Museum of Moroccan Judaism in Casablanca is open daily except Saturday and certain holidays.
Kosher meals can be arranged in Casablanca, Fes, and Marrakech where Jewish communities still maintain kosher kitchens. In smaller towns, we can arrange vegetarian or fish meals that comply with kosher dietary laws. Please let us know your requirements when booking.
Yes. Approximately 2,000–3,000 Jews still live in Morocco, primarily in Casablanca, with smaller communities in Fes, Marrakech, Rabat, and Tangier. Morocco is the only Arab country with a continuous Jewish presence spanning over 2,000 years, and the Jewish community is officially recognised and protected by the King.
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the most pleasant temperatures. If you wish to attend a Hiloula (pilgrimage festival), the annual commemoration of Rabbi Haim Pinto in Essaouira takes place in September, and the Hiloula of Rabbi David Benmidan in Meknès is also celebrated annually.