Private guided tour · Morocco
16 Days — Moroccan Jewish Heritage
Trace more than 2,000 years of Jewish history across Morocco's imperial cities, blue medinas, Roman ruins, Sahara dunes and Atlantic coast — from Casablanca to Marrakech and back.
16-Day Moroccan Jewish Heritage Tour
The Jewish community has always been of great value in both historical and contemporary Morocco. The presence of Jews in Morocco stretches back more than 2,000 years, and estimates put their number as high as approximately 275,000 — once the largest Jewish community in the Muslim world. Today, after vast waves of departures, only about 2,000 Jews remain primarily in Casablanca, with about 500 elsewhere. Despite the diminished number, the Jewish presence is still alive in a variety of sights all over the country.
We invite you to join GoFez Travel to experience more than 2,000 years of Judaism in Morocco. From the grand synagogues of Casablanca and the ancient mellah of Fes to the blue-painted alleys of Chefchaouen, the Roman ruins of Volubilis, the golden dunes of the Sahara, and the windswept ramparts of Essaouira — this 16-day private journey weaves together Jewish heritage, Moroccan culture, and breathtaking landscapes into one unforgettable tapestry.
Trip Highlights
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Casablanca — Temple Beth-El, Museum of Moroccan Judaism, Jewish cemetery and mellah, and Hassan II Mosque
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Tangier — Nahon Synagogue, the ancient medina, Cave of Hercules, and Cape Spartel sunset
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Chefchaouen — the iconic blue medina and mellah, sunset from Bouzafar Hill, and Andalusian heritage
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Fes — the first Jewish mellah (1438), Jewish cemetery with Soulika's tomb, Ibn Danan Synagogue, and Maimonides' house
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Sefrou — the largest mellah in Morocco and a historic symbol of Jewish-Muslim harmony
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Merzouga Desert — camel trek into the golden Erg Chebbi dunes, luxury camp, and stargazing
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Tinghir and Todra Gorge — one of Morocco's oldest Jewish cemeteries and the spectacular 300m canyon
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Essaouira — seaside medina, Jewish mellah, and the annual pilgrimage to Rabbi Haim Pinto's tomb
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Marrakech — Lazama Synagogue (1558), Majorelle Garden, El Bahia Palace, and the vibrant medina
Your Route
A sweeping 2,520 km loop from Casablanca through the imperial cities, Rif Mountains, Sahara, and Atlantic coast — a complete portrait of Jewish Morocco.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Casablanca — Temple Beth-El, Museum of Moroccan Judaism, Hassan II Mosque → Rabat
Upon arrival at Mohammed V International Airport, meet your private driver and begin your discovery of Moroccan Jewish legacy. Start at Temple Beth-El, the largest synagogue in Casablanca and the main Jewish site in the city. Continue to the Museum of Moroccan Judaism — the only museum of its kind in Africa and the Muslim world, founded in 1997. Explore Casablanca's Jewish cemetery and mellah, where the tomb of the saint Eliahou draws pilgrims annually. Conclude with the grand Hassan II Mosque, whose construction was funded by public offerings from all faiths, including Jews and Christians. Evening drive to Rabat for overnight.
Rabat — Hassan Tower, Chellah, Udayas Kasbah → Tangier
Visit the reddish-stone Hassan Tower, the mausoleum of the royal family, and the magnificent gardens of Udayas Kasbah. Explore Chellah, whose history dates back to the Roman Empire. In the afternoon, drive approximately 3 hours to Tangier, the "Bride of the North," where Africa and Europe face each other across the Strait of Gibraltar. Upon arrival, discover the ancient Cave of Hercules and head to Cape Spartel for a romantic sunset where the Mediterranean embraces the Atlantic.
Tangier — Medina, Nahon Synagogue, Jewish Cemetery → Chefchaouen
Explore Tangier's charming medina and the 17th-century kasbah. Visit the Jewish mellah and the Nahon Synagogue, a century-old house of worship now serving as a museum of Moroccan Jewish objects in unique Moorish-Spanish style. Enjoy stunning harbor views from the Jewish cemetery. Later, drive 2 hours through the Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen, Morocco's "blue jewel," founded in 1471 as a refuge for Muslims and Jews fleeing Catholic Spain. The city's famous blue hues are believed to have been introduced by Jewish settlers for their divine significance.
Chefchaouen — Place Outa Al Hammam, Ras El Maa, Bouzafar Hill
A relaxed day in Chefchaouen. Stroll through the Andalusian blue alleys to Place Outa Al Hammam, with its reddish kasbah, garden, museum and towers. Visit Ras El Maa River, the city's freshwater source, and discover historic water-mills and the Portuguese bridge built by prisoners. End the day with a breathtaking sunset from near the Spanish mosque atop Bouzafar Hill, accompanied by the melodic adhan echoing from the city's mosques.
Chefchaouen → Asjen (Rabbi Amram Ben Diwan) → Volubilis → Meknes → Fes
Start early for a scenic 3-hour drive. Stop in Asjen near Ouezzane, at the burial site of Rabbi Amram Ben Diwan, a popular pilgrimage destination. Continue to Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the most extensive Roman ruins in Morocco. Then visit Meknes, where Jews settled before Islam. Discover the old mellah with its historic Jewish street names, the new mellah with up to eleven synagogues, and the old Jewish cemetery with the tombs of saints Haim Messas, David Boussidan, and Raphael Berdugo. Evening arrival in Fes.
Fes — Mellah, Jewish Cemetery, Ibn Danan Synagogue, Maimonides' House
Fes contains the largest number of Jewish heritage sites in Morocco. Walk through the first Jewish quarter (mellah), built in 1438. Visit the Jewish cemetery, home to more tombs of Jewish saints than any other in Morocco, including the tomb of Saint Soulika (Sol Hachuel), beheaded for refusing to convert to Islam. Tour the magnificent Ibn Danan Synagogue, recognized as a cultural treasure and one of the most magnificent in North Africa. Visit the house of Maimonides, the famous Jewish physician and philosopher who studied at Karaouine University before escaping Almohad rule. Conclude with Muslim-Jewish connective sites: Al-Karaouine University, Zaouia Moulay Idriss II, and the tanneries.
Fes → Sefrou (largest mellah in Morocco) → Fes
Drive less than an hour to Sefrou, the "Cherry Capital" and historically the perfect example of Jewish-Muslim harmony. Sefrou was once home to the highest percentage of Jews in Morocco and boasts the largest mellah in the country, covering more than 50% of the medina. After Morocco's independence, a local rabbi was elected to Parliament — a unique historical fact. Return to Fes in the afternoon to visit the beautiful Andalusian gardens of Jnane Sbil and the nearby Batha Museum.
Fes → Ifrane → Midelt → Erfoud
Leave Fes and drive through Ifrane, "Little Switzerland," built by the French in the 1930s with alpine architecture, scrubbed streets, and snow-capped peaks. Continue to Midelt, known for its fossils and rocks, located between the Middle and High Atlas ranges with breathtaking mountain views. Evening arrival in Erfoud, the "Gate of the Sahara Desert," to relax before tomorrow's desert adventure.
Erfoud — Fossil crafts → Merzouga — Camel trek, sunset and luxury desert camp
Begin with Erfoud's local arts and crafts using fossilized stone. In the afternoon, meet a local 4x4 driver for the journey to Merzouga and the magnificent orange and golden sand dunes of Erg Chebbi, reaching up to 150 meters. Mount your camel for a trek through the dunes to a stunning viewpoint for sunset — an otherworldly experience. Spend the night in a luxury desert camp with traditional Berber dinner, live drumming, and stargazing under millions of stars.
Merzouga → Todra Gorge → Tinghir (Jewish quarter) → Rose Valley → Ouarzazate
Wake early for the magical Sahara sunrise. Visit Todra Gorge, a spectacular canyon in a natural mountain oasis. Explore Tinghir, once home to hundreds of converted Berber Jews, and discover one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in Morocco. Walk through Tinghir's Jewish quarter, whose architecture inspired the award-winning documentary "Tinghir-Jerusalem: Echoes from the Mellah." Continue through Kelaa M'Gouna (Town of Roses) and the ancient Jewish city of Tiliit, ruled by the Spanish-Jewish Perez family from the 15th century. Overnight in Ouarzazate.
Ouarzazate → Ait Benhaddou → Taliouine → Taroudant
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage center of Ait Benhaddou and its 11th-century ksar — one of Morocco's most iconic villages and backdrop for films like "Gladiator" and "Kingdom of Heaven." Continue to Taliouine, the African center of saffron, the world's most expensive spice. Arrive in Taroudant, the 16th-century Saadian capital known as the "grandmother of Marrakech," concealed by magnificent red-mud walls with the snow-capped High Atlas beyond. Explore its exotic, colorful little markets.
Taroudant → Arazan (Amazigh synagogue) → Agadir → Essaouira
Visit the village of Arazan, believed to hold a synagogue unique in the world. Discovered in the 1980s and cared for by an Amazigh tribe who kept its key for decades, the interior contains Hebrew inscriptions, an ancient Torah arch, and Amazigh decoration. Then drive along the Atlantic Ocean, stopping at Agadir's soft-sanded beaches — a city rebuilt with love after the tragic 1960 earthquake. Continue past the famous surf beach of Taghazout to Essaouira for overnight.
Essaouira — Jewish mellah, Rabbi Haim Pinto → Marrakech
Essaouira was established in the mid-18th century as a symbol of tolerance, with Jews and Muslims coexisting peacefully. The population once consisted of more than 40% Jews sheltered under the sultan's protection. The tradition of drawing the Star of David above doorways continues today. Every September, religious Jews pilgrimage to the tomb of Rabbi Haim Pinto (d. 1845), whose home is preserved as a historic site. Fans of "Game of Thrones" will recognize the city of Astapor. In the afternoon, drive 3 hours to Marrakech for overnight.
Marrakech — Majorelle Garden, Lazama Synagogue, El Bahia Palace, Medina
Begin at the Majorelle Garden, Marrakech's little paradise created by French artist Jacques Majorelle over 40 years, containing 300 plant species from five continents. Wander through the medina's exotic souks and discover the Jewish mellah, founded in 1558 by Moulay Abdullah. Visit the Lazama Synagogue, built in 1558 by Jews who had escaped Catholic Spain — a tranquil haven with priceless history. In the afternoon, tour El Bahia Palace, a remarkable 19th-century example of Eastern architecture with stunning decoration, handcrafted works, and beautiful gardens.
Marrakech — Mamounia Gardens → Casablanca
This morning, explore the Mamounia Gardens, a famous historical landmark hotel established in 1929. Its immaculately kept grounds are cared for by about 40 gardeners who plant 60,000 different plants twice a year. Within the walls, a 200-year-old avenue of olive trees leads to the garden pavilion — a perfect moment of peace with a glass of Moroccan mint tea. In the afternoon, return to Casablanca for your final night, with free time to stroll along the Atlantic coast.
Casablanca — Mohammed V International Airport
Today marks the official end of your 16-day Moroccan Jewish Heritage Tour. Your private driver will transfer you to Mohammed V International Airport for your departure flight. We hope you carry home unforgettable memories of Morocco's rich multi-faith heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality. Besalama — safe travels!
Tour Overview
- Day 1: Casablanca — Temple Beth-El, Museum of Judaism, Hassan II Mosque → Rabat
- Day 2: Rabat — Hassan Tower, Chellah, Udayas Kasbah → Tangier
- Day 3: Tangier — Medina, Nahon Synagogue → Chefchaouen
- Day 4: Chefchaouen — Kasbah, Ras El Maa, Bouzafar Hill sunset
- Day 5: Chefchaouen → Asjen → Volubilis → Meknes → Fes
- Day 6: Fes — Mellah, Cemetery, Ibn Danan Synagogue, Maimonides' House
- Day 7: Fes → Sefrou (largest mellah) → Fes gardens
- Day 8: Fes → Ifrane → Midelt → Erfoud
- Day 9: Erfoud → Merzouga — Sahara camel trek and luxury camp
- Day 10: Merzouga → Todra Gorge → Tinghir → Rose Valley → Ouarzazate
- Day 11: Ouarzazate → Ait Benhaddou → Taliouine → Taroudant
- Day 12: Taroudant → Arazan synagogue → Agadir → Essaouira
- Day 13: Essaouira — Jewish mellah, Rabbi Pinto → Marrakech
- Day 14: Marrakech — Majorelle, Lazama Synagogue, Bahia Palace
- Day 15: Marrakech — Mamounia Gardens → Casablanca
- Day 16: Casablanca — Mohammed V Airport departure
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. Our tour is open to anyone interested in exploring Morocco's rich, multi-faith heritage. It offers deep insights into Jewish and Moroccan history and culture, alongside iconic Moroccan landmarks like the Hassan II Mosque, Roman Volubilis, and the Sahara Desert.
In Fes, you'll visit the oldest mellah in Morocco (built 1438), the Jewish cemetery with the tomb of Saint Soulika (Sol Hachuel), the magnificent Ibn Danan Synagogue, and the house of Maimonides, the famous Jewish philosopher who studied at Karaouine University before escaping east from Almohad rule.
The total distance is approximately 2,520 km (1,566 miles) over 16 days. Daily drives range from 1 hour (Fes to Sefrou) to 4-5 hours on transfer days. Your private air-conditioned van is comfortable, and we break up long drives with sightseeing stops, photo opportunities, and leisurely lunches.
You will stay in a luxury desert camp at Erg Chebbi with proper beds, private bathrooms with hot showers, and high-quality bedding. The experience includes a sunset camel trek, traditional Berber dinner, campfire entertainment with live drumming, and unforgettable stargazing.
Yes. Morocco is known for its hospitality and respect toward all visitors, including Jewish travelers. The country has a long history of Jewish-Muslim coexistence, and Jewish heritage sites are well-preserved and respected throughout the kingdom.
Yes, this is a fully private tour. We can adjust pacing, add extra nights in favorite cities, include kosher meal arrangements, or adapt the route to match your specific interests and physical preferences. Just let us know when booking.