Itinerary

 Sun, Dec 4 –

Casablanca

The earlier we land in Casablanca, the better. 

(Whatever time you arrive though, we'll meet you at the airport and get you to join the group/to the hotel, depending on the hour) 

The tour will begin with the first arrivals, and we'll pick up any follow-ups to join us as they come – will leave the best things for last on this relaxed first day.

Enjoy the rich architecture of the city’s French period, cruise over the wide boulevards between the imposing buildings, visit the Great Synagogue, see Mohammed V square, then  make our way by the pretty beach sidewalk, through the affluent peaceful neighbourhoods Ain Diab and Anfa

We'll check in at our hotel and have some time to settle in before meeting for dinner at the best kosher restaurant of Casablanca.

If you are not too tired, allow us to introduce you after dinner to Rick’s Café, designed to recreate the bar famous since the eponymous movie with Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. Rabbi and Cantor promised your first drink is on them!

 Mon, Dec 5 –

Casablanca-Rabat-Meknes-Fez

After a morning visit to the magnificent Hassan II Mosque (nearly the only mosque a non-Muslim can visit in the country), we start out north to Rabat, the capital.

We will see the palace square, the mausoleum that serves as the burial site to kings Mohammed V and his son Hassan II, the remnants of the huge tower Tour Hassan; the picturesque 12th c. Kasbah of the Udayas perched on a rock across Boug Regreg river from the old town of Salé; and the new town, including the distinct parliament house.

From here, we carry on to Meknes, a 17th c. city known as the “Moroccan Jerusalem”. The highlights here include the old Talmud Torah and the royal gate of Bab Mansour

Our evening ends with arrival in Fez, the spiritual capital of Morocco, with dinner at the local Jewish Community Centre.

 Tues, Dec 6 –

Fez

The whole day is dedicated to Fez. The old noble imperial city is a true gem in the crown of any travel to North Africa. Allow yourself to be lost in the magically winding narrow alleys of the old town, the flamboyant markets, majestic mosques, madrasas, and palaces.

Jewish community has always been culturally, economically and politically intertwined with the life of Fez. We will learn the story of Lalla Soulika, the Jewish martyr whose burial site is still frequented by Jews and Muslims alike, and talk about Rabbi Yehudah ibn Attar, interred nearby.

We’ll move on to the old Jewish Quarter, al-Mallah, and see the street of Spanish exiles who brought the Sephardic culture to Morocco.

By way of the king’s palace square, we’ll make our way to the medieval old quarter of Medinah, and see the traditional work process of the tanners, smiths, copper-caulkers, and more.

After dinner at the community centre, we invite you to a folklore evening that includes a traditional henna ceremony (your first drink's on the Rabbi and Cantor again; you may get used to this stuff!)

 Wed, Dec 7 –

Fez-Ifrane-Erfoud

We will roam around this charming town, known as the Moroccan Switzerland, before carrying on south through the pine and cedar forests to our next destination of Erfoud (the drive is a little over 5 hours long, so sit back, enjoy the music and stories, along with the views of the High Atlas mountains in the distance and the fabulous gorges of river Ziz dramatically accentuated by the old kasbah fortresses over its banks). In the evening, we will arrive at Erfoud (the domain of the old rabbinical family of Abuhatzeira).

 A short ride by jeeps where buses venture not will bring us to the hospitable Berber camp. The tents have all the amenities you expect from a hotel room, with the added benefit of being able to step out right under the starry sky of the desert.

 Fish/vegetarian dinner, night in the luxurious individual tents.

Don’t go to bed too late, because… 

 Thur, Dec 8 –

Sahara-Todra Gorge-Dades Gorge-Ouarzazate

…early morning, we are ascending the golden dunes of Merzouga. Meet the tuaregs in their blue robes, and proudly ride your camel up to the perfectly positioned dune to greet the rising sun. 

The same ship of the desert will take you down to the camp for breakfast. Upon a jeep ride back to Erfoud, we will visit the fossil factory and learn first-hand about the system of ancient waterways – khettaras, defined by chains of wells providing the residents of the Sahara with water for centuries.

 Fri, Dec 9 –

Ouarzazate-Ait Benhaddou-Marrakech

 We start the morning with a tour of Ait Benhaddou, widely recognized as the most beautiful and impressive Kasbah in Morocco. Many a movie found here the shooting ground of their dreams, from Lawrence of Arabia to Gladiator.

The road to Marrakech that will follow (about 4 hours drive) is taking us by the Tizi n’ Tichka, offering one of the most dramatic views in the land. The height of the pass is over 2,200m; welcome back to the snowland

We’ll reach Marrakech well ahead of time to ensure everybody will have ample time to freshen up before Shabbat.

Kabbalat Shabbat at the synagogue and festive dinner to follow.

[Yet to be confirmed but - as fabulous as our kosher catering is throughout the tour, for the Friday night and Shabbat meals we will probably be able to secure experience in the homes of the members of the local Jewish community, so as to experience the real taste of the Jewish Moroccan home!]

 Sat, Dec 10 –

Marrakech

After the Synagogue and Shabbat meal, we are going on an exciting walking tour of Marrakech.

[Again, to be confirmed - we are working on arranging for a Hazzan from the local community to meet with us and teach Cantor David (and anyone interested) the basic principles of the North African Sefardic cantorial nigunim

Afraid be not, there will also be time to rest.

 At the end of Shabbat, we are going to enjoy the famous Berber folklore show at Chez Ali – complete with belly dancers, songs, music, and horseback acrobatics.

 Sun, Dec 11 –

Marrakech-Ourika river-Marrakech

We will dedicate the morning to those parts of Marrakech that were harder to reach on foot from our hotel the day before, and non-Shabbat activities like shopping. Roam the beautiful Menara Gardens, return to the Jewish Mallah, the bustling market Jemaa el-Fnaa, and admire the 12th century Koutoubia Mosque (sorry, no infidels allowed inside!).

In the afternoon, we enjoy a short ride to the river Ourika, admiring the peaceful and welcoming landscape on the way to the valley watered by the melting snows of the High Atlas mountains above. We will walk over to the striking waterfalls, and also get to visit a typical Berber household before returning to Marrakech.

 Mon, Dec 12 –

Essaouira

Today, we are parting from Marrakech and heading back west to the ocean. Essaouira has a long and rich Jewish history – in all flavours of bittersweet. We will visit the synagogue, then proceed to the Mallah, which will lead us organically to the fortress and the port with its peacefully scattered fishermen stalls.

We’ll get free time at the central square for strolling and shopping at leisure before checking in at our hotel. Fish/vegetarian dinner (appropriately, as Essaouira is famous for its fish dishes).

 Tues, Dec 13 –

El Jadida-Casablanca

Time to head back north.

El Jadida, right on our way, is a beautiful Portuguese port with hewn walls and a very “un-Moorish” look. From there, we will continue back to Casablanca, closing the circle of our route. Visit the Pigeon Square, the great market in Habous quarter, and enjoy a hefty farewell meal at the kosher restaurant before your transfer to the airport (or any other place in town, should you choose to enjoy another day or two in Morocco on your own).