Welcome to Casablanca, where your 12-day Jewish heritage journey begins! As Morocco's vibrant economic capital with over 30 synagogues, this city offers the perfect introduction to the country's rich Jewish legacy.

After settling into your hotel, take time to rest and prepare for tomorrow's immersive exploration. Your adventure will include:
✔ Historic synagogues showcasing exquisite Moroccan-Jewish architecture
✔ Kosher dining experiences at authentic local restaurants
✔ The Museum of Moroccan Judaism - the Arab world's only Jewish museum
✔ Beth-El Synagogue, the spiritual heart of Casablanca's Jewish community

Pro Tip: If you arrive early, consider an evening stroll along the Corniche to feel the ocean breeze and start acclimating to Morocco's rhythms.

Tomorrow, we'll dive deep into Casablanca's Jewish heritage - from its sacred spaces to its living traditions. Rest well for this unforgettable cultural journey!

Morning in Casablanca:
• Hassan II Mosque – Marvel at one of the Islamic world’s architectural masterpieces, with its soaring minaret and oceanfront setting.
• Jewish Museum of Morocco – Discover the only Jewish museum in the Arab world, showcasing artifacts, textiles, and sacred objects that tell the story of Morocco’s Jewish community.
• Beth-El Synagogue – Visit this active synagogue, a vibrant center of Jewish life with stunning Moroccan craftsmanship.
• United Nations Square – Soak in the energy of Casablanca’s cosmopolitan heart.

Afternoon in Rabat:
• Mohammed V Mausoleum – Pay respects at the royal necropolis, a masterpiece of Alaouite architecture with exquisite zellij tilework.
• Hassan Tower – Stand beside the 12th-century minaret, a symbol of Morocco’s ancient imperial grandeur.

Evening:
Check in to your Rabat hotel and enjoy dinner at leisure. Optional kosher dining recommendations available.

Today’s Theme: "Where Islamic and Jewish heritage intertwine" – Experience Morocco’s legacy of religious coexistence through its sacred architecture and living traditions.

Tomorrow: The medieval Jewish quarter of Fes awaits!

Morning: Imperial Meknes
• Bab el-Mansour – Marvel at Morocco’s grandest imperial gate, adorned with intricate zellij tilework and calligraphy.
• Meknes Medina – Wander the UNESCO-listed old city, where Jewish merchants once thrived in the vibrant souks.
• Heri es-Souani – Explore the vast 18th-century granaries, a testament to Sultan Moulay Ismail’s ambition.

Midday: Sacred & Ancient Sites
• Moulay Idriss Zerhoun – Visit Morocco’s holiest Islamic town, nestled in the hills (view from outside; non-Muslims may not enter the shrine).
• Volubilis – Walk among Roman ruins, including the Triumphal Arch and remarkably preserved mosaics – a glimpse of Morocco’s pre-Islamic past.

Evening: Arrival in Fes
• Check into your riad in the medina, where Jewish, Arab, and Andalusian influences blend in the architecture.
• Optional: Evening stroll near Bou Jeloud Square, where the city’s golden gates glow at sunset.

Today’s Theme: "Layers of Civilization" – From Roman columns to imperial grandeur, trace how Morocco’s Jewish history fits into its multicultural tapestry.

Tomorrow: Dive deep into Fes’ medieval Jewish heritage, including the iconic Mellah and synagogues!

Morning: Jewish Legacy
• Fes Mellah – Step into the 15th-century Jewish quarter, one of the oldest in Morocco, with its distinctive balconied architecture.
• Ibn Danan Synagogue – Visit this 17th-century gem, a UNESCO-listed site with a restored Torah ark and historic mikveh.
• Jewish Cemetery – Pay respects at the tombs of venerated rabbis, including Rabbi Yehuda Ben Attar and Rabbi Isaac Alfasi, whose legacies endure.

Midday: Living History
• Neo-Tifilalet Synagogue (optional) – See a modern Jewish house of worship maintaining traditions in the ancient city.
• Maimonides’ Quarter – Walk where the renowned Jewish philosopher once lived (12th century).

Afternoon: Medina & Artisan Wonders
• Al-Qarawiyyin University – View the world’s oldest continuously operating university (founded in 859 CE).
• Chouara Tannery – Witness the iconic dye pits, where leatherwork methods remain unchanged since medieval times.
• Souk Exploration – Discover handmade ceramics, Berber carpets, and Fassi pottery in labyrinthine alleyways.

Evening:
• Dinner with a View – Savor Moroccan cuisine overlooking the illuminated medina.

Today’s Theme: "Where Past and Present Converge" – From ancient synagogues to thriving artisan traditions, Fes embodies Morocco’s enduring Jewish spirit.

Tomorrow: Journey to the Atlas Mountains and Marrakech, where another chapter of Jewish history unfolds.

Morning: Mountain Passes & Hidden Heritage
• Ifrane – Pass through this alpine-style city, built on land that once belonged to a medieval Jewish kingdom (11th century).
• Cedar Forest – Spot wild monkeys and breathe in the crisp air of Morocco’s Middle Atlas.

Midday: Midelt’s Interfaith Tapestry
• Midelt Synagogue – Visit this rare rural Jewish site, a testament to Morocco’s widespread historic Jewish presence.
• Kasbah Myriem – Explore this Christian monastery, showcasing Morocco’s tradition of religious coexistence.
• Ayachi Mountain Views – Admire the snow-capped peaks framing this valley oasis.

Afternoon: Desert Bound
• Ziz Valley Oasis – Wind through 20,000 date palms, a sudden green ribbon in the rocky desert.
• Erfoud Fossils – Glimpse ancient marine fossils in this prehistoric seabed-turned-desert.

Evening: Sahara Splendor
• Camel Trek at Sunset – Ride into the dunes of Erg Chebbi as the light paints the sands gold.
• Luxury Desert Camp – Sleep under the stars in a Berber-style tent, with traditional music around the fire.

Today’s Contrasts:
◼ Jewish kingdoms to Christian monasteries
◼ Snowy mountains to blazing dunes
◼ Ancient fossils to living desert traditions

Tomorrow: Sunrise over the Sahara, then onward to Rissani’s Jewish legacy and Todgha Gorge!

Morning: Golden Dawn & Desert Exploration
• Sunrise Over Erg Chebbi – Wake early to watch the dunes transform from rose-gold to blazing orange.
• Nomadic Breakfast – Savor Berber tea and fresh msemen (flatbread) as the desert awakens.

Midday: Cultural Encounters
• Khamlia Village – Discover this historic settlement of Gnawa people, descendants of sub-Saharan Africans brought to Morocco through ancient trade routes.

• Experience their trance-inducing spiritual music, recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage.
• Learn how Gnawa traditions intersect with Jewish history (some Gnawa rituals incorporate Hebrew incantations).
  • Nomad Family Visit – Sip mint tea in a traditional Berber tent, hearing stories of desert life.

Afternoon: Desert Adventures
• Fossil Hunting – Search for ancient ammonites in the prehistoric seabed.
• 4x4 Dune Exploration – Skirt the edges of the ever-shifting Erg Chebbi dunes.

Evening: Magical Nightfall
• Sunset Camel Trek – Ride into the heart of the dunes as shadows lengthen.
• Sahara Stars Luxury Camp – Unwind in your private tent with panoramic desert views.

• Gourmet Berber-Jewish Fusion Dinner (think slow-cooked tagines with preserved lemons).
• Stargazing & Fire Stories – The Milky Way shines brilliantly in this light pollution-free sanctuary.

Today’s Theme: "Where Earth and Sky Meet Culture"
▸ Gnawa spiritual roots echoing Jewish mystical traditions
▸ Nomadic resilience in harmony with the desert
▸ Celestial wonders connecting all faiths under one sky

Tomorrow: Farewell the dunes and journey toward Tinghir’s Jewish heritage & Todgha Gorge!

Sunrise in the Sahara (Optional)
• Magical Dawn – Witness the dunes ignite in fiery hues as shadows dance across Erg Chebbi (worth the early wake-up!).

Morning: Desert to Oasis
• Khattara Irrigation System – Descend into these ancient underground channels, a 1,000-year-old engineering marvel that sustained Jewish and Berber farming communities.
• Todra Gorges – Stand in awe beneath 300m-high canyon walls, where rock formations glow amber in the sunlight.

Midday: Jewish Legacy in the Dades Valley
• 15th-Century Jewish Cemetery – Explore this remote burial ground, its weathered tombstones bearing Hebrew inscriptions, a silent testament to a vanished community.
• Lunch Amidst Date Palms – Dine in a riverside kasbah with views of the "Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs."

Afternoon: Scenic Transitions
• Rose Valley (Spring Only) – Pass through fields of Damask roses (May bloom), where cooperatives distill precious rose oil.
• Skoura Oasis – Stretch your legs among 17th-century mud-brick ksars and almond groves.

Evening: Ouarzazate Arrival
• Film Studio Visit (Optional) – Step into Atlas Studios, where "Lawrence of Arabia" and "Gladiator" were filmed.
• Dinner at Your Hotel – Savor Berber-Jewish fusion dishes like chicken with olives and preserved lemons.

Today’s Contrasts:
◼ Desert silence → thundering gorges
◼ Ancient Jewish graves → living rose farms
◼ Subterranean water tunnels → Hollywood-scale landscapes

Tomorrow: The iconic Ait Ben Haddou and the Jewish heritage of the High Atlas await!

Morning: Cinematic Grandeur
• Ait Ben Haddou – Step into Morocco’s most iconic UNESCO-listed kasbah, a clay fortress that starred in Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Wander through its ancient Jewish quarter, where merchants once traded along caravan routes.

Midday: Artisan Encounters
• Taznakhte – Discover the ancient art of Berber rug weaving in this desert town. Watch as women spin wool and decode symbolic patterns—some influenced by Jewish motifs from centuries past.
• Lunch – Enjoy Berber pizza (Madfouna) or a saffron-infused tagine at a local spot.

Afternoon: Golden Treasures
• Taliouine – Enter the saffron capital of Morocco. Tour a women’s cooperative and learn how this "red gold" is harvested—a crop historically traded by Jewish merchants.
• Anti-Atlas Views – Wind through dramatic mountain passes, where terraced almond groves cling to hillsides.

Evening: Arrival in Taroudant
• Riad Check-In – Unwind in a lush courtyard of this "Little Marrakech," known for its intact 16th-century ramparts.
• Night Walk – Stroll the lit-up medina walls or relax at your riad’s orange-tree patio.

Today’s Hidden Gems:
✔ Jewish merchant history in Ait Ben Haddou’s alleyways
✔ Berber rugs with possible Judeo-Berber symbolism
✔ Saffron’s legacy tied to Morocco’s Jewish trade networks

Tomorrow: Taroudant’s Jewish heritage and the journey to coastal Essaouira!

Morning: Taroudant’s Hidden Jewish Legacy
• Medina & Ramparts – Explore the 16th-century walls of this “Little Marrakech,” once guarded by Jewish artisans.
• Jewish Mellah – Walk through the historic Jewish quarter, where silversmiths and traders thrived.
• Adobe Synagogue of Azran – Step inside this 700-year-old marvel, one of the world’s last surviving earthen synagogues:

• Marvel at Hebrew prayers painted directly onto clay walls.
• See the Torah ark inscribed with Berber script—a rare fusion of Jewish and Amazigh cultures.
  • Tomb of David Ben Baruch Cohen Azog – Pay respects at this venerated saint’s grave in the Jewish cemetery.

Midday: Coastal Drive
• Agadir Stop – Lunch by the seafront promenade (optional fresh seafood).
• Taghazoute Views – Pass this surfing village with dramatic Atlantic cliffs.

Afternoon: Arrival in Essaouira
• Sunset at the Skala – Walk the 18th-century sea bastions, built with the help of Jewish architects.
• Riad Check-In – Settle into your whitewashed guesthouse in the medina.

Evening: Jewish Essaouira
• Optional Kosher Dining – Try Mloukhiya (Jewish-Moroccan herb stew) at a local eatery.
• Gnawa Music – Listen for Hebrew lyrics in the spiritual tunes of street performers.

Today’s Treasures:
◼ Azran’s Adobe Synagogue: A fragile relic of Jewish-Berber coexistence.
◼ Essaouira’s Maritime History: Where Jewish traders helped build a port empire.

Tomorrow: Essaouira’s Jewish heart—from synagogues to silversmiths!

Morning: Essaouira’s Jewish Soul
• Mellah Exploration – Stroll through the 18th-century Jewish quarter, where blue-shuttered houses whisper tales of silversmiths, spice traders, and diplomats who shaped Morocco’s maritime history.
• Synagogue Visits – Step inside the Chaim Pinto Synagogue, still used for annual pilgrimages, and the Slat Lkahal Synagogue, with its carved cedar ceiling and original Torah ark.
• Jewish Cemetery – Walk among white-washed tombs facing Jerusalem, including the resting place of merchant families who traded with Europe and beyond.
• Historic Ramparts – Stand where Jewish and Berber cannonsmiths once defended the port.

Midday: Last Taste of the Coast
• Lunch at the Fish Port – Savor grilled sardines or Jewish-style fish chermoula at the bustling harbor.

Afternoon: Road to Marrakech
• Argan Forest Stop – Watch Berber women extract golden oil (a trade once dominated by Jewish cooperatives).
• Arrival in Marrakech – Check into your medina riad, steps from the historic Jewish quarter.

Evening: Free Exploration
• Optional: Sunset drinks on a rooftop overlooking the Koutoubia Mosque.
• Dinner Recommendation: Dine at Kosher Place or a Mellah-era mansion turned restaurant.

Today’s Legacy:
◼ Essaouira’s Golden Age: When 40% of its population was Jewish
◼ The Silent Synagogues: Once 30 strong, now guardians of memory
◼ The Road to Marrakech: Tracing the trade routes of Jewish merchants

Tomorrow: Marrakech’s Mellah, Secret Synagogues & Living Traditions

Morning: Jewish Heritage Discovery
• Lazama Synagogue – Enter this 17th-century sanctuary hidden in the Mellah, where original Torah scrolls and intricate zellij tilework tell stories of Marrakech’s Sephardic community.
• Jewish Mellah Walk – Wander through arched passageways past balconied homes where Jewish families lived under royal protection since 1558.
• Bet-El Synagogue – Visit this active house of prayer, still serving Marrakech’s small Jewish community.
• Jewish Cemetery – Pay respects at the tomb of Rabbi Mordechai Ben Attar, a pilgrimage site adorned with candles and notes.

Midday: Imperial Wonders
• Saadian Tombs – Stand before gilded mausoleums of 16th-century sultans, rediscovered in 1917.
• Bahia Palace – Marvel at painted cedar ceilings and andalusian gardens designed by a Jewish vizier’s architect.
• Koutoubia Minaret – Admire the 12th-century tower that guided Jewish merchants to the city.

Afternoon: Artisan & Garden Treasures
• Medina Artisans – Watch master craftsmen hammer silver, stitch babouches, and press argan oil—trades once dominated by Jewish artisans.
• Djemaa el-Fna Square – Dive into the chaotic symphony of storytellers, spice mounds, and orange juice stalls.
• Majorelle Garden (Optional) – Stroll through this cobalt-blue oasis, created by Jewish patron Pierre Bergé and Yves Saint Laurent.

Evening: Farewell to Morocco
• Sunset Rooftop Tea – Reflect on your journey overlooking the Atlas Mountains.
• Final Dinner – Choose between:

• A kosher feast in the Mellah
• A royal Moroccan menu in a palace-turned-restaurant

Today’s Hidden Connections:
✔ Jewish viziers who shaped Saadian architecture
✔ Silversmithing techniques passed from Jewish to Berber hands
✔ Majorelle’s Jewish legacy as a sanctuary for artists

Tomorrow: Departure with a heart full of Morocco’s living history.

Morning: Transfer to Airport
• Private Transfer – We’ll ensure timely arrival to Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport or Marrakech Menara Airport based on your flight.
• En Route Stop (Time Permitting):

• If departing from Casablanca, a final glimpse of the Temple Beth-El or Habbous Quarter’s Jewish bakeries.
• If departing from Marrakech, a last stroll past the Mellah’s spice-scented lanes.

Before You Go:
• Handwritten Recommendations – Your guide will share personalized addresses (kosher eateries, books on Moroccan Judaism) to continue your exploration at home.
• Symbolic Send-Off – Receive a small gift: a hamsa from Essaouira or a Sephardic recipe card.

Your Journey in Retrospect:
Over 12 days, you’ve:
✔ Traced 2,000 years of Jewish life from Roman Volubilis to 21st-century Casablanca
✔ Prayed in synagogues of clay, cedar, and cobalt tile
✔ Broken bread with guardians of vanishing traditions
✔ Walked where saints, merchants, and artisans shaped Morocco’s soul

Next Time:
Consider returning for:
• Passover in Marrakech – Join communal seders in historic synagogues
• The Essaouira Gnawa Festival – Where Jewish and African spiritual music intertwine

Safe travels—and remember, as the Moroccan saying goes: “You visit as a guest, you leave as family.”