Tours of Jewish Discovery

Our Moroccan journey is a glamorous discovery of a fascinating country. It’s charming and exotic and altogether sophisticated. And it’s near…..just 6 hours from New York. An amalgamation of French savoir faire, African grandeur and the glorious tradition of Arab hospitality. Our luxurious tour takes us from the splendors of Rabat, Morocco’s imperial capital, to ancient Meknes and Fes, to the jet-set oasis of Marrakech, and finally to Casablanca, Morocco’s premier city. We’ve included fine hotels, elegant meals, comprehensive touring of historic cities, bazaars and monuments, as well as opportunities to meet with members of one of the world’s oldest Jewish communities. Jews have lived in Morocco for 2500 years. In 1492, it was in Morocco that perhaps a majority of Spanish Jews sought refuge after the expulsion from Spain. Morocco was the world’s first country to recognize the independence of the U.S. and during the Nazi-Vichy occupation of Morocco during World War II, King Mohammed V earned the sogriquet “Defender of the Jews” for refusing to cooperate with the occupier’s anti-semitic dictates.
	HIGHLIGHTS: • 18 meals – including buffet breakfast daily, 3 lunches and 6 dinners • Welcome, Shabbat and Farewell dinners with wine • Fascinating meets with Moroccan Jews • Exotic Fantasia Show ITINERARY: TUESDAY, DAY 1 - EN ROUTE Departure from the U.S. – Trans-atlantic air is not included – We’ll be happy to assist. WEDNESDAY, DAY 2 – CASABLANCA-RABAT Arrival at Casablanca airport. Meet your Tour Manager and transfer to hotel in Rabat, Morocco’s historic capital. This afternoon, a briefing on the special program, then witness the ceremonial Changing of the Guard at the gorgeous Tomb of Mohammed V. Tonight’s Welcome Dinner celebrates your arrival. D THURSDAY, DAY 3 – RABAT Morning tour shows you the Royal Palace, the 12th century Tower of Hassan, the impressive gateways cut through the city walls and the fascinating bargain-filled souks (markets). Explore the Handicrafts Museum inside an 18th century palace. Lunch, then drive to the former Roman town of Chellah, where archeologists have unearthed traces of an ancient Jewish community. This afternoon, visit a synagogue in the mellah (Moroccan Arabic for “ghetto) and tonight, sample couscous and other delicacies as part of an authentic Moroccan dinner. BLD FRIDAY, DAY 4 – MEKNES-FES Depart for the “holy city” of Moulay-Idress, noted for it’s dramatic scenery, and to remnants of Roman Volubilis, once home to a substantial Jewish community. Continue to the triple-walled, imperial garden-city of Meknes, built around the Dar Alkabira, once the world’s largest palace. This “Versailles of North Africa” includes the ancient and modern mellah, burial city of city patron, Rabbi David Bousidian. After lunch, continue to imperial Fes, longtime home of Maimonides, and one of Morocco’s most fascinating cities. Shabbat Dinner. BLD SATURDAY, DAY 5 – FES Today, join your Tour Manager on a walking tour of the Fes’ former mellah and the ancient Jewish cemetery. Visit Maimonides room, in the mysterious, medieval Arab Medina. While in Fes, touring of this minaret-studded religious, intellectual and artistic capital includes the aromatic tanneries, 1100 year-old university, Nejjarine Square and its magnificent fountain. Lunch, then visit the elegant synagogue and the Maimonides Jewish Club. Tonight, a Moroccan Dinner with entertainment, beneath the star-studded skies. BLD SUNDAY DAY 6 – FES-MARRAKECH Drive the ancient Bedouin caravan route through the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. Stop at picturesque Beni Mellal for lunch, then continue to Marrakech, a rose-pink oasis of palm trees and gardens at the threshold of the Sahara Desert, site of a Jewish community thriving since the first century! Tonight, your Tour Manager will make suggestions for dinner. BL MONDAY, DAY 7 – MARRAKECH Stroll through the once all-Jewish mellah and visit the 16th century Saadian Tombs, the ruins of El Badii Palace, the Dar Si Said Palace housing the Moroccan Arts Musueum and Yves St. Laurent’s gorgeous Majorelle Gardens, imbued with the fragrance of jasmine and orange blossom. This afternoon, visit the 900-year-oldd Medina, with its tumultuous bazaar and teeming Djemaa el Fna marketplace, a scene from the Arabian nights; dancers and teeth pullers! Tonight meet members of the Marrakech Jewish Community and attend a Moroccan Fantasia dinner, folklore, horseback demonstrations ….the works! It’s a great deal of fun. BD TUESDAY, DAY 8 – MARRAKECH Full day at leisure to savor the sights, sounds and scents of this fascinating city. B WEDNESDAY, DAY 9 – MARRAKECH-CASABLANCA Morning departure for Casablanca, Morocco’s vibrant and cosmopolitan city. Built on the site of the Phoenician city of Anfa, Casablanca is home to the largest Jewish community in the Arab world. This afternoon, see the magnificent King Hassan Mosque (world’s second largest), Boulevard El Hansali, with its brightly colored bazaars, Mohammed V Square, the new Medina, Royal Palace, Anfa Hill (where Roosevelt met with Churchill during World War II), the synagogue and meet a delegation of Casablanca’s Jews at the community’s elegant art-deco club. Tonight’s Gala Farewell Dinner completes a magical journey. BD THURSDAY, DAY 10 – EN ROUTE Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the U.S. B This is a sample itinerary – distribution of sites & leisure time is subject to change.

	Book This Tour \| Terms and Conditions \| Information on Travel Insurance The Itineraries and Program described herein are unique and proprietary to TOURS OF JEWISH DISCOVERY and any misappropriation of same is strictly forbidden. Prices and Itineraries may vary from what is displayed on the web site. Please call us to confirm the latest updates.M