Morocco

Experience a feast for the eyes and explore the unique history on Jewish heritage tours of Morocco.

The country of Morocco is a feast for the eyes with its green valleys, red mountain background, seaside towns, and colorful rugs. Jewish heritage trips to Morocco are the kind of trips that will leave you breathless. In one day on a Morocco Jewish tour, you can experience ancient ruins, snow-capped mountains, and the sand dunes of the Sahara. Learn about the ancient Kabbalists and mystics that made Morocco their home, and discover the streets and synagogues where they spent their lives in.

Of course, Jewish travel to Morocco is not complete without visiting the country’s imperial cities and historic Jewish quarters, known as Mellahs. Morocco has a long history of Jewish presence and Arab-Jewish relations, and most cities in the country are home to a Jewish Mellah. Today only 3,000 Jews remain, but at one point 250,000 Jews resided in this unique country. Their legacy has been maintained and strengthened, making Morocco one of the best locations for a fascinating Jewish heritage tour.

Our tours immerse you in this rich tapestry, exploring iconic cities and their profound Jewish connections. In Casablanca, the modern economic hub, you’ll find the largest Jewish community in Morocco and the only Jewish Museum in the Arab world, showcasing centuries of Moroccan Jewish life. Journey to Fes, home to Morocco’s oldest Mellah, established in 1438, where you can walk its narrow lanes and visit historic synagogues like the Ibn Danan and Slat al-Fassiyine, the latter recently restored. While in Fes, you can also see the oldest university in the world and take part in a Berber Tea Ceremony in the Atlas Mountains nearby.

Explore Marrakech, whose Mellah was founded in 1558, offering sites like the Lazama Synagogue and the ancient Miaara Jewish Cemetery, a serene resting place for generations of rabbis and scholars. Venture to coastal Essaouira, once known as Mogador, where Jews comprised a significant portion of the population and played a vital role in its trade; here, you can visit the revered Rabbi Chaim Pinto Synagogue and the impressive Simon Attias Synagogue, now part of the Bayt Dakira Jewish museum. Discover Rabat, the capital, with its own 19th-century Mellah and synagogues like Rabbi Shalom Zaoui, and learn about its historical Jewish presence dating back to Roman times. In Meknes, a former imperial capital, explore its Mellah and the historic Jewish cemetery with the tombs of revered sages. We also delve into the history of cities like Tangier, an ancient port with a well-documented Jewish presence and historic synagogues, and Sefrou, once dubbed “Little Jerusalem” due to its large Jewish population and rich religious life.

King Mohammed VI has been trying to preserve Jewish heritage in Morocco, and on Jewish heritage tours of Morocco, travelers have the opportunity to explore the vibrant Jewish history of this fascinating place. There’s so much to do in Morocco, and the opportunities for Jewish heritage tours of Morocco are limitless–from spectacular nature to breathtaking cities, this exciting place beckons you.

Choosing Gil Travel means partnering with experts who craft truly resonant journeys. We personally scout every destination and tap into our global network of local professionals and Jewish educators. This ensures a meaningful, balanced, and unforgettable immersive experience for any traveler – be it a large group, a family, or an individual. We meticulously tailor trips to your unique needs, from your Jewish family history and kosher dietary requirements to how you prefer to spend free time, with an expert supporting you every step of the way.