What’s new?
be inspired
why gil travel
Middle East
Western Europe
Eastern Europe
Latin America
Asia/ South Pacific/ Africa
North America
Oceana
What’s new?
be inspired
why gil travel
Middle East
Western Europe
Eastern Europe
Latin America
Asia/ South Pacific/ Africa
North America
Oceana
Suitable for Family, Group, Senior
OVERVIEW
In nine unforgettable days, you can fully immerse yourself in the soul-stirring narrative of the Maghreb, from the vibrant Mellahs of Marrakech to the ancient spiritual centers of Fes. This definitive odyssey is meticulously crafted for those who want to move beyond the surface, offering a profound journey through Morocco’s imperial cities, coastal gems, and the enduring legacy of its Jewish communities.
Gil Travel’s 9-day Morocco program is a comprehensive heritage experience, allowing for a pace that fosters true connection rather than just sightseeing. You will explore over a thousand years of history, enjoy a restorative Shabbat in Casablanca, and engage in personal encounters with the guardians of Morocco’s Jewish memory. Every logistical detail is managed by our expert team, drawing on over five decades of specialized experience to ensure your journey through the Kingdom is seamless and transformative.
Morocco is a living landscape where history isn’t just studied—it is walked. Over nine days, you will experience the full arc of the Moroccan Jewish story: the medieval roots in the Fes Mellah, the vibrant life of the coastal communities, and the preserved heritage in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. This is more than a vacation; it is identity travel.
By spending nine days in the Kingdom, you move past the “highlights” to discover the heartbeat of the nation. You will meet community leaders, taste the complex spices of the markets, and witness firsthand how Jewish traditions have been woven into the fabric of Moroccan society. For families, it is a chance to forge lasting bonds; for seniors (+61), it is an opportunity to witness the miracle of Jewish continuity in modern comfort.
We believe that everyone should be able to touch the stones of our history, regardless of age or mobility:
Gil Travel has guided Jewish families, seniors (+61), and heritage travelers to Morocco for over five decades. Our team personally maintains relationships with local guides, community leaders, and service providers. We don’t just sell tours, we craft homecomings to the lands of the Sephardic diaspora. When you travel with Gil Travel, you’re supported by specialists who understand that this journey is about identity, continuity, and memory.
Is 9 days enough for a Morocco tour? 9 days is widely considered the ideal duration to cover the “Imperial Cities” circuit. It allows you to see the core of the Jewish story in Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, and Marrakech without the exhaustion of a longer trek.
Is this tour suitable for seniors (+61) or travelers with limited mobility? Yes. We use high-quality, air-conditioned coaches and select hotels that prioritize accessibility. While the ancient medinas have narrow alleys, our guides are experts at navigating these sites at a comfortable pace for everyone.
How is Jewish food handled in Morocco? Morocco has a rich Jewish culinary history. We coordinate with local community resources and certified establishments to ensure your dining experiences are culturally authentic and respect traditional standards.
Can we find synagogues in every city? While many of the historic Mellahs now serve different populations, cities like Casablanca, Fes, and Marrakech still maintain active or beautifully restored synagogues that are highlights of our heritage tour.
What is the best time of year for a Morocco tour? Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) are ideal. The weather is temperate, perfect for exploring the outdoor markets and historic districts.
Is Morocco safe for Jewish travelers? Safety is our non-negotiable priority. Morocco has a long history of protecting its Jewish heritage. We monitor the situation daily and work with expert local guides who are intimately familiar with the safest and most welcoming routes.
How much walking is involved? Walking is moderate. Exploring the medinas of Fes and Marrakech requires being on your feet, but we ensure there are frequent stops and alternative options for those who prefer to limit their steps.
Does Gil Travel handle all the flights and insurance? Yes. We are a full-service, one-stop shop. We can coordinate your international flights and comprehensive travel insurance to ensure your focus remains on the vibrant culture of Morocco.
Highlights*
*Some experiences are subject to minimum group size
Arrive in Casablanca and enjoy a delicious opening dinner at Rick’s cafe, a recreation of the bar made famous in the classic movie Casablanca.
Breakfast in the hotel, then depart for the day to explore Jewish Casablanca. V
Visit the Bet El and Neve Shalom Synagogues and learn about contemporary Moroccan Jewish life on a Morocco Jewish tour.
Lunch like a local at the Jewish Sports Center and then move on to explore the only Jewish museum in an Arab country.
Refresh at the Four Seasons Casablanca, followed by a briefing with the American Consul General.
Dinner at the home of a member of the Jewish community, the perfect opportunity to get to know the people of Morocco and learn their family stories.
Final breakfast at the Four Seasons, and follow it up with a private tour of the Hassan Mosque II.
Stop in Meknes, the smallest of the four imperial cities of Morocco. It’s an agricultural center of the region, but at one point in history was host to the biggest royal Palace in the nation.
After Meknes, get to Fez, check into hotel, and have dinner .
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a tour of the ancient medina of Fez.
VIP tour of the exclusive and spectacular 18th Century Dar Batha Museum.
Head to the Moroccan tanneries to take in the surprising amount of colors, and then learn about Karaouine University, the oldest known university in the world.
Lunch at a local restaurant in Medina and afterwards, take a tour of the Mellach (Jewish Quarter), visiting the Ibn Danan Synagogue, the Jewish Cemetery, and the El Fassia Synagogue.
Refresh in the hotel and followed by dinner.
Breakfast and checkout at the hotel in Fez
Take a “Magic Carpet Ride ” (a flight) from the Fez airport to Marrakech.
Introductory tour of Marrakech with one of our knowledgeable guides, then check into the hotel.
Shabbat dinner at the home of a member of the Jewish community.
Breakfast at the hotel and spend the day at leisure.
Choose optional programming such as Shabbat services at a local synagogue and lunch with community members, a walking tour in the afternoon of the Gueliz neighborhood, or an excursion to Essaouira, a historic port city on the coast.
Breakfast at the hotel, then visit the Koutoubia Mosque, one of the best examples of Hispano-Moresque art, a combination of apparent simplicity with superb craftsmanship and restrained luxury. With its minaret rising 252 feet into the sky, it is certainly one of the most impressive sights in Marrakech
Tour of the Mosque followed by a tour of the Souks and the Djemaa El Fna square.
Take a Jewish tour of Marrakech and visit the Mellah (Jewish Quarter) and the ancient 500 year old Slat Al Azama synagogue, the oldest and most picturesque synagogue in Marrakech, known as the synagogue of the dissidents and built in 1492 by Sephardi Jews fleeing Spain.
Visit to the Jewish Cemetery then the Bahia Palace, known for its extraordinary tiles, opulent courtyards and fountains built by Sultans amidst a two-acre garden.
Take a Moroccan Jewish Cooking workshop: visit the vibrant souk to buy ingredients and then cook Jewish food at Lotus Chef located in the heart of Medina.
Return to the hotel to refresh for an evening at leisure.
Start another lovely day in Marrakech with breakfast at the hotel.
Visit the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, a place devoted to the work of legendary fashion designer, Yves Saint Laurent. The new building is situated on Rue Yves Saint Laurent and adjacent to the renowned Jardin Majorelle. It spans over 44,000 square feet and is more than just a museum. It features an exhibition space where the work of Yves Saint Laurent is presented in a scenography by Christophe Martin, as well as a space for temporary exhibitions.
Tour the Majorelle Gardens & its Berber Museum. The gardens were created in the 1920s by the French painter Jacques Majorelle, with marble pools, raised pathways, banana trees, groves of bamboo, coconut palms and bougainvillea’s. It’s easy to see the gardens were designed by a painter. They are composed and colored like a painting.
Lunch at the Majorelle Garden cafe.
Short ride to the Marrakech Kasbah and visit the famous Herbalists in the Medina.
Free time followed by a farewell dinner at the Palm Groves including folkloric music.
Overnight: Marrakesh
Breakfast at the hotel, then transfer to Casablanca for your departure flight back to the USA.
Accommodation
The five-star Hotel Sahrai, designed by the architect and designer Christophe Pillet, enjoys spectacular views of the largest medina in the Arab world, taking in twelve centuries of the city’s history in one fell swoop.
Just 2h30 away from Paris, it offers a totally new hotel experience in Fez. An alternative to the shady isolation of the riads and the impersonal feel of the big resorts, its architecture on a human scale is a combination of tradition and contemporary style.
Set on a former royal estate dating from the 12th century, this lavish hotel is 14 minutes on foot from the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa market square. It’s a 6-minute walk from the landmark
Plush rooms feature free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. Suites add terraces or balconies; upgraded suites have separate living rooms. The 3-bedroom villas offer kitchens, patios and private pools. Room service is available.
Posh dining options include Italian and French restaurants, and an eatery next to an outdoor pool. Other amenities include 5 sleek bars, a luxe spa and a gym, plus landscaped gardens.
Bathed in natural light, thisseaside Hotel cascades down a hillside toward the Atlantic. Perched on a beach just 10 minutes from the heart of Morocco’s largest and liveliest city, the sweeping views you’ll find from your private balcony easily fulfill the romantic reputation that precedes Casablanca. With architectural marvels both historic and modern, a cutting-edge art scene and world-class restaurants, allow us to show off the best of our alluring port city, starting with a plate of fresh local seafood prepared à la minute at Bleu.
*Star rating standards vary from country to country.
This experience is fully customizable. We will create your personal dream experience!
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The five-star Hotel Sahrai, designed by the architect and designer Christophe Pillet, enjoys spectacular views of the largest medina in the Arab world, taking in twelve centuries of the city’s history in one fell swoop.
Just 2h30 away from Paris, it offers a totally new hotel experience in Fez. An alternative to the shady isolation of the riads and the impersonal feel of the big resorts, its architecture on a human scale is a combination of tradition and contemporary style.
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