Ramah Israel Institute
Morocco Experience
Join us on a special trip through the history, culture, and landscapes of the Kingdom of Morocco. Explore the ancient, mysterious cities and historic Jewish communities. Observe the colorful markets and decorative artwork; learn about the folklore and history, both ancient and modern; and marvel at the spectacular scenery of this diverse land.
Wake up before dawn, and travel by jeep and camel to witness the sunrise over the endless rolling sand dunes of the Sahara Desert. Experience a country with rich influence from European, Arab, and African cultures, and witness the remarkable effects of this fusion. Learn about the recent Israel-Morocco Peace Treaty, and see why this was really a matter of when, not if, it would happen. Finally, visit the Jewish school in Casablanca and see the flourishing community there.
Get ready for an experience that you will remember for the rest of your life!
Dates & Prices
September 9-19, 2024
Price TBD – coming soon!
Price Includes
- Accommodation for ten nights in four or five star hotels
- Kosher products for breakfast (in addition to hotel breakfast) & packed lunches; dinners at local kosher providers or prepared specially for the group by accompanying chef
- Transportation on a group tour bus
- Entrance fees to all sites and activities as per the itinerary
- An English-speaking Moroccan tour guide
- A Ramah Israel tour guide and educator
- A Ramah Israel staff member accompanying the trip
- One bottle of mineral water per day
Price Does Not Include
- Flights to and from Morocco
- Overweight luggage fees
- Travel, health, and cancellation insurance
- Gratuities for all staff
Itinerary
*This itinerary is subject to change based on dates and availability.
Day 1
- Arrive at Casablanca Airport in the morning
- Travel north and tour Meknes – the Agdal Basin, the Royal Stables, and the magnificent Bab Mansour Gate
- Travel to Fes
- Dinner at a local kosher provider
Overnight in Fes
Day 2
- Enjoy a panoramic view of the city from Borj Sud Fortress
- Explore the Mellah (old Jewish Quarter), including the Jewish cemetery, and Ibn Danan and El Fasian Synagogues
- See the grand entrance of the Royal Palace
- Explore the Medina and its winding alleyways
- Visit some of the many artisan guilds of the city – ceramics, tannery, weaving, and carpets
- Dinner at a local kosher provider
Overnight in Fes
Day 3
- Travel south. crossing the mid-Atlas mountain range.
- Stop for a coffee break in the alpine town of Ifrane
- Spot the Barbary Macaques in the Azrou Forest
- After a lunch break in Midelt, drive south
- Dinner at the hotel
Overnight in Erfoud
Day 4
- Take a pre-dawn jeep ride into the Sahara Desert to ride camels up the sand dunes and watch the sunrise
- Return to the hotel for breakfast
- Visit the Jewish cemetery of Erfoud
- Venture into the Todgha Gorge with its majestic cliffs and rock formations
- Travel to Ouarzazate
- Dinner at the hotel
Overnight in Ouarzazate
Day 5
- Explore the picturesque kasbah of Aït Benhaddou
- Cross the Atlas Mountain Range via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass
- Arrive in Marrakesh and prepare for Shabbat
- Join the local Jewish community for Kabbalat Shabbat at the Gueliz Synagogue
- Dinner at a local kosher provider
Overnight in Marrakesh
Day 6
- Join the local Jewish community for Shabbat services at the Gueliz Synagogue
- Lunch at a local kosher provider
- In the afternoon, rest and relax at the hotel or go explore the city on your own
- Dinner at a local kosher provider
- Visit the vibrant Jemaa el Fnaa plaza and its colorful night market
Overnight in Marrakesh
Day 7
- View the beautiful Majorelle Gardens
- Stroll through the gardens beside the magnificent Koutoubia Mosque
- Visit the Mellah of Marrakesh, including the Al Azama Synagogue and the Jewish cemetery
- Tour the Bahia Palace
- Explore the many alleyways and shops in the Souk
- Dinner at a local kosher provider
- Take part in an optional evening program – Fantasia Folklore Show
Overnight in Marrakesh
Day 8
- Visit an Argan oil cooperative
- Travel to the seaside town of Essaouira
- Tour the Mellah and local synagogues
- Explore the Port and the Medina
- Enjoy sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean
- Dinner at the hotel
Overnight in Essaouira
Day 9
- Drive north along the Atlantic Coast
- Tour the magnificent Hassan II Mosque
- Visit the Beit El Synagogue
- Visit the Museum of Moroccan Judaism
- Dinner at a local kosher provider
Overnight in Casablanca
Day 10
- Travel to Rabat
- See the grand entrance of the King’s Palace and official residence in Rabat
- Visit the mausoleum of the modern Moroccan kings and see the unfinished Hassan Tower
- Explore the Kasbah of the Udayas
- Visit the Mellah of Rabat, including a synagogue
- Return to Casablanca
- Dinner at a local kosher provider
Overnight in Casablanca
Day 11 – Departure. L’hitraot! להתראות!
Our Trip Leader / Educator
Maxi is also a licensed tour guide in Israel and leads trips to many other destinations around the globe. He speaks not only Hebrew and English, but also the local Moroccan dialect of Arabic (called Darija). Maxi is a proud father and grandfather; he lives in the Western Galil in the ecological village of Clil with his wife Dorit.
Testimonials
The Ramah staff provided excellent advanced information, trip preparation updates, and responsive answers to questions and concerns before and during the travel. I appreciated the attempts to add some spiritual content to the trip, as well as Judaic insights and meaning. (i.e., singing in the shul, blowing the shofar, etc.).
It felt like Israel Seminar 40+ years later! The pace was hectic. Shabbat couldn’t have come a day too soon! I think the length was right. I was glad we saw as much as we saw in 8 days.
Cindy B
I loved seeing the country’s physical beauty, including the Sahara Desert, the Atlas Mountains, the ocean views, the cities with a mix of old and new, the magnificent decorative arts, and restored synagogues. In addition, I very much enjoyed learning the history of Morocco and its Jewish community. The mix of all of these things made for a memorable and meaningful trip. The visit to the Neveh Shalom school was certainly a highlight – the beautiful children, the loving teachers, and the interesting history and story of the community and school. After learning about the historic communities that no longer exist in Morocco, seeing the active, current Jewish community was extremely moving.
Julie M