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, exotic cities and historic Jewish communities; wander through the colorful markets and marvel at the decorative artwork; learn about the diverse folklore and history, both ancient and modern; wake up before dawn and ride a camel to witness the sunrise over the endless rolling sand dunes of the Sahara; and marvel at the spectacular scenery of this enchanting land.
Throughout the journey we will experience a country rich with influences from African, European and Arab culture, and witness the remarkable effects of this fusion. We will see glimpses of Morocco’s long and diverse history, while also gaining insight into more recent events and daily life. We will of course also visit some of the Jewish communities who continue a long and proud tradition of Judaism in Morocco.
Get ready for an experience that you will remember for the rest of your life!
Dates & Prices
March 17-27, 2025
$5,200 per person in Double Room / $990 Single room supplement
Price Includes
- Accommodation for ten nights in four or five star hotels
- Kosher products for breakfast (in addition to hotel breakfast) and packed lunches; dinners at a local kosher providers or prepared specially for the group by accompanying chef; bottled mineral water available on the bus
- 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
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
Day 1
- Arrive at Casablanca Airport in the morning
- Travel north and tour Meknes – the Jewish cemetery 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 Synagogue
- See the grand entrance of the Royal Palace
- Walk along the winding alleyways the Medina (walled old city), from Bab Boujloud gate and past the home of the Rambam and the Kairaouine University to the Chouara Tannery
- Visit some of the many artisan guilds of the city – ceramics, tannery, weaving, carpets…
- Dinner at a local kosher provider
Overnight in Fes
Day 3
- Travel south, crossing the Middle Atlas mountain range
- Stop for a coffee break in the alpine town of Ifrane
- Walk in Cedre Gouraud Forest and spot the Barbary Macaques
- Continue traveling south along the canyon of the Ziz River
- 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 to 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 High Atlas mountain range via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass
- Arrive in Marrakesh and prepare for Shabbat
- Join the local Jewish community for Kabbalat Shabbat
- Dinner at a local kosher provider
Overnight in Marrakesh
Day 6
- Join the local Jewish community for Shabbat services
- 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
- Stroll through the gardens the beautiful Majorelle Gardens
- Visit the Mellah of Marrakesh, including the Al Azama Synagogue and the Miaara cemetery
- Walk through the Medina, from Bar el Basha and past the caravanseri and riads to Madrasa Ben Youssef, and through the winding alleys of the market to Jemaa el Fnaa
- Dinner at a local kosher provider
Overnight in Marrakesh
Day 8
- Travel west to the seaside town of Essaouira
- Tour an Argan oil cooperative run by women
- Visit the Jewish cemetery and the new Bayt Dakira museum
- Enjoy sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean from atop the ramparts
- Explore the Medina and the vibrant port
- Dinner at the hotel
Overnight in Essaouira
Day 9
- Travel north to Casablanca
- Visit the Beit El Synagogue
- Tour the Museum of Moroccan Judaism
- Enjoy some free time for shopping in the Medina or the Habbous market
- Dinner at a local kosher provider
Overnight in Casablanca
Day 10
- Tour the magnificent Hassan II Mosque
- Travel north 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
- Return to Casablanca
- Dinner at a local kosher provider
Overnight in Casablanca
Day 11 – Departure. L’hitraot! להתראות!
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