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 from the splendors of Rabat, Morocco’s imperial capital, to ancient Meknes and Fes, to the jet-set oasis of Marrakech, and 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 2,500 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 occupiers’ anti-semitic dictates. To lead you on this magical journey is our esteemed and celebrated Guest Scholar/Lecturer – Jacob Shoshan, who is sure to enhance this very special journey.
Highlights: 18 meals- including buffet breakfast daily (B) 3 lunches (L) and 6 dinners - welcome and Shabbat dinners with wine. Fascinating meetings with Moroccan Jews – Visit ancient Volubilis & imperial Meknes. Dinner & entertainment in Fes – Shabbat dinner in Marrakech – Exotic Fantasia show – Gala Farewell dinner in Casablanca. Gratuities for all local guides & drivers –
ITINERARY - 10 Days / 8 Nights
TUESDAY, DAY 1- EN ROUTE Dec 21 Evening departure from New York to Morocco via Royal Air Maroc.
WEDNESDAY, DAY 2- RABAT Dec 22
Morning arrival at Casablanca International Airport. Meet your Tour Manager and transfer to your hotel in Rabat, Morocco’s historic capital. This afternoon, a briefing on your special program, then witness the ceremonial Changing of the Guard at the gorgeous Tomb of Mohammed V. Tonight’s Welcome to Morocco dinner celebrates your arrival.D
THURSDAY, DAY 3- RABAT Dec 23
Morning tour includes 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- RABAT-MEKNES/FES Dec 24
Depart for the “holy city” of Moulay-Idress, noted for its 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 Bousidan. After lunch, continue to imperial Fes, longtime home of Maimonides, and one of Morocco’s most fascinating cities. Shabbat Dinner at your hotel. BLD
SATURDAY, DAY 5 FES Dec 25
Today, join your Tour Manager on a walking tour of the Fes’ former mellah and its 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, 1,100 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 Dec 26
Drive the ancient Beduin 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 Dec 27 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 Museum and Yves St. Laurent’s gorgeous Majorelle Gardens, imbued with fragrance of jasmine and orange blossom. This afternoon, visit the 900-year-old Medina, with its tumultuous bazaar and teeming Djemaa El Fna marketplace; a scene from the Arabian nights: dancers, jugglers, acrobats, story-tellers, snake charmers 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 Dec 28
Full day at leisure to savor the sights, sounds and scents of this fascinating city. B
WEDNESDAY, DAY 9- MARRAKECH-CASABLANCA Dec 29
Morning departure to Casablanca, Morocco’s most 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 delagation of Casablana’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 Dec 30
Transfer to the airport for the morning flight from Casablanca arriving in the early afternoon in New York. B
This is a sample itinerary – distribution of site & leisure time is subject to change. Meal Conditions: Buffet Breakfast daily – 4 lunches – 6 dinners
We will be happy to assist you with your airline requests.
