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Jewish Highlights of Morocco & Desert Tour

Jewish Highlights of Morocco & Desert Tour

Discover the majesty of Morocco’s stunning ancient Imperial Cities, the Sahara and the high Atlas Mountains including the Jewish heritage of ancient empires that hold today’s power and royal palaces.
Operator rating 9.3/10 from 6 trip reviews
  View Itinerary | Reviews (6) | Enquire About This Trip  make an enquiry
Price: USD $1,850 per person
Currency Price: AUD  1,775 /person estimated
Type: Tour
Duration: 8 days
Customise: This Tour can be customised
Country: Morocco
Supplement: Plus USD $640 for a single person booking
Persons: minimum (2)  
Accommodation: Mixed
Activities: Craft Tours, Cultural Tours, Desert Tours, Historical Tours
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  enquire about this trip

Itinerary

Jewish Highlights of Morocco & Desert Tour

Jewish Highlights of Morocco & Desert Tour

Jewish Highlights of Morocco & Desert Tour

After your arrival to Casablanca, you will be escorted to your luxury hotel in Casablanca.

Day 1 - Casablanca
Begin your day with a visit to the newly opened Jewish Museum in Casablanca. Although its collection is still quite formative, this is the first Jewish Museum in an Arab country. Visit the neighborhood that is home to most of Moroccoís Jewish Community. Stop by the cultural center and the Bet El synagogue.
You may wish to have lunch at one of the small kosher restaurants in this part town.

Dinner and overnight at your luxury hotel in Casablanca.

Day 2 - Meknes – Volubilis - Fes
Then as we travel past centuries-old olive groves andvineyards we near Meknes, the Ismalian capital, famousfor its 25-mile-long walls - and, not to mention excellent wine - where we'll stop for a sumptuous lunch in a grand palace. Heading to port Bab El Mansour and Bab El Khamis, journey back thousands of years and explore the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis sprawled over a wildflower-dotted hillside, where a magnificent triumphal arch presides over the awesome remains of palaces and mansions, Roman baths and basilicas, and stunning mosaics. Sumptuous dinner and lodging at a four-star riad or hotel in Fez.

Day 3 - Fez
Best surviving example of an ancient city, the spiritual and intellectual capital of Islam resting alongside ancient Jewish quarters. The Vibrant Jewish heritage in the Mellah, where artisan craft, antique Jewish goods and handcrafted jewelry is sold. Visit the recently restored Ibn Danan synagogue ñ the oldest extant synagogue in Fez. Until very recently abandoned and decaying, its restoration was part of a comprehensive UNESCO project to preserve the monuments and fabric of medieval Fez.

Dinner at la Maison Bleu.
Accommodation at your luxury riad or hotel in Fez.

Day 4 - Merzouga
Explore the mystical Saharan landscape as you ride by camel over the stunning sugar-fine sands of Merzouga as the red sun sinks. As night falls, listen to the heady intoxicating beat of Berber drum music and song during the traditional pouring of mint tea. Watch bread being baked in the sand, and delight in a Moroccan feast of harira soup, a savory tagine (stew with meat and vegetables), couscous, fresh fruit and exquisite Moroccan pastries.

At nightfall, we’ll sleep under a nomad tarp beneath flickering stars in the clear desert sky. Experience a sense of timelessness in the still, silent desert unchanged since caravans loaded with spices, gold and indigo crossed long ago. (Lodging is also available at Todra’s local auberge at the edge of the dunes.) Good walking shoes are recommended.

Day 5 - Merzouga – Tinghir-Boumalne du Dades – Kelaa M’Gouna – Ourzazate
After a special Berber breakfast, we’ll depart for Ouarzazate , traveling the rugged Road of a Thousand Kasbahs that rise up like turreted sand castles along this ancient caravan trading route.This area has long been a popular location for Hollywood films such as The Last Temptation of Christ, Jewel of the Nile, and most recently Hideous Kinky. The central region is one of the most exciting and romantic destinations of Morocco nestled along rich river valleys, palmeries and burnished mud-brick homes ablaze in vibrant color under the shelter of the blue desert sky.We’ll travel through the Dadès Valley past dramatic escarpments and plunging gorges via Tinerhir. We’ll stop for a barbecue lunch at a local village and after a refreshing swim at the four-star Hotel where you'll be lodging, there will be a free afternoon to bike, explore the village, or simply relax by the pool under the cool palms and the warm North African sun.

Day 6 - Marrakech
In Marrakesh, we’ll spend a full day exploring this majestic Imperial City. Thrill in the bewitchery of the night that beats in the heart of the famed square, Djemaa el-Fna, where delectable fare is grilled over coals in bustling torch-lit open-air markets. Mystical snake charmers, hustlers and mischievous monkeys are part of the nightly drama that unfolds, as Berber acrobats, fortune tellers, musicians and engaging storytellers seduce rapt crowds.Then wind your way through the serpentine labyrinth of the spice-filled air of the bustling souk, unchanged for over 1000 years, where you’ll discover the best of traditional Moroccan craftsmanship. we’ll cap off our journey at the dinner event of Fantasia as we bear witness to a splendid dramatic display of Arabian Nights filled with belly dancing, folkloric troupes, and stately Arabian steeds charging in dynastic battles as of yore.

Accommodation at your luxury four stars hotel in Marrakech.

Day 7 - Marrakech – Essaouira - Marrakech
The 60’s music legends Jimmy Hendrix and the Rolling Stones were drawn to Essaouira’s idyllic charm, which continues today to lure musicians and artists alike to the sparkling whitewashed fishing village trimmed with the brilliant azure of its skies. A former Portuguese settlement in the 18th century, its stone ramparts overlook an emerald sea where dolphins sometimes frolic near the fringe of silvery beach, and camels ferry passengers across fine sand. Dream on the beach, stroll through serene squares, browse artisan shops or the fish market, bursting with a plethora of fruit of the sea to be grilled to a succulent finish before your eyes. Top it your repast with the national drink of Moroccan mint tea and savor delectable French pastries at one Essaouira’s many charming cafes. A full day will be spent at Essaouira.......and do not forget to take your horse riding or camel ride at the beach before return to Marrakech.

You’ll cap off your journey at a spectacular dinner event, the Fantasia at the desert of Marrakech, where You’ll bear witness to a splendid drama of Arabian Nights filled with belly dancing, folkloric troupes, and stately Arabian steeds charging in dynastic battles as of yore…….. and that would be your final desert for your vacation.

Accommodation at your luxury four stars hotel in Marrakech.


Day 8 - Marrakech
Transfer to Marrakech airport for your return home with plenty of tales of Arabian days and nights.

Cost:

$1850.00 per person based on double or triple occupancy
$3700.00 for 2Pax

2 years and under are free of charge
2 – 6 years old 75% off
7-11 years old 50% off
12 years old & up full cost


What's Included:
Breakfast and dinner daily
Four-star hotel & riad lodging
4x4 in and out of Merzouga
Nomad guide
Camel ride in Sahara
Nomad tent in Sahara
Transfers to and from airport
Private Car, Gas, Tolls & English speaking driver for the entire trip
Knowledgeable certified guides at the imperial cities
Mountain guide at the high atlas
Museums fee
All taxes

Not included in package price:
International Airfare
lunch
Drinks
Travel Insurance

Note:- Private guided tour---Not a group tour.
- If it is over your budget-----Hotels can be changed for lower budgets.
- Upgrade to 5* or 5* deluxe accommodation is available.
- Group Discounts Available.

Tour Operator Reviews (6) about reviews
1 
Client: Naimah - from Malaysia
Trip: Eternal Imperial Cities & High Atlas of Morocco
Rating:
rating 8/10
Comment: We are now back home after a lovely holiday in Morocco. Morocco is beautiful and the people are very warm and friendly.

With one or two exceptions, we have no major complaints with the tour. Our driver Mohamed was excellent; he was helpful and sorted out our problems in no time at all. He drove at a good pace and was also informative. He also ensured that we were comfortable and were enjoying the trip.

The Riads are beautiful but I think that for the first two at least, they were not quite suitable for the winter. They were too cold and would have been quite lovely if we were there in the summer. All the other riads were not only excellent but their staff and hospitality were impeccable.

The tour itself was just nice, not too long and not too short (I sound like Goldilocks) Hisham, our guide in Fez was good. He was very knowledgeable and very informative.

Other than the cold riads, (and the fact that my son had food poisoning on the second day in Fez) we were very happy with the tour and would recommend this tour and the tour operator highly
 
2 
Client: Nicola Rethman - from South Africa
Trip: Eternal Imperial Cities & High Atlas of Morocco
Rating:
rating 9/10
Comment: Morocco is a beautiful country and I thought the most ‘undersold’ parts were the best – Fes & surrounds, Ourika Valley. I found Marrakech a bit disappointing and Casablanca a big bore (but perhaps both were because I ended up travelling alone – not intended – and hence could not enjoy the night life). The amount of construction on the seafront areas of the Atlantic coast was quite a surprise and limits what one can actually see. Next time I would add the Med coast; the Sahara and the Southern part of the country to my itinerary.

Services provided by the operator were generally good, although the itinerary provided was a bit different to the actual one (it almost seemed as though the person writing the itinerary had not been to many of the places as some suggestions were impractical – e.g. a routing from Ourika Valley to Fes via Meknes and Rabat in a single day!).

The driver and guides provided were all well informed and well spoken but somewhat inclined to ‘guide’ me to places where the intent was largely to get me to shop (which, after a credit card challenge in Marrakech, I was disinclined towards). The mountain guide in the Ourika Valley was magnificent, very patient and helpful on the rather strenuous hike.

My planned travel companion had visa problems (she is South African but lives in Nigeria and couldn’t get a visa – which as South Africans is a requirement – due to problems with her Nigerian work permit) and had to cancel at the last minute (after her planned arrival). Obviously, expecting a refund on the travel or accommodation was unrealistic given the late cancellation and the operator offered to give her a 20% discount if she books through them again.

The ‘personalised’ tour (i.e. own car and driver, rather than sharing with a bus load of others) was fantastic and the accommodation was superb throughout. If I return to Morocco, I would plan for something similar.
 
3 
Client: Silvia Portnoy - from Argentina
Trip: Eternal Imperial Cities & High Atlas of Morocco
Rating:
rating 10/10
Comment: We have just come back home from our holidays.

Visiting Morocco was an exciting and unforgettable experience: the people, the landscapes, the cities, the food, everything was just wonderful. We absolutely enjoyed it.

As mentioned by the operators advertisements, we are back home “with plenty of tales of Arabian days and nights”; I can still smell the spices, the flowers, the fresh of the Ourika valley. By the way, Mr Karim kindness and hospitality at the Kasbah Omar has to be highlighted. He also helped us in exploring the beautiful valley leading us in two wonderful walks.

The trip went on as planned. Riads and hotels were great, as well as restaurants and foods in our dinners. Guides and visits were very well coordinated. Everything on time and the trip fulfilled every word committed by the tour operator in the package we bought.

Said, the driver that spent with us the whole visit, was perfect; always on time, ready to help us in every question we asked, excellent driver, at all times taking care of our safety and comfort. Meeting Said is part of the nice memories we have from our trip.

Summing up and for the requested feedback, I would qualified my holiday with a 100. Hope to visit Morocco again!!!!
 
4 
Client: Robert and Karen Grozier - from Australia
Trip: Moroccan Caravan Adventure Tour
Rating:
rating 10/10
Comment: Thank you for your assistance in passing on our enquiry to such an efficient company. We think the trip was one of the best we have taken.

We had a wonderful time with our driver Mohamed who took very good care of us throughout. It was great that he was always there to pick us up from outings which made for a very stress free trip. His driving, in sometimes very difficult conditions such as heavy snow in the High Atlas was to be commended. We feel we saw much more than was in the itinerary and people we have since spoken to have been amazed at what we actually fitted into the twelve days.

Regarding the dinners, all included, we could not fault them from the Styze club in Marrakech to the homecooked meals in the Riads.

By chance we were invited to a Berber wedding which was being held next to our Riad out of Marrakech which was a real bonus. Stayed with it till midnight. A lot of fun.

Even though we were guided everywhere, we felt we got to experience the local flavour and so believe our trip was wonderful value. Because of the spread of accomodation the operator supplied from very good small riads to the opulent riad in Fez we feel we have certainly seen a wide cross section of Moroccan life.

Finally, thanks to them for organising all this at what was very short notice. It all went very smoothly thanks to Mohamed.
 
5 
Client: Dr Richard Zapanta & Family - from United States
Trip: Moroccan Caravan Adventure Tour
Rating:
rating 10/10
Comment: I'd like to inform you that we had the most amazing and out-of-this-world experience while vacationing in Morocco.

Our driver Abdel was not only very careful and cordial but also extremely hospitable and eager to share with us the Moroccan lifestyle. We are most appreciative of him opening up his home for a home-made chicken cous-cous meal with his lovely family. It truly made our trip more than personal now that we have a 'new family' in Morocco!

We will highly recommend this trip with this company to our friends who have seen, from our pictures, the many splendors of Moroc!

We hope to travel back very soon as we know there are many other treasures yet to be seen!

Again, we give our highest marks to your agency and it's tour guides/driver.

Thank you so very much!
 
6 
Client: Carol Sporleder - from United States
Trip: customised itinerary
Rating:
rating 9/10
Comment: We returned last Tuesday from Spain and Morocco. I just wanted to let you know what a wonderful time we all had.

Our driver Abdul was waiting for us when we got off the boat in Tangier with a very nice and comfortable van. Abdul did a wonderful job. He was a great driver and was always punctual and very helpful.

Our stay at the Riad in Fez was wonderful. The staff was so attentive. Our rooms and the courtyard and garden areas were just beautiful. We had a very enjoyable day in Fez with our guide Abdul (another Abdul) and a delicious dinner with entertainment at Maison Blue.

The following day we really enjoyed Meknes, Volubilis, lunch at Moulay Idriss and finally Chefchaoen. What a beautiful town. Our Riad here, although not as luxurious as the one in Fez, was so conveniently located near the main square.

The people of Morocco were very friendly and welcoming to us.

We were all very impressed with the beautiful mosaics in all the buildings we visited but the most pleasant surprise of all was the delicious food. We absolutely loved the Moroccan salads, pastilla, and the tajines, and fresh fruits and most of all the mint tea. When I got home, I bought a Moroccan cookbook immediately.

If there was one complaint, it was that all the interesting presentations in Fez (ceramics, carpet, tannery, cloth ) also included a bit of high pressure sales after the presentation. All three couples bought mosaic tables which we are looking forward to enjoying in our yards here in California.

Thank you to the operator for organizing a trip to Morocco that we will never forget.

 
 
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