Day 1:  Sunday, Jan 19th

Departure from the USA.

Day 2: Monday, Jan 20th  

Arrivals at Casablanca International Airport.

VIP airport services include being met upon arrival, expedited through passport control and escorted to meet your

Guide. You will be welcomed by your expert guide and driver and escorted to town.

Cosmopolitan Casablanca has roots dating to the Roman settlement of Anfa. The port became a key trading post for the Sultan in the 18th Century and was greatly expanded during the French protectorate. Recent years have seen efforts to restore the once crumbling medina. Nearby, you will see various art deco facades.

Visit the French- built Quartier Habbous , built to relieve overcrowding in the medina, is a mix of shops and parks just outside the city.

1:00 p.m. Lunch at the Cabestan restaurant.

This restaurant has been an iconic location of for over 40 years. It was totally renovated in 2011 and is sporting a fresh new look. Located in Casablanca resolutely stylish and refined setting, which offers magnificent views of the Atlantic. Chef Fabien Caboy reigns in the kitchen offering you a choice of subtle and delicate Mediterranean dishes. A lounge bar and a very exclusive club are two more reasons to revisit this exceptional place.

After Lunch your guide with the bus will be at your disposal.

Visit the Jewish Museum at 3:00 p.m. in Casablanca, the first Jewish Museum in a Muslim country.

The museum tells the story of a community that once numbered 250, 000 strong. It documents two millennia of Jewish heritage, both in imperial cities as well in the lesser-known Berber Jewish communities spread through the Atlas Mountains and Sahara. We will be escorted through the museum by the “curator” who is responsible for the exhibitions.

Speaker:  Zhor Rhihil upon availability

A copy of the itinerary will be given upon check in at Le Casablanca Hotel.

Located in one of the residential and green areas of the city of Casablanca, 5 minutes from the business center, the corniche and the royal golf course, Casablanca Hotel is the essence of this destination. With an uncluttered architecture reminiscent of the beautiful Art Deco period, and an exceptional garden planted in the city center, it asserts its imprint of an Urbain Resort with its cozy elegance.

You will be staying one night.

Rest and refresh at your hotel.

8:10 p.m. Meeting at the lobby then departure to the Restaurant.

8:30 p.m. Dinner reservations at Cercle de l’Union.

Overnight at le Casablanca Hotel.

Day 3: Tuesday, Jan 21st

Breakfast at you Hotel.

Check-out from your Hotel.

Your guide and driver with luxury bus are at your disposal.

Visit the massive Mosque Hassan II. Completed in 1993, the Mosque can accommodate up to 25,000 worshippers making it the second largest in Islam today.  Last tour at the interior is at 2 p.m.

At 11:00 a.m. Visit Narcisse Leven Primary School

1: 00 p.m. Lunch reservation at Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche.

French luxury and local cuisine in the world’s most exciting city.

After Lunch head in land to Marrakech. Total driving today is about 3 hours.

Check in at Riad Joya.

The 4-star Riad Joya is set just 1.9 km from Jardin Majorelle. The property is about 20 minutes’ walk of Koutoubia Mosque and Minaret. A 20-minute walk to the center of Marrakesh. The rooms in Riad Joya are fitted with complimentary Wi-Fi, individual climate control, a safe, a dressing room and a wardrobe. Bathrooms feature a bathtub, a hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

Rest and refresh at your Hotel.

When you are ready begin your exploration of the old section of the city “Medina”.

The Koutoubia Minaret dominates the skyline of Marrakech. The 12th-Century monument is a master class in Moorish architecture.

8: 30 p.m. Private Dinner at Yacout Restaurant

Yacout restaurant is a landmark of Marrakesh. It was amongst the first created around twenty years ago in the medina by Mohamed Zkhiri, who presides over the destiny of this sumptuous venue. The decor is enchanting with its private rooms and breath-taking panoramic view from the terrace overlooking the medina and the Koutoubia mosque of Marrakesh. Highly traditional Moroccan gastronomic cuisine with a menu incorporating an amazing succession of flavors, and service that lives up to anyone’s standards.

Overnight at Riad Joya.

Day 4: Wednesday, Jan 22nd

Breakfast at you Hotel.

Your guide and driver with luxury bus are at your disposal, scheduled pickup time 8:45 a.m.
Visit the Jardin Majorelle.   The garden was a gift to Marrakech from Yves-Saint Laurent. Purchased from the painter Jacque Majorelle, the garden is adorned with Majorelle blue, the color named for him.

Continue to the Yves-Saint Laurent Museum, opened in October 2017.  The museum highlights the life work of the designer, his works and his connection to Marrakech.

Continue to the Dar el Bacha Confluences Museum in Marrakech.

Dar el Bacha Confluences Museum in Marrakech Palace Pacha Glaoui, located in the medina of Marrakech, is one of the most beautiful palaces of the red city. Also called “the governor’s palace”, or Dar el Glaoui, it was built at the beginning of the 20th century.

1:30 p.m Lunch reservation at Dar Zellig restaurant

Situated in the Sidi Ben Slimane area, Dar Zellij is one of the most beautiful Moroccan gourmet restaurants of the médina of Marrakech.

First of all, dar Zellij is riad of exception dating from XVII century. It has been surprisingly reserved thanks to the will and the passion of its owner, Abdellatif Aït Ben Abdallah. You will be able to contemplate the perfect architectural proportions of the patio, the single beauty of the 2 living-rooms with their high painted and carved ceilings and their immense doors of origin, real museum pieces.

After lunch get an insider’s look at the Marrakech design and artisanship scene.   Visit unique shops and wholesalers tucked out of public view.  These are personal connections of your host for the afternoon, an expat living in Marrakech for the last 18 years.

Back to the Hotel at 6:00 p.m. Rest and refresh at your hotel.

8:10 p.m. Meeting at the lobby then departure to the Restaurant

8:30 p.m Dinner Al Fassia Agdal

Al Fassia Aguedal Restaurant – located in the new part of town. This is a great place for Moroccan home – style cooking.

Overnight at Riad Joya.

Day 5: Thursday, Jan 23rd

Breakfast at you Hotel.

Your guide and driver with luxury bus are at your disposal.

9 :00 a.m Reception with a Jewish community. Meet with Jacky Kadoch who is the head of the Jewish community of Marrakesh at the Bet El Synagogue in the new section of the city.  He will convey the history of the Jewish community and culture and heritage in Marrakesh and Morocco.

Head to la Maison Arabe for a Cooking Class.

The workshops are conducted by a dada (traditional Moroccan cook)” Kosher Meat or Vegetarian” a chef from our Moroccan restaurant, and are held at the hotel. Small groups of maximum 15 participants work alongside a translator (Arabic/English/French), using easy-to-use modern equipment found in everyday kitchens. At the end of each workshop, participants dine on the meal they have prepared. At a typical half-day workshop, one learns to prepare an appetizer and a main dish, or a main dish and dessert.

After lunch, Explore the endless souks of Marrakech. Each trade and specialty clusters together over alleyways and squares.  The colorful spice souks lead down the metalworkers clanging away. On your path, you may want to stop in one of the Argan cooperative shops.  Argan oil is gaining notoriety for its cholesterol reducing qualities and use in beauty products. In addition, your local designer will be joining you to help with any special interests.

Visit the opulent Saadien Tombs, the mausoleum of a great dynasty which once ruled North Africa.   The site has some of the most eye-popping mosaic work.

You will Visit the Mellah, (the Sixteenth Jewish quarter of Marrakech), visit the Synagogue with Jewish Cemetery. Isaac Ohayon, the person responsible for all upkeep and repair, will receive you. The names of the synagogues are: Rabbi Hanania Hacohen & Rabbi Mordekhai Ben Attar.

Visit the ruins of the vast Bahia Palace. It took the best workers in Morocco 60 years to build Bahia Palace, found in the medina or old quarter of Marrakesh. The collection of one big house and several small ones into a palace was certainly worth the wait. Built in the 19th century for a grand vizier, it incorporates the best of Islamic and Moroccan influences. The palace today receives state visitors to Morocco. Because it is a working government building, not all rooms are open to the public, but some of those that are include the harem quarters and gardens.

Dinner at leisure.

Overnight at Riad Joya.

Day 6: Friday, Jan 24th

Breakfast at you Hotel.

Check-out from your Hotel.

Your guide and driver with luxury bus are at your disposal.

Wander through Dar Si Said Museum of traditional crafts, housed in a 19th century palace.

Visit the architectural Secret Garden, a recently restored complex showcasing Islamic art and architecture. The garden and adjacent buildings date back 400 years.   The small café is a nice place to grab a refreshment.

At 12:30 p.m. Transfer to Marrakech’s Menara Airport to Board your 2:15 p.m. flight to Fes aboard Air Arabia. 50 minutes flight time.

Upon arrival in Fes, you will be welcomed and escorted to town by our waiting team of Guide & driver.

Check in at Palais Medina & SPA – Palais Medina & Spa is a luxurious 5-star hotel set in a prime location in the center of Fes. Local tourist attractions such as Royal Palace (Fes) and Jewish Cemetery are not far from the hotel.

If you would like, your guide & driver will give you a brief introductory of Fès.

Rest & Refresh at your hotel and get ready for Shabbat.

Shabbat Services & dinner with members of local Jewish Community who will join the group to discuss their life in Fes.

Overnight at Palais Medina Fes.

Day 7: Saturday, Jan 25th

Breakfast at you Hotel.

Your guide is at your disposal.

Start your day with a guided visit on foot through the Mellah (Jewish Quarter) of Fes and visit the 17th century Ibn Danan Synagogue, the oldest existing synagogue in the city. The Synagogue underwent a restoration as part of a UNESCO project in 1999.

You will cross through an area known for its goldsmithing, and continue across the street to Fes Jadid past ancient homes to the entry called Bab Semmarine, built by the Marinid Dynasty in the late 13th century.  Continue through the famous public Jnane Sbil gardens to the Blue Gates of the old city (known as Bab Bou Jeloud).

Follow a different rout back to enjoy the scenery.  Enjoy a private lunch in town.

Shabbat lunch.

Return to your Hotel, and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight at Palais Medina Fes.

Day 8: Sunday, Jan 26th

Breakfast at your Hotel.

Check-out from your Hotel.

Your guide and driver with luxury bus are at your disposal.

Start your day by a visit into the University of Al-Qarawiyyin, considered by the Guinness Book of Records, UNESCO and many historians as the oldest continuously operating, academic degree-granting university in the world.

Visit the Attarine Madrasa, near the Al-Qarawiyyin. It was built by the Marinid sultan Uthman II Abu Said (r. 1310-1331) in 1323-5. The madrasa takes its name from the Souk al-Attarine, the spice and perfume market.

Continue on a guided walk through the Medina, where the renowned Jewish scholar Maimonides once lived.

Take a tour of the Medersa Bou Inania, founded in the years 1351-56. The madrasa is one of the few religious places in Morocco accessible to non-Muslim visitors. The Medersa was part seminary, part dormitory and is a splendid example of Moroccan architecture’s three core elements: intricate tile mosaics, carved plaster and painted cedar.

Continue on to visit the Museum of Wooden Arts in the beautifully restored former Caravan Stop.

This Museum is in a wonderfully restored fondouq (rooming house) – a caravanserai for travelling merchants who stored and sold their goods below and took lodgings on the floors above. Centered on a courtyard, the rooms are given over to displays of traditional artefacts of craftsmen’s tools, chunky prayer beads and Berber locks, chests and musical instruments. Everything is beautifully presented, although the stunning building gives the exhibits a run for their money. The rooftop cafe has great views over the medina.

Visit the Tanneries of Fes, which give the Medina its unique flavor and smell.

It’s best to head up to the balconies of one of the shops that will welcome you with a sprig of mint and a memorable view.

After the visits in Fes, Head inland to Rabat the capital (Approximately 2 hours & 30 minutes’ drive plus stops).

Stop at Volubilis – the ruins of the late Roman era capital of the province of Mauritania. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Volubilis overlooks the fertile plains of the Meknes region near the foot of Mt. Zerhoun. Intact mosaics, restored arches and olive oil presses give one a sense of the importance of this outpost on the fringes of the empire. Visit the Triumphal Arch, Basilica, Diana and the Bathing Nymphs.

Continue to Rabat.

Upon Arrival, check in at the View Hotel – A hotel in the heart of the city enjoying an exceptional location, with its 17 panoramic floors overlooking Rabat.

Rest & Refresh before dinner.

Suggested Dinner Reservations at: The View Hotel Restaurant.

Overnight at The View Hotel – Rabat.

Day 9: Monday, Jan 27th

Breakfast at your Hotel.

Check-out from your Hotel.

Your guide and driver with luxury bus are at your disposal.

If time permits, begin with a city tour that includes a drive around the walls of the Royal Palace and a visit to the Mausoleums of Mohammed V & Hassan II, two rulers who worked hand-in-hand with the Jewish community.

Take a guided walk through the Old Walled City and the marvelous Kasbah des Oudayas.

Built by the Almohad Dynasty in the 12th century, is worth serious exploration. Stroll the narrow streets to the Andalusian gardens sit on the site of the former palace and are something of a town square – especially in the summer months.

Visit Chellah, the roots of which go back to Phoenician times. The Romans and the corsairs of later eras operated from this fortress located above the banks of the Bouregreg river.  Today, Chellah is a collection of ruins, a citadel and lush gardens.

After the visits, you will be escorted to Casablanca Airport for your departing flight. Transfer will be organized with the Mercedes Sprinters.

VIP airport services includes help checking in, being expedited through passport control and use of VIP lounge while await your departure.

Included in your land package:

• Accommodations (BB).
• Hotel service charges and taxes.
• VIP Airport services upon arrival and departure.
• Bus and driver at disposal.
• Water on bus.
• Meals noted in the program.
• Domestic Flight.
• Expert Guiding.
• All admissions while accompanied by your guide.
• The services of our Marrakech office and 24/7 emergency contact.

Not included:

• Airport transfers (arrivals and departures) are not include unless otherwise indicated.
• Air transportation.

Insurance: We strongly recommend that all clients purchase a comprehensive travel package that includes trip cancellation protection and emergency medical evacuation.