The Jewish Heritage of Spain & Morocco (2010)
| Overview | Itinerary | Dates & Prices | Customize this Trip | Ask a Question |
Itinerary
Become a member to reserve this Marco Polo Club Invitational Program
- Days 1-2: USA or Canada/Barcelona, Spain
-
Fly overnight to Barcelona, where you embark on an afternoon tour of the city to witness the eccentric genius of artist/sculptor Antoni Gaudí. Later, meet your Tour Director, Abraham, and your fellow travellers over welcome drinks and dinner.
Hotel Arts Barcelona D - Day 3: Barcelona/Girona/Besalu/ Barcelona
-
Explore the ancient city of Girona, part of Sepharad, as the Iberian Peninsula was known in biblical times. In the high Middle Ages and until the end of the 13th century, Girona was one of the largest aljamas (Moorish- Jewish communities) in Spain, where an important school of Kabbalah flourished in close contact with the schools of Provence. The Jewish community of Girona was almost obliterated by the persecutions of the 14th century, long before the Expulsion of 1492, but today the narrow streets of the call (Jewish quarter) remain unchanged. Gain unique insight into Jewish life in the Middle Ages when you visit the Jewish Center and Museum. After a lunch of Sephardic cuisine, drive to Besalu, protected by a fortified bridge built in the 12th century. Visit Besalu's mikveh ritual baths. Discovered a few years ago in the cellar of an old home, they are unique to Spain. This evening, you are invited to dinner at the center of the Reformed Jewish Community where you learn how this small community lives and continues to grow.
Hotel Arts Barcelona B L D - Day 4: Barcelona/Madrid/Toledo
-
The Barri Gotic, the medieval quarter of Barcelona, was an important Jewish community in the high Middle Ages. Walk through the call to marvel at the inscriptions on the walls and visit what remains of the synagogue. Then explore the museum of the Archives of the Crown of Aragon, containing priceless relics and documents of the Jewish inheritance of Barcelona. A panoramic drive along the Old Port of Barcelona leads you to Montjuic Hill, which retains its ancient name of "Mountain of the Jews" because of its location as the former Jewish cemetery. Later, take the AVE high-speed train to Madrid, where you connect with another train to Toledo, the best-known Jewish site in Spain. Enjoy lunch as you watch the Spanish countryside unroll before you.
Hotel Palacio Eugenia de Montijo B L D - Day 5: Toledo
-
Toledo holds numerous reminders of the Jewish community, numbering up to 12,000, that flourished here in the 12th century. Visit the magnificent Synagogue of El Transito built in 1355 when the life of the community had already come under extreme pressure and persecution. Notice its superb mudejar plasterwork and view its collection of artifacts, manuscripts and jewelry. Many items were gifts from descendants of the Sephardic Diaspora after the Expulsion. During lunch, an expert lecturer discusses the history of Jewish Toledo and the fascinating work of the School of Translators. After lunch, explore the city to discover its combined heritage of Christianity, Judaism and Islam, whose followers lived side by side for four centuries.
Hotel Palacio Eugenia de Montijo B L - Day 6: Toledo/Madrid/Córdoba/ Madrid
-
Travel by high-speed train via Madrid to Córdoba, once the capital of the mighty Caliphate that ruled almost all of Spain in the eighth and ninth centuries. Today the unspoiled, whitewashed, flowerdecked heart of Córdoba is the Barrio Judio, once the Jewish quarter. Next to it is the amazing Mezquita, now a cathedral with hundreds of columns and horseshoe arches. A scholar joins you for lunch to discuss the life of the Jewish communities in Andalusia before and after the Reconquest and the story of their exile, mainly to Morocco, at the end of the 15th century. Return to Madrid for dinner at a traditional tavern near the arcaded Plaza Mayor.
InterContinental Madrid B L D - Day 7: Madrid/Casablanca, Morocco/ Rabat
-
Fly to Casablanca and then drive through the scenic countryside to Rabat to visit Oudaya Kasbah; its gate is one of the most beautiful surviving gates in the Moorish world. Inside, wander through the craft museum and an Andalusian garden.
La Tour Hassan B L D - Day 8: Rabat/Meknes/Volubilis/Fez
-
One of Morocco's imperial cities, Meknes houses impressive 17th-century monuments built by the powerful sultan Moulay Ismail to rival the court of Louis XIV of France. After lunch, explore the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum and see the Bab Mansour, the green-tiled gate that marks the entrance to the old part of the city. Continue to Volubilis, site of the largest and best-preserved Roman ruins in Morocco, before arriving in Fez.
Sofitel Fes Palais Jamaï B L - Day 9: Fez
-
The spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco, Fez was once a haven for both Christian and Muslim scholars and is the home of Rabbi Isaac Alfasi, one of the most influential Talmudic scholars of all time. Visit the Gate of the Karaouine Medrassa, a holy Muslim site covered with Stars of David and Solomon's crosses. Throughout Fez el-Bali (Old Fez) there are traces of ancient Jewish life, including the home of Moses Maimonides who lived here in the mid-12th century. Suffering from persecution by the Almohad dynasty, Maimonides emigrated to escape forced conversion. This area of Fez also contains the mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II, the city's founder. His father, Idriss I, fought the Jews to establish the first Muslim state in Morocco. However, Idriss II encouraged them to move to Fez so that the city could benefit from their skills and finances. Wander through the vibrant mellah to discover handcrafted jewelry, antique Jewish goods and artwork. Proceed to Roben Ben Sadoun Synagogue, adorned with exquisite plaster castings, and the Jewish cemetery. Dine tonight at a traditional Moroccan riad, where an expert discusses Moroccan architecture.
Sofitel Fes Palais Jamaï B L D - Day 10: Fez/Casablanca/Essaouira
-
Your morning is at leisure. After brunch at the hotel, depart for the Fez airport for your flight to Essaouira via Casablanca. Spend the afternoon exploring on your own or relaxing at your hotel.
L'Heure Bleue Palais & Spa B L D - Day 11: Essaouira
-
Explore the town of Essaouira, a 16th-century Portuguese fortress that became a free port in the18th century for European merchants and their Jewish agents who engaged in the trans-Saharan gold, ivory and slave trades. Wander through the mellah and see the house of Rabbi Pinto, one of the most influential rabbis in the world and a descendant of a centuries-old rabbinic Moroccan family. Visit its small synagogue, as well as the Jewish Cemetery housing his mausoleum. Later, explore the ancient ramparts, the port with its fishmongers and the carpenters' quarters where woodcarvers produce everything from small boxes to statues and tables.
L'Heure Bleue Palais & Spa B L - Day 12: Essaouira/Marrakech
-
Drive to Marrakech, located in the shadows of the High Atlas Mountains. This afternoon, explore the synagogue and cemetery. Discover the Saadian Tombs, hidden away behind high walls and decorated with stucco and delicate Granada-style carvings. Then visit the Bahia Palace, a fine example of privileged life in the 19th century. The use of marble, stucco and mosaics dominates the apartments that open to courtyards filled with fountains and gardens. Continue to Dar Si Said, located in an exquisitely restored palace with a beautiful private garden. It is now home to the museum of Moroccan Arts and Crafts, with its stunning collections of traditional woven carpets and Berber silver jewelry.
Es Saadi Palace B L D - Day 13: Marrakech
-
In the medina (the old walled section of the town), visit the 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque that dominates the local skyline and is visible from anywhere in Marrakech, as well as the 16th-century Koranic school. After lunch, travel by calèche (horse-drawn carriage) to Menara Park and the Jardin Majorelle, a subtropical botanical garden with verdant groves of bamboo, dwarf palms, multi-colored bougainvillea and lily ponds. Attend a farewell dinner at a private riad in the heart of the medina. Enjoy a private performance by one of Morocco's most popular singers of Arabo-Andalusian and Jewish music.
Es Saadi Palace B L D - Day 14: Marrakech/Casablanca
-
This morning, drive to Casablanca, home to a large Jewish community. Arrive in time for lunch at Rick's Café. This afternoon, visit the Hassan II Mosque; much of its surface stands on a promontory looking out into the Atlantic, which can be seen through its gigantic glass floor. On special occasions, its automated sliding roof opens to the heavens so that the faithful can contemplate God's sky and ocean in accordance with Hassan's wishes. Explore this unique shrine, recognizable by its minaret that seems to float above the skyline. From there, head to the Museum of Moroccan Judaism, the only Jewish museum in the Islamic world. Located in a beautiful villa surrounded by lush gardens, it showcases the cultural history of the once-thriving Jewish community and documents its influence on modern Moroccan society. Tonight, dine in your hotel and meet with some representatives of the Casablanca Jewish community.
Hyatt Regency Casablanca B L D - Day 15: Casablanca/USA or Canada
-
Board your homebound flight.
B
Follow us:
