AACI KOSHER MOROCCO
November 24 - December 4 , 2012
Experience the exotic and little - known Kingdom of Morocco. Populated by the fierce and indigenous Berbers and conquered by the Arabs 1300 years ago , Morocco is the bridge between Europe and Africa , the gate to black Africa , a country where Jews and Muslims have flourished side by side for over 1000 years. You might find yourself buying fresh spices in the Labyrinthine Souks of Fez as you stroll through the Mellah ( Jewish Quarter ) or you could discover the fabulous gardens , winding alleys and mysterious doorways of Marrakech. Visit historic Rabat , with its 12Th century walled Medina. Let the magic mesmerize you !
Day 1: Nov 27 Tuesday
Depart from Israel on Alitalia at 5:30am with a connection in Rome and arrive in Casablanca at 11:35am. Here we will be met by our guide and drive to Rabat to begin our Moroccan adventure. City tour in Rabat visit around the walls of the Royal Palace and the Mausoleums of Mohammad V and Hassan II, two kings who worked hand in hand with the Jewish community. We then continue our journey by bus to Fez.
Overnight & Dinner: Fez
Day 2: Nov 28 Wednesday
Breakfast at the hotel. Full day tour of Fez, overlooking the labyrinth of alleyways in the famous Medina. Guided walk through the Medina, in the footsteps of the famous Jewish scholar Maimonides, with visits to the: Museum of Wooden Arts in the beautifully restored former Caravan Stop, with its intricate carved woodwork and the Nejjarine Fountain outside. The Al Karaouine University and Mosque, which played a leading role in the cultural and academic relations between the Islamic world and Europe. The Madrases of the Medina- Houses of Muslim study; the numerous Tanneries which give the Medina its unique flavor. The Arts and Crafts market and the Nejjarine Souk, where carpenters still chisel and carve cedar wood. Guided visit through the Mellah (Jewish Quarter) of Fez with visits to some of the buildings that once housed synagogues. Visit the famous Fez Jewish cemetery where some of Morocco’s legendary rabbis are buried.
Overnight & Dinner: Fez
Day 3: Nov 29 Thursday
Breakfast at the hotel. Continuation of our tour in Fez prior to leaving towards the city of Afourer. Visit the markets and local sites.
Overnight & Dinner: Afourer
Day 4: Nov 30 Friday
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart Afourer and drive to Marrakesh. On arrival in Marrakesh we check into the hotel. Time to freshen up and get ready to welcome in Shabbat. Shabbat services at the Al Azmeh Synagogue.
Festive Shabbat dinner with members of the Marrakesh Jewish community.
Overnight & Dinner: Marrakesh
Day 5: Dec 01 Saturday
Breakfast at the hotel. Shabbat services or time to rest. After Shabbat lunch, guided walking tour from our hotel of Marrakesh, including: The Medina Gates; The Bahia Palace; Madrasat Ben Youssef the Saadian Tombs. Free time to wander through Marrakesh’s enormous marketplace. Experience the Djma El Fna Square, one of the most colorful and mysterious sites in all of Africa with its snake charmers, street vendors, musicians, jugglers, fortunetellers and storytellers.
Overnight & Dinner: Marrakesh
Day 6: Dec 02 Sunday
Breakfast at the hotel. Full day tour to the Ourika Valley including: Visit the grave of Rabbi Shlomo ben Hensh, one of the Moroccan Jewish community’s most revered leaders. A myriad of sites of natural beauty including mountains, canyons, waterfalls and other secrets of nature. Return to Marrakech
Overnight & Dinner: Marrakesh
Day 7: Dec 03 Monday
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Casablanca. On arrival we have a guided visit through the Museum of the Jews of Morocco, for a glimpse into the rich and colorful world of Moroccan Jewry. Visit the famous Hasan II Mosque, one of the largest in the world and the largest in Africa.
Overnight & Dinner: Casablanca
Day 8: Dec 04 Tuesday
Breakfast at the hotel. Our return flight with Alitalia departs from Casablanca at 12:55 connecting via Rome and arriving in Israel at 02:35am on Dec 5th.
Price: AACI Members $2375 per person in a double room
Price: Non Members $2400 per person in a double room
Single Supplement: $450
The trip includes:
· Round trip flights via Europe with Alitalia Airlines
· 5 star Hotels: Fez: 2 nights, Marrakesh :3 nights, Casablanca :Aforer: 1night 4 star hotel
· Meals: 7 breakfasts in hotels , 6- midweek dinners, Shabbat full board, 5 lunch boxes
· Transportation by deluxe coach as per itinerary
· English speaking local guide
· Entrance fees: as per the itinerary
· Tour Leader from Israel
· AACI escort
· Porterage Hotels and tips for driver, local guides, waiters & Israeli tour guide
Not included:
· Passport and visa fees
· Any items of personal nature
· Items not mentioned above
· Medical insurance
**Itinerary and Airline are subject to change without notice
**Minimum number of participants required
PAYMENT:
Deposit of $400 per person at time of reservation.
Final payment due by Oct 22, 2012
CANCELLATION:
Cancellation from time of registration until Oct 22, 2012- $100 per person
Oct 23- Nov 12- $600 per person
Nov 13-Nov 26- 50%
Less then 7 days prior to departure- 100%
INSURANCE:
WE STRONGLY SUGGEST EVERYONE TAKES MEDICAL INSURANCE
TOUR ORIENTATION:
There will be an orientation session for all participants. Date to be announced
For reservations and additional information please contact:
Livia Berman Ophir Tours Raanana Telephone: 09-777-7100
Email: Livia@ophirtours.co.il