Portuguese Archives | World Jewish Travel

Exploring the Jewish Legacy: A 14-Day Heritage Journey through Morocco

Get on a captivating 14-day journey through Morocco, tracing the footsteps of the vibrant Jewish community that has thrived in this culturally diverse land for centuries. “Exploring the Jewish Legacy: A 14-Day Heritage Journey through Morocco” offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history, culture, and traditions of Morocco’s Jewish heritage.

Highlights:

Casablanca: Begin your adventure in the bustling city of Casablanca, home to the magnificent Hassan II Mosque and the enlightening Jewish Museum.

Marrakech: Discover the enchanting “Red City” and explore its historic Jewish quarter, the Mellah, alongside iconic landmarks like the Koutoubia Mosque and Jardin Majorelle.

Essaouira: Uncover the coastal charm of Essaouira, with its ancient medina, Jewish cemetery, and the Essaouira Synagogue.Fes: Immerse yourself in Morocco’s spiritual heart,

Fes: where you’ll explore the historic Jewish quarter, ancient mosques, and vibrant souks.

Chefchaouen: Stroll through the dreamlike “Blue City” of Chefchaouen, set against the Rif Mountains, and visit the Spanish Mosque for breathtaking views.

Tangier: Experience the cosmopolitan flair of Tangier while delving into its Jewish heritage, from the old Jewish cemetery to the American Legation Museum.

Rabat: Visit Morocco’s capital, Rabat, with its historic landmarks, including the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, as well as the Jewish cemetery and synagogues.

Itinerary Overview:

This meticulously crafted itinerary guides you through the most significant Jewish heritage sites while also providing opportunities to savor Morocco’s culinary delights, shop in vibrant markets, and relax in its coastal towns and scenic landscapes. Each day is filled with cultural immersion and historical exploration, making this journey a memorable and educational experience.

Join us on this remarkable 2-week journey as we celebrate the enduring legacy of Morocco’s Jewish community and gain a deeper understanding of the cultural tapestry that defines this captivating nation. “Exploring the Jewish Legacy” promises to be a transformative adventure that connects the past with the present, forging lasting memories and meaningful connections along the way.

14 Days Morocco Jewish Heritage Tour: Jewish Tour From Casablanca

Embark on a captivating 14 days expedition that traces Morocco’s rich Jewish heritage, commencing and culminating in the vibrant city of Casablanca. Delve into an immersive experience that seamlessly blends history, culture, and spirituality as you traverse the country’s diverse landscapes.

This meticulously crafted journey takes you through a tapestry of historical landmarks, architectural wonders, and cultural enclaves, each unveiling the stories of Morocco’s Jewish community. From the contemporary allure of Casablanca to the blue-washed charm of Chefchaouen, and from the imperial cities of Fes and Marrakech to the coastal allure of Essaouira, you’ll witness the harmonious coexistence of cultures that have shaped the nation’s identity.

Immerse yourself in the ambiance of synagogues, medinas, and historical sites while enjoying the comforts of carefully selected accommodations and seamless transportation. As a unique touch, the option to extend your journey beyond the 14 days allows you to savor more of Morocco’s treasures, with only transportation and accommodation adjustments to consider.

With this comprehensive Jewish heritage tour, you’re invited to not only explore the past but also connect with the present, celebrating the enduring threads that have woven Morocco’s cultural mosaic. Your every need is anticipated, ensuring a truly enriching and memorable experience that resonates long after your return.

Portuguese Jewish Heritage

During 3 hours, I will show and explain the Jewish occupation and its historical evolution in Porto and Portugal. From the high medieval times until today.

The main subjects will be the medieval períod and peaceful one. The Jewish quarter construction and how the history gets grey. The conversos or “Cristãos Novos” and the lack of religious freedom. The inquisition and its terrible impact. And, finally, the local community after the XX century.

Since I started to give this tour my main concern was to offer good and correct information. After giving this tour dozens of times, I can affirm that my public was the most important challenge and “tool” for my success because each doubt and each question were and still are important.

At a calm pace, I will provide you a tour as we planned or am ready to adapt to some preferences and be able to listen to your question, so we can share stories and have an excellent tour together.

Lisbon Jewish tour

There is a story we want to tell you. A story revealed by the great masters forever preserved in endless secrets. It could be the Jewish presence in a piece of architecture or gastronomy or in that heritage of memories that bounces from generation to generation.

The City of Thousand Stories

Can you imagine all the stories that Lisbon has to tell you? What you have to do is sharpen your eyes. Come with us and discover legends and secrets lost in the cobblestones, kept in the magical stone vaults of the houses, in the bubbling of forgotten recipes, and, always, in the traditions. Be enchanted by the Jewish itinerary that remains steadfast around every corner, in the treading of every step. The city holds a memory that shines in the sun and welcomes everyone in its unforgettable light.

The Lisbon Jewish Tour

The Jewish route follows the beating of your heart and asks you to stop at this Largo de São Domingos, where a memorial stands in honor of the thousands of Jewish victims of the 1506 massacre.

The body and soul are already asking for rest. After all, there is already so much to keep. We taste a typical dish and leave a hint for those who have not yet tasted this delicacy. It arrived in Lisbon in the 15th century, from Asia, and you can choose “with them or without them”… guess what? Pulled together, let yourself go, sharpen your eyes, remember?

There are more stories to unveil, honor, and share in the eternal pacts between beauty and art, where Lisbon’s Jewish history lies. Now it is time to present it: We are already close to Largo do Carmo. You will feel the mysticism of this cosmopolitan corner that harbors a medieval era, where the oldest Jewish quarter in Lisbon, the one in Bairro da Pedreira, may have existed. Can you board this time machine?

Save the wisdom of essential elements of the Jewish community in the great epic of the Portuguese Discoveries. Their scientific and navigational studies helped trace the routes of the great seas and the designs of the new lands. And that is why they are already in Belém, with the Tagus in their arms. The Jerónimos Monastery, the Belem Tower, and the Monument to the Discoveries are also heirs to the Jewish presence in Lisbon.

Can you still imagine all the stories this city has to tell you?

Yshai Levi

My name is Yshai Levi and I live in Tel Aviv, with my wife, Tal and our two beautiful children, Gaya and Itai.
I have been a licensed tour guide in Israel and abroad for more than 25 years.
I studied history, philosophy and computer science at the Tel Aviv University.
I hold a MBA degree in marketing from Bar Ilan University.
I served as Educational commander in the Israeli Army.
I studied for 2 years to become a tour guide licensed by the ministry of tourism. We studied everything from geology through history and religion, all around Israel.
I speak Hebrew, English , Spanish and Portugese.
I guide mostly pilgrims from all over the world, coming to see the Bible come to life, walking the same path our ancestors did so many years ago, as it is written in the Bible.
Towards the end of 2000, I started a 14 year career as a quality assurance engineer and manager at various high tech companies.
Although, when the kids grew I returned to my real love – and opened my business – Quality Tours – specializing with tailor made tours for business travelers and pilgrims .
I love everything about history, geography and archaeology! Exploring the beauty that Israel has to offer is my passion!

Old Jewish Quarters tour

Discover Jewish Portugal as we travel through the memory of a Jewish past. Uncover the riches of that time in history. Let us guide you for eight days traveling through the heart of soul of Jewish Portugal, searching for Jewish roots.

We will base our tour and cultural visits on Beiras Jewish heritage and how this has been the meeting place of three great cultures and religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

From the end of the 15th century, persecutions, convictions, and forced conversions destroyed these Jewish communities. They became “New Christians” and continued to honor their religion in the secrecy of their homes and orally pass on the prayers resisting assimilation.

This trip is a close look at a heritage of great value. It is not always visible because of multiple destructions and pressures, but we are gradually discovering it.

But we want also to extend your experience of the local culture, history, and gastronomy. So this will be a tour where you will get to know the locals and the culture in this North/Center area of Portugal. So we have prepared unique experiences for you all along the way.

Mayte Larraya

Mayte is a Madrid native and qualified tour guide who enjoys organizing tailored tours for the guests who come to her city. Based on your needs and interests she will create an exciting tour that is sure to make you fall in love with Madrid and its fascinating history. She can help you discover the most popular sites of Madrid, the city’s artistic gems, and its cultural and gastronomic life. If you want to explore areas outside Madrid, Mayte has extensive knowledge about Toledo, Segovia, and Avila, and is happy to accompany you to these cities as well.

Sabrina Scaglianti

Sabrina was born and raised in Venice and has always been interested in the anthropology of traveling and tourism. She has worked in the tourism business since the early 90’s, mainly working as a guide in Venice, but she also leads seminars and volunteers for A.F.S. and the European Federation for Intercultural Learning. Sabrina offers a variety of tours for groups with a variety of interests.

Prague Historical River Cruise

This cruise through the waterways of Prague is a great way to relax and learn about the history of Prague through a new perspective. The boat departs from the Charles Bridge and passes the Prague Castle and “The Devil’s Channel” (Čertovka). There are complimentary beverages on board and your ticket will allow you into the Charles Bridge museum where you can continue to learn about the oldest bridge in Prague.

Segway Fun Tour of Prague

If you’re looking for a unique way to explore Prague, the Segway Fun Tour is just what you need. You can ride up and down the hills of Prague while discovering the famous sites and beautiful landscape that Prague has to offer. From the Prague Castle to the Strahov Monastery, you will be accompanied by a attentive and knowledgeable guide who will share with you the hidden stories of the historic locations a landmarks. This is a truly unique experience you don’t want to miss.

Listing Language: Portuguese