Czech Archives | World Jewish Travel

Prague Jewish Quarter Tour

We begin our tour in the Maisel Synagogue to get acquainted with the history of Czech Jews that dates back to the 10th century. We will visit the Pinkas Synagogue, which was turned into the Holocaust Memorial, walk through the Old Jewish Cemetery with the oldest grave from the 15th century, and learn about the customs and traditions of local Ashkenazi Jews in the Klaus Synagogue. Then we take a look at the historical Jewish Town Hall and admire the beautiful Spanish synagogue built in the Moorish style. These sights form the Jewish Museum. Apart from the museum, you can also visit the oldest active synagogue in Europe, called the Old-New Synagogue, built more than 700 years ago and used by the local Orthodox community.

Duration 3-4 hours.

Anthony

Antony Roos is a researcher, translator, and journalist with expertise in Jewish history and Middle Eastern studies. He earned his degree in Jewish Studies from Charles University in Prague and further specialized in the Modern History of the Middle East at Ben Gurion University in Israel. His commentary on Jewish and Israeli affairs has been featured on CNN, where he gained prominence for his insightful coverage of the recent Amsterdam riots. His academic article was published in Judaica Bohemiae.

Terezin

Visit Terezín with Pavel Batel’s Team – Terezín is a key missing link in understanding the Holocaust, and our extensive research uncovers the untold stories that are crucial to this history. We offer private and semi-private tours, as well as tailor-made excursions designed for groups of students and other organizations. Our tours provide first-hand information drawn directly from our research, ensuring a unique, in-depth experience that brings history to life through the eyes of dedicated experts.

12 Morocco Jewish Tours: Best Travel Agency in Morocco

Morocco is home to one of the richest and oldest Jewish histories in the world, and exploring its vibrant Jewish heritage is a journey like no other. From ancient synagogues to Jewish quarters (mellahs), Morocco offers a deep connection to Jewish history. Whether you’re seeking to discover your roots, explore heritage sites, or simply experience the country’s unique culture, a Morocco Jewish tour is the perfect way to do so. With Morocco Best Sahara Tours, a trusted travel agency with more than 414 excellent reviews on TripAdvisor, you can embark on a remarkable journey through Morocco’s Jewish past.

Amazing 12 Days Jewish Morocco Tour

This 12-day Jewish Morocco tour takes you on an immersive journey across the country, starting in the bustling cities of Casablanca, Fes, and Marrakech, and venturing into smaller towns with significant Jewish heritage. You’ll visit historic synagogues, Jewish cemeteries, and the once-thriving Jewish quarters, all while enjoying the stunning landscapes of Morocco. This itinerary also offers kosher food options and accommodations that respect Jewish dietary laws.

Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca

Start your tour in the cosmopolitan city of Casablanca, where you will visit the Beth-El Synagogue and the Jewish Museum, the only one of its kind in the Arab world.

Day 2: Casablanca to Rabat

Continue your journey to Rabat, Morocco’s capital. Visit the old mellah and the Chellah Necropolis, which houses an ancient Jewish cemetery.

Day 3: Meknes and Volubilis

Explore Meknes, known for its royal history and Jewish community, and visit the Ibn Danan Synagogue. Then, take a trip to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis.

Day 4-5: Fes – The Heart of Jewish Heritage

In Fes, visit the Jewish quarter (mellah), the Aben Danan Synagogue, and the Jewish cemetery where prominent Moroccan rabbis are buried. Enjoy a guided tour of the Fes medina and its many cultural treasures.

Day 6: Fes to Midelt – The Gateway to the Sahara

Travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing by picturesque Berber villages, and visit the Jewish community in Midelt.

Day 7-8: The Sahara Experience

Experience a camel trek in the Sahara Desert and stay in a luxurious desert camp. Witness stunning sunrises and explore desert landscapes.

Day 9-10: Marrakech

Explore the Jewish quarter in Marrakech, including the Lazama Synagogue and the Saadian Tombs, home to some of the earliest Jewish residents. Marrakech’s vibrant markets and gardens also offer a cultural treat.

Day 11: Essaouira – Jewish History by the Sea

Head to the coastal town of Essaouira, known for its historic Jewish community. Visit the old mellah, the Jewish Museum, and the tomb of Rabbi Haim Pinto.

Day 12: Departure from Marrakech or Casablanca

End your journey with a final exploration of the vibrant streets of Marrakech or Casablanca before your departure.

Morocco Jewish Heritage Tour – Morocco Kosher Tour Package

For those seeking a deeper exploration of Morocco’s Jewish heritage while adhering to kosher practices, the Morocco Kosher Tour Package is an ideal option. This package is designed to ensure that all dietary needs are met, with kosher meals and Shomer Shabbos-friendly accommodations, allowing you to fully enjoy the experience without any concerns.

This Morocco Jewish Heritage Tour from Casablanca covers the country’s main Jewish landmarks, including synagogues, cemeteries, and important historical sites. It also includes visits to the beautiful Imperial Cities and the Atlas Mountains, offering a well-rounded experience of Morocco’s culture and Jewish history.

Grand Jewish Tours of Morocco – Explore the Rich Heritage

The Grand Jewish Tours of Morocco provide travelers with a chance to dive deep into the Jewish heritage of Morocco. From the medieval cities of Fes and Meknes to the cosmopolitan streets of Casablanca and the serene landscapes of the Sahara, these tours encompass it all. You’ll visit well-preserved Jewish quarters, active synagogues, and historic sites where Jewish communities once flourished.

Highlights include the Marrakech mellah, where the Lazama Synagogue stands as a testament to the Jewish presence, and Essaouira, a coastal town where Jewish merchants played a crucial role in the development of trade. With guides knowledgeable in both Jewish and Moroccan history, you’ll gain insights into the interconnected histories of these cultures.

Morocco Jewish Tours – Kosher Tours for Shomer Shabbos

For those observing Shomer Shabbos, Morocco Best Sahara Tours offers itineraries that cater to your needs. Our kosher tours ensure that you have access to kosher food throughout your journey, and our tours are planned to respect the Sabbath, allowing for restful and meaningful experiences. Whether you wish to celebrate Shabbat in the ancient city of Fes or amidst the cultural charm of Marrakech, our travel agency will make the necessary arrangements for a smooth and respectful experience.

Why Choose Morocco Best Sahara Tours for Jewish Heritage Tours?

With over 414 excellent reviews on TripAdvisor, Morocco Best Sahara Tours has established itself as a reliable and trusted travel agency specializing in Morocco Jewish tours. Here’s why you should book your Jewish heritage tour with us:

Customizable itineraries: Our Jewish heritage tours can be customized to meet your preferences, from visiting specific sites to ensuring kosher food and Shabbat-friendly accommodations.
Expert guides: Our experienced guides provide in-depth knowledge about Morocco’s Jewish history and ensure you gain a full understanding of the country’s unique Jewish legacy.
Comfortable and reliable services: From transportation to accommodation, we offer comfortable options that meet the highest standards, making your trip enjoyable and stress-free.

A Truly Delicious Taste of Jewish History in a Full Day Tour

Come and enjoy a day like no other and experience traditional Czech and Jewish cuisine. See how grandmothers for years would prepare meals for their families just as they did in the shtetl (Jewish market town). You’ll have the unique opportunity to try some of my family’s favorite meals, take part in the cooking process, and learn about the entire process, from buying the ingredients to the final tasting of the dishes.

Once you’ve finished cooking and eating together with me and our driver (it’s a lot of food!), we will take you to the Jewish Quarter for a tour. Here you will discover the treasures of the ancient Jewish Quarter, including the interiors of four famous synagogues and the exterior of the oldest synagogue north of the Alps, the Old-New Synagogue, still in use today.

Highlights include:
Visiting the local farmers’ market.
Authentic shopping experience with a professional chef.
Preparing a three-course meal with a professional chef.
Visiting the Jewish quarter for a 3-hour historical tour.
View the interiors of four famous synagogues, the exterior of the Old-New Synagogue, and take a walk through the Old Jewish Cemetery and see the Burial Brotherhood Guild.

Please note: Sunday is not optimal for this tour due to the market being closed.

Terezín Concentration Camp and Prague Jewish Quarter Full Day Tour

We will start this tour with a Hotel pick-up by car in the morning. On the way to Terezín (50 minutes), I will talk about the history of the Czech Republic and what it was like during the occupation in World War II, and the tragic fate of the Jews in former Czechoslovakia and Eastern Europe.

In Terezin, firstly we will visit the Large Fortress and the Terezín Museum. Afterwards, there is the Magdeburg Barracks, the hidden synagogue, the Jewish cemetery, the Menorah monument, and the crematorium waiting for us. Last but not least we will go into to the Small Fortress to spend time exploring the Gestapo prison, the single and mass cells, and a secret tunnel that most visitors do not get to see – this will take place with a local guide who has access.

We will then head back to Prague to visit the Jewish Quarter, including several famous synagogues: The 13th-century Old-New Synagogue (The Oldest synagogue in Europe), The Pinkas Synagogue, now a hallowed museum dedicated to the Czech victims of the Holocaust, The Klausen Synagogue, which contains an exhibition of Jewish traditions and artifacts and The Spanish Synagogue. We will also take a visit to the Jewish cemetery.

Please note, If hungry, we can stop for lunch in Prague before touring the Jewish Quarter.

Lidice and Terezín: An Educational Day Trip of Holocaust history from Prague

This visit is essential to understanding the complicated history that unfolded in Czechoslovakia in 1941 when the region’s thousand-year-old Jewish communities were deported through Terezín to death camps elsewhere.

This tour will start with a Hotel pick-up in the morning (8 am).On the way to Lidice (30 minutes), I will talk about the history of the Czech Republic and what it was like during the occupation in WW2, and the tragic fate of the Jews in former Czechoslovakia and Eastern Europe.

We will be driving around the site where Reinhard Heydrich was assassinated by members of the Czech resistance. Once in Lidice, we will have a comprehensive tour of the site and visit the local museum and the emotional memorial for those who perished. We will then take a short drive to Terezin (35 minutes). Upon arriving in Terezin, firstly we will visit the Large Fortress and the Terezín Museum. Afterwards, there is the Magdeburg Barracks, the hidden Synagogue, the Jewish cemetery, the Menorah monument, and a visit to the crematorium. Lastly, we will go into the Small Fortress to spend time exploring the Gestapo prison, the single and mass cells, and a secret tunnel that most visitors do not get to see (with a local guide).

Please note there is no official lunch break on this tour. I recommend a packed lunch or a quick stop at a bakery before we leave the city.

Ljuba Poleva

I am a highly experienced and fully licensed private tour guide. I have been showing international visitors the wonders of Prague for close to twenty-five years, ever since the fall of the Communist Regime in 1989 when tourism in the Czech Republic began to take off. I am fluent in English, Russian, and Czech and offer tours in all these languages. I specialize in leading tours of the historical Jewish sights of Eastern and Central Europe. These sights include the Jewish Quarter of Prague, Theresienstadt, Kolin, and the old Ghetto towns of the Czech Republic (to name just a few). I also provide tours of the non-Jewish sections of Prague. My education and prior work experience have provided me with the skills and knowledge necessary to give informative and interesting tours. I have a doctorate degree in the Philosophy of Judaism from Charles University and have worked at the Jewish Museum in Prague both in the Archive Department and as a personal guide.

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.

Yvonne Penkavova

Yvonne, a member of Pavel Batel’s team and co-founder of Jewish Prague Tour, offers a fresh perspective on Jewish history. With a degree in Hebrew Studies and Political Science from Charles University, she specializes in Prague’s Jewish history, and the dramatic 19th-century demolition of Prague’s Jewish Quarter.

As a sought-after speaker, Yvonne has addressed audiences at prestigious institutions like the Centre du Judaïsme in Paris and the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York, alongside EU and U.S. dignitaries. Featured in The Jerusalem Post and The Wall Street Journal, her insights are grounded in the latest academic research.

A specialist in Prague’s Jewish history, Yvonne also guides visitors through the Jewish Quarter, offering in-depth, first-hand information from her extensive research.

Tour & Guide Language: Czech