Highlights of Israel & Morocco

(15 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Jerusalem & Dead Sea, Tel Aviv, Casablanca, Fez, Atlas Mountains, Marrakesh

Experience the best of two popular cultural and heritage destinations—Israel and Morocco—on this exclusive private tour. Explore fascinating ancient sites related to Jewish, Christian and Muslim traditions; feel the unique energy of cities such as Jerusalem and Marrakesh; and dine on incredible Middle Eastern and Moroccan cuisine throughout this unforgettable journey.

Begin in Jerusalem, Israel, one of the world's most fascinating and historic cities. Upon arrival, enjoy VIP airport assistance, and then tour Jerusalem with your expert private guide, who will bring the city's incredible, multilayered history and culture to life. Visit different neighborhoods according to your interests, such as the Old City—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and its Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Armenian quarters. See highlights such as the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Via Dolorosa, ancient synagogues, bazaars, and atmospheric narrow streets lined with galleries and private homes. Visit Jerusalem's most important museums, such as the Yad Vashem Holocaust History Museum and the Israel Museum. See the Mount of Olives and walk upon the Old City ramparts. Also tour the Machane Yehuda Market, which is a great place to sample local culinary specialties such as burekas (flaky filled pastries), chocolate rugelach and halvah while shopping for regional staples such as tahini, za'atar, dried fruits and nuts. One day, if desired, take an expert-led excursion to Bethlehem to tour the Church of the Nativity, shop for locally produced olive wood crafts and eat some of the area's best falafel. During leisure time, enjoy your hotel's extensive resort facilities and beautiful, park-like grounds.

If desired, we can arrange many special interest activities around Jerusalem, such as taking a private market tour and cooking class with a renowned food expert, touring the ancient City of David, touring the excavation tunnels under the Western Wall, joining an archaeological dig, walking through the city's ancient underground water tunnels, planting a tree, specialized shopping, or visiting the village of Ein Kerem to experience its local food, wine, art and religious sites.

One day, enjoy a private excursion to the Dead Sea. En route, visit Masada, a historic mountaintop fortress. Visit a beach on the Dead Sea and, if desired, relax in the salt and mineral-laden water, famous for its buoyancy and therapeutic qualities.

Continue to Tel Aviv, a vibrant city on the Mediterranean Sea coast. During private touring, experience the best of Israel's largest city: the Neve Tzedek neighborhood, UNESCO-listed Bauhaus architecture, Old Jaffa, the Carmel Market, and museums such as the Eretz Israel Museum and the Museum of the Jewish Diaspora. If desired, we can also arrange a tour of the fascinating Ayalon Institute, a kibbutz that hid a secret underground ammunition factory. Additional options in Tel Aviv include specialized shopping, visiting the Design Museum Holon, strolling the port district or fashionable HaTachana, visiting the Roman ruins of Caesarea, spending time on the beach, and enjoying the city's excellent restaurants.

Next, fly to Morocco. Begin in Fez, the intellectual and religious heart of Morocco. During private touring, explore Fez el-Bali ("Old Fez") and its medieval medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site crammed with narrow streets, tiny squares and busy workshops. See centuries-old mosques and universities, as well as the open-air tanneries. If desired, also visit studios where artisans create traditional carpets, copperware, leatherwork, ceramics and zellij tilework. Also tour Fez el-Djedid ("New Fez") to see the Royal Palace and explore the mellah, the largest Jewish quarter in Morocco. If desired, spend a day touring major Roman ruins at Volubilis and the former imperial capital of Meknes, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Next, continue to the Atlas Mountains. En route, visit Rabat, Morocco's sophisticated seaside capital. Stroll through the beautiful Andalusian Gardens, and visit the landmark Kasbah of the Udayas, which perches on a hill above a scenic estuary. Also explore a medieval necropolis, see French colonial architecture, and discover the city's best museums and galleries. In the Atlas Mountains, spend two nights at Kasbah Tamadot, one of Morocco's most acclaimed luxury resorts. Designed like a traditional Moroccan fort, the hillside resort has beautiful grounds and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. During your stay, enjoy private visits to local Berber villages and markets, as well as time to relax at the resort pool and spa.

Continue to Marrakesh, a beautiful city of pink buildings, bustling souks (markets), and upscale shops and restaurants. During private touring, explore exquisite Moorish gardens and architectural highlights such as Jardin Majorelle, the Saadian Tombs and the Bahia Palace. See important historic monuments and districts, including the Jewish quarter, Koutoubia Mosque, and Ali ben Youssef Mosque and Madrassa. Also visit museums such as Dar Si Said Museum of Moroccan Arts, the Palmeraie Museum and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. Take an insider tour of the massive souks where shops offer local products such as Berber carpets, lanterns, trays, tilework, argan oil and Moroccan slippers. Also visit the spice souks, which are stocked with locally harvested saffron, cumin and other ingredients. Also explore Djemaa el-Fna, the city's lively main square. Relax with a glass of Moroccan mint tea at one of our favorite spots, and enjoy reservations at elegant restaurants in restored ryads (guesthouses). If desired, visit the best boutiques and galleries in Gueliz and other parts of Marrakesh.

One evening, enjoy an exclusive excursion into the nearby Agafay Desert for a sunset camel ride, traditional Berber entertainment and a private candlelit dinner under the stars. There will also be time to enjoy your luxurious resort, one of the most exclusive hotels in Morocco.

Booking Information >

All Artisans of Leisure tours are private and depart daily.

Please Contact Us for more information regarding the above tour, or to begin customizing your own itinerary.

The Artisans of Leisure Style of Travel:

• Private touring with your own personal guides and drivers
• Preferred rooms in the very best luxury hotels
• Firsthand, sophisticated destination knowledge and recommendations from our travel specialists
• Itineraries that are customized according to your interests and schedule
• Artisans of Leisure upgrades and amenities
• A seamless travel experience, including all logistics, skipping lines during touring whenever possible, restaurant and spa reservations, performance tickets, private airport transfers, internal transportation, VIP and fast-track airport assistance in many destinations
• Around-the-clock support in each destination during your trip
• Unique, insider travel experiences and access to the Artisans of Leisure network of experts around the world