Marrakech

Marhaba! This is the traditional greeting used in Morocco to mean a warm “hello and welcome!”

On arrival, you will be met by a representative at the airport who will assist you through immigration and customs and connect you with your driver. Afterwards, you will be transferred to the hotel to settle in before the program begins.

Gather as a group for welcome cocktails in the stables at the Selman Hotel. Then, convene at the Assyl Restaurant for a relaxed and warm welcome to Morocco.

Overnight: Selman Marrakech
(Prestige rooms – Upgrades available)

Marrakech

Today you will discover the gems of Marrakech, the most famous city in Morocco. This full day of sightseeing will include some of the most historical landmarks in Marrakech.

Start your tour with a stop at the Koutoubia Mosque, an emblem of Marrakech. It is not possible to enter the Mosque, but its beauty can be admired from the gardens and the square. Built in the 12th century, the Koutoubia’s minaret is considered one of the highlights of Islamic religious structures in North Africa and the inspiration for the architects of the Giralda in Seville and the Hassan Tower in Rabat.

From the Mosque we will move on to the Synagogue where you will have a private visit with the President of the Jewish Community of Marrakech.

Afterwards, visit Dar El Bacha Museum, formally the private residence of Thami El Glaoui (who ruled over Marrakech from 1912 to 1956), Dar El Bacha Palace has historically hosted magnificent celebrations and receptions in the presence of the well-known historical figures, including Winston Churchill and Jacques Majorelle.

Enjoy a lunch together, and if time allows, the afternoon may include a visit to the Majorelle Gardens & Yves Saint Laurent Museum, where you will experience one of the most enchanting and colorful gardens in Morocco.

Day two will conclude with a lively dinner and entertainment.

Overnight: Selman Marrakech
(Prestige rooms – Upgrades available)

Atlas Mountains

After breakfast at the hotel, set out for a full day in the Atlas Mountains. You will drive to the small village of Imlil, which is a picturesque, 1 hour and 20 minute drive from Marrakech.

Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and set out together to begin your walk through orchards to the village of Armed (at an elevation of 2000m). Here you will meet with a local family who will welcome you into their home. Savor freshly made bread accompanied by a refreshing mint tea as your host enlightens you on the daily lifestyle of the locals with tales of their family, history and culture.

Eat lunch in the mountains. Afterwards, drive back to Marrakech and have a free afternoon.

In the evening, enjoy a group dinner in a local Moroccan restaurant called Le Yacout.

Overnight: Selman Marrakech
(Prestige rooms – Upgrades available)

Casablanca

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and depart for Casablanca via Ben Guerir where you will visit Mohammed VI Polytechnic University and be hosted by the University’s President. Afterwards, continue to Casablanca.

Along the way, visit the magnificent Hassan II Grand Mosque, one of the few mosques that can be visited by non-Muslims in Morocco. Built on reclaimed land, almost half of the surface of the mosque lies over the waters of the Atlantic. The mosque is amongst the largest in the world and can house as many as 25,000 worshipers. Its minaret is one of the tallest religious structures in the world.

In the evening, enjoy a special dinner at Le Cabestan on Corniche, where the sublime scenery of the Casablanca coastline has made this restaurant a timeless and unmissable place since 1926.

Overnight: Royal Mansour Casablanca

Rabat

Today you will enjoy breakfast with Former Minister of Tourism, Serge Berdugo, President of the Council of Jewish Communities of Morocco.

Afterwards, visit the Museum of Moroccan Judaism, created and managed by the Foundation of Judeo-Moroccan Cultural Heritage. The museum is considered the first museum of the city of Casablanca, and the only Jewish Museum in the Arab world.

After lunch, travel to Rabat, the capital of the Kingdom of Morocco, situated at the mouth of the River Bou Regreg. After checking into the hotel, you depart for an afternoon of sightseeing and conclude the evening over dinner with the Israeli Ambassador.

Overnight: Fairmont Rabat
(Deluxe with balcony – Upgrades available)

Rabat

Eat breakfast at the hotel before departing for a meeting at the American Embassy.

Afterwards, explore Rabat through its historical cultural sites including the Mausoleum, a perfectly preserved example of the Alaouite dynasty’s architectural style.

This afternoon is dedicated to meetings with some of the following Hebrew University Moroccan partners:

• Mohammed VI Polytechnic University and/or International University of Rabat
• Minister Chakib ben-Moussa
• Kasbah Oudaya

This evening, you will have time to freshen up at the Fairmont Rabat and enjoy a quick meal before going to the Casablanca airport for your overnight flight to Israel (Limited business class seat upgrades available). Flight details below:

• AirMaroc 228
• Departing Casablanca at 11:10 PM
• Arriving in Tel Aviv at 6:30 AM

Day Rooms: Fairmont Rabat
(Deluxe with balcony – Upgrades available)

Tel Aviv

Early this morning, arrive in Israel and transfer to your hotel for an early check-in. You will have this morning at your leisure.

Enjoy lunch as a group before departing for the Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment in Rehovot. Tour the university’s sesame fields, greenhouses and apiary and witness firsthand how Israel’s leading research institute for advanced agricultural technology is positively impacting agriculture worldwide.

In the evening, experience Israel’s renowned home hospitality at a festive reception hosted at a private residence in Kfar Shmaryahu with University faculty and special guests.

Overnight: The Jaffa
(Deluxe Balcony Sea View rooms. Upgrades available.)

Jerusalem and Surrounds

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and depart for a full day of programming in the South of Israel. Travel to Sderot, an Israeli town which has been greatly affected by missile attacks from Gaza. Meet with the mayor of Sderot and together visit an observation point with sweeping views of Gaza.

You will also have the opportunity to visit an IDF Airforce Base in the south and meet with several officers. To round out today’s experiences, visit Beersheva with a briefing from Mayor Ruby Danilovich.

At the end of the day, drive to Jerusalem to check into your hotel and have dinner as a group.

Overnight: The Orient
(Templer Executive Rooms. Upgrades available.)

Jerusalem

After breakfast, visit the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Edmond J. Safra campus. Meet with researchers and students while touring The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences and the The Rachel and Selim Benin School of Computer Science and Engineering. Conclude the morning tour with a special presentation on artificial intelligence.

Accompanied by a Hebrew University student ambassador, travel to the thriving community of Kiryat Arba, Hebrew for “Town of the Four”, founded by Hebron pioneers in 1971.

Return to Jerusalem for this evening’s group dinner with faculty members from The Harry S. Truman Research Institute for the Advancement of Peace.

Overnight: The Orient
(Templer Executive Rooms. Upgrades available.)

Jerusalem

After breakfast at the hotel, meet with representatives from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem for another full day of programming.

Tour the Old City with Ambassador Yossi Gal and witness the Friday activity between the three major religions.

Conclude the evening at a private residence for an intimate Shabbat dinner with some of the University’s most prominent professors.

Overnight: The Orient
(Templer Executive Rooms. Upgrades available.)

Departures

After breakfast at the hotel, you will participate in high-profile meetings before a special farewell lunch to reflect on all that you have learned, experienced and connected with, before you part ways.

Depending on your flight time, you will check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport in Tel Aviv for your international flight or onward connection.