Fes One-Day Private Tour

Fez , the most ancient city of all the imperial cities, was founded in the 8th century, and is now seen as the spiritual and handicrafts’ capital of the Moroccan Kingdom. Its medina, World Heritage of the UNESCO, is full of palaces, museums, mosques.

The Fez Full Day City tour will take you to the heart of the city, which is the city that most reflects the ancestral past of the Moroccan kingdom and its ancient civilization. It was and still remains the core of intellectual and spiritual creativity, not only in Morocco but also in the Islamic world. Fez houses, the oldest university in the world, Al Quaraouiyyne, and its ancient medina was classified as Universal Heritage by UNESCO in 1981.

During this guided tour of the city of Fez, you will walk in the alleys of the medina of Fez, authentic and traditional that lives to the rhythm of history, and discover its Koranic schools, its medersas (Attarine, Bounania, etc.). ), its fountains, its Andalusian style palaces, its mausoleum (Moulay Idriss II, Sidi Ahmed Tijani, etc.), the Al Karaouiyine University, the oldest in the world. Visit the many theme souks and numerous craft workshops, the famous tanners ‘quarter, the weavers’ quarter, the cabinet makers, etc. observing the age-old craftsmanship. The day includes a lunch in a typical Moroccan restaurant in the heart of the medina of Fez.

Here are some places you will see during the visit:

1. Gates of the Royal Palace : Since the Royal Palace is situated outside of the Fes medina, I recommend taking a taxi to get there. That way you don’t loose any time. You can’t enter the palace, but the royal gates alone are worth visiting. These massive golden doors surrounded by colorful mosaics are a sight for sore eyes.
2. Bab Bou Jeloud : A 20 minute walk from the Royal Palace will take you to the Blue Gate, which is the western main entrance to the Fes medina. The entry side of the gate that greets new visitors is blue and represents the color of the city of Fes, which is famous for its pottery with blue designs. The reverse side, which faces the medina, is green, the color of islam.
3. Madrasa Bou Inania : The Madrasa Bou Inania is the biggest Quran school in Fes. It even houses a complete mosque. Coming early in the morning is strongly advised, because it is the most visited madrasa in Fes. But with a little creativity and patience, you are still able to take nice pictures.
4. Chouara Tanneries : This is probably the most famous “attraction” of Fes, but very hard to find on your own. Try to find someone who can take you inside the tanneries instead of just standing on a terrace of one of the leather shops. It is a unique experience to walk between the tanning pits filled with pigeon shit and natural coloring products such as cedar wood (brown), poppy flower (red), indigo (blue), henna (orange), mint (green) and saffron (yellow). You will get a “behind the scenes” and meet with the people working there.
5. Al Attarine Madrasa : The courtyard is much smaller than the one of Bou Inania, but its architecture is way more impressive. The tiled floor, the marble fountain in the center, the walls decorated with intricate zellige mosaic tiles, Arabic calligraphy and carved stucco ornamentation, marble columns holding elaborately carved wooden arches are all awe-inspiring.
6. Mosque and University Karaouiyne : You can’t enter the mosque but you can admire its courtyard through the entrance doors, if you are lucky. It is also worth it to take a walk around its walls and admire all the gorgeous decorated doors. Sometimes a door is open and you can take a look inside. But always show respect towards people entering and leaving the mosque and don’t take photos of people praying. I had the luck Kamal suggested to take my camera to take a few shots inside, because the courtyard looks amazing! If you are less lucky; enjoy the photos beneath.
7. Fondouk el-Nejjarine : Fondouk el-Nejjarine is a museum about woodcrafting. It used to be a resting place for travelers, a “traveler inn”. Because of all the wooden ornamentation it received its name “Nejjarine”, which means carpenter. I was impressed by all the wooden objects in this museum. The details in each work show true crastmanship.
8. Cherratine Madrasa : This is the third madrasa you can visit in Fes. It is less decorated but has two floors of student rooms. Not too many people visit this one because it is really tucked away in the medina.
9. Lunch Recommandation : During this unique, immersive tour, you’ll combine an attraction-packed stroll through the Medina of Fez with a home-cooked lunch in the home of a local family. If you prefer, you will have lunch in one of the best typical restaurants of the medina.