Fes Full-Day Guided City Tour

Tour Highlight:

Royal Palace Gate:
The journey begins at the Royal Palace Gate, a stunning architectural marvel reflecting the grandeur of the Alaouite dynasty. Mellah Next, explore the Mellah, Fes’ historic Jewish quarter, established in the 16th century, where you can still see beautifully preserved synagogues and traditional Andalusian-style homes.

Borj du Sud: (Southern Fort)
Visit the 16th-century Borj du Sud, a fortress that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city, providing a unique perspective of the sprawling Medina and the surrounding landscape.

Pottery Village:
Experience the renowned Pottery Village of Fes, where you’ll witness the intricate, centuries-old process of pottery-making, from shaping the clay to glazing with vibrant Moroccan patterns.

Artisan Quarters in the Medina:
Explore the heart of the Medina, where you’ll visit bustling souks such as those for brass, copper, wedding adornments, and even the markets for carpenters, bakers, and butchers.

Fes Tannery:
Visit the iconic Fes Tannery, where artisans continue the ancient process of leather-dyeing in colorful stone vats, offering a mesmerizing view of this traditional craft.

Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II:
Pay homage to the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II, the revered founder of Fes, a site of immense spiritual and historical significance.

Al-Qarawiyyin University: Al-Qarawiyyin University Concluding the journey.
Founded in 859 by Fatima al-Fihri. As the world’s oldest continuously operating educational institution, Al-Qarawiyyin has shaped not only Fes but the intellectual heritage of the entire Islamic world. Here, you will feel the pulse of Fes’ storied academic tradition and the deep historical significance of this prestigious university, which continues to inspire scholars to this day.

Itinerary:

Embark on an extraordinary journey through the historic and enigmatic imperial city of Fes, Morocco. This meticulously curated tour will take you to the most remarkable landmarks, offering a deep dive into the rich history and cultural heritage of this ancient metropolis.

Following breakfast at your traditional Riad, your knowledgeable driver and local guide will meet you around 9:30 and accompany you on an extensive exploration of the world's largest and oldest continuously inhabited Medina, dating back to the 9th century. As you navigate the labyrinthine alleys and winding streets, you will be immersed in the city's timeless atmosphere, experiencing Fes through the eyes of a seasoned expert.

Our tour begins at the Royal Palace Gate, an impressive architectural masterpiece that stands as a testament to the grandeur of Morocco’s monarchy. This magnificent gateway, adorned with intricate zellige tilework and majestic brass doors, provides a glimpse into the opulence of the Alaouite dynasty. Adjacent to the palace is the Mellah, the historic Jewish quarter established in the 16th century. This district was once home to a thriving Jewish community, and remnants of its rich history can still be seen in the beautifully preserved synagogues and traditional Andalusian-style homes.

Next, we venture to the “Borj du Sud” (Southern Fort), an imposing 16th-century fortress constructed during the reign of the Saadian dynasty. This strategic stronghold, likely inspired by Portuguese military architecture, was built to safeguard the city from potential invaders. The fort not only played a crucial defensive role but also served as a military observation point for monitoring movement in and out of Fes. Positioned atop a hill, Borj du Sud offers breathtaking panoramic views of Fes, stretching across the sprawling Medina to its northern counterpart, Borj Nord, which similarly served as a defensive bastion. The vantage point from this fortification allows visitors to fully appreciate the vastness and historical depth of the city while taking in the stunning contrast between the ancient Medina and the modern expansion of Fes.

After enjoying the spectacular views from Borj du Sud, we proceed to the renowned pottery village of Fes, a place where traditional ceramic craftsmanship has been preserved for centuries. Here, you will have the opportunity to witness the intricate process of pottery-making step by step, from the preparation of raw clay to the final decorative touches. Skilled artisans shape the clay using time-honored techniques, before meticulously painting and glazing the pieces with vibrant, traditional Moroccan motifs. This immersive experience offers a rare insight into one of Fes' most cherished artistic traditions, providing a newfound appreciation for the skill and dedication that go into every handcrafted piece.

Returning to the heart of the Medina, we delve into the vibrant artisan quarters, where generations of skilled craftsmen continue to practice traditional trades. In these bustling souks, you will witness the intricate artistry of brass and copper workers, explore the wedding adornment markets, and observe the craftsmanship of carpenters, bakers, and butchers in their designated districts. Navigating these quarters alone would be a daunting challenge, but with our expert guidance, you will seamlessly experience the essence of this cultural mosaic.

A true highlight of the journey is the renowned Fes tannery, an iconic site that has been in operation since medieval times. From an elevated viewpoint, you will have an unparalleled perspective of the traditional leather-dyeing process, where skilled artisans treat and color hides in vast stone vats using age-old techniques. This mesmerizing spectacle offers an authentic glimpse into one of Morocco’s most celebrated crafts.

The tour then takes a spiritual and intellectual turn as we visit the sacred and scholarly landmarks of Fes. We will pay homage to the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II, the revered founder of Fes and a figure of immense historical significance. Pilgrims and visitors alike are drawn to this holy site, which is regarded as a place of blessings and divine presence.

No visit to Fes is complete without exploring the prestigious Al-Qarawiyyin University and Mosque, founded in 859 by the visionary Fatima al-Fihri. Initially established as a madrasa (religious school), this institution evolved into one of the foremost centers of learning in the medieval Islamic world, attracting scholars from across North Africa and Andalusia. It remains one of the oldest continuously operating universities in the world and was officially integrated into Morocco’s modern state university system in 1963.

This journey through Fes is more than a mere tour; it is an invitation to step back in time and experience the city’s profound historical and cultural legacy firsthand. With expert guidance and unparalleled access to its most treasured sites, this adventure promises to be an unforgettable exploration of one of Morocco’s most captivating cities.  


End of the Tour.


Included in your package:
 Air-conditioned Luxury vehicle.
 Professional English speaking driver.
 Expert licensed official guide .
 Hotel pick-up & Drop-off.
 Mini bottled water offered throughout the tour.
 Wet & dry tissues in your vehicle.

Not included:
 Lunch.
 Admission fee to monuments.
 Gratuities.