Arrival in Fez

Fez Mellah - Upon arriving at Fes airport, travelers will be greeted by their guide to commence their adventure in Fez. They can choose to explore the city or enjoy a leisurely day.

Fez is undeniably captivating, engaging the senses with its enchanting sounds, stunning visuals, and evocative aromas. As the oldest of the imperial capitals and a complete medieval city of the Islamic world, Fez feels like a city frozen in time, unaffected by the ever-changing world beyond its walls. Fez owes nothing to the Western world, except for electricity.

Time spent in Fez will reveal the sophistication of Moroccan artisans, offering an unparalleled learning experience to visitors. The morning will be dedicated to exploring the Medina. A specialized guide will lead a historical exploration of Fez, starting at the King’s Palace and its Meshwar, featuring ramparts and majestic gates.

Next, visitors will explore the Jewish quarter, a 15th-century citadel showcasing Moorish maze architecture and medieval splendor. Highlights include visits to Sephardic synagogues and mausoleums of revered Rabbis. Then, a drive to the Merinides hill will offer a visit to their necropolis, providing the best panoramic view of the old walled Medina, filled with countless minarets that have called for prayers for 12 centuries. Descending the hills to the gate of Bab Guissa, travelers will leave their vehicle and enter an ancient world. Fez has preserved its Medina as it was centuries ago, with only donkeys, mules, and horses used for transportation.

The first guilds encountered will be cobblers, saddlers, and blacksmiths, interspersed with caravansaries for tribesmen trading and supplying their needs. Descending to Juteya, visitors will find various crafts, notably carpenters and leather workers, with a traditional tannery nearby. This walk leads to El Ashabine square, bustling with activities. From there, travelers will proceed to Sgha square, leading to Attarine, Souk el Henna, and the Mausoleum of Moulay Idris, the founder of Fez. Adjacent is the Nejjarine square, known for its famous fountain, carpentry guild, and the museum of folk arts at the Fondouk.

Visitors will walk to the tannery and continue to the great Mosque university of Al Quarrawiyyine, passing by Shemmaine, the dried fruits market. Following this, they will visit the Medersa Attarine and walk to Sbetryyine, a bookbinders’ guild, leading to Seffarine Square, where the sound of metalworkers is as loud as it has been for centuries. After a lunch break, exploration of Fez Medina continues, highlighting the Dyers souk, Foundouk Tetouani, and the shrine of Sidi Ahmed Tijani. The walk concludes at Foundouk Lihoudi, where a local Fez family will host guests for traditional mint tea. Finally, travelers will return to their hotel for dinner and accommodations. This brief trip to Morocco offers a wonderful introduction to Moroccan history and culture.

Fez Mellah - Discover the history and heritage of the Mellah Jewish quarter with a local guide. Visit a synagogue and Jewish cemetery.

Bab Bou Jeloud - Begin the Medina walking tour from the Boujloud Blue gate, the main entrance to the city.

Bou Inania Medersa - Visit the 14th-century Medersa with a local guide who will provide an overview of this historic School of Jurisprudence.

Chaouwara Tanneries - The guide will lead a tour of this medieval tannery where leather hides are still treated using traditional methods.

Moulay Idriss - Visit the Mausoleum of the founder of Fez to appreciate the finest Moorish architecture.

Palais Quaraouiyine - Explore the ancient University and Mosque of Quaraouiyine and Seffarine square with a local guide.

Day trip to Meknes, Volubilis, and Moulay Idriss Zerhoune

Meknes Medina - For those who appreciate ancient history and stunning landscapes, this Morocco day excursion is ideal. Today is a journey through time! This adventure will transport travelers from imperial Rome to the ninth century A.D. Unlike movies, this temporal journey will take nearly the entire day, with stops along the way.

The first stop is the ancient Roman city of Volubilis, a significant city in the imperial Roman province of Mauritania (modern-day Morocco and Western Sahara) during Caracalla’s reign. Volubilis is remarkably well-preserved, showcasing the brilliance of Roman urban planning. The two main streets in every Roman castrum, the Cardo and Decumanus, are prominent. The Cardo runs north-south, and the Decumanus, east-west. Their intersection is the heart of every Roman city, where the ruins of the ancient forum can be found.

Moving forward in time, just a few minutes away is the revered citadel of Moulay Idris, founded in the 8th century by Moulay Idris Al Akbar, grandson of the Prophet Mohamed (s.a.w.s). This citadel is considered the cradle of Sufism in Moroccan society and the first Islamic capital for the premier Arab dynasty. The city was primarily established for the indigenous population that migrated with Moulay Idris from the Middle East.

Travelers will drive approximately 15 miles to the next stop, the imperial city of Meknes. Meknes is a 17th-century city built by Moulay Ismail to rival Fez, often referred to as the Versailles of Morocco.

Finally, travelers will reach their destination, the ninth-century city of Fez. In the evening, they will experience the grandeur of the Imperial Cities. They will visit the sights outside the ancient walled city, including the ramparts, gates, and Borjs (Moorish Forts). After this introductory experience of Fez, they will dine at their hotel and prepare for the day three excursion.

Meknes - Known as the Versailles of Morocco, this city boasts medieval prestige and style. A guide will lead a visit to the historic highlights of this city.

Volubilis - An archaeology guide will lead a tour of this ancient Roman capital, exploring a complete metropolis over 2500 years old.

Day Trip Excursion to B’Halil and Sefrou - Cooking Class in Fez Riad or Hammam Spa in the Medina

Sefrou Falls - Travelers can choose this excursion or participate in a cooking class with a renowned chef in a riad in the Medina of Fez. Alternatively, they can enjoy a traditional Hammam spa in the Medina. The morning offers various options. In the afternoon, an excursion to Sefrou, an old Jewish town in the Atlas mountains, and Bhalil, a troglodyte village, is available. Return to Fez for dinner and accommodation at the hotel.

Medina of Fez - Experience a traditional Hammam in the Medina of Fez.

Fez Cooking School at Palais Amani - Enjoy preparing lunch the Moroccan way with a chef, learning about traditional Moroccan culinary arts.

Transfer to the Airport according to your departure time

Medina of Fez - Transfer to the Airport to catch the flight back home.

• Local guides and Tour leader fees
• Daily breakfast and dinner
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• All fees and/or taxes

• Lunches, Tips to tour leader and driver

Embark on a brief journey into Morocco’s rich past with this tour in Fez. Your adventure begins with a warm reception at Fes airport, where you’ll meet your guide and be transported to your hotel or riad. Enjoy exploring the Fez medina at your own pace, and don’t miss out on optional trips to the surrounding Atlas Mountains. This route will take you to Volubilis, the Roman heart of Mauritania Tingitana, before heading to Meknes, known as Morocco’s Versailles. Optional trips to the historic city of Sefrou, a former Jewish outpost, and the Village of B’Halil, a relic of Christian Morocco, are also available. We provide day-long hiking expeditions in the Atlas Mountains, with all our brief tours being bookable in person. Our Atlas trips can be altered to match your timeframe and budget. We eagerly await your reservation to provide you with an unforgettable Moroccan experience.

• Safety distancing
• Masks and Sanitary gels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.