A well-planned Fes tours travel itinerary with Rachid Morocco Tours ensures you experience the city in all its glory. Fes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities, is an enchanting destination that offers visitors a rich blend of history, culture, architecture, and authentic Moroccan experiences. As the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco, Fes is a must-see for any traveler eager to delve into the true essence of this North African country, wandering through ancient medinas to exploring stunning palaces, mosques, and markets.
Fes Tours Travel Itinerary
Here’s a comprehensive Fes tours travel itinerary, designed for travelers who want to explore the most iconic sights and hidden gems of Fes. Upon arriving, you’ll check in at your hotel or traditional Moroccan guesthouse, known for its beautiful architecture and tranquil courtyards. Staying in a traditional house provides a more authentic experience compared to modern hotels, allowing you to immerse yourself in Moroccan culture from the moment you arrive. After settling in, take some time to relax and recover from your travels.
Once you’re refreshed, head out your Fes tours travel itinerary to explore the oldest part of the city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The medina is a labyrinth of narrow streets filled with historical treasures, artisans at work, and colorful markets. Start at the famous Bab Bou Jeloud, which is the entrance to the medina. The intricate tilework of this gate offers a stunning introduction to Fes. As you stroll through the winding alleys, make your way to the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University, one of the oldest continually operating universities in the world.
Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter, but you can admire the beauty of the building from outside. After the first day of this Fes tours travel itinerary, indulge in a traditional Moroccan dinner at a local restaurant. Try iconic dishes like tagine, couscous, or pastilla, a savory pastry filled with chicken, almonds, and spices. Many restaurants in Fes offer rooftop terraces where you can enjoy stunning views of the city as the sun sets. Start your second day with a visit to the Madrasa Bou Inania, one of Fes’ most beautiful and well-preserved Islamic schools.
Built in the 14th century, it is an architectural masterpiece featuring intricate carvings, tilework, and a stunning central courtyard. Next on your Fes tours travel itinerary, make your way to the Chouara Tanneries, where leather has been dyed and processed for centuries. This is one of Fes’ most iconic sights, offering a unique glimpse into the ancient craft of leatherwork. From one of the nearby terraces, you can observe the workers as they soak and dye leather in large, colorful vats. Be prepared for a strong smell, but the experience is well worth it.
In the afternoon, explore the Mellah, Fes’ Jewish Quarter, which dates back to the 14th century. This area is distinct from the rest of the Fes tours travel itinerary with its wide streets and different architectural style. Take a walk through the Jewish Cemetery, a tranquil and historic site. Next, visit the Royal Palace of Fes, which is one of the largest in Morocco. While the palace is not open to the public, its grand brass doors and surrounding gardens are a magnificent sight and for photos.
After a day of walking and sightseeing, unwind your Fes tours travel itinerary with a visit to a hammam, a traditional Moroccan bathhouse, offering both relaxation and a cultural experience. Opt for a scrub and massage for a rejuvenating way to end your day. Some traditional houses even have their own hammams, providing an intimate and luxurious experience. On your third day, take a day trip to the nearby city of Meknes, another imperial city of Morocco, located about an hour from Fes. Meknes is known for its historical significance and architecture, but it’s quieter and less crowded than Fes.
Start your exploration at the Bab Mansour, one of the most beautiful gates in Morocco. Then, visit the Heri es-Souani, the granaries and stables built by Sultan Moulay Ismail to house thousands of horses. Lastly, head to the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, a site dedicated to the sultan who made Meknes his capital. After visiting Meknes, continue your Fes tours travel itinerary to the ancient Roman city of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in North Africa.
Walking through the ancient streets of Volubilis provides a glimpse into life during Roman times. Be sure to see the stunning mosaics and the iconic triumphal arch. After exploring Meknes and Volubilis, head back your Fes tours travel itinerary to the initial city for a relaxing evening. Consider dining at a rooftop restaurant or enjoying live Moroccan music at a local café. Fourth day, take a short trip to the nearby villages of Sefrou, known for its beautiful waterfalls and annual cherry festival, or Bhalil which is famous for its cave dwellings.
Including these villages in your Fes tours travel itinerary offers a peaceful escape from the bustle of the city and a chance to experience rural Moroccan life. In the afternoon, return to Fes to explore the city’s artisan workshops. Fes is known for its skilled craftsmen, and you can visit workshops where traditional crafts such as pottery, weaving, and metalwork are still practiced using ancient techniques. One of the most famous crafts in Fes is the production of beautiful tiles, and you can see how these are made.
Afterward, take some time to shop in the medina’s markets. Fes is famous for its leather goods, carpets, and pottery, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Don’t forget to haggle, as it is part of the experience. For your final night in Fes, enjoy a farewell dinner at one of the city’s top restaurants. Savor the flavors of Moroccan cuisine one last time, and reflect on the incredible experiences you’ve had over the past few days. Before leaving Fes, take a final stroll through the medina or visit any sights you may have missed.
Enjoy a traditional Moroccan breakfast at your traditional house, with a spread of fresh bread, olives, honey, eggs, and mint tea, before heading to the airport or continuing your journey to another Moroccan destination such as Marrakech or the Sahara desert.