Extended Private Tour for First-Time-Visitors

Fes, MA

Included

  • inclusion
    Entertaining, local guide
  • inclusion
    Guided visit of Fez
  • inclusion
    Private Tour
  • inclusion
    A bespoke Tour
  • inclusion
    Hotel pickup and drop-off

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Gratuities
  • exclusion
    Food and drinks

Pickup

Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)

Pickup Location
Across Hotels & Spa
Algila Fes
Barcelo Fes Medina
Blue Sky Hotel
Dar Al Andalous
Dar Al Safadi
Dar Anebar
Dar Atlantic
Dar Attajalli
Dar Bab Jdid
Dar El Aamouri
Dar Fes Huda
Dar Hafsa
Dar Layali Fez
Dar Mayssae
Dar Mchachti
Dar Merzouga
Dar Nour Fes
Dar Settash
Diamant Vert
Fes Inn
Fes Marriott Hotel Jnan Palace
Grand Hotel
Hotel & Spa Riad Dar Bensouda
Hotel Al Akha
Hotel Amor
Hotel Arena Fes
Hotel Atlas Saiss Fes
Hotel Batha
Hotel Cascade
Hotel de la Paix
Hotel Ibis Fes
Hotel Jnane Sbile
Hotel Kairaouan
Hotel L'Escale
Hotel Mounia Fes
Hotel Nour Plazza
Hotel Nouzha
Hotel Perla
Hotel Reda
Hotel Royal Urban Concept
Hotel Sahrai
Hotel Sahrai
Hotel Sofia
Hotel Splendid
Hotel Tghat
Hotel Tombouktou
Hotel Volubilis
Karawan Riad
La Maison Bleue
Lala Fatima
Le Patio de Fes
Les Merinides
Medina Sky
Menzeh Fes
Menzeh Zalagh Hotel
MIA Hotels Fes
Palais Amani
Palais D'Hotes Suites & Spa Fes
Palais Faraj Suites & Spa
Palais Medina Riad Resort
Palais Ommeyad Suites & Spa
Palais Riad Nazha Fes
Palais Shazam & Spa
Palais Sheherazade & Spa
Ramada By Wyndham Fes
Riad Ahlam
Riad Alassala Fes
Riad Andalib
Riad Arabesque
Riad Assala
Riad Attarine
Riad Belghazi
Riad Braya
Riad Chakor
Riad Damia Suite & Spa
Riad Dar Cordoba
Riad Dar Fes
Riad Dar Guennoun
Riad Dar Laura
Riad el Amine Fes
Riad El Ghalia
Riad El Yacout
Riad Fes - Relais & Chateaux
Riad Fes Aicha
Riad Fes Andalucia
Riad Fes Baraka
Riad Fes Madaw
Riad Fes Maya Suite & Spa
Riad Fes Nass Zmane
Riad Ghita
Riad Green House
Riad Gzira Fez
Riad Haj Palace
Riad Ibn Battouta
Riad Ibn Khaldoun
Riad Jamai
Riad Jardin Chrifa
Riad Jardin des Biehn
Riad La Cle de Fes
Riad la Porte Bleue du Palais Laraichi
Riad Laaroussa Hotel and Spa
Riad Laayoun
Riad Lala Drissia
Riad Layalina Fes
Riad Layla
Riad Le Calife
Riad Le Ksar de Fes
Riad Le Petit Patrimoine De Fes
Riad Les Oudayas & Spa
Riad Maison Bleue & Spa
Riad Marjana Suites & Spa
Riad Mayfez Suites & Spa
Riad Medina Fes
Riad Misbah
Riad Mouna
Riad Norma
Riad Oumkaltoum
Riad Ranya
Riad Sabah
Riad Salam Fes
Riad Salam Fes
Riad Sidrat Fes
Riad Spa Tafilatet
Riad Tara
Riad Tizwa Fes
Riad Touareg Fez
Riad Toyour
Riad Zamane & Spa Fes
Riad Zina Fes
Riad-Boutique Borj Dhab Fez
Riads Fascination
Royal Mirage Fes
Ryad Alya
Ryad Mabrouka
Ryad Zahrat Fes
Villa Agapanthe
Wassim Hotel
Zahrat Al Jabal
Zalagh Parc Palace

What to expect

1

Marinid Tombs

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For the best views over Fes el Bali, walk up the steep hill just outside the city ramparts, to the Borj Nord area. Here, you'll find a 16th-century fortress, home to an impressive arms museum. The collection of weapons includes some extremely rare pieces that represent armory from across the world. Amid the cache is the five-meter-long cannon (with a weight of 12 tons) that was used during the Battle of the Three Kings. After viewing the arms museum, keep heading up the hill to the summit where a scattering of golden-stoned Merenid tombs sits. Although the tombs are in a heavily ruined state today, you're here for the views, which take in the entire walled medina area and out to the green hills beyond.

Duration 60 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
2

Fes el-Jdid

The Merenids built this "New City" in the 13th century, when they realized that Fes el Bali would be too small to contain their palaces. The rather grand Royal Palace takes center stage here (not open to the public) and behind it, mosques and medersas fill the host of lanes. There's a tranquil air to this small section of the city, which sits between bustling Fes el Bali and the European-style Ville Nouvelle, and it makes a welcoming, peaceful lull between these two faster-paced worlds.

Duration 1 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
3

Fez Mellah

The atmospheric old Mellah (Jewish Quarter) is in Fes el Jedid, just north of the Royal Palace. Throughout this compact district, the lanes are lined with fine (though highly dilapidated) examples of early 20th-century houses, which were once home to the vibrant Jewish community of Fes. The small, restored Aben-Danan Synagogue can also be visited here. On the edge of the Mellah is the rambling Jewish cemetery, one of the city's most tranquil spots, and a Jewish Museum housing a collection of objects highlighting Moroccan Jewish life and culture.

Duration 60 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
4
Dar Batha Museum

The Batha Museum is inside a Hispano-Moorish summer palace built in the late 19th century. The museum collection traipses through a selection of traditional Moroccan craftsmanship, with wood carved doors, wrought-iron work, embroidery, carpets, and jewelry all on display. The centerpiece exhibit of the museum is the ceramics room, where the famous Fes blue ceramics, colored with cobalt, are featured. More interesting than the displays themselves is the building's own original decoration and the lovely internal courtyard garden, which is full of shady trees and tall palms and is a true oasis within the city.

Duration 30 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
5
Bou Inania Medersa

The Medersa Bou Inania was built between 1350 and 1357 by the Merenid sultan Bou Inan. One of the few religious buildings in the city that non-Muslims may enter, the Medersa (madrassa - Islamic school of learning) is a sumptuous architectural gem and one of Morocco's most gorgeous buildings. Up until the 1960s, this was still a functioning theological school, and the restoration efforts since that time have restored it to its original beauty. The carved woodwork and stucco decoration is magnificent and is a tribute to Morocco's master artisans.

Duration 30 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
6
Al-Attarine Madrasa

Another example of fine Merenid architecture, the Medersa el-Attarine was built in 1325 by Abu Said. The courtyard here is a wonderful display of the intricate decoration from this period, with elaborate zellige tile work and cedar wood carvings. The upper floor is made up of a warren of cells, which were once home to students studying theology at the Qaraouiyine Mosque (once one of the world's first universities). If you climb up onto the rooftop, you can get great views of the green-tiled roof of the Qaraouiyine Mosque itself.

Duration 30 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
7

Mosque and University Kairaouine

Built in AD 857 by Tunisian immigrants from the holy city of Kairouan, the Qaraouiyine Mosque was one of the medieval period's most distinguished universities. Today, in its function as a working mosque, it is one of Morocco's largest centers of worship, with a prayer hall that can hold 20,000. The library is one of the oldest surviving in the world and contains more than 30,000 books. Among the collection is a 9th-century Qur'an. The Fes el-Bali complex cannot be entered by non-Muslims, but you can get excellent views of the mosque from nearby restaurant rooftops.

Duration 30 minutes
8

Chouara Tannery

For shoppers, Fes el Bali is a paradise of local craftwork, with colorful Moroccan slippers, leatherwork, metalwork, rainbow-glass lamps, and tiles all displayed at stalls throughout the district. The streets just west of the Qaraouiyine Mosque have the greatest concentration of shopping opportunities. This is also where you can visit the famous Chouara tanneries of Fes, one of the top things to do in this area. Here, you can watch the traditional dying of animal skins-the first step in making Morocco's many leather products. Leather shops surrounding the tanneries provide bird's-eye views over the area from their rooftops and are the best place to take photos.

Duration 60 minutes

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Additional information
    Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Service animals allowed
  • Additional information
    Specialized infant seats are available
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Provided by CHRIF TRANS & TRAVEL

What our experts say

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    Visit the Chouara Tannery for photos
  • icon
    Try traditional Moroccan mint tea at a Riad
  • icon
    Don't miss views from Borj Nord fortress
  • icon
    Explore the atmospheric Mellah district
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    Wear comfortable shoes for walking

More About this Experience

Introduction

Are you a first-time visitor to Fez? If so, then this Extended Private Tour is perfect for you! Say goodbye to rigid itineraries and hello to a personalized experience that is tailored just for you. With the help of your knowledgeable guide, you can create a custom itinerary that includes all the must-see attractions of Fez's Medina, as well as some hidden gems that only the locals know about. The best part? You can choose the duration of your tour according to your convenience, whether it's a full-day adventure or a shorter exploration. Plus, with hassle-free pickup from your hotel or Riad, you won't have to worry about transportation. Get ready for an unforgettable journey through the vibrant city of Fez.

What to expect?

During this tour, you can expect to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Fez. Explore the fascinating Borj Nord area, where a 16th-century fortress houses an impressive collection of rare weapons from around the world. From the summit, enjoy breathtaking views of the entire walled medina area and the lush green hills beyond. Discover the tranquil Fes el-Jdid, a small section of the city that serves as a peaceful oasis between the bustling Fes el Bali and the modern Ville Nouvelle. In the atmospheric Fez Mellah, learn about the city's Jewish heritage at the Aben-Danan Synagogue and the Jewish Museum. Visit the Dar Batha Museum, showcasing traditional Moroccan craftsmanship and famous Fes blue ceramics. Don't miss the architectural gems of Bou Inania Medersa and Al-Attarine Madrasa, both stunning examples of Merenid architecture. Finally, witness the traditional dying of animal skins at the famous Chouara Tannery and indulge in some shopping for local crafts at Fes el Bali's colorful stalls.

Who is this for?

This private tour is designed for first-time visitors to Fez who want a personalized and authentic experience. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply someone who wants to explore the hidden gems of a new city, this tour is for you. It caters to all ages and interests, making it a great choice for families, friends, or solo travelers. Don't worry if you're not familiar with Fez or its culture – your knowledgeable guide will be there to provide you with insights and recommendations along the way. So, if you're ready to discover the charm and beauty of Fez, book this extended private tour and embark on an unforgettable adventure.

Why book this?

This Extended Private Tour offers a unique and personalized way to explore Fez. Unlike group tours with fixed itineraries, this tour allows you to create a custom itinerary according to your interests and preferences. You'll have the freedom to spend more time at the attractions that captivate you the most and skip the ones that don't interest you. With hassle-free pickup from your hotel or Riad, you can relax and enjoy the convenience of private transportation throughout the tour. Additionally, your experienced guide will provide you with valuable insights and local knowledge, ensuring an enriching and immersive experience. So, if you want to make the most out of your first-time visit to Fez and create unforgettable memories, this private tour is the perfect choice for you.

Good to know

During the tour, keep in mind that Fez is a city with rich historical and cultural heritage. It's recommended to wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as there may be some walking involved. Don't forget to bring a camera to capture the stunning views and unique experiences along the way. The tour includes a stop at a traditional Riad, where you can savor a delicious hot Moroccan mint tea, providing you with a taste of local hospitality. Please note that non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the Fes el-Bali complex, including the Qaraouiyine Mosque. However, nearby restaurant rooftops offer excellent views of the mosque. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or a curious traveler, this tour promises to showcase the best of Fez and leave you with treasured memories.

Reviews

Travelers who have experienced this Extended Private Tour for first-time visitors to Fez have raved about its personalized and immersive nature. They appreciated the flexibility to create their own itineraries and the convenience of pickup from their accommodations. Many enjoyed the panoramic views from Borj Nord and the Merenid tombs, as well as the tranquility of Fes el-Jdid and the Fez Mellah. Travelers were captivated by the impressive collection at the Dar Batha Museum, especially the ceramics room with its famous Fes blue ceramics. The Medersa Bou Inania and Al-Attarine Madrasa were highly praised for their stunning architecture and intricate decorative details. The Chouara Tannery was a highlight, offering an authentic glimpse into the traditional dying process. Overall, travelers were delighted with the unique experiences and knowledgeable guides, making this private tour the perfect choice for first-time visitors to Fez.

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