Extended Private Tour for First-Time-Visitors
Highlights
- Personalized experience with a custom itinerary
- Skip-the-line access to attractions
- Visit to a traditional Riad for Moroccan mint tea
- Hassle-free pickup from hotel or Riad
- Explore hidden gems of Fez's Medina
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Duration 6 hours
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Private Tour
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Hotel pickup included
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Customizable itinerary
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Expert local guide
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Available in multiple languages
Experience the magic of Fez on an extended private tour designed specifically for first-time visitors. Say goodbye to rigid itineraries and join your knowledgeable guide on a personalized journey through the city's must-see attractions and hidden gems. With flexible tour durations and hassle-free pickup from your hotel or Riad, you can expect a tailored experience that suits your preferences. Explore the historic Borj Nord fortress and its impressive arms museum, enjoy panoramic views from the Merenid tombs, and wander through the tranquil Fes el-Jdid. Discover the atmospheric Fez Mellah and visit the Dar Batha Museum, showcasing traditional Moroccan craftsmanship. Wander through the stunning Bou Inania Medersa and the Al-Attarine Madrasa, both stunning examples of Merenid architecture. End your tour with a visit to the famous Chouara Tannery and indulge in Fes' vibrant local craftwork. Embark on this unforgettable private tour and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Fez.
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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6 hours
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Instant Confirmation
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Available in English, Italian, Arabic, French, Portuguese, German, Spanish; Castilian
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Mobile voucher
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Private Tour
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Family friendly
Discover the hidden gems of Fez on a personalized 6-hour private tour with an expert guide, designed for first-time visitors.
Included
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Entertaining, local guide
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Guided visit of Fez
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Private Tour
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A bespoke Tour
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Hotel pickup and drop-off
Excluded
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Gratuities
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Food and drinks
Pickup
Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)
What to expect
Marinid Tombs
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Service animals allowed
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Specialized infant seats are available
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What our experts say
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Visit the Chouara Tannery for photos
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Try traditional Moroccan mint tea at a Riad
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Don't miss views from Borj Nord fortress
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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.Journals from our explorers at this location
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