FEZ GUIDED TOUR

Fes is the oldest and longest-running imperial city. It is divided into three parts: Fes el Bali, Fes el Jedid and la Ville Nouvelle.
It’s is known as the religious, spiritual, intellectual, and cultural center of Morocco.

It’s located between the fertile land of Saiss and the forests of the Middle Atlas Mountains, Classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage site ( 1981 ), Fez is the third largest city in Morocco.
It consists of Fez el Bali, the historic heart ( between the end of the late of the 8th century and the beginning of the 9th century ). Fez el Jadid, the imperial city of Merinid  dynasty (1438 )  and at the southernmost point, the modern neighborhoods developed since the protectorate ( between 1913 TO 1956 ).

Here are some sights & attractions included in this tour:
- Bab Boujloud, main entrance to Fez medina
- Royal Palace of Fez (Dar el Makhzen)
- Mellah, the Jewish district
- Fes Pottery 'The traditional ceramic and pottery'
- Merenid Tombs 'great view of the city'
- Museum - Art, Craft and History 
- Medina tanneries
- The walls of Fez medina.

FULL DESCRIPTION + ITINERARY

After an early traditional Breakfast, you will begin your guided tour of the medina, one of the world’s largest walled and historical cities in the world.
We’ll start our cultural, historical visit with the entrance of the old medina; it’s called “Bab Boujloud”, There we’ll find a huge gate, one of the most popular gates in Morocco, a sight of the ornament glittering mosaic tiles you definitely won’t want to miss as you explore this imperial city. It’s called also the blue gate, This dor is provides a stunning view with its old complex mosaic with the combination of the blue and green traditional tiles providing a perfect example to peruse and cherish the complexity and sophistication of Moroccan architecture. Bab Boujloud is a beautiful gate which leads into Fez el Bali (Old Fez). The gate was built in 13th century by Almoahad dynasty and renovated 100 years ago in 1913.
We’ll lead you to see the local market of the medieval old medina, the colors of the fresh fruits, vegetables & spices, the different faces & traditional clothing as well.
next we’ll visit, Madrasa Bouanania, which showcases the fascinating beauty of the Marinid architecture. It’s  an ancient school where young boys were taught about the Islamic faith.
Our next stop will be the gates of the Royal Palace that blow the visitors away with their huge golden doors and their amazing ancient decorations as well as the carved gypsum, after taking some pictures to remember the magical building. The royal palace, or Dar el Makhzen,  still home to the king when in town.
Next on our journey, we will stop at the Jewish neighbourhood called "Mallah" that was built in 1438 with very splendid and splendid architecture. After, we will visit the oldest and most famous synagogues in North Africa, Ibn Danan synagogue that dates back to the 17th century, it was built by Mimoun Ben Sidan
Next, travel by car to one of the Fortresses for a great panoramic view. Then, stop by a local pottery and mosaic co-operative to see first-hand the craft of Fes' famous pottery.
Later you we will take you to visit

ESSEFFARINE PLACE:

Around this nice place are the stalls of diamantaires and boilermakers which have been established for centuries. Fes is the first main diamond producer of Morocco.

ZAOÏA OF MOULAY IDRISS

This shrine houses the tomb of king Idriss, who is considered the founder of Fez and is the most revered sanctuary of Morocco. It was built in the center of the city under the reign of Moulay Ismail at the beginning of the 18th century.

MOSQUE KARAOUIYINE

Qarawiyyine is one of the oldest and most famous mosques in the Western Muslim world. It's the first Moroccan university frequented by famous scholars such as Ibn Khaldoun. Al-Qaraouiyinefounded in 859 by a lady called Fatima alfihriya

Nejjarine Museum of Wood Arts and Crafts

Nejjarine Museum of Wood Arts and Crafts, located within a restored funduq--a building that once provided accommodations for traveling merchants a caravanserai for travelling in adition to the famous Nejjarine fountain in the heart of the medina.

THE TANNERIES

Often placed nearby streams and generally away from residential areas because of the pestilential odors that emerge, the tanneries, which are still in use today, are a unique sight that allow tourists a glimpse of the past. In the tanneries where you can watch how leather was made centuries ago and how Moroccans maintain this tradition. After the tanneries, you’ll stop for lunch in one of the best traditional Moroccan restaurants.

MEETING LOCATION + TOUR DURATION

Pick-up from your hotel or riad at 09H30 in the morning.

End location: After the tour, drop-off at your hotel or riad.

Duration: 5 to 6 hours
This tour duration accounts for 45 minutes - 1 hour for lunch (at your expense). If you choose not to eat lunch, the tour will be shorter by this estimate.

We will explore parts of Fes El Jadid, have a panoramic view of the medina, visit a pottery & tile co-operative, then make our way through the medina (please refer to tour overview).

Apart from sites listed in the tour overview, other typical sites during this tour include: Bab Boujloud - Talaa Kbira- Bou Inania Madrasa - Traditional Moroccan Handicrafts Demonstrations - Moulay Idriss Shrine - Nejjarine Museum - R'Cif - Seffarine Square - Quaraouine Campus. If you have any specific requests, please contact me ahead of time . I will do my best to accommodate them, if possible.

 

TRANSPORTATION

This tour will include private transport in air-conditioned/heated quality and insured vehicle, maintained according to the Moroccan Tourism regulations to access certain areas; the rest of the tour will be a walking tour.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Other:
 - Private English-speaking guide throughout the tour
- Private transportation to access certain areas during this private tour
- All expenses related to transport, such as fuel, mileage, parking, etc.

ESTIMATED LOCAL CASH NEEDED

350 Moroccan dirham - The estimate of local payments is per person. Credit cards or foreign currency are not often accepted in small shops in the medina; it is best to carry Moroccan dirhams. Lunch and beverages are not included. Actual price of lunch and beverages will depend on your choice of restaurant and menu items. Entrance fees to cultural, historical and/or religious sites are not included. There is a possibility of an increase, as these prices are set by each site.

WHAT’S EXTRA

Other:
- Lunch and beverages.
- Snacks
- Entrance fees to historical, cultural or religious sites
- Personal expenses
- Souvenir shopping

 

 

RESTRICTIONS

I am licensed to provide tours in English only, though I do speak Arabic and French.