Fes Activities
Fes guided tour: explore Fes el-Bali, one of the oldest living medinas in the world, its madrasas, tanneries and souks, with a private local guide.
Overview
Fes was founded in the 9th century and its old city has never stopped working. Behind the blue gate of Bab Boujloud, no cars enter: goods move by donkey and handcart, and whole streets are still given over to a single craft. It is fascinating and, without help, bewildering, which is why this is the one city in Morocco where a guide is truly worth having.
Your guide leads you down the main street of Talaa Kebira to the Bou Inania Madrasa, through the souks of the dyers, coppersmiths and weavers, past the Quaraouiyine, often described as the oldest university in the world, and onto a terrace above the Chouara tannery. A full day adds the Royal Palace gates, the Jewish quarter and the view from the Merenid Tombs.
Detailed programme
Start
Your guide meets you at your riad and enters the old city through the blue gate, following Talaa Kebira downhill.
The medina of Fes is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world. A guide is the best way to find your way through it.
Morning
You visit a medieval college with carved cedar and zellige, and see the doors of the university-mosque at the heart of the medina.
The madrasas were student colleges built in the 14th century. Al Quaraouiyine, founded in 859, is often described as the oldest university still in operation; non-Muslims can look into its courtyard from the doors.
Midday
Coppersmiths on Seffarine square, weavers, dyers and the henna souk show a city that still makes things by hand.
Goods are still carried by donkeys and handcarts, so listen for the call of “balak!” and step aside. There are no shop stops unless you ask for them.
Finish
From a terrace you look down on the dye pits of the tannery, then your guide walks you back or leaves you at a restaurant.
The tanneries have worked in the same way for centuries. A sprig of mint is offered at the entrance for the smell. A half day covers the old medina; a full day adds the royal palace gates, the Mellah and the viewpoint from the Merenid tombs.
This is a private experience, so times and stops can be adjusted to your arrival, your pace and the season.
Ask About This ProgrammeThe experience
Why choose this experience
In Fes a guide is a key as much as a teacher: to workshops, rooftops and courtyards you would never know were there.
Why Choose This ExperienceWhat’s included
Not included
Good to know
Location
Frequent questions
Half a day covers the heart of Fes el-Bali. A full day adds the Royal Palace, the Mellah, the potters' quarter and the panoramic viewpoints, with a driver between them.
It has a strong smell, especially in warm weather. You are given fresh mint to hold, and you view the pits from a terrace above.
Yes, three to four hours on foot for the half day, on sloping cobbled lanes. The pace is unhurried, with stops, and the route can be adapted.
Yes. It is arranged for you and the people you travel with, so the timing and pace are yours.
Send us a message on WhatsApp or by email with your date and the number of people. We reply with availability and the price, and nothing is charged for enquiring.
Yes. It can be booked on its own or added to any of our private tours that pass through Fes.
What to know before you book your Fes guided tour, and what else to do nearby.
Fes Guided Tour of the Old Medina is one of 6 private Fes activities on our list. Other Fes activities include Moroccan Cooking Class in Fes (3–4 hours), Hammam & Spa (2–3 hours), Day Trip to Meknes & Volubilis (full day) and Day Trip to Chefchaouen (full day).
The best things to do in Fes start with Bab Boujloud (the blue gate into the old medina), Chouara Tannery (leather dyed by hand since medieval times) and Royal Palace Gates (seven golden doors framed in zellige). Other things to do in Fes include Bou Inania Madrasa, Al Quaraouiyine and Merenid Tombs Viewpoint; our Fes travel guide covers each one.
Our Fes day trips include Day Trip to Meknes & Volubilis (full day), Day Trip to Chefchaouen (full day) and Day Trip to the Middle Atlas Mountains (full day). Every one of our Fes day trips is private, so the start time and pace are yours.
