Tours Fes

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Fes, often referred to as the spiritual heart of Morocco, is a city frozen in time. Its labyrinthine Medina, ancient tanneries, and scholarly legacy make it a must-visit destination for culture lovers and history buffs alike. With no cars allowed in the Old City and over 9,000 alleyways to explore, taking guided tours is not only helpful—it’s essential. Here’s a detailed guide to some of the best tours in Fes that bring the city’s rich tapestry to life. — ### **1. Guided Medina Tour: The Ultimate Fes Experience** The most essential tour in Fes is a guided walk through the **UNESCO-listed Fes el-Bali**—one of the largest and oldest car-free urban zones in the world. A local guide helps you navigate the narrow passageways where donkeys still serve as transport and artisans work in centuries-old workshops. Highlights typically include: * **Al-Qarawiyyin University** – Established in 859, it’s considered the oldest existing and continually operating educational institution in the world. * **Bou Inania Madrasa** – A 14th-century theological college with exquisite zellige tilework, carved wood, and a tranquil courtyard. * **Chouara Tannery** – Perhaps the city’s most iconic scene, where workers cure leather using ancient methods. From a rooftop viewpoint, you’ll see circular stone vats filled with vibrant dyes and pungent smells—be prepared! * **Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts** – Housed in a beautifully restored caravanserai, this museum gives insight into Morocco’s artisan legacy. Medina tours can be half-day or full-day, and often include stops at traditional bakeries, fountains, mosques, and souks for pottery, textiles, or spices. A good guide will also explain the difference between religious, private, and public buildings, helping you read the architectural “code” of Fes. — ### **2. Food and Tasting Tours** Fes is known for its unique and complex cuisine. A food tour led by a culinary expert introduces you to traditional dishes such as: * **Bissara** – A hearty fava bean soup often eaten for breakfast. * **Pastilla** – A sweet-and-savory meat pie wrapped in pastry, filled with pigeon or chicken, almonds, and cinnamon. * **Seffa** – A mountain of steamed vermicelli or couscous topped with powdered sugar and cinnamon. These tours typically include stops at olive vendors, traditional spice shops, and sweet stalls. Some also offer hands-on cooking classes where you can learn how to prepare your own tagine or couscous in a Fassi home. — ### **3. Artisan and Handicraft Tours** Fes is a hub for traditional Moroccan crafts, many of which are protected by heritage laws. A specialized artisan tour might take you to: * **Zellige tile workshops** * **Brass and copper smiths in Seffarine Square** * **Leather workshops near the tanneries** * **Weavers producing luxurious silk and wool textiles** You’ll learn about the apprenticeship systems, the role of guilds (*funduqs*), and the generational knowledge behind each craft. These tours often offer opportunities to buy directly from artisans, supporting local economies more sustainably than standard souvenir shops. — ### **4. Day Trips from Fes** Several incredible destinations are within easy reach of the city: * **Meknes and Volubilis** – Combine a trip to Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities, with a visit to **Volubilis**, the country’s best-preserved Roman ruins. This tour offers a striking contrast between ancient Roman columns and Islamic imperial gates. * **Middle Atlas Mountains and Ifrane** – This route takes you through cedar forests, Berber villages, and the alpine-style town of **Ifrane**, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco.” * **Sefrou and Bhalil** – Known for their Jewish heritage and cave dwellings, these villages offer a slower, rural pace and insight into Morocco’s multicultural past. — ### **5. Spiritual and Sufi Tours** Fes has long been a center of Islamic learning and spirituality. Specialized religious tours can include visits to sacred shrines, such as: * **Zaouia of Moulay Idriss II** – The tomb of Fes’s founder, considered one of Morocco’s holiest sites. * **Sufi music performances** – Some tours offer evening experiences where you can attend live *hadra* or *dhikr* sessions, depending on the season. These experiences provide context on Moroccan Islam’s tolerant, mystical branches and their enduring influence on Fes’s identity. — ### **6. Practical Travel Tips** * **Language**: Arabic and French are widely spoken; English-speaking guides are available with advance booking. * **Attire**: Modest clothing is advisable, especially when visiting mosques or religious sites. * **Timing**: Spring and fall offer the best weather for exploring on foot; summers can be intensely hot. * **Booking**: Choose licensed guides through official tourism agencies or platforms with verified reviews. Small group or private tours allow for a more personalized experience.