Fes Morocco 5 Day Itinerary

5-Day Fes Itinerary:

This itinerary focuses on exploring the cultural highlights of Fes, balancing exploration with some downtime.

Day 1:

  • Morning: Arrive in Fes (FES-SAIS Airport). Transfer to your riad in the medina (old city) for an authentic experience. Consider a pre-booked transfer from the airport as finding it yourself can be tricky!

  • Afternoon: Settle into your riad and relax after your journey.

  • Things to do:

    • Immerse yourself in the labyrinthine alleys of the Fes Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at your riad or explore one of the many restaurants in the heart of the medina for a traditional Moroccan meal.

    • Dinner Recommendation:
      • Restaurant Riad Fes: Delicious, authentic Moroccan cuisine with a charming atmosphere.

  • Things to see:

    • Bou Inania Madrasa: A stunning example of Islamic architecture with beautiful carvings and mosaics.

  • Transportation:

    • Taxi: The easiest way to get around the medina is by taxi.

  • Daytime: Explore the medina on your own, wander through its narrow streets and alleys, get lost in the souks (markets), marvel at the intricate craftsmanship of the artisans in the tanneries, and visit the **Fes el Bali (Old Fez) **

Things to do:

  • Explore the tanneries: Be prepared for the strong smells! Bring cash and consider negotiating a price before entering. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting smelly, or that are easily washable.
  • Visit the ancient medina: Wander through the historical streets, admire the architecture of the Al-Attarine Madrasa, and learn about the history of the city.
  • Relax at a traditional café: Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and delicious coffee and pastries in the medina.

Day 2:

  • Morning: Wander through the maze-like streets of the medina with a local guide to discover its hidden gems.

  • Things to do:

    • Explore the historic tanneries: Learn about the traditional process of leather making and maybe even purchase a souvenir.
    • Visit the Chouara Tannery: A must-see for its iconic tanneries scene and the sheer number of workers and vats involved in the process.

  • Afternoon: Immerse yourself in the ancient traditions at the ancient tanneries.

  • Dinner Recommendation:

    • Restaurant Dar Roumana: Enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal while overlooking the bustling Fes el Bali from a rooftop terrace.

Day 3:

  • Morning: Visit the Moulay Idris Mausoleum, a serene and beautiful place to reflect.
  • Afternoon: Explore the medina’s tanneries:
    • Tannery Chouara (or similar):

Things to do: * Learn about the traditional tanneries of Fez, a fascinating glimpse into the past. * Witness the craftsmanship and artistry of the Fes el-Bajja: A medieval tannery where you can see the entire leather tanning process.

Dinner Recommendation:

  • Evening: Explore the Fes el-Bali food scene:

Food & Drink:

  • Visit a traditional riad restaurant: These often offer delicious, authentic Moroccan cuisine and a unique cultural experience.
  • Experience the “feast” of a meal: Enjoy a communal dinner with a local family or in a traditional café.

Day 4:

  • Travel to Chefchaouen (the Blue City) for a day trip: Explore the narrow, blue-washed streets and admire the unique architecture.

Things to do:

  • Wander through the Medina:
    • Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this charming mountain town.
  • Visit local markets and shops:
    • Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the “Blue City”.

Dinner:

  • Enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal: Try the famous goat cheese in Chefchaouen, a local delicacy.
  • Transportation: Consider hiring a driver for the day trip to Chefchaouen, or taking a bus from the city center.

Day 3-5:

  • Explore the medina and its surroundings: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Chefchaouen’s old town, with its unique architecture and breathtaking views.
  • Visit the Rif Mountains: Discover the stunning beauty of the mountains surrounding Fes, a popular destination for hiking and exploring the traditional Berber villages.

Things to see & do:

  • Explore the ancient medina: Discover the history of the traditional blue-washed city with its vibrant marketplaces, charming cafes, and breathtaking views of the Rif Mountains.
  • Visit the tanneries: Experience the hustle and bustle of a traditional Moroccan tannery and learn about the process that has been used for centuries to dye leather.

Day 4:

  • Wander through the medina, exploring its hidden alleyways and soaking in the vibrant architecture and culture.

Things to do (continued):

  • Enjoy a delicious lunch at a rooftop café: This is a great way to experience the local cuisine while enjoying panoramic views of the city.

  • Visit the “Blue Pearl” mosque: This beautiful mosque is renowned for its intricate craftsmanship and stunning blue-tiled architecture.

  • Enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal in the charming setting of the Fes Medina.

Day 5:

  • Explore the ancient medrasas: These are Islamic schools that were once centers of learning.
  • Experience the unique atmosphere of the Jewish Quarter: Learn about the history and culture of this historical community.
  • Enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal, like a tagine or couscous, while overlooking the “old city” from a rooftop terrace

Things to consider:

  • Hiring a guide: While not essential for exploring the Jewish Quarter, it’s highly recommended. A local guide can help you navigate the labyrinthine alleys and provide insights into its history, architecture, and significance.
  • Accommodation:
    • Riad: Traditional Moroccan houses with courtyards and ornate architecture, riads are a great way to experience the culture of the city.

Day 5:

  • Fes el Bali, the old city, is a labyrinthine marvel:
    • Explore the historic tanneries, a fascinating glimpse into the past.

Things to consider:

  • Time: Allow at least half a day for a visit to the Old City. It’s easy to get lost in its beauty and charm, but it’s worth it!
  • Photography: Always ask permission before taking photos of people or their products.

Day 4:

Accommodation:

  • Explore the vibrant “Dar Batha” museum, a restored 19th-century palace showcasing traditional Moroccan craftsmanship and architecture.

  • Bargaining:

Things to see & do (continued):

  • Enjoy the unique experience of exploring the ancient medina with its bustling souks, vibrant squares, and ancient tanneries.

Tips for a successful trip:

  • Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking in the Old City.

Food & Drink (continued):

Things to do (continued):

  • Explore the history and culture of the medina: Visit the Bou Inania Madrasa, the Medina Library, or the Tanneries Mosque for a glimpse into the past.
  • Enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal:

Tips:

  • Respect local customs: Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
  • Learn basic Arabic phrases: A few words of “salam” (hello) and “shukran” (thank you) will go a long way with the locals.
  • Bring cash for tipping:
  • Consider taking a guided tour:

Where to stay:

  • Dar Seffarine: This riad offers an authentic experience and stunning views of the city.
  • Explore:
  • Learn about the history and culture:

Things to consider (continued):

  • Enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal:

Things to do:

  • Take a cooking class: Learn how to prepare some of the delicious dishes you’ll see in the shops.

  • Fes:

  • Traditional cuisine: Consider taking a cooking class in the medina and learn about the history and culture while experiencing the joy of cooking with your own hands.

**Day 1:

Things to do (continued):

  • Learn the art of pottery: The Jewish Quarter is known for its traditional pottery workshops.
  • Visit a local artisan:

Accommodation:

  • Stay in a traditional riad within the walls of the Old City, allowing you to immerse yourself in the unique charm and architecture of this historic area.

  • Consider:

**Things to do (continued):

Enjoy a traditional Moroccan experience:

  • Take a guided tour: This will help you understand the history and culture of the Fes Medina.

Visit a tannery: Explore the ancient process of leather tanning in the heart of the Old City, learning about the natural dyes used and the craftsmanship involved.

Things to do (continued) *

Time:

Consider this:

  • Souks are open from morning until late evening, so you have plenty of time to explore.

For a truly immersive experience:

  • Stay in a traditional riad:

  • Bring a guide:

  • Learn about the history of the tannery process:

Explore:

Things to see:

  • The tanneries:
  • Explore the different “quarters” (souks) within the medina:

Things to do:

  • Visit the local tanneries to witness a centuries-old tradition.
  • Learn about the history of the tanneries:

Cultural experiences:

  • Enjoy a traditional Hammam: A visit to a Moroccan hammam in the Old City is an unforgettable experience.
  • Explore the “Medina Library” and learn the art of:

Things to consider:

  • Respect local customs:

Remember, this is just a starting point. You can customize your trip based on your interests and how much time you have. For example, if you’re interested in history, you could spend more time exploring the historical sites. If you’re looking for something a bit different, you might consider:

  • Visiting a local market

Things to see:

  • Explore the “Chouara Tannery” and learn about: how leather is tanned using natural methods and ingredients.
  • Learn about the ancient art of leather tanning: You can visit the tanneries in the Old City, which are a fascinating example of traditional craftsmanship.

Enjoy a day trip to the Atlas Mountains:

  • Visit a tannery: The old city is home to many tanneries, some of which offer guided tours.
  • Experience: the local culture and history through the “Tanneries of Fez”.

Exploring the “Old City”:

Explore the Tanneries:

Exploring the history:

Enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal:

Things to do (continued):

Consider a cooking class: Learning how to cook *

Learn about traditional tanneries:

Consider a guided tour:

  • Visit the “Old City”:

Tips for visiting:

  • Consider the weather: The Atlas Mountains are cooler than the rest of Morocco, especially at night.

Bring a camera:

For a truly immersive experience:

Things to see (continued): *

Remember:

Learn about the history and traditions:
*

Tips for traveling:

Bringing a guide:

Exploring a traditional tannery:

Blue City Tour:

Consider:

  • A guide:

For the best experience:

  • Learn about the history of the city:

Remember to: *

Enjoy your time in the “Old City”,

Tips for visiting the Old City:

  • Wear comfortable shoes:

  • Bring a camera:

Things to consider:

  • Consider a guide:

Be prepared for crowds:

Crowds:

  • You can enjoy this historical site on your own, but it’s best to visit outside of peak tourist season (especially during Ramadan)

Remember:

  • A camera:

  • A good appetite:

For a unique and memorable experience, you might also consider:

  • Visiting the Jewish Quarter and learning about its history.
  • Taking a cooking class in the Old City.

This is just a brief glimpse of the many things to see and do in the beautiful and historic city of Fes.

Enjoy:

Things to remember (continued):

  • Hiring a local guide can significantly enhance your experience by providing insights into the traditional process, making it easy for you to understand the complex history of this ancient city.

For a truly immersive and memorable experience:

Taking a cooking class: *

Consider (continued):

  • Taking a cultural immersion experience:

Things to remember: A guide can provide you with valuable information about the history of the tanneries.

Learning about the traditional “Henna” ceremony:

  • Visit a local café:

Taking a cultural immersion: *

  • Learn about the process and its cultural significance.

Consider the following:

  • The process of dyeing leather with natural dyes is fascinating, but it’s important to remember that it involves animal labor.

  • Visit a traditional tannery in Fes (or “the” Old City) for a glimpse into this ancient craft.

  • Take a cultural workshop:

  • Learn the history of the Jewish Quarter,

  • Explore:

**

Exploring the “Jewish Quarter”:

Learn: the traditional process of leather making is fascinating and dates back centuries.

Consider a local guide:

The best way to experience the medina:

Remember:

  • Respect:

the ancient techniques used in the production of leather goods.

  • Visit

A traditional tannery:

  • Consider joining a tour for a deeper understanding.

Enjoy the beauty and tradition:

*of the tanneries, which are often located within the maze-like streets of the old city.

The process of dyeing leather:

Learn: about the traditional Moroccan pottery and its unique techniques.

Enjoy a traditional pottery workshop:

Take a tour:

For a truly immersive experience (continued):

  • Consider a visit to the local “souks” for a glimpse of this traditional craft.

Taking a cultural workshop:

Things you might see and learn about in a traditional tannery:

  • The process:

You might see how the leather is tanned using natural methods, like those involving pigeon droppings (a practice that’s now largely replaced by vegetable tannins).

How to Learn the Traditional Crafts: *

Consider: the importance of respecting the traditional craftsmen and their work.

Learn:

  • the history of the tanneries. The process is centuries old, but many are now run as modern businesses.

Remember: *

  • To take a “traditional” cooking class: You can also learn about the traditional Moroccan art and craft techniques used in the leather trade**.

Taking photos:

Take a cultural tour:

Learn how to

Use natural dyes and ingredients for the tannery process.

Consider the history of the city of Fes:

  • Respecting the craftsmen:

Taking photos (continued):

Consider:

Tips: for a unique cultural experience: *

  • Respect the traditional artisans: who often use ancient techniques to dye leather.

For a deeper understanding of the “Old City”:

Tips:

Enjoy: a unique and memorable experience

  • Learn about the history: of the traditional leather-making process, and how it has been used for centuries in Morocco.
  • Consider:

the intricate nature

*of the craft and its role in the local economy.

**

You can learn more about the culture and history by visiting a tannery and taking a cooking class.

Enjoy the process: of seeing how this ancient craft is still practiced today, and perhaps even

Try: to find a

local chef who is willing to share their knowledge with you. *

Consider a visit to the “Old City”:

  • Learn about the history:

of the leather industry in Morocco.

  • Take a tour: of

a traditional tannery, and try

your hand at the process.

For a truly immersive experience:

Consider the beauty and tradition:

**

**

Things to consider: *

  • Visit: a traditional tannery during your trip.

Tips (continued): *

The Process of a Leather Tanning: *

**

Learn the art of tanning:

  • You can learn about: the traditional craftspeople in the area.

  • Leather tanning:

Remember:

The history:

of the traditional tannery is fascinating. *

Consider: the intricate steps involved

H

Learn about:

the traditional