Fes
Fes is the city where I hand over to a local guide inside the medina — over 9,000 alleys is not a place to navigate on your own the first time. I handle the road and the timing; they handle the maze.
Why this place stays with people
- Fes el Bali medina
- Chouara Tannery
- Al-Qarawiyyin (world's oldest university)
- Bou Inania Madrasa
Spring and autumn for comfortable walking; the medina is covered enough for summer heat too.
Give it at least a full day — Fes rewards time in a way that's hard to rush.
Your guide to Fes
Worth seeing
- The old medina, Fes el-Bali
- The Chouara tannery from the terraces above
- The Bou Inania and Al-Attarine madrasas
- The view over the medina from the Merenid tombs
Good to know
- Take a licensed guide for your first walk. The medina is a maze, and it's much easier with someone local.
- Visit the tannery in the morning, when the work is under way.
- On Friday some of the medina slows down around midday.
- Wear comfortable shoes. You'll walk a lot, much of it uphill.
Planning a visit to Fes
Do I need a guide in the Fes medina?
For a first visit, yes. The old city is a maze and a good guide makes it a completely different day. I arrange a local guide I trust for the medina, and I handle the driving and timing around it.
How many days should I spend in Fes?
At least one full day inside the medina. Two if you want Meknes and the Roman ruins at Volubilis too.
How long is the drive from Fes to Merzouga?
About 8 hours with stops, through the Middle Atlas, Midelt and the Ziz Valley. It's a long day but a beautiful one.
Can I travel from Fes to Marrakech through the desert?
Yes — it's one of the best ways to cross the country. I recommend four days: Fes to Merzouga, a morning in the dunes, then the gorges and Ait Ben Haddou on the way to Marrakech.
Ways to make it part of the trip
3 Days · 2 Nights3-Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour via Merzouga
The High Atlas Crossing$420–$580 per person · accommodation included
4 Days · 3 Nights4-Day Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour via Merzouga
Fes to Marrakech, Four Days$540–$730 per person · accommodation included
4 Days · 3 Nights4-Day Tangier to Fes Tour via Chefchaouen
The Blue North$520–$720 per person · accommodation includedTell me when you're coming
Send your dates and who's travelling, and I'll suggest the best way to fit it into your trip.