Fes, Morocco-5-day-itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of the Medina
- Arrival: Arrive at Fez Saiss Airport (FSO) and transfer to your hotel using a pre-arranged taxi or shuttle service. You can also take a taxi directly from the airport to your hotel.
- Check-in: Check-in to your accommodation, such as Hotel Batha, which offers comfortable rooms and a convenient location in the old medina.
- Medina Exploration: Start your exploration of the ancient Medina, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Africa. Wander through the narrow alleys and passageways to discover historic landmarks, artisans at work, and vibrant local markets.
- Lunch: Stop for lunch at a traditional restaurant like Al-Fassia, which serves delicious Moroccan cuisine in an atmospheric setting.
- Medina Tour: Join a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the history and cultural significance of the Medina. These tours can be arranged through your hotel or local operators like Fes Medina Tours.
- Dinner: Enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant with stunning views, such as Maison Blanche.
Day 2: Royal Palace and Cultural Immersion
- Breakfast: Start the day with a traditional Moroccan breakfast at your hotel or a local café.
- Royal Palace Tour: Visit the Dar Batha Museum, located in a former palace of the sultan’s brother. The museum showcases a collection of Moroccan art and artifacts, including Islamic art and textiles.
- Cultural Immersion: Spend some time exploring the surrounding streets to see artisans at work on traditional crafts like ceramics, woodcarving, and textiles.
- Lunch: Try some delicious street food or eat at a local restaurant like Café Clock, which offers a fusion of Moroccan and international cuisine.
- Sufi Quarter Visit: Explore the Sufi Quarter, known for its tranquil atmosphere and historical significance. Wander through the narrow alleys to discover historic mosques and cultural landmarks.
- Dinner: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant like Dar El Haj, which serves traditional Moroccan cuisine in an intimate setting.
Day 3: Educational and Cultural Experiences
- Breakfast: Start the day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel or a local café.
- Moulay Idriss Tour: Visit Moulay Idriss, a historic village located just outside of Fes. Explore the narrow alleys to discover ancient mosques, cultural landmarks, and local artisans at work.
- Islamic Arts Museum Tour: Join a guided tour of the Islamic Arts Museum, which showcases a stunning collection of artifacts from various parts of the world, including Morocco.
- Cultural Workshops: Participate in traditional Moroccan crafts workshops, such as pottery-making or henna art. These workshops can be arranged through local operators like Fes Medina Tours.
- Lunch: Try some delicious street food or eat at a local restaurant like Café des Arabesques, which offers a fusion of Moroccan and international cuisine.
- Dinner: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant like Dar Si Saada, which serves traditional Moroccan cuisine in an intimate setting.
Day 4: Exploring the Surrounding Countryside
- Breakfast: Start the day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel or a local café.
- Countryside Tour: Join a guided tour to explore the surrounding countryside, including ancient villages, historic landmarks, and picturesque landscapes.
- Visit to the nearby village of Sidi Harazem: Visit the charming village of Sidi Harazem, known for its tranquil atmosphere and stunning natural beauty. Explore the narrow alleys to discover local artisans at work and historic cultural landmarks.
- Lunch: Try some delicious street food or eat at a local restaurant like Café Clock, which offers a fusion of Moroccan and international cuisine.
- Visit to the nearby village of Sidi Mohammed: Visit the charming village of Sidi Mohammed, known for its tranquil atmosphere and stunning natural beauty. Explore the narrow alleys to discover local artisans at work and historic cultural landmarks.
- Dinner: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant like Dar El Haj, which serves traditional Moroccan cuisine in an intimate setting.
Day 5: Departure
- Breakfast: Start the day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel or a local café.
- Check-out: Check out of your accommodation and transfer to Fez Saiss Airport (FSO) for your departure flight.
- Last-minute shopping: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs, gifts, or mementos in the old medina.
Tips and Recommendations
- Haggle politely: When shopping at local markets, be prepared to haggle over prices. A polite and friendly approach is usually effective.
- Dress modestly: Respect local customs by dressing modestly when visiting mosques or other cultural landmarks.
- Bargain for goods: When purchasing goods from local artisans, don’t be afraid to bargain. This is an essential part of Moroccan culture.
- Learn some basic Arabic phrases: Show respect for the local culture by learning a few basic Arabic phrases like “hello” (as-salamu alaykum), “thank you” (shukraan), and “goodbye” (ma’a as-salaama).
- Stay hydrated: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, especially during hot summer months.
Getting Around
- Walking: Walking is a great way to explore the old medina. Wear comfortable shoes and navigate through narrow alleys.
- Public Transport: Use public transportation like buses or taxis to travel around Fes.
- Private Transfers: Arrange for private transfers from your hotel to various destinations in Fes.
Other Interesting Facts
- Fes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Medina of Fes has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981.
- Fes is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Africa: Fes is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Africa, with a rich history dating back over 400 years.
- The Arabic word for “Fez” is “Al-Fas”: The Arabic name for Fes is Al-Fas, which means “the place where the river flows”.
Accommodation
- Hotel Batha - This hotel offers comfortable rooms and a convenient location in the old medina.
- Other options: There are many other hotels, riads, and guesthouses to choose from in Fes.