• Bab Bou Jeloud -

Medersa Bou Inania: An Islamic educational institution established by Abu Inan Faris, adorned elaborately from the ground up. This medersa is among the rare religious sites in Morocco open to non-Muslim visitors.

Kairaouine Mosque: Constructed by Fatima in 857, it is the second-largest mosque in Morocco. It also marks the location of the earliest university in the West and a leading center for scholarly pursuits at the start of the second millennium.

University of Al-Karaouine: Initiated in 859, this university stands as a prominent religious and scholastic hub in the Islamic community and is acknowledged as the oldest university in continuous operation worldwide.

Medersa el Attarin: A Koranic school named after the neighborhood spice traders, established in the 14th century by Sultan Abou Saïd as a lodging for students, and connected to the Kairaouine Mosque.

Zaouia Moulay Idriss II: A shrine and burial site for Moulay Idriss II, who led Morocco from 807 to 828 and is credited with refounding the city of Fès in 810.

Dar Batha: A palace built in the Hispano-Moorish architectural style at the 19th century’s close, now exhibiting a remarkable collection of Fès’s traditional arts.

Lunch Break: Enjoy a meal at a palace-restaurant within the medina, offering a lavish spread of mezas (assorted small dishes) typical of Fassi cuisine, including Choukchouka salad, Zaalouk salad, Carrots with Cumin Seed, raisin and orange salad, and Cold radish, orange, and Fennel Salad. These appetizers precede the main course, which features options such as Lamb, Prune, and Date Tagine, Chicken Tagine with Olives and Preserved Lemons, or a Vegetable Tagine. Dessert will consist of fruits or local Moroccan sweets, accompanied by Mint Tea.

Souks Exploration: Post-lunch, delve deeper into the souks of the ancient Medina Fès el Bali, which remain bustling into the night. The market’s intricate layout revolves around the kissaria, a hub for luxury items like exquisite silks, brocades, high-end kaftans, and jewelry. Other specialized souks include those for spices, slippers, and henna, nestled in a leafy area.

Weavers Cooperative: Visit a weavers’ workshop tucked away in a residential zone, known for crafting premium jellaba fabrics from silk and wool threads sourced from Italy. The cooperative also produces a distinctive jellaba material from local wool called hubba, reminiscent of couscous due to its grainy texture.

Berber Carpet Demonstration: Witness a display of Berber carpet weaving at the renowned Exhibition of Antique and Modern Carpets in Fès el Bali. Sip on mint tea as you ascend a spiral staircase to a viewing area where young girls from the mountains demonstrate the traditional carpet-making process.

Tanneries: The Chourara, or Tanner’s Quarters, is among the most vibrant and scenic markets in Fès. Situated near water bodies like the Wadi Fès and away from residential zones, the tanneries are known for their distinctive, strong odors.

Dyers Market: The dyers market on Rue de Teinturies is famed for its ancient dyeing vats, traditionally used for processing animal skins after hair and flesh removal. From neighboring terraces, observe a spectrum of naturally pigmented hides in various hues.

Potter’s Cooperative: Explore the Potter’s Cooperative, also known as Place el-Seffarine, which serves as the central production site for Fasiss-style ceramics, brassware, and silverware in Morocco.

• Bottle of water included
• Short stop for hot Moroccan tea at a traditional Riad
• Expertly narrated tour
• Entrance fees included
• Luxury car transportation with Wi-Fi
• Customizable bespoke tour
• Professional tour guide and local expert on board

• Food and drink
• Gratuities