Fes, a city that exudes history and vibrant culture, is one of Morocco’s most compelling destinations. With its ancient medina, artisan craftsmanship, and rich traditions, it offers an unmatched travel experience. For first-timers, exploring Fes can be both exciting and overwhelming.
Luckily, Deep Morocco Tours provides the ideal entry point, offering guided tours and curated experiences that bring out the city’s best. Here’s a guide to the must-do cultural activities that Deep Morocco Tours offers to immerse newcomers in the enchanting atmosphere of Fes.
1. Explore the Historic Medina of Fes el-Bali
At the heart of Fes lies the sprawling Fes el-Bali medina, one of the largest car-free urban zones in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With over 9,000 winding alleys, the medina is a maze of bustling souks, historical sites, and traditional artisan shops. Deep Morocco Tours guides help you navigate this medieval labyrinth, uncovering highlights like the intricately decorated Medersa Bou Inania and the historic Al Quaraouiyine University, founded in 859 AD.
Don’t Miss:
- Bab Bou Jeloud: The iconic blue gate marking the entrance to the medina.
- Medersa Bou Inania: A beautifully preserved Islamic school, showcasing fine Moroccan tilework and wood carvings.
2. Experience the Colourful Chouara Tanneries
One of Fes’s most iconic sites, the Chouara Tannery, showcases traditional leather-making methods that have remained unchanged for centuries. With Deep Morocco Tours, you’ll get an up-close look at this unique art form from the viewing terraces, observing the tanners as they prepare, dye, and finish leather using natural pigments. These tanneries offer an excellent place to shop for handcrafted leather goods, supporting local artisans while taking home a memorable piece of Morocco.
Insider Tips:
- Bring a scarf or fresh mint leaves to counteract the tannery’s potent smell.
- Shop for leather goods directly from the source for unique, high-quality souvenirs.
3. Discover the Mellah: The Jewish Quarter
The Mellah, Fes’s historic Jewish quarter, provides a fascinating contrast to the bustling medina, filled with quieter streets and unique 19th-century architecture. A tour with Deep Morocco Tours takes you through the history of this area, highlighting significant sites like the Ibn Danan Synagogue and the Jewish Cemetery, offering insights into the lives of the Jewish communities that once flourished here.
Highlights:
- Ibn Danan Synagogue: A centuries-old synagogue featuring beautiful tilework and traditional wooden architecture.
- Jewish Cemetery of Fes: A tranquil site with tombs bearing inscriptions in Hebrew, reflecting Morocco’s multicultural heritage.
4. Indulge in a Moroccan Culinary Experience
Fes is known for its rich culinary traditions, and a guided food tour with Deep Morocco Tours lets you savour the city’s finest offerings. You’ll taste authentic Moroccan dishes such as tagine, harira, and pastilla, while also exploring bustling food markets filled with spices, olives, and dried fruits. These tours reveal the flavours, ingredients, and cooking methods behind each dish, giving you a true taste of Moroccan hospitality.
Dishes to Try:
- Tagine: A slow-cooked stew of meat and vegetables flavoured with spices and herbs.
- Mint Tea: Often called Moroccan whiskey, this sweet mint tea is a cultural staple.
5. Visit Artisan Workshops for Moroccan Crafts
Fes is a hub of Moroccan craftsmanship, from intricate ceramics to handwoven textiles. Deep Morocco Tours arranges visits to artisan workshops, where you can observe skilled craftsmen creating the zellige tiles, pottery, and leather goods for which Morocco is famous. These workshops offer a deeper understanding of Moroccan artistry and allow you to try your hand at traditional crafts, from tilework to pottery painting.
Activities You Can Try:
- Tilemaking: Learn how artisans cut and arrange colourful tiles to form geometric mosaics.
- Pottery: Experiment with traditional Moroccan designs, guided by expert potters.
- Weaving: Discover the ancient techniques behind Morocco’s iconic rugs and textiles.
6. Discover Fes’s Spiritual Heritage
As Morocco’s spiritual capital, Fes is home to stunning mosques and spiritual sites. While many mosques are closed to non-Muslims, their beauty can still be admired from the outside. With Deep Morocco Tours, you’ll explore the significance of these sites, including the Zaouia Moulay Idriss II, a shrine dedicated to the city’s founder.
Key Sites:
- Zaouia Moulay Idriss II: A revered shrine attracting pilgrims from all over Morocco.
- Al-Attarine Madrasa: Known for its intricate tilework, this 14th-century madrasa exemplifies Moroccan artistry.
7. Unwind with a Traditional Hammam Experience
For a soothing end to your Fes journey, experience a Moroccan hammam, a traditional bathhouse known for its cleansing and relaxing treatments. Deep Morocco Tours offers access to hammams that cater to all comfort levels, from luxurious spa experiences to more traditional local hammams. This ritual provides a perfect way to recharge after days of exploring.
8. Take a Day Trip into the Moroccan Countryside
Fes’s surrounding countryside offers beautiful landscapes and unique sites to complement your cultural journey. Deep Morocco Tours arranges day trips to destinations like Moulay Yacoub, known for its therapeutic hot springs, and the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, where mosaic floors and impressive columns reveal remnants of Roman life in North Africa.
Suggested Day Trips:
- Ifrane: Nicknamed “Little Switzerland” for its Alpine-style architecture and cooler climate.
- Sefrou: A picturesque town known for its cherry festival and Berber heritage.
Ready to Experience the Best of Fes?
For first-time visitors, Fes is a city filled with history, culture, and vibrant energy. Deep Morocco Tours provides the ideal introduction, with expert guides, curated itineraries, and insider access to the city’s most captivating sites. Whether you’re wandering the medina, indulging in local cuisine, or exploring artisan workshops, Fes has something for every traveller to love.
Ready to discover the magic of Fes? Contact Deep Morocco Tours today to start planning your unforgettable Moroccan adventure. Let us guide you through the heart of Morocco for a travel experience like no other.
