Fes Day Excursion

Highlights

  • See Fes as the tourists don't and discover secret spots off the beaten track.
  • Discover the oldest university in the world.
  • Wander the hectic lanes and head-swimmingly fragrant alleys of the Medina.
£82 pp
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What you'll do

Step back in time and discover Fes, a city steeped in history and culture, a city that overwhelms the senses and offers endless opportunity for discovery, on a tour that escapes the tourist trails and gets you off the beaten track.

You’ll set off on this guided tour of the wonderful city of Fes; the former capital city of Morocco for more than 350 years and a labyrinth of shaded alleys, twisting lanes and groaning market stalls.

You will discover the treasures of Fes that aren’t usually on the tourist route, escaping the crowds to see the real side to Morrocan life here in this hive of activity.

We’ll visit the oldest university in the world, the University of Al Karaouine, a place that seems to exude dignity from the delicate, green-tiled roofs, as well as the Moulay Idriss Mausoleum, the Nejjarine Fountains and the world-famous Tanneries.

After a morning of exploration, there will be time for a relaxing lunch in an authentic, local hotspot, where you’ll see how the locals eat and where they themselves stop for lunch.

After lunch, you’ll visit the exquisite exterior of the Royal Palace and wander through the stunning “Mellah”, or Jewish quarter, where you can visit one of the few active synagogues in Morocco.

The tour ends with a brief visit to the ceramic factory, where you can take in the amazing panoramic view over Fes’ Medina as the sun sets a dusty, glowing orange over a city about to burst into life.

This is a spot not frequented by tourists, and one that provides real insight into a rich history, culture and artisanal craft you simply wouldn’t see or experience on your average walking tour.

What's included

Included

  • Guided tour of Fes
  • English speaking local guide
  • Transport
Your local host

Hamid and Gilly

Hamid was raised as a nomad. His family lived a nomadic life until he was about 6 years old.  Hamid’s family of 10 then settled in a remote desert village.  Family is everything to him.  Hamid is from the Amazigh tribe. “Amazigh” means free people.  He speaks five different languages:  Berber, Arabic, English, Spanish and French.  Hamid is a great people person – with a good sense of humour.  He is very in tune with nature and he enjoys showing his country to travellers. He worked as a cameleer when he left school, taking visitors on camel treks into the Saharan sand dunes. There, he mastered the art of playing the soulful African drums, as entertainment in the evenings.  It has always been Hamid’s dream to ... Read All

Hamid was raised as a nomad. His family lived a nomadic life until he was about 6 years old.  Hamid’s family of 10 then settled in a remote desert village.  Family is everything to him.  Hamid is from the Amazigh tribe. “Amazigh” means free people.  He speaks five different languages:  Berber, Arabic, English, Spanish and French.  Hamid is a great people person – with a good sense of humour.  He is very in tune with nature and he enjoys showing his country to travellers. He worked as a cameleer when he left school, taking visitors on camel treks into the Saharan sand dunes. There, he mastered the art of playing the soulful African drums, as entertainment in the evenings.  It has always been Hamid’s dream to have his own tour company and show people around his country, so he left his life in the desert to follow this dream. He is passionate about showing visitors the authentic Morocco and its vibrant and rich culture.

Gilly was born and raised in Zimbabwe. She has a passion for travel and Africa is in her blood, so when she got the chance to visit Morocco, she took it and immediately fell under its spell. She has visited countless times and there is always something new to see and experience. The Sahara Desert is one of her favourite places in Morocco,  along with the mountains, the Atlantic coast, The Blue City, Fes, Volubilis and the enchanting chaos of Marrakech! She loves the vibrant culture and the people who are as warm as their sunsets. On Gilly’s first adventure in Morocco, she met Hamid who regaled her with stories of life in Morocco. They both share a passion for authentic experiences and for nature and so the partnership for their tour company was born.

We aim to include all the elements of an unforgettable, awe-inspiring experience in our tours and excursions.  Hamid has extremely strong family values and this is extended to our guests, who are cared for as if they were family.

At the end of your time with us, we want you to return home with Morocco firmly in your hearts. We will explore the off the beaten track secrets of Morocco and discover its hidden treasures.  Authenticity is important to us and we want to show you the real Morocco.

Whether it is camel trekking the evocative Sahara Desert and spending a night under a breath-taking sky full of stars, spending a day in the life of a nomad family, indulging all your senses in the vibrant atmosphere of Marrakech, wandering the enchanting and artistic blue streets of Chefchaouen, taking an authentic Moroccan cooking class and creating a delicious tagine, marvelling at the stunning, mystical architecture and beautiful mosques, exploring snow-capped mountains, ancient Roman Ruins, visiting women’s argan cooperatives, towering mountain waterfalls,  enjoying sand, sea and surf on our North African beaches, we will ensure you have the best time and a wonderfully memorable experience.

As a result of the hardships Hamid endured in his nomadic childhood in Morocco empowering local communities and preserving their culture is very important to him. Our tours are created to give back to the local communities, to help ensure food and water security, employment, education and self-sufficiency.

Hamid and Gilly image

Location

Fall in love with Fes as you discover its treasures that aren’t usually on the tourist route, escaping the crowds to see the real side to Moroccan life with locals.

You’ll be picked up directly from your accommodation in Fes at a pre-arranged pick up time (typically around 9am).

FAQs

What should I wear?

Please remember to dress appropriately (conservatively), and make sure you have comfortable walking shoes.

What do I need to bring?

Sunscreen and water.

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