Fes Tours — Private Guided Medina Experiences
Explore the world's largest medieval medina with a licensed private local guide. Chouara tanneries, Al-Qarawiyyin, Bou Inania — the real Morocco, unchanged since the 9th century.
Fes is the cultural capital of Morocco and the most authentic of the four imperial cities. MSITravels includes 2 nights in Fes on all 10-day private Morocco tours — with a dedicated Fes local guide.
What is Fes famous for?
- Fes el-Bali: The world's largest car-free urban UNESCO World Heritage Site — 9,000+ medieval lanes.
- Chouara Tanneries: Leather dyed in stone vats since the 11th century — the most iconic Morocco image.
- Al-Qarawiyyin: The world's oldest continuously operating university, founded 859 AD.
- Fes ceramics: The blue-and-white Fassi pottery, produced here since the 9th century.
Top Fes sights on every private tour
Chouara Tanneries
The most iconic image in Morocco. Leather dyers working in stone vats of saffron, indigo, and pomegranate. The view from the tannery terraces is unforgettable.
Bou Inania Medersa
The most ornate of Fes's 14th-century Quranic schools. Three stories of carved plaster, green tile, and cedar — all without the crowds of the tanneries.
Al-Qarawiyyin University
Founded in 859 AD — the oldest continuously operating university in the world (UNESCO). The mosque cannot be entered by non-Muslims, but the surrounding lanes are magnificent.
Fes el-Bali Souks
Over 9,000 lanes organized by trade: metalworkers, weavers, spice merchants, candle-makers. The world's largest car-free medieval city — a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dar Batha Museum
A 19th-century Andalusian palace housing the best collection of Moroccan crafts in Fes: Zellij, woodcarving, embroidery, and painted ceramics.
Merenid Tombs Viewpoint
The hill above the medina offers the best panoramic view over Fes el-Bali — a skyline of minarets and green-tiled roofs stretching to the horizon. Best at golden hour.
2-Day private Fes itinerary
Day 1 — Fes el-Bali
- 9am: Merenid Tombs panoramic viewpoint
- Bou Inania Medersa — carved plasterwork
- Chouara Tanneries — tannery terrace view
- Al-Qarawiyyin mosque exterior and library
- Nejjarine Fountain and woodcraft museum
- Evening: Riad dinner in the medina
Day 2 — Fes el-Jedid & Andalus
- Mellah Jewish quarter and old synagogue
- Royal Palace — ornate brass doors
- Andalusian quarter and mosque
- Blue Gate (Bab Bou Jeloud) souk walk
- Pottery cooperative — see Fassi ceramics made
- Optional: Volubilis Roman ruins day trip (1h)
