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Casablanca to Fes: Discover Moroccan Culture through History, Architecture and Artistry
5.0
2 Ratings
Casablanca
Embark on a full-day trip from Casablanca to Fes and immerse yourself in Moroccan culture. Explore the historic streets of the Fez medina, visit iconic landmarks like Bab Boujloud and Al Quaraouiyine Mosque, and admire the city's stunning architecture and rich history.
Duration:
13 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Casablanca - Depart at 07:00 from your accommodation in Casablanca, heading to Fes via the motorway for a comfortable drive of about 3 hours. Take a short break halfway through the journey, then continue to Fes. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your tour guide and enjoy a tour of Fes.
- Royal Palace of Fez - The first stop is the impressive Royal Palace of the King of Morocco in Fez. Originally founded during the establishment of Fes el-Jdid (New Fez) in 1276 CE by the Marinid dynasty, most of the palace today dates from the Alaouite era (17th-20th centuries). The vast grounds include multiple private structures, patios, and gardens, and historically housed administrative offices and government tribunals. Today, the most visible parts of the palace are its main entrances at the Old Mechouar (northeast) and the ornate 20th-century gates at Place des Alaouites, near the Mellah (southwest). Enjoy the beautiful Moroccan architecture and take pictures of the palace and gardens.
- Borj Nord - Visit the North Tower, a fort established in 1582 by the Saadi dynasty, modeled after 16th-century Portuguese forts. It is one of the largest defense structures around Fez and incorporates European-style military architecture from the gunpowder age. Today, the fort is open to the public as the Museum of Arms. Enjoy a panoramic view of the entire city from this tower.
- Mosque and University Kairaouine - Visit the University of Al Quaraouiyine, founded as a mosque by Fatima al-Fihri in 857–859. It became a leading spiritual and educational center during the Islamic Golden Age and was incorporated into Morocco’s modern state university system in 1963. The mosque building is a significant complex of historical Moroccan and Islamic architecture, featuring elements from various periods of Moroccan history.
- Chouara Tannery - Visit Chouara Tannery, the largest and one of the oldest tanneries in Fez, located in the oldest medina quarter along the Oued Fes. The tanning industry has operated here in the same fashion since the city’s inception. Today, it is a major tourist attraction. The tanneries are filled with round stone vessels containing dye or white liquids for softening hides. The leather goods produced here are exported worldwide. You can take photos of the workers cleaning the leather in the pools.
- Bou Inania Medersa - Visit the beautiful Bou Inania Madrasa, built between 1350–55 CE by Abu Inan Faris. It is the only madrasa in Morocco that also functioned as a congregational mosque and is widely regarded as a high point of Marinid and historic Moroccan architecture.
- Fes el-Bali - Explore Fez Medina with your knowledgeable guide. Fez, once considered the Mecca of the West and the Athens of Africa, is the country’s second-largest city after Casablanca, with a population of approximately 1 million. This former capital is one of Morocco’s four imperial cities and comprises three distinct parts: Fez el Bali (the oldest part, surrounded by a large wall with over 9000 narrow streets and alleys), Fez-Jdid (New Fez, home to the Mellah, the Jewish quarter), and Ville Nouvelle (the newest section, created during the French occupation). Fez el Bali is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its medina is the largest in the world. Among its narrow streets and alleys is the oldest university in the world, the University of Al-Karaouine, founded in 859 AD, which is still operational today. Discover the narrow streets of the old town with your tour guide.
- Fes - After visiting the beautiful city of Fes and learning all about it from your professional tour guide, you will meet your driver and return to Casablanca, where you will be dropped off at your accommodation or at Md V airport, marking the end of your trip.
What's Included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- On-board WiFi
- Guided Tour of Fes with official licensed Tour Guide
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Surcharges on fuel
What's Not Included
- Lunch
- Carbonated beverages
- Gratuities
Additional Information
Visit Morocco’s cultural city of Fes on this a full-days Trip from Casablanca. The oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities, Fes was founded in 789. Explore the winding streets of the Fez medina, stopping to see Bab Boujloud, Al Quaraouiyine Mosque and University, the Nejjarine Fountain, the former Jewish Quarter, and more. The royal palace, the tannery for leather. Admire the architecture of the city and history.
Location
Casablanca
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(2 Ratings)
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1 star
Jason_w
Jun 7, 2024
Don't miss this experience! - Amazing experience! Our driver, Ismael, was punctual and was willing to stop as often as we liked while traveling to Fez. Upon arriving to Fez, we picked up our tour guide and proceeded with the tour. The tour guide was very detailed. It was an amazing experience. I would not have changed a thing. Lunch was at an amazing restaurant. I had been wanting couscous for some time. It was the best that I have ever had.
Review provided by Viator
Christine_s
Jan 4, 2024
The best day trip to Fes - Abdul was our amazing and kind driver. Hakima was our extremely knowledgeable guide who navigated the Medina with ease. There is no way we would have been able to see all the sites in the Medina and found all the artisan shops on our own. We were taken to many sites and saw highlights of the city and made it back to Casablanca in good time. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Viator
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