Walking Tour in Old Medina Fez with Official Guide
4.9
31 Ratings
Fès
Discover Fez's Old Medina with Rachid. Explore historic landmarks, savor Moroccan cuisine, and connect with locals on this immersive walking tour.
Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Bab Bou Jeloud - Bab Bou Jeloud, also known as the Blue Gate, is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city of Fez, Morocco. Here are some key points about this historic site:

1. Architectural Beauty: The Blue Gate is renowned for its stunning architectural design. The horseshoe arches, intricate tilework, and geometric patterns showcase traditional Moroccan craftsmanship.

2. Symbolic Entrance: Built in the early 20th century, Bab Bou Jeloud serves as one of the main entrances to the Old Medina of Fez. The vibrant blue color is a striking symbol that welcomes visitors into the heart of the city.

3. Blue City: The gate is a gateway to the bustling streets of Fes el Bali, the UNESCO-listed Old Medina. Once through the gate, visitors find themselves immersed in a maze of narrow alleyways, lively souks, and historic monuments.

  1. Photography Hotspot: The picturesque nature of the Blue Gate makes it a popular spot for photographers. The blue and green tiles create a visually appealing
  • Kairaouine Mosque (Mosque of al-Qarawiyyin) - Foundation: Established in 859 CE by Fatima al-Fihri, the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University is considered the oldest existing and continually operating educational institution in the world.

Architectural Beauty: The mosque and university complex boasts a blend of traditional Moroccan and Islamic architecture. The design includes intricate geometric patterns, zellige tilework, and stunning calligraphy.
Educational Legacy: Al-Qarawiyyin has a rich history of scholarship and learning. It has been a center for Islamic studies, sciences, and humanities for over a millennium. The university has played a crucial role in preserving and disseminating knowledge. Mosque: The Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque is an integral part of the complex, providing a place for worship and reflection. The mosque features traditional Moroccan architecture and is a serene space within the bustling Old Medina.

  • Chouara Tannery - The Chouara Tannery is one of the most famous and ancient tanneries in Fez, Morocco. It holds a significant place in the city’s history and is a must-visit attraction for tourists.
    Historical Significance: The Chouara Tannery is believed to date back to the 11th century, making it one of the oldest tanneries in the world. It has been an integral part of Fez’s leather industry for centuries.

Location: Situated in the heart of the Old Medina of Fez, the Chouara Tannery is easily accessible and is often included in guided tours of the city.

Traditional Leather Production: The tannery employs traditional methods of leather production that have been passed down through generations. The process involves treating and dyeing animal hides to produce leather goods. Iconic Vats: The tannery is known for its distinctive stone vessels filled with dyes of various colors. The vats create a visually striking mosaic that can be admired from a terrace overlooking the site.

  • Fes el-Bali - Fes el Bali, the UNESCO-listed Old Medina of Fez, is a mesmerizing and historically rich destination that encapsulates the essence of Moroccan culture. Labyrinthine Streets: The Old Medina is a maze of narrow, winding streets that create an immersive and authentic experience for visitors. Navigating through these alleys allows travelers to discover hidden gems and witness daily life in Fez.

Bustling Souks: The souks (markets) of Fes el Bali are renowned for their vibrant energy and diverse array of goods. From traditional crafts and textiles to spices and leather products, the souks offer a sensory journey through Moroccan craftsmanship.

Historic Architecture: The Old Medina is home to architectural wonders, including intricate riads, mosques, and historic gates. The architecture reflects centuries of craftsmanship and design, showcasing the city’s cultural and artistic evolution. Cultural Heritage: Fes el Bali is a living testament to Morocco’s cultural heritage.

  • Bou Inania Medersa - Bou Inania Madrasa is a prominent historical and architectural gem locateArchitecture and Design:

The madrasa was built by the Marinid Sultan Abu Inan Faris between 1350 and 1357.
It is renowned for its intricate and detailed architectural features, showcasing the excellence of Marinid designdin Courtyard and Prayer Hall:

The madrasa features a central courtyard adorned with a beautiful fountain, surrounded by a gallery with carved cedarwood.
The prayer hall includes a mihrab (prayer niche) and a mimbar (pulpit), showcasing exquisite tilework and stucco decoration.
Minaret:

Bou Inania Madrasa is unique among Moroccan madrasas for having a minaret, which is not a common feature in religious schools.
Historical Significance:

The madrasa stands as a testament to the flourishing intellectual and artistic achievements during the Marinid dynasty.the heart of the Old Medina in Fez, Morocco The madrasa stands as a testament to the flourishing intellectual and artistic achievements .

What's Included
  • Bottled water
  • Official guide
  • 3-hour tour
What's Not Included
  • Private transportation
  • Paid entrance fees to museums and tourist attractions The entrance price there is 20 or 40 dirhams
Additional Information

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the enchanting labyrinth of Fez’s Old Medina with Rachid, your dedicated local guide. What sets my tour apart is not just the exploration of historic landmarks but the immersive experience that goes beyond the surface.

Historical Marvels:
Explore the hidden gems of the Old Medina, including the architectural wonders of Bou Inania Madrasa, ancient tanneries, and vibrant souks. Uncover the rich history and stories behind each stone.

Culinary Delights:
Immerse yourself in the culinary tapestry of Morocco. From savoring aromatic spices at the spice market to enjoying a traditional Moroccan tea ceremony, your taste buds are in for a treat.

Local Encounters:
Connect with the soul of Fez through interactions with locals. From artisans practicing age-old crafts to lively market vendors, experience the warmth and hospitality that define Moroccan culture.

Location
Bab Boujloud
The meeting point for your tour with guide Rachid is at Bab Boujloud (the Blue Gate).
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(31 Ratings)
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Anthonyhm7980cu
May 15, 2024
Great private tour in Fès. - Rachid was a wonderful guide that gave us so many informations and showed us places according to our preferences. Also thanks to him we did not got lost in the Medina. We highly recommend him as a tour guide !
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Escape_goad
May 12, 2024
Rachid makes Fes great - Some knowledge is earned over time, like community connections, local secrets, and an encyclopedic knowledge of history and culture. Some abilities are just innate, like kindness, intuition, and an ability to share joy. Rachid has both. He’s a wonderful person who has worked hard to create this conduit for us visitors to understand, appreciate, and contribute back. In particular, he was great with constantly tailoring our day to our many curiosities and the needs of our little 4 year old. Wholly recommend. Shukran Rachid!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
193nilas
May 10, 2024
Best walking tour I’ve ever been on!! - My partner and I went on a walking tour with Rachid and had the most amazing time! Hands down, I think this was one of the best tours I’ve ever been on. He listened to what we wanted to see and took us to all the craftsman we wanted to buy from (he helped get us get some good deals as well). It is clear he is well loved and known in the medina. I cannot recommend him enough to anyone wanting to learn more about Fez and the medina. Thank you Rachid!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
80-quentin
Apr 29, 2024
Beautiful discovery of the medina with the family, extremely welcoming guide - Abdul was a very good guide. No problem with the French language. Our guide took us through unknown and typical places. He taught us a lot about the history of Fez and the habits and customs of the medina
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Laurenfedorchak
Apr 29, 2024
Great day exploring the Medina - We recommend Rachid without hesitation! He was an incredible tour guide and we felt very safe and comfortable with him. We had a wonderful day walking around and talking with Rachid. You will not be disappointed if you book a tour with him!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fearless41285052537
Apr 18, 2024
Our fabulous guide Rashid. - Rabid was our guide. He was very friendly, polite and respectful. He made sure at all times that we had the opportunity to see as much as possible outside and within the Medina. He listened to our requirements in terms of the plan for the day. We felt safe and secure with Rashid by our side at all times. If you want a guide to show you around Fez, choose Rashid.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lucacarminev
Apr 14, 2024
Good person and excellent guide - Rachid is a very good person. He took us to many places in the Medina of Fez and treated us like a true friend. It is essential to have a guide to visit this part of the city as there are many streets and it is easy to get lost. Advised
Review provided by Tripadvisor
X3208ummartinas
Apr 13, 2024
AMAZING! - Rachid was an amazing guide and lead us into the labyrinth of the Medina. He was able to answer all our questions and it was an amazing experience, he was able to show us Fez in a way we wouldn't be able to alone He represents perfectly his amazing culture
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mfgtn
Apr 4, 2024
A cultural interpreter - Rachid gave us an excellent 4h tour of the Medina. He is very kind, humourous and friendly. With him, you really get an insight into a different way of life and culture, not just someone who shows you the sights.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lalyblue61
Apr 21, 2024
Careful who you select as your guide in Fes - Unfortunately our long awaited tour to Fes was a huge disappointment. Our guide took us to very important historical places and he wasn’t knowledgeable about them. He was more Interested in taking us shopping to “cooperatives.”
Review provided by Viator
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