Fes Desert Tours
Fes desert tours in Morocco offer a chance to explore the beautiful Sahara Desert. These Best Moroccan Sahara Desert tours start in the city of Fes and take you on a journey through stunning landscapes, including the Middle Atlas Mountains, green valleys, and traditional Berber villages. The highlight of the tour is visiting the Sahara, where you can ride camels, watch the sunset over the sand dunes, and spend the night in a desert camp under the stars. It’s a great way to experience Morocco’s natural beauty and culture.
PRIVATE FES SAHARA DESERT TOURS
Private Fes Desert Tours in Morocco give you a more personalized and comfortable experience. These tours are just for you and your group, so you can travel at your own pace and enjoy more privacy. Like regular tours, they start in Fes and take you to the Sahara Desert, but with a private tour, you can customize the trip. You can stop where you want, spend more time in certain places, and enjoy activities like camel riding and staying in a desert camp. It’s a great option for people who want a more relaxed and flexible trip. Contact us and we will make sure that your journey in Morocco will be fabulous.
2 DAYS TOUR FROM FES TO MERZOUGA DESERT
Explore iconic destinations such as the Middle Atlas Mountains, the little Switzerland of Morocco, and Azrou’s Cedar Forest. Plus, camel riding through the golden dunes of Merzouga.
2 DAYS TOUR FROM FES TO MARRAKECH
Experience camel riding to the middle of the golden dunes and spend a night in a traditional nomad desert camp and discover Roses Valley, and the red city Marrakech.
3 DAYS TOUR FROM FES TO MERZOUGA DESERT
The journey’s highlights include camel rides through the golden dunes of Merzouga, an overnight stay in a traditional desert camp, and witnessing breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.
3 DAYS TOUR FROM FES TO MARRAKECH
The 3 days desert from Fes to Marrakech is an opportunity to explore Morocco’s diverse landscapes, historical monuments, natural beauty, and cultural richness.
4 DAYS TOUR FROM FES TO MERZOUGA DESERT
Experience camel riding, contemplate the fabulous sunset, enjoy the tranquility, spend an overnight in a desert camp, sandboarding, join drumming sessions, and stargazing
4 DAYS TOUR FROM FES TO MARRAKECH
This tour from Fes offers a perfect blend of adventure, cultural diversity, and natural beauty, experience the best of Morocco’s desert landscapes and simple way of life.
History of Fes City:
Fes city is the second-largest city in Morocco, nicknamed “Mecca of the West” and “Athens of Africa” for its cultural and religious significance. Founded in the 8th-9th centuries, Fez is a fascinating blend of Amazigh and Moroccan influences.
Fez wasn’t built all at once! The story starts in 789 with Idris I, a leader who fled Arabia, settled in Morocco, and conquered land. He founded the first part of Fez, called Madinat Fas, on the southeast side of a river (now called the Fez River).
His son, Idris II, wasn’t satisfied with just one side. In 809, he built another settlement called al-ʿĀliyá on the opposite bank of the river and even moved the capital there! Back then, the people of Fez were mostly Amazighs (Berbers)morocco
The city is divided into three main areas:
- Fes el-Bali (Old Fez): A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s largest car-free zones. It boasts the ancient University of al-Qarawiyyin (the oldest continuously operating university) and the Chouara Tannery (one of the oldest tanneries in the world).
- Fes Jdid (New Fez): Founded in the 13th century, it houses the Royal Palace and the former Jewish quarter (Mellah).
- Ville Nouvelle: The modern city area built during French colonial times.
Rise and Rule:
- Fez has seen many empires come and go, reaching its peak under the Marinid dynasty (13th-15th centuries). During this era, the city became a center of religion, scholarship, and trade.
- After the Marinids, Fez continued to be an important city, even serving as the capital again under the Alawi dynasty until 1912.
Fez offers a unique blend of history, culture, and tradition, making it a must-visit for any traveler to Morocco.
This ancient city, going back to the 8th century, has one of the oldest universities in the world. It’s famous for art and science in Morocco. The culture there is lively, and you can feel its influence everywhere. Fez is called the cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco, and it’s not hard to see why.
Even though bigger cities like Casablanca, Marrakech, and Rabat get more attention, Fez has its own charm. It’s a mix of modern life and old Moroccan traditions. The narrow streets are fun to wander through, and you’ll find amazing buildings made of clay and bricks, colorful tiled courtyards, and fancy carved pillars. What’s cool about Fez is its blue color.
It’s everywhere in the city and is a symbol of the local pottery. Fez is known for its pottery, and some of the best pieces in the country come from here. The deep blue stands out against the twisty streets and gives the city a mysterious vibe. Fez is made up of three cities by the Fez and Zitu rivers, which makes it special. Before you visit, it’s a good idea to learn about the history and culture of this interesting city so you can enjoy it fully.
What to see in Fes ?
Medina of Fes (Fes el-Bali):
Fes el-Bali is the oldest part of Fes and one of the most historic places in Morocco. It is a large, walled area full of narrow, winding streets, traditional houses, and shops. The Medina of Fes el-Bali is like a maze, with over 9,000 alleyways! It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to important landmarks like Al Quaraouiyine University and the Chouara Tannery. In Fes el-Bali, you can explore souks (markets) selling everything from spices to handmade crafts. The area feels like stepping back in time, showing how life was hundreds of years ago.
Fes el-Bali is not only the heart of Fes but also a key cultural and historical center in Morocco. It was founded in the 9th century and has remained largely unchanged, making it a living museum of medieval Islamic culture. The streets are too narrow for cars, so people get around by walking or using donkeys to carry goods, giving the medina an authentic feel.
You can visit historic mosques, ancient madrasas (Islamic schools), and traditional hammams (bathhouses). One of the main attractions is Bab Boujloud, also known as the “Blue Gate,” a stunning entrance to the medina decorated with blue and green tiles. Inside, you’ll find craftsmen working in leather, metal, and textiles, keeping centuries-old traditions alive.
Fes el-Bali is also famous for its riads, which are traditional Moroccan houses with beautiful interior gardens and courtyards. Many of these have been turned into guesthouses where visitors can experience the charm of Moroccan hospitality. Overall, Fes el-Bali is a unique place where the past and present come together, offering a rich experience of Moroccan heritage.
The old town with narrow streets, shops, and traditional markets. It’s one of the largest car-free areas in the world.
Al Quaraouiyine University:
Al Quaraouiyine University, located in Fes, Morocco, is the oldest university in the world. It was innovated in 859 by a woman named Fatima al- Fihri. The university started as a small academy inside a synagogue and grew over time to come an important center of literacy.
Al Quaraouiyine has tutored numerous subjects, including religion, mathematics, astronomy, and drug. notorious scholars from each over the world came to study then. The structure is also veritably beautiful, with traditional Moroccan armature, including detailed pipe work, bends, and yards. moment, Al Quaraouiyine is still used as a university and synagogue , and it’s an important part of Morocco’s history and culture. It shows the long tradition of education in the Muslim world.
Bou Inania Madrasa:
Bou Inania Madrasa is a beautiful Islamic school in Fes, Morocco. It was built in the 14th century by Sultan Abu Inan, and it is one of the most important madrasas (religious schools) in Morocco. The madrasa was used for teaching students about the Quran and Islamic law.
The architecture of Bou Inania is stunning. It has detailed wood carvings, colorful tile work, and beautiful arches. There is also a peaceful courtyard with a fountain in the center. Unlike many other madrasas, Bou Inania has a mosque attached, which is still used for prayers today.
Visitors can explore the madrasa and admire its design, making it a popular place to learn about Moroccan culture and history.
Chouara Tannery:
Chouara Tannery is a famous place in Fes, Morocco, where leather is made using traditional methods. It is one of the oldest tanneries in the world, dating back to the 11th century. The tannery is located in the old part of Fes, called Fes el-Bali.
At Chouara Tannery, workers use natural materials to soften and color the leather, like pigeon droppings, water, and plants. You can see many large stone pits filled with colorful dyes, where the leather is soaked to get different shades. The process is hard work and has been done the same way for hundreds of years.
Visitors can watch the workers from nearby terraces, getting a view of the colorful pits and learning how leather products, like bags and shoes, are made. Even though it can smell strong, the tannery is a unique and interesting part of Fes culture and history.
Royal Palace:
The Royal Palace in Fes, also known as Dar al-Makhzen, is a large and beautiful palace that is still used by the king of Morocco when he visits the city. It is located near the old Medina and is known for its stunning architecture.
The palace’s most famous feature is its golden gates, which are decorated with detailed patterns and colorful tiles. The doors are huge and very impressive, but visitors cannot enter the palace, as it is closed to the public. However, many people come to admire the gates and the beauty of the building from the outside.
Surrounding the palace are gardens and high walls, adding to its grandeur. The Royal Palace in Fes is an important symbol of Morocco’s rich history and royal tradition.
Jnane Sbil:
Jnan Sbil is a beautiful public garden in Fes, Morocco. It is a peaceful place where locals and visitors come to relax and enjoy nature. The garden is located between the old Medina and the Royal Palace, making it easy to visit.
Jnan Sbil is known for its lovely green spaces, tall palm trees, and colorful flowers. There are also fountains and small lakes, which create a calm atmosphere. You can walk along shaded paths, sit on benches, or just enjoy the fresh air.
The garden is perfect for taking a break from the busy streets of Fes and offers a quiet place to rest. It’s one of the oldest parks in the city and is well-loved by both locals and tourists.
Marrakech Tours
- 2 Days Desert Tour Marrakech to Fes
- 2 Days Desert Tour Marrakech to Merzouga
- 2 Days Tour Marrakech to Zagora Desert
- 3 Days Desert Tour Marrakech to Fes
- 3 Days Tour Marrakech to Merzouga Desert
- 4 Days Tour Marrakech to Fes
- 4 Days Tour Marrakech to Merzouga Desert
- 4 Days Desert Tour Marrakech to Essaouira
- 5 Days Desert Tour Marrakech to Essaouira
- 5 Days Desert Tour Marrakech to Fes
