Fez Day Trip from Casablanca: Medina, Leather Tanneries & Lunch

Summary

Winding Fez alleys, centuries-old crafts and the scent of leather

You’ll wind through Fez’s maze-like medina with a local guide, watch artisans at work in centuries-old workshops, brave the famous tanneries (mint sprig included), and share lunch above the rooftops before heading back to Casablanca. Expect sensory overload — but in a good way.

What’s the experience like?

It’s wild how quiet the highway feels before you hit Fez. One minute it’s just the hum of the van and the driver humming along to some song I didn’t recognize — then suddenly, we’re inside these blue-tiled gates (Bab Bou Jeloud), and everything flips. The air smells like dust and something sweet — maybe dates? Our guide, Youssef, grinned as he led us straight into the Medina. I lost count of how many times I almost tripped over a cat or bumped into someone carrying a stack of bread on their head. It’s chaos in the best way.

We ducked into the Nejjarine Museum — cool stone floors underfoot, woodwork everywhere. Youssef explained how artisans still use tools that look older than my grandfather, which made me laugh (he didn’t seem offended). There was this moment when a shaft of light hit a pile of mosaic tiles and for a second it felt like time had stopped. Then someone’s phone rang and snapped us all back. That’s Fez for you: ancient and totally alive at once.

I’ll admit I was nervous about the tanneries — people talk about the smell like it’s legendary. Honestly? It wasn’t as bad as I expected (maybe because Youssef handed out sprigs of mint to sniff). Watching those guys stomp around in vats of dye, bare-legged and laughing at each other, made me realize how much craft is still done by hand here. We tried saying “choukran” to thank them — not sure if they understood my accent but they smiled anyway.

Lunch was upstairs in this tiled room overlooking rooftops full of satellite dishes and laundry flapping in the breeze. Tagine with preserved lemon — sharp and salty in a way that sticks with you even after you’re back in Casablanca traffic hours later. I still think about that view over the old city walls, honestly. If you ever do this day trip to Fez from Casablanca, don’t rush through lunch; just let yourself sit there for a bit.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Fez historic sites and crafts

• Visit Nejjarine Museum of Arts
• See Bab Bou Jeloud gate
• Visit Ibn Danan synagogue
• Tour Kairaouine Mosque and university
• Explore leather making process
• Discover pottery and mosaic designs
• If time permits, view Hassan II Mosque

Top questions

How long is the drive from Casablanca to Fez?

The total tour duration includes travel time; expect several hours each way by car or van.

Is lunch included on this Fez day trip?

Yes, lunch is included during your tour in Fez.

Are entrance fees covered?

All site entrance fees are included in your booking.

Will we visit the leather tanneries?

Yes, visiting Fez’s traditional leather tanneries is part of the itinerary.

Is hotel pickup available in Casablanca?

Pickup and drop-off at your Casablanca city center hotel are included.

Is this tour suitable for children?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; children must be accompanied by an adult.

What sites will we see in Fez?

You’ll visit Bab Bou Jeloud gate, Nejjarine Museum, Kairaouine Mosque (from outside), tanneries, pottery workshops, and more.

Are infant seats available?

Free infant seats are available on request if advised at booking time.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your Casablanca hotel by an air-conditioned vehicle with Wi-Fi and multilingual driver at your disposal throughout. You’ll have entry to all sites on the itinerary, enjoy lunch during your tour (with water provided), and return drop-off back at your hotel when it’s all done.