Fez: Medina & Handicraft Full Day Tour with Pickup

Summary

Fez medina ramparts, pottery artisans, tanneries & old souks

You’ll wind through Fez’s ancient streets with a local guide by your side — from palace gates glowing in morning sun to pottery workshops where artisans laugh at your clumsy hands. Smell leather at the tanneries, taste sweet mint tea after lunch, and feel history under your feet as you explore both Fes El Jadid and Fes El Bali.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely stepped out of the car when the air changed — that kind of dry morning chill that makes you wish you’d grabbed your scarf. Our guide, Idriss, grinned at my shiver and promised we’d warm up fast in Fes El Jadid. He pointed out the old city walls as we walked, tracing the cracks with his hand like he knew every stone. The Jewish quarter felt quieter than I expected; a couple of kids darted past us near the synagogue, their laughter echoing against blue-painted doors. I tried to imagine what it was like here centuries ago — honestly, it’s hard to picture with all the mopeds zipping by now.

The royal palace gates really are something (I know everyone says that), but what stuck with me was the way sunlight hit those brass doors — blinding for a second. Up at Borj Nord, we caught our breath and took in Fez sprawling below. It’s not tidy or neat from above; roofs tilt every which way, satellite dishes everywhere. Then came my favorite part: wandering into the pottery section. You can hear hammers tapping before you even see the mosaic workshop. One guy let me try fitting a tile — I completely messed it up and we both cracked up about it.

After lunch (spicy chicken tagine and mint tea that tasted sweeter than usual), we followed Idriss into Fes El Bali. The medina is just… wild. Narrow alleys packed with people and donkeys carrying crates, bronze workers banging away in Sefarine Square — so loud I nearly jumped when someone dropped a tray behind me. In Najjarine Souk I got distracted by a carpenter smoothing wood with his thumb; he smiled but didn’t stop working. We peeked into a Medersa and stood quietly for a minute — it smelled faintly of cedar and dust. Honestly, I still think about that calm in the middle of all the noise.

The tanneries were last — nothing prepares you for that smell (they hand you mint leaves to hold under your nose). Watching guys stand knee-deep in dye vats is surreal; they waved up at us like it was no big deal. By late afternoon my feet were sore and my head was spinning from all the colors and sounds — but I didn’t want to leave just yet, you know? There’s something about Fez that lingers after you go back to your hotel.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day Fez cultural and handicraft tour

• Pick up from hotel or Riad
• Tour medina ramparts for 2 hours
• Visit Fes El Jadid and Jewish quarter
• See synagogue or cemetery
• View royal palace gates
• Go to Borj Nord for panoramic view
• Visit pottery section and artisans
• Explore old medina Fes El Bali
• Visit 14th century Medersa
• See Quaraouiyine university
• Visit Seffarine bronze section
• Explore Najjarine Carpenters Souk
• See Nejjarine Fountain and Fondouk
• Visit mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II
• Visit tanneries and weavers
• Enjoy lunch in Moroccan restaurant

Top questions

How long does this Fez cultural & handicraft tour last?

This is a full day tour covering several hours from morning through late afternoon.

Is hotel pickup included for this Fez day trip?

Yes, hotel or riad pickup and drop off are included in the tour.

What main sites do we visit on this Fez medina tour?

You’ll see Fes El Jadid, Jewish quarter (Mellah), royal palace gates, Borj Nord viewpoint, pottery workshops, Fes El Bali medina, Medersa, Quaraouiyine University, Sefarine Square (bronze), Najjarine Souk (carpenters), Nejjarine Fountain/Fondouk, Moulay Idriss II mausoleum, tanneries and weaving area.

Is lunch provided on this Fez handicraft tour?

Yes, lunch at a Moroccan restaurant is included during your day trip in Fez.

Are there any physical requirements for this Fez walking tour?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels but involves walking on uneven surfaces within the medina.

Can infants or small children join this Fez day trip?

Infants can join; prams/strollers are allowed and specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Do we have an English-speaking local guide during this tour?

A professional local guide accompanies you throughout the full day experience in Fez.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with hotel or riad pickup and drop off; guidance from a professional local expert; bottled mineral water along the way; time exploring both Fes El Jadid and Fes El Bali; visits to artisan workshops; entry to key sites; plus lunch at a Moroccan restaurant before heading back in the afternoon.