Fez Medina: Private Walking Tour, Tannery & Madrasa

Summary

Fez’s maze of color, history and craft with a guide

You’ll walk Fez’s legendary medina with a local guide who knows every twist and story. See Bou Inania Madrasa’s quiet beauty, watch tanners at work (mint sprigs help!), sip tea among locals, and wander souks bursting with color. Expect surprises around every corner—and memories that stick long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

We ducked through Bab Bou Jeloud just as the city was waking up — blue tiles shining, shop shutters rattling open. Our guide, Youssef, waved us along like he knew every shortcut (and honestly, I think he did). The medina of Fez is this wild tangle of alleys and voices; sometimes you catch a whiff of mint tea or leather, sometimes it’s just dust and sun on old stone. We paused at a bakery window where kids were buying flatbread for breakfast. I tried to ask the baker something in French but mostly got a smile and a shrug — fair enough.

Inside Bou Inania Madrasa, Youssef pointed out tiny details in the carved cedar and zellij tiles that I’d never have noticed on my own. It’s quiet in there — almost a relief after the medina noise. Later, at Chouara Tannery, he handed us sprigs of mint to hold under our noses (the smell is…intense). Watching men work waist-deep in vats dyed all these earthy reds and yellows made me think about how old this craft is. There was a moment when a worker laughed at my face — guess I looked pretty shocked by it all.

We wandered through souks packed with copper lamps and heaps of spices so bright they didn’t look real. At the Nejjarine Museum, sunlight fell through lattice windows onto polished wood — kind of peaceful after the street chaos. Youssef told stories about Moulay Idriss II outside his shrine; we couldn’t go in but you could feel how much it meant to people passing by. Somewhere along the way we stopped for sweet mint tea at a café tucked behind stacks of rugs. My feet were tired but I didn’t want to miss anything. There’s something about Fez that lingers — maybe it’s the echo of footsteps in those narrow lanes or just how alive everything feels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Comprehensive Fez Medina walking tour

• Pick-up from your Riad or hotel
• Visit Bab Bou Jeloud gate
• Explore the Mellah and Ibn Danan synagogue
• Admire the Kings Palace
• Ascend Merindes Tops and Borj North and South
• Tour a ceramic factory
• Visit Bou Inania Medersa
• Discover Museo Nejjarine
• Wander Medina of Fez streets and souks
• Learn about Zaouia of Moulay Idriss II
• Explore Quaraouiyine and Andalusian Mosques
• See Chouara Tannery
• Visit Al-Attarine Madrasa
• Pay homage at Sidi Ahmed Al Tijani shrine
• Return to your hotel or riad

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Fez Medina walking tour?

Yes, pickup from your hotel or riad in Fez is included.

How long does the private walking tour last?

The tour covers several hours exploring key sites within the Medina of Fez.

Are entry fees for attractions included?

No, entry fees such as for Bou Inania Madrasa or Nejjarine Museum are not included and are paid onsite (20 DH per person each).

Will we visit the Chouara Tannery during this tour?

Yes, you’ll visit Chouara Tannery and see traditional leather-making up close.

Can non-Muslims enter Zaouia Moulay Idriss II?

No, entrance is restricted to Muslims but your guide will explain its significance from outside.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels though there is quite a bit of walking.

Is coffee or tea provided during the tour?

A stop for coffee or Moroccan mint tea is included during your walk.

Are service animals allowed on this walking tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or riad pickup in Fez, guiding throughout by a knowledgeable local who’ll share stories as you explore major sites like Bou Inania Madrasa and Chouara Tannery, plus time for coffee or Moroccan mint tea along the way before returning to your accommodation.