Fez to Rabat Private Day Trip: Medina, Hassan Tower & Kasbah

Summary

Discover Rabat’s Imperial Sights on a Guided Day Tour

You’ll walk Rabat’s ancient lanes, sip mint tea in hidden courtyards, and see both grand monuments and daily life up close. This trip blends Morocco’s history with today’s rhythms—perfect if you want more than just snapshots.

What’s the experience like?

Wind whipped through my scarf as we rolled into Rabat, the Atlantic air mixing with a faint scent of seaweed and grilled sardines from street vendors. Our driver, Youssef, pointed out the Bou Regreg river—locals say it’s the city’s lifeblood. The first stop was the Udayas Kasbah. I’d seen photos before, but walking through Bab Oudaïa’s massive stone gate felt different—there’s this hush inside, broken only by distant calls to prayer and kids playing soccer against the ancient walls.

We wandered narrow alleys painted in faded blue and white. In one corner, an old man sold mint tea from a battered kettle—couldn’t resist grabbing a glass. After a quick rest in a Moorish courtyard (the tiles were cool even under the midday sun), we made our way to the medina. It buzzed with life: shopkeepers calling out prices, women haggling over olives, that sort of thing.

Lunch was simple—fresh bread and zaalouk at a tiny café near Hassan Tower. The tower itself is unfinished; our guide explained that its founder died before it was done. You can still see rows of stumpy columns stretching toward the sky. Later on, we drove out to Chella—the necropolis is quiet except for storks nesting on ruined walls. Last stop: the Royal Palace grounds. You can’t go inside, but you get close enough to admire those gardens and intricate gates where royal guards stand watch. It’s all very real—not just postcard stuff.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Rabat's Historic Sites

• Visit Almohad walls and Udayays Kasabah
• Tour Hassan Tower, Chella Necropolis, and Royal Palace

Top questions

How long does the drive from Fez to Rabat take?

The drive usually takes about 2–2.5 hours each way, depending on traffic and weather.

Is there much walking involved during the tour?

You’ll do some walking in the medina and around main sites like Udayas Kasbah and Chella, but it’s at an easy pace with plenty of breaks.

Can we enter the Royal Palace?

You can visit the palace grounds and gardens but entry inside isn’t allowed for visitors.

Are meals included?

No meals are included, but your guide will recommend good local spots for lunch in Rabat.

What’s included

This private tour covers hotel or port pickup and drop-off in Fez, bottled water for your journey, all local taxes, fuel costs, and comfortable transport by private vehicle. All fitness levels are welcome—you set your own pace.