9 of the Best Fes Tours and Day Trips from Morocco's "Cultural Capital"
- Malika
- Feb 6, 2024
- 10 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
Looking for the best tours in Fes or incredible day trips from Fes? Explore this curated collection of cooking classes, full-day tours and multi-day adventures from one of Morocco's most ancient cities.
Fes is undoubtedly one of Morocco’s most fascinating cities, with layers of culture and heritage that date back centuries. It's a place I love to simply wander (and get a little lost) while seeing where the alleyways of the medina take me.
But if you really want to immerse yourself in the city’s architecture and history (and avoid getting lost), you might want to opt for a guided tour of Fes.
And when the bustling medina becomes too much, the city makes a wonderful base for exploring further afield on a range of Fes day trips - to the storied city of Meknes, the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the wind-sculpted dunes of the Sahara Desert.
In this article, discover 9 of the best Fes tours and day trips, ranging from a few hours to several days. Whether you want to hike through Dades Gorge or get up close to Barbary macaques, there's something for all interests.
If you're travelling solo and want to join a small-group Fes tour or experience, I've listed some of the best here.
Want to learn more about visiting Fes? Check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Fes, which includes info on getting there, the best time to visit and the top things to do in Fes.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission when you make a purchase. Affiliate links cost you nothing and ensure my content stays free!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best half-day tour of Fes
Best full-day tour of Fes
Best family-run cooking class in Fes
Best professional Fes cooking class
Best tour to Meknes from Fes
Best Chefchaouen day trip from Fes
Best 2-day Sahara tour from Fes
Best 3-day Sahara tour from Fes
Best private Sahara tour from Fes
Best half-day tour of Fes
Take a deep dive into the rich history and culture of Fes on this informative half-day private tour. In the company of an expert local guide, you’ll discover the hidden gems of Morocco's cultural capital and all the best places to pick up traditional handicrafts.
At your preferred pace, you’ll explore the winding alleyways of the ancient medina and its Jewish quarter before marvelling at the intricate tilework and carved wood of the Bou Inania Madrasa. Pay your respects at the tomb of Moulay Idriss II (the founder of Fes) and witness the fascinating traditional tanning processes of the Chouara Tannery.
Entry fees to most sites are included in this half-day tour of Fes, together with a stop for a refreshing mint tea. The guides can also make this private Fes medina tour accessible to those in wheelchairs or with strollers.
"Extremely knowledgeable and fun tour guide. Would highly recommend as he was the best one I met while touring Morocco.” - Tanya (read more reviews here)
Looking for accommodation in Fes? Discover 8 of the Best Riads in Fes for an incredible stay.
Best tours in Fes, Morocco
Best full-day tour of Fes
If you want a longer tour of Fes, then I’d recommend this one, which comes with glowing reviews and the Viator Badge of Excellence. It includes visits to all the big-ticket attractions in the medina while giving you more time to linger at those that interest you most.
Led by a highly knowledgeable local guide, you’ll wander through the labyrinthine streets of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which reveals centuries of history around every corner. Marvel at exquisite madrasas and see the oldest university in the world, then learn what has (and hasn’t) changed at the local tanneries since they were established in the 9th century.
The great thing about going on a private tour of Fes is that the guide will tailor the experience to your interests.
Want to immerse yourself in the nitty-gritty details of the city’s storied past? No problem! Prefer to focus your attention on finding authentic handicrafts and treasures to take home? I guarantee that Fes will not disappoint in this department.
"The history lessons were fantastic. Along with showing us the palace, tanneries, how they make cactus silk, bakeries, and schools. I would 100% recommend this experience.” - Matthew (read more reviews here)
Best tours in Fez
Best family-run cooking class in Fes
With an almost perfect five-star rating on Viator, this Moroccan cooking class in Fes is a “must” for foodies visiting the city. Hosted by Yassine in his family home, you’ll discover the art of preparing fragrant tagines, flavourful couscous and so much more in a truly warm and welcoming environment.
As you prepare dishes alongside your hosts, you’ll learn techniques passed down through generations and they’ll explain each step so you can recreate these traditional recipes back home. I love that this Moroccan cooking class in Fes includes so many vegetarian/vegan options, including one of my personal favourites - zaalouk!
Whether you're a seasoned chef or a total beginner, this Fes cooking class offers an immersive cultural experience. And, of course, you get to enjoy the fruits of your labour with a delicious meal at the end!
"Truly the best, most authentic experience we had in Morocco.” - Alex (read more reviews here)
If this cooking class sounds like your thing, you can find more highly-rated Fes food tours and experiences in this article.
Best day trips in Fes, Morocco
Best professional Fes cooking class
Palais Amani is a luxury Fes riad that also operates its own cooking school. It occupies a historic palace that has been beautifully restored, complete with a terrace where the cooking classes sometimes take place.
This Fes food experience begins at a local souk where you'll explore the colourful stalls overflowing with fragrant spices, fresh produce and artisanal goods. This is your chance to take in the energy of the medina while sampling Moroccan street food classics like the crispy sesame bread rghaif and sweet almond pastries.
Then, return to Palais Amani for a hands-on cooking class focusing on Moroccan cuisine's unique blend of Amazigh, Arabic and Mediterranean influences. You'll learn to prepare iconic dishes from scratch, including a rich chicken tagine simmered with olives, lemon and aromatic spices, plus smoky eggplant zaalouk.
Aside from the above-mentioned experience, Palais Amani also offers classes dedicated to Moroccan baking and Sephardic cuisine in honour of Fes’s historic Jewish community.
"This was such a wonderful tour and definitely one of our highlights in Morocco!.” - Stephanie (read more reviews here)
Discover more small-group Fes experiences for solo travellers here.
Best day trips from Fes
Best tour to Meknes from Fes
While Fes is overflowing with history, it’s also within easy reach of several historically-rich cities and ancient sights. On this full-day tour from Fes, you'll visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can wander the 2000-year-old ruins and glimpse what life was like here under the Roman Empire.
Next, travel to the holy hilltop town of Moulay Idriss, revered as the burial place of Morocco's first Islamic ruler. Soak up the spiritual ambiance and take in the panoramic views of the town while learning about its cultural significance from your knowledgeable guide. Don't miss the chance to sample the town's famous handmade nougat candy!
Finally, explore the imperial city of Meknes with its charming medina and imposing ancient walls. Marvel at the immense gate of Bab Mansour and people watch in Place El Hedim, where an entire section of the old city was demolished to make way for the grand designs of Sultan Moulay Ismail. While this Meknes tour from Fes isn’t private, it’s limited to just 15 people to ensure an intimate experience.
"The journey over the mountains to Volubilis was filled with dramatic scenery and the remains at Volubilis were remarkable. The tour of Meknes was fascinating and the guide was well informed and enthusiastic about the city, its culture and history.” - Jane (read more reviews here)
To learn more about visiting Meknes and the surrounding sights, check out my article listing 7 Incredible Things to do in Meknes.
Best day trips from Fes
Best private Chefchaouen day trip from Fes
While I’d highly recommend spending at least one night in Chefchaouen, it’s also possible to visit as a day trip from Fes if you’re short on time. Nestled in the Rif Mountains, this picturesque city has been dubbed the “Blue Pearl” and one look at its blue-hued buildings and you’ll know why!
Spend the day wandering through the cobblestone lanes of the medina and learn about Chefchaouen’s history as a fortress town at the Kasbah Museum. Your guide will explain the reasoning behind the Grand Mosque’s unique octagonal minaret and why the locals decided to paint their houses blue in the first place.
If time allows, climb to the Spanish Mosque for sweeping views across Chefchaouen and the surrounding Rif Mountains. This full-day tour to Chefchaouen includes transport in a comfortable air-conditioned van directly from your Fes riad or hotel.
“Absolutely great experience from start to the end. We can not recommend them enough, Karim and Hicham are honest, reliable and very friendly people.” (read more reviews here)
Best day trips from Fez
Best 2-day Sahara tour from Fes
A camel safari into the Sahara Desert doesn't have to break the bank and this 2-day desert tour from Fes is proof. Not only is it an affordable option for those visiting Morocco on a budget but you can opt to be dropped off in Marrakech at the end of the trip, saving you the bus or train fare.
Soak up the spectacular scenery of the Middle Atlas as you journey to the Erg Chebbi dunes where you’ll stay in a traditional Amazigh camp under the stars. In addition to the camel ride at sunset to get you there, the trip includes dinner in the desert, comfortable accommodation and a breakfast in the Sahara you won’t soon forget.
With a maximum of 14 people in the group, it’s still a relatively intimate experience and is a great way to meet like-minded travellers. At the end of the adventure, you can get dropped off at your Marrakech riad of choice or return to Fes.
"The guides and drivers were charming and entertaining…and the accommodations far exceeded my expectations...Would highly recommend to anyone visiting Morocco.” - Melanie (read more reviews here)
Best Sahara tours from Fes
Best 3-day Sahara tour from Fes
What I love about this 3-day Sahara tour from Fes is that you spend one night in the desert before exploring Todra Canyon and Dades Gorge. This is one of my favourite parts of Morocco as the landscapes are just sublime and it was here that I completely fell in love with the country.
As with the 2-day Sahara Desert tour mentioned above, you’ll camel trek into an Amazigh camp where you’ll spend the night, not before watching an incredible sunset. Then from Merzouga, travel to the dramatic Todra Gorge to walk amidst its rugged scenery before driving through the aptly named Valley of the Roses.
After overnighting in the beautiful Dades Gorge, continue to the “Hollywood of Africa”, Ouarzazate, and visit the ancient ksar of Ait Benhaddou. Then it’s over one of Morocco’s most spectacular roads, the Tizi n Tichka Pass, en route to Marrakech.
In my opinion, this journey is an incredible way to immerse yourself in Morocco's mesmerising landscapes and welcoming culture, all packed into just three days.
"A truly incredibly few days. Over three days you get to experience so much of the beautiful Moroccan landscape and culture.” - Mariana (read more reviews here)
Best tours from Fes
Best private Sahara tour from Fes
Aside from offering a private experience, this 4-day Sahara Desert tour includes an additional day exploring off-the-beaten tourist track. If time and money allows, this would be my top pick for a Sahara tour from Fes!
From Fes, you'll traverse the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping in the Swiss-inspired town of Ifrane. Come face-to-face with Barbary apes in a nearby cedar forest before driving through the marvellous Ziz Valley, pausing often to take in the palm-studded oases along the way.
After arriving in Merzouga on the edge of the Sahara Desert, you'll mount a camel for a sunset trek before spending the night at a desert camp. Upon returning to Merzouga late the following morning, you’ll travel through the Todra Canyon and into the Dades Valley, known for its "monkey fingers" rock formations.
Ending in Marrakech, this 4-day private Sahara tour from Fes illustrates the geographical diversity of Morocco while taking in some of the country's most enchanting cultural treasures.
"The tour was just amazing. Incredible sights and fabulous experiences.” - Rachel (read more reviews here)
Exploring Fes on a guided tour
With its layers of culture and heritage that date back centuries, Fes is a fascinating city, to say the least. Around every corner, the city reveals new architectural marvels - ornate mosques, grand royal palaces and artisanal workshops.
An experienced local guide can bring the medina to life, pointing out hidden gems and offering invaluable insights that independent exploration simply can't match.
Fes also makes a wonderful base for venturing beyond the city limits and exploring the wider region's many wonders. So when the sensory-overload of the medina becomes too much, you can escape on one of these top excursions from Fes, immersing yourself in the region's diverse landscapes and ancient civilisations.
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About the author
I'm Malika, a global traveller who first visited Morocco in 2014 before marrying a local and settling down in a little village on the Atlantic coast. Over the years, I've developed an intense love for Morocco, its majestic landscapes, storied cities and the incredibly warm hospitality of its people. As the owner and content creator of Malika in Morocco, I share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. I am passionate about helping others plan their Moroccan travel adventures to ensure they get the most out of their North African experience.
