Fes: Attarine Madrasa, Museum, Tannery, Souks and Medina Guided Tour

Your Experience

Step into the timeless charm of Fes, Morocco's oldest Imperial City. After a warm welcome and introduction from your local guide, we'll set off to explore the narrow alleys, vibrant souks and historic landmarks that make this city truly unique.

Our journey begins at Bab Boujloud, the iconic Blue Gate that marks the entrance to Fes Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's oldest living medieval city. As we weave through its labyrinth of streets, your guide will share stories of its 1,200 years of history, from lively markets to hidden corners where time seems to stand still.

We then visit the Al-Attarine Madrasa, built in the early 14th century under Sultan Abu Sa'id of the Marinid dynasty. Once a prestigious Quranic school, it remains a symbol of Fes' intellectual and spiritual heritage, with its intricate zellige tilework, carved cedarwood and marble columns reflecting the height of Marinid artistry.

Next, we pause for an exterior visit to the Al-Karaouine Mosque and University, founded in 859 by the visionary Fatima al-Fihri. Once one of the greatest centres of Islamic learning, it is recognised as one of the world's oldest universities. Its green-tiled rooftops and monumental doors still reflect the enduring scholarly and spiritual legacy of Fez.

Our exploration continues with a visit to the Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts, housed in a beautifully restored caravanserai. Here, you'll discover masterful examples of wood carving, marquetry and antique furniture that showcase the rich tradition of Moroccan craftsmanship.

At the Chouara Tannery, we'll see the famous, colourful dyeing pits where leather has been crafted since the 11th century. Using natural dyes such as saffron and indigo, artisans continue age-old techniques that have remained unchanged for centuries. From a panoramic terrace, you can watch skilled workers hand-dye and treat the leather – a remarkable process preserved through generations.

We then explore two of Medina's most distinctive souks: Souk Sabaghine, known for handwoven textiles and traditional fabrics, and Souk El Attarine, brimming with spices, perfumes and herbal remedies. Just steps away lies Hammam Seffarine, where the rhythmic hammering of coppersmiths brings centuries-old metalworking traditions to life.

Finally, we step into a pottery and Zellige tilework workshop, where artisans mould clay, hand-paint ceramics and cut delicate tiles to form intricate mosaic designs. These crafts are the hallmark of Fez’s artistic heritage, decorating palaces, fountains and mosques across Morocco.

As our tour comes to an end, you'll leave with a deeper appreciation for Fes – a city where history, craftsmanship and culture are alive in every street, every souk and every detail.