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FEZ

aBOUT THE CITY

Fez is an Imperial City that has stood in the north of Morocco for a thousand years. Within its sturdy walls you’ll find the place where old Morocco still exists – in the elaborate architecture, the historic medina and the throngs of people that make their home here.

Walk through high walled streets, watch the daily procession of mourners entering the tomb of Fez’s founder Moulay Idriss II, and see the ornate carvings and mosaics on every surface; it’s easy to understand why Fez is called the spiritual heart of Morocco. Time seems to have stopped in large parts of this city, nowhere else can you find such a strong link to the kingdom’s past.

But it’s not a place untouched by modern comforts – there are plenty of five star hotels to stay in and restaurants to eat at. Fez is an inspiring blend of old and new.

selected experiences

FEZ CULTURAL FESTIVALS

Fez’s long history and cultural significance mean that this is a great place to visit if you enjoy festivals.
Four Moussems are held in or around the city every year: Moulay Abdallah ben Brahim is celebrated in May, Sidi Lahcen ben Ahmed in August and September has two: Maulay Idriss II and Moulay Idris Zerhoun. These festivals are full of life, colour and traditional entertainment; ideal for a tourist looking to uncover the cultural side of Fez.

Just outside Fez, the Cherry Festival is held every June on the slopes of the Middle Atlas. The festival includes music and markets, a stunning procession by torchlight, sporting competitions and the election of ‘Miss Cherry’.

And October is your chance to see one of the major highlights of the festival calendar. The Tissa Fantasia horse festival is an unforgettable spectacle as hundreds of thoroughbred Arab-Berbers, Arab stallions and Barbary mares are put through their paces in displays over ten days.

 

 

FEZ CULTURE

Fez has escaped much of the development that has taken place in cities such as Marrakech and Rabat, making it easy for you to discover the culture that underlies this fascinating city.

The big attraction is the medina, a UNESCO Heritage Site that encapsulates the Fez way of life. This interconnected mass of souks has grown over the centuries to its current size, but many of the stalls have been the same for generations – a fascinating look into the past. Another place to visit is the tannery in the Moulay Abdellah where they’ve been making leather for centuries.

Fez loves to celebrate its culture; be there for the Festival of Sufi Culture, the Cherry Festival or the breathtaking Fantasias that so distinguish Fez, and take away memories that will last a lifetime.

 

FEZ CYCLING

Overlooked by the towering Zalagh and Tghat mountains, Fez is a perfect place for some off-road biking. As you climb away from all the hustle and bustle of the city life, you’ll find yourself in the midst of wild lavender, pine trees and olive groves, exploring gorgeous places that are virtually untouched by tourism. As in many Moroccan cities, hiring bikes is easy and there are many locals who will act as a tour guide for your trip, providing you with fun and insightful facts about the area. On your ride you can expect to discover lush green valleys, cedar forests and thermal springs. And don’t worry; there are routes for everyone, from beginner bikers to the more advanced riders.

 

FEZ FAMILY DAYS OUT

Fez will give you and your family the opportunity to dive into authentic Moroccan life at its best. It’s a place proud of its past, where you can immerse yourself and your family in the local culture, and have a great time doing so.

Why not spend a day out at one of the local farms in the mountains where you may find you can get involved with baking bread, rolling couscous and even treading grapes? Or you could create your own drum at a Foundouk in the ancient Medina before being taught the correct way to play it by one of the resident drummers. And should your children be bitten by the craft bug, you’ll also find plenty of places to make your own jewellery or decorate pottery, Moroccan style.

 

FEZ FOOD AND DRINK

If you’re looking for a city rich in traditional Moroccan eating and drinking experiences then Fez is your ideal destination. Mint tea – that most classic of Moroccan drinks – is served everywhere; try the cafés around the souks for a taste, and while you’re there you can  indulge in the famous Moroccan street food that is served around here. Pastilla, couscous, tajines, mechoui – the tantalising recipes haven’t changed for hundreds of years.

Of course, in a city this size, most tastes are catered for, so alongside traditional Moroccan offerings you can find restaurants serving European food, vegetarian meals, and even a few American fast food chains.

 

FEZ GOLF

While in many ways one of the most traditional cities in Morocco, Fez doesn’t lag behind when it comes to golf. With two courses, one run by the prestigious Braemar Golf and the other by the equally esteemed Troon Company, this ancient city is an excellent destination for anyone looking to swing the clubs on their holiday.

The Fez Royal Golf Club has been around since 1994, and it has recently been the subject of a major renovation and making it once again fit for a king. It’s a taxing course: huge bunkers and sloping terrain lie in wait to raise your score, but it’s a fun eighteen holes nonetheless.

The modern Oued Fez Golf Course is in the north of the city by the river. A relaxing oasis, golfers will enjoy the views of the Atlas mountains and the wild birds in the water features as they play.

Fez Royal Golf Club
Designer: Cabell B. Robinson (1994)
Holes: 18
Par: 72 (6,885m)
· Clubhouse with restaurant
· Locker rooms
· Buggy hire, trolley hire and club hire
· Driving range, putting green, pitching green and practice bunker
· Tuition available
Getting There: The course is to the south of Fez
WOW FACTOR: The benefactor of a recent renovation, now a true jewel of Moroccan Golf

Oued Fez Golf Course
Designer: Jonathan Gaunt (2012)
Holes: 18
Par: 72 (5,800m)
· Clubhouse with restaurant and bar
· Changing facilities
· Buggy hire
· Extensive practice facilities including driving range
· Golf Academy
Getting There: On the North side of the city on the river Fez
WOW FACTOR: The exotic birds that make their home in the water features.

 

FEZ HAMMAMS

There are over two hundred and fifty hammams in Fez, a welcome escape for the sight-seeing weary and footsore traveller.

Hammams in Fez differ slightly from their rural counterparts in that it is considered immodest to completely strip, so underwear is recommended. Several Riads have their own spas which feel closer to the type of spa you might encounter in Europe; they are of course more expensive and generally less authentic. If you ask an attendant at your hotel they are often happy to attend the hammams with you, and offer guidance to the age old traditions of the culture.

 

FEZ HERITAGE

The Imperial City of Fez has stood in the north of Morocco for 1,200 years. Walking inside the walls it’s easy to see its history; out of the four major Moroccan cities, this is easily the one that has the strongest connection to the past. A fourteenth century mosque stands close to a Moorish estate built in the 1700s. Mourners trek daily into the ornate tomb of Moulay Idriss II and the oldest continuously operating university in the world, al-Karaouine, lies in the north-east of the city.

It’s in the Medina – Old Fez, the world’s largest car-free urban area – where the city’s heritage is most obvious. You can easily get lost in the twisting, labyrinthine streets, both literally and figuratively, but this is undoubtedly the best way to discover the true heritage of Fez.

 

FEZ KAYAKING AND RAFTING

When you’re in Fez, you’re perfectly placed to enjoy a day or so on the river. On the outskirts of Fez are several fast flowing rivers, perfect for white water rafting. As well as the great water available, the scenery is stunning, whether you’re looking at the landscape or the wildlife. Experienced companies in Fez will hire you kit, and arrange trips for you.You’ll travel through towering gorges that the river has cut over thousands of years, and wide open plains where you can see the small traditional villages of the Amazigh, plus the brightly coloured birds and native animals that call the river home.

 

FEZ LUXURY

As one of the four Imperial Cities of Morocco, you’d expect Fez to be a place of luxury and opulence … and you’d be right.

The city has a fine selection of palatial riads and opulent five star hotels for you to choose from, each offering lavish facilities and top-drawer service. Whether it’s a vast palace, ultra-modern boutique hotel or traditional riad, you’re sure to enjoy an authentic warm Fez welcome in beautiful surroundings.

Out and about there are many excellent spas where you can luxuriate in relaxing surroundings. There are also several high-class restaurants, serving gourmet food created by the best chefs in the country.

 

FEZ MOTORCYCLING

With the imposing Middle Atlas mountain range to the south, and the wild Rif mountains in the north, Fez is a fantastic base for a motorbike adventure. There are several local companies in the city who will hire you a bike and all the gear you need for your two-wheeled trek, then the road is yours!
Ride just a few miles out of the city and you’ll soon find yourself climbing in the foothills with the mountain trail underneath your wheels. The views become ever more impressive as you get higher, and when it’s time to descend again there are plenty of switchbacks which will test and exhilarate you.

 

FEZ MUSIC FESTIVALS

Fez is often called Morocco’s spiritual heart, so it’s fitting that it’s the home of the World Sacred Music Festival. This is one of the world’s most important music festivals and has been recognised for its promotion of diverse cultural and religious dialogue.
Every May this gathering of musicians, scholars and religious leaders draws together different musical and cultural traditions and blends them in a series of performances, shows, workshops and exhibitions. It has free daily concerts, and the celebrations go on late into the evening. This week-long festival is a must-attend for anyone seeking the spiritual side of Morocco.

 

FEZ PEOPLE

Fez has always prided itself on remaining the authentic soul of Morocco. Founded in 789, at various times the city has had influxes of Arabs, Andalusians, Amazigh, French and even Ottoman Turks. It’s a place perhaps more in touch with its medieval heritage than any other in Morocco, though it’s definitely embraced the twenty-first century. Much like the city’s architecture, the people are a mix of all these different cultures, but visitors will be pleased to know that Morocco’s renowned hospitality runs strongly in the veins of the Fez people.

 

 

FEZ RETREATS

Imperial Fez is the spiritual heart of the kingdom – nowhere else in Morocco is so deeply connected with its historic roots. Between the minarets and the ornate archways, there is still that mystical air that has drawn seekers of peace and harmony to its cracked and dusty streets for decades. It’s a place to relax, to learn, to be inspired and to reconnect.

When you come here on a retreat, it’s easy to escape from the world to the heart of one of the many ornate riads you find in Fez. While you’re here you’ll be able to practise yoga, spend time meditating, indulge in a refreshing hammam treatment from one of the city’s 250 hammams and just savour the atmosphere in this special city.

 

FEZ SHOPPING

Over the years Fez has remained resistant to tyrants and trends alike, and it’s this tradition and resilience which now makes Fez one of the top shopping spots in Morocco. The Medina, a UNESCO Heritage site, has become a haven for the local craftsmen. It’s easy to lose your way in the maze of streets: make the most of this and enjoy the extraordinary selections of artefacts and delicacies on offer.

The amazing Chouara Tannery by the Oued Bou Khareb is an immersive experience with bold colours and scents. The leather products are available from a plethora of vendors surrounding the tannery and the item’s story makes it even more valuable as a holiday memento. You should also visit the Souk el Hanna; the food, jewellery, ceramics and textiles all jumbled amongst the cool corridors offer a shopping experience not to be missed.

 

FEZ TREKKING

The imperial city of Fez is a fabulous maze of culture and wonder, but if you can find your way out of its winding streets there is a wealth of trekking adventures to embark on. Sahara tours across the breath-taking Erg Chebbi dunes will astound and captivate you with the dramatic beauty of the area. If you fancy embarking on an adventure for a whole day or two, why not travel from Fez to see some of the nearby small traditional towns, each of which offers a unique experience? You might also like to visit the Tazekka National Park and the ruins of Volubilis. Treks are available over shorter distances for families and four-by-four vehicles with local drivers are also available for hire.

top hotels in fez

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Located in Fes, the Palais is beside the Fez Borj shopping center and it has an outdoor pool with a snack bar and panoramic views of the Jbel Zallagh Hill and the Old Medina. It features a luxury spa center.

The Palais Medina & Spa Hotel is set in a 5-hectare Andalusian garden and offers spacious and air-conditioned rooms and suites with unrestricted views of the Medina or the gardens. They are each equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a private bathroom.

Guests can enjoy international and Moroccan cuisine at any one of the Palais Medina Hotel’s 3 restaurants. There is also a piano bar and a night club.

The hotel’s Thalion Spa offers a heated indoor swimming pool and a range of beauty treatments. Guests can relax on the Palais Medina’s large garden terrace.

The hotel is between the historic city and the new town, and a 30-minute drive from Fes International Airport.

Location : Google Map

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Located in the Old Medina, Riad Palais Ommeyad is a traditional palace with Moroccan décor featuring an outdoor swimming pool, spa bath, massage and body treatments. Karaouiyne Mosque is a 20-minute walk away.

All suites are air conditioned and offer views of the pool, satellite TV, laptop safe box and separate seating area. The en suite bathroom includes a bathtub, free toiletries and bathrobe and slippers.

A Moroccan traditional breakfast is available. Guests can also sample local and international specialities upon request. Additional features include a terrace, garden and 24-hour front desk.

Guests can organise tour excursions and transfers at the riad. Madrasa Bou Inania Ancient School is a 10-minute drive away and Fes Airport is ideally located just 15 km away.

Location : Google Map

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Boasting currency exchange, a luggage storage and parking, Laraichi Palace is located just 2 km from Centre de Formation Dans le Metiers de l’Artisinat. Additional amenities include airport shuttle bus service, dry cleaning service and room service.
The venue is set in Fes El Bali district, next to Royal Palace. 1.1 km away you can visit Semmarin Medina Gate.It is next to Maze of Fez.
It provides luxury rooms with a trouser press, a CD player and a private toilet. Some units feature views of the patio. You’ll find nice touches like a shower, a bidet and towels to enhance your stay.
Here a continental breakfast is offered each morning. The restaurant is popular during lunchtime due to its Moroccan menu. Palais Laraichi is 5 minutes’ walk away.This hotel is also close to Fes train station.Guests can enjoy Turkish steam bath and various massages on site.
 
Location : Google Map

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Located a few metres from the Batha place where many public means of transport are available ,our riad is just fewer minutes from the ancient medina of FEZ.Come to discover the typical medieval Merinid architecture of FEZ . Let yourself swing by the charm of its ramparts where scents of its spices, its food , and its souks and local markets tickle your nostrils and colours excite your eyeballs.

You will experience an adventure of one thousand and one nights inside the narrow ,but rich historical and mythical streets of this imperial city. Its 1000 -year- old tanneries , the oldest in Morocco ,will amaze you by the palettes of the natural colours ; red from poppy flowers , blue from indigo, orange from the henna ,and green from mint.

As for its architectural treasures , you will be voiceless and enthralled by its schools and mosques which will tell you a lot about the spirutual capital of the kingdom. Also and thanks to its excellent location , FEZ opens the door for many fascinating and amazing places nearby such as Ifrane , Volubilus, the palace of Meknes etc……… Being aware of the importance of preserving our heritage and richness ,we have made our establishment environment- friendly to protect the environment , and cater for our guests’ needs .

The dishes we provide are made from 100% bio farm products and cooked with natural fresh ingredients and great passion of our cook staff. A real jewel for the green concept lovers, our riad will fascinate you by its Fassi imprint and refinement as it is managed by a lady from one of the most famous and ancient families in FEZ. Come and see, have a joyful and serene stay in a peaceful and positive atmosphere. Looking forward to welcoming you in our riad soon , to serving you and delighting you.

Location : Google Map

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Offering an outdoor pool, a garden, a spa and wellness center, Hotel Sahrai is located in Fès, a 10-minute drive from the old Medina. Free Wi-Fi access is available in all areas.

All large units will provide guests with air conditioning and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Some suites offer a terrace and include a seating area. Private bathrooms also come with a bath.

Guests can enjoy local and international dishes in the onsite restaurants. A range of drinks is provided at the rooftop bar.

At Hotel Sahrai guests will find a terrace and a tennis court. Free private parking is possible on site. Other facilities offered include a tour desk.

Saïss Airport is 8.1 mi from Hotel Sahrai. A shuttle can be arranged upon request.

Location : Google Map

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The Riad Fez Yamanda offers luxurious rooms in a traditionally designed building dating from the 19th century. It is located in central Fez, close to many historical sites.

All of the rooms are inspired by major, local thinkers and writers.

Quality Moroccan cuisine is served in your choice of two restaurants or the lounge. Breakfast is served in the courtyard.

The Riad Fez Yamanda has retained its historic architecture and atmosphere while offering modern comforts and facilities. Free Wi-Fi is available.

Location : Google Map

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Featuring a garden and a terrace, Riad Sidrat Fes is located in Fès, 1.9 km from Royal Palace Fes and 1.4 km from Medersa Bouanania. The property is situated 1.7 km from Batha Square, 2.5 km from Medina and 2.9 km from Karaouiyne. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, room service and free WiFi throughout the property.

At the guest house every room comes with a private bathroom. Guests booking three or more nights can enjoy free airport transfers, complimentary tea and coffee all day, as well as afternoon tea.

A continental breakfast is available daily at Riad Sidrat Fes.

Borj Fez Mall is 3.9 km from the accommodation, while C.C.I.S Fes is 4.2 km away. The nearest airport is Fès–Saïs Airport, 18 km from Riad Sidrat Fes.

Location : Google Map

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Menzeh Zalagh offers rooms with private bathrooms in central Fez and only 9 miles from Saiss airport. It also has an outdoor swimming pool, a hammam and a beauty salon.
The air conditioned rooms at Menzeh Zalagh have a flat-screen TV and a private balcony. Each bathroom has a bathtub or a shower.
The oasis-like garden at Menzeh Zalagh provides a large outdoor swimming pool. Guests can relax on lounge chairs or make use of the poolside barbecue facilities and snack bar.
Inside, the hotel has two restaurants serving Morrocan and international cuisine and a pizzeria. There is also a nightclub and a second bar with comfortable armchairs for a quiet drink.
The hotel has a fitness center, a sauna and a hammam on site. A local thermal spa, Moulay Yaakoub, is just 9 miles away.
Menzeh Zalagh is 2.5 miles from the Medina or historic walled town and it can be reached by foot in 15 minutes. Free private parking is available on site.

Location : Google Map

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As soon as you cross the threshold of this incredible property, you will access a magnificent architectural gem. Thanks to the patience of Abdellatif Ait Ben Abdallah, a personality known for the numerous Moroccan heritage saving actions in the Media of Marrakech, this luxurious 16th century Fez dwelling has finally found its original soul and revived.
Every detail, simple or complex, the proportions harmony, the magic of the colors, and the extraordinary combination of the ancient zellij, the stucco, and the carved woods shows the incredible elegance and the highly refined taste of its previous owner, the Bensouda Saint.
Now accessible to all, Dar Bensouda is the ideal place for a memorable experience. The 18 rooms and suites with majestic doors, carved and painted wood ceilings, and zellij floors, all have private bathrooms for your convenience.
To enjoy and gather with your family or friends, Dar Bensouda has several common areas as well. The large living room with a fireplace, the vaste rooftop terrace with astonishing panoramic views of the entire Medina, the restaurant where we serve a traditional and refined Moroccan cuisine, and last but not least, the beautiful seperate pool patio to refresh yourselves at all times.
A private Hammam and Spa are also available for your convenience.

Location : Google Map

ACTIVITIES IN FEZ

Enjoy a guided tour of Fez showcasing the alluring charm of the medina, the colorful streets and souks and the rich tapestry of life that exists within its ancient walls. Gain access to ancient palaces and Islamic gardens, venture into the depths of the tanneries, observe weavers at their loom and discover hidden workshops where generations of artisans ply their individual trades and adapt century old techniques to a modern market.

Experience the energy and essence of Fez as it comes to life after dark. Fez by Night tour reveals the captivating appeal of the medina and Ville nouvelle, and the vibrant life that exists within this traditional city. Start from Bab Boujloud, to the Jewish Mellah and through the gold souks to the Kings Palace. Promenade along the boulevards discovering the famous fountains of Fez and soak up the festive atmosphere of Fassis enjoying their own city after sunset.

Lose yourself in the gardens of ancient palaces and exotic Riads perfumed with orange blossoms, citrus, blood red roses and the sweetest jasmine. The tour combines an overview of the fascinating and beautiful world of Moroccan Architecture which showcases all the main ornamentation and decorative techniques from floral motifs, geometry, ceramics to calligraphy, symbolic of the rich cultural heritage of the vast Islamic empire and uncovers the mysteries of the Islamic concept of Chahar-bagh, the four-fold garden and leads us to discover earthly paradise revisited.

This morning enter into the depths of the tanneries, observe weavers at their loom, engage with the copper workers employing traditional design techniques and discover hidden workshops where generations of artisans ply their individual trades and adapt century old techniques to a modern market. This artisanal tour is designed to give you an overview of production methods and step by step explanations as you go beyond the traditional medina tour to delve deeper into the world of the artisans of Fez. Meet the artisans themselves as you gain firsthand knowledge of the materials and the processes involved in their daily work. The tour finishes with a visit to Fez’ new artisanal school and exhibition gallery

Morocco is home to one of the oldest Jewish communities in the diaspora. It dates back to 2000 years. Its singular Jewish culture is the result of a fusion of varied traditions including Berber, Herbatic, Andalusian, and Arab influences. Fez, the spiritual and cultural capital of Morocco par excellence, leaves its visitors with a unique experience. Fez is the home of Al-Qarawiyeen University the oldest one in the world, where the famous Jewish philosopher Maimonides (Rambam) studied. It is also where the first Mellah, Jewish quartier in Morocco, was established in 1438. This journey to Jewish Fez takes us into a history that shaped Sephardic Judaism, visiting its synagogues, cemetery museum, and taking a walk in its street that once witnessed the presence of the Jewish families and grand rabies, will remind us not only of how Moroccan life was/is like, but also of how was Jewish life in Spain before the expulsion of 1492, as Fez was destination of many of those Jews.  Today there is still a small, but vibrant, Jewish community in Fez with a functioning synagogue, kosher restaurant and a community center.

Morocco is a place where music plays a large part in celebrating religious festivals, marriage and birth. Drums are seen and heard everywhere in Morocco and Fez is the place to make them.

We invite you both to spend a morning in a typical Fondouk(traders workspace) under the watchful eye of a drumming artisan teaching you how to make your own drums. You choose the sound of drum you prefer, pick out the skin, stretch and string your own instrument before painting it in your very own individual design. Finally a professional drummer will teach you how to play the drum Moroccan style so you can impress family and friends on your return.

Fez is well-known for the variety and quality of its traditional arts and crafts such, leather, copper embroidery and ceramics. The pottery village of Fez is not to miss. Take a tour in the Village and discover the art of Moroccan pottery through workshops. See the entire process of the craft of Moroccan pottery. It starts with first soaking the clay in water for a week, then kneading it by foot then by hand to create a soft, pliable material. Once the desired shape has been formed, it is set out in the sun to dry.
Take a souvenir with you at the end to remember this unique experience.

One cannot but help notice the different fashions that adorn the streets of the medina, from the western style dress to the more traditional kaftan style jelabas worn by men and women.  This afternoon you will be accompanied by a seamstress through the dress makers’ souk to choose a celebratory kaftan design.  You will need to select your materials, threads and beads from the vast array available in the souk and with your design prepared, have the perfect his and hers kaftans made for you – ready for collection the following day!

Dance is integral to the culture in Morocco, far more so than it is in the West. Both men and women dance, but it is mainly something done by women. It’s a way of women sharing and being together, and displaying themselves in public in a way they don’t usually do in ordinary life. It is joyous, sensual, and energetic, and is performed mainly at weddings, parties and rituals such as circumcisions and baby naming ceremonies. At these gatherings the women wear beautiful dresses when they dance; long, flowing and colourful, with belts around their waists. Moroccan dance includes aspects of Middle Eastern belly dancing – rotating the stomach is a common element and other styles such as Gnawa (an African ethnic group who became part of the Sufi order in Morocco), where the movements involve jumping and hair tossing and tribal dances from the Amazigh (Berber) regions which vary widely.

 

In this modern age of new world cosmetics we invite you into the world of ancient beauty secrets and where it all began. Participate in a 5 hour workshop that unearths traditional methods and natural beauty products that can easily be made in your own home by yourself or with friends. Start your day by shopping at the souk el henna to purchase ingredients and gain an overall explanation of the products that can be made from each one. We move on to our workshop, in a Moroccan Dar on the rooftop terrace, a space traditionally reserved for ‘women’s businesses. Sip Moroccan tea as you learn how to make and blend your own rhassoul and we take you through the traditional products including Argan oil, sabun bildi and eau de fleur with step by step instructions so that you understand the properties of the ingredients, how and why they are used and the benefits they each provide. We finish off the workshop with a visit to a medina hammam so that you can employ the techniques that you have learned and absorb yourself into the rituals and culture of the local Moroccan women

Experience a unique opportunity to connect with locals and be absorbed into Moroccan culture through a visit to one of the traditional hammams in the Fez Medina. We provide a local escort who explains the history, traditions and products and guide you through the steps of this ancient practice. Perhaps finish the day with a “Henna tattoo” for her and “close shaving” for him.

 

More than traditional Moroccan cooking, this class is a complete immersion into the Moroccan culture and family life. Spending time with our lovely local family in their beautiful riad, you will be encouraged to fully take part in the daily activity of shopping and preparing for a delicious traditional meal. This unique experience will take you to the local medina souk, the bread you make will be baked at the local faran, and your delicious feast will be shared with the family Moroccan style.
Your lesson will entail, shopping for seasonal vegetables and fruit, preserving lemons, making traditional Moroccan salads, bread-baking and the art of making the perfect mint tea – what you make will depend on the seasonal produce and can be decided on prior to your souk visit. 

Find your way through the streets and souks with a local Fez food expert. Start by exploring the fresh food souks, then on to the honey souk to taste an array of delicious honeys, their flavours and properties and find out why honey is so important in Moroccan cooking and Islamic culture. From the honey souk, visit traditional farnatchis, the spice El attarryia and the henna souk. Try traditional Moroccan foods including dried meats, milawi, harsha, briwats, spicy sardines, and fresh goat cheese, finishing off with a visit to a traditional Moroccan tea house.

Indulge your sweet tooth and learn how to prepare Moroccan patisseries as well as discovering this important cultural practice. A Moroccan feast is not complete without sweets; in particular, patisseries play an integral role in everyday life in Fez. The ancient city is famous for its diverse and traditional sweets with a multitude available every day at the local souks. Spend the day with a Moroccan family to prepare 4 to 5 different traditional Fassi Moroccan sweets.

Here we begin to head away from Fez and out East to Ribat El Kheir. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Atlas foothills en route to get to the town surrounded by mountains and lush agriculture.Start learning the secrets of a good Moroccan couscous while at the same time experiencing traditional rural life.  Visitors roll their own couscous from scratch with the women of the association and then cook and eat it for lunch.  After lunch take a walk along the ridge to see the donkey-powered olive press and have mint-tea and an olive oil tasting with the owner. In the afternoon head back to Fez. 

Depart Fez for the Middle Atlas Mountains to visit one of Morocco’s leading boutique fromagerie’s, La Pommerai. The private property is one of the first to be officially certified organic in the region and is set against a backdrop of apple and orange orchids.  Taste exquisite, hand-crafted and artisanal cheeses and olive oils which are cold pressed as well honey raised and processed into a variety of pure honey. Here we’ll have a Dada on hand (female cook), who’ll be teaching us how to make khobz(Moroccan bread) in a traditional clay faran. A delicious meal of farm produce will be served, along with our own homemade breads and the local cheeses.

Mount Zalaghs’ peaks and slopes can be easily seen from Fez Medina and yet whilst only half an hour travels by car, the tranquillity and natural beauty of Mt Zalagh is a world away from the bustle of Fez. Short treks will take you through surrounding forests of pine, cedar, fig, almond and olive orchards to visit local homes and farmsteads. Here you will experience not only the warmth and friendliness of this mountain people, but also see the beauty and simplicity of the traditional Berber adobe/pise architecture. A picnic lunch will be provided, Berber style, and we have no doubt that this will prove to be a most memorable excursion to a world so near and yet so far from the Medina of Fez. 

 

This morning depart for Fez via Moulay Idriss and the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a day spent in the past, seeing ancient architecture and eating age old recipes, a feast fit for Anthony and Cleopatra themselves! Find beautiful mosaic floors, uncovered and brought to light by the archaeologists that work this partly excavated site. It was developed from 3rd century BCE onwards as a Phoenician and later a Carthaginian settlement. The town fell to local tribesmen in 285 and was never recovered by the Roman Empire. Constantly uncovering this city beneath the sands of time, now exclusively a Moroccan project runs by Moroccan archaeologists. Following a tour of this stunning historic site from the 3rd century BC and its many intact and colourful mosaics, enjoy the tranquillity of a local farm in the shadow of the ancient ruins while sampling traditional Roman recipes as recorded in the Latin texts of Apicius and Cato.

This morning cycle towards Bhalil, a tranquil town is located at the foot of the Jebel Kandar which offers visitors spectacular views of the town and the landscapes surrounding it and is most notably known for its modern day cave dwellers.  (Option exists here of organizing morning tea with locals). From Bahlil we move on to Immouzer, particularly beautiful in spring with apple blossom and a lively place to be in July with the Pommes de Fete. Becoming increasingly known as a region for cheese production we’ll stop off at La Pommeraie.  The private property is one of the first to be officially certified organic in the region and is set against a backdrop of apple and orange orchids.  The cheeses here are exclusive to Morocco’s leading luxury hotels & restaurants. Here we’ll sample the cheeses and enjoy a BBQ lunch before setting back to Fez.

 

The Middle Atlas region offers many hidden delights including spectacular views of cedar and cork forests and delightful & hilarious Barbary apes. A short hike into the cedar forests with a mountain guide to participate in the Monkey Watch programme. Enjoy the crystal air of the mountains while you discover the rustic Berber towns of Immouzer, Ifrane and Azrou.

 

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AGADIR, MOROCCO

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