Fes, Morocco· Concierge · Mon–Sat · 09:00–18:00 GMT+1
Volubilis · Photo: José Luis Filpo Cabana, CC BY 3.0
This 3-day Fes itinerary spends day one in Fes el-Bali, day two in the craft quarters, gardens and viewpoints, and day three on a day trip to Roman Volubilis and imperial Meknes. It suits culture and craft lovers who want slow days in the medina and one trip out of the city.
Three days to explore Fes el-Bali plus the craft quarters, the Andalusian side, and a day trip to Roman Volubilis and imperial Meknes. Best for culture and craft lovers.
Day 1
Lose yourself in the 9th-century walled city: enter at Bab Bou Jeloud, visit the Bou Inania and Al-Attarine medersas, the Kairaouine mosque and university, the Nejjarine fountain and woodwork museum, and the famous Chouara tanneries from a terrace above the dye pits.
On the way: Bab Bou Jeloud, Bou Inania Medersa, Chouara tanneries, Kairaouine University, Nejjarine fountain
Day 2
Pottery and zellige cooperatives in the Aïn Nokbi quarter, the Andalusian quarter and its mosque across the Oued Fes, the restored Jnan Sbil gardens, the Mellah (Jewish quarter) and Ibn Danan synagogue, then sunset from the Merinid Tombs above the city.
On the way: Pottery & zellige cooperatives, Andalusian quarter, Jnan Sbil gardens, Mellah, Merinid Tombs viewpoint
Day 3
Drive west to the Roman ruins of Volubilis with their mosaics and triumphal arch, the sacred hilltop town of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, and the imperial city of Meknes — the Bab Mansour gate, the Heri es-Souani granaries and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail.
On the way: Roman Volubilis, Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, Bab Mansour, Meknes, Heri es-Souani, Moulay Ismail Mausoleum
The medina rewards slow days.
Chouara tannery, FesA local guide is essential on day one — Fes el-Bali is a maze of lanes with no cars.
Wear closed shoes; medina streets are steep, narrow and busy with mules.
Chefchaouen, the blue city, is an easy add-on about four hours north if you have extra days.
Longer, shorter or further: the same guides and drivers, a different route.
2 days in FesA focused 2-day Fes itinerary: the essential medina, the tanneries and great medersas on day one, then the craft quarters, the Andalusian side and the Merinid Tombs viewpoint on day two.See the days
3 days in Morocco's imperial heartlandThree days centred on Morocco's imperial heartland: the great medina of Fes el-Bali, a day trip west to imperial Meknes, the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the holy town of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, then a slower second Fes day for the viewpoints, gardens and craft quarters.See the days
Morocco's imperial cities in 5 daysFive days through Morocco's imperial north: the great medina of Fes, Roman Volubilis, the gates of Meknes, and the calm capital of Rabat with its kasbah, Hassan Tower and Chellah.See the daysRead these before you fix your dates for this route.
