Fes, Morocco· Concierge · Mon–Sat · 09:00–18:00 GMT+1
Chefchaouen · Photo: Buiobuione, CC BY-SA 4.0
This 5-day loop from Fes covers two days in the imperial medina, blue Chefchaouen in the Rif, the whitewashed UNESCO medina of Tetouan and Tangier on the Strait of Gibraltar, returning via Roman Volubilis and Meknes. It suits travellers pairing Fes with the north, at a balanced pace of city days and mountain drives.
A five-day loop through Morocco's north from Fes: two days in the imperial medina, the blue city of Chefchaouen in the Rif mountains, the whitewashed UNESCO medina of Tetouan, the port city of Tangier on the Strait of Gibraltar, and Roman Volubilis with imperial Meknes on the way back. Best for travellers pairing fes with the rif and the north.
Day 1
A full guided day in the medieval medina: enter at Bab Bou Jeloud, then the Bou Inania and Al-Attarine medersas, the Kairaouine mosque and university, the Nejjarine fountain and the Chouara tanneries from a terrace above the dye pits. Time in the souks of Talaa Kebira, finishing with a Merinid Tombs sunset over the old city.
On the way: Bab Bou Jeloud, Bou Inania Medersa, Chouara tanneries, Kairaouine University, Merinid Tombs sunset
Day 2
A morning in the Fes craft quarters — pottery and zellige cooperatives, the Andalusian quarter and the Jnan Sbil gardens — then drive about four hours north through the Rif foothills to Chefchaouen, the blue city. Arrive in the late afternoon to wander the indigo lanes and the Outa el-Hammam square, and climb to the Spanish Mosque for sunset over the blue rooftops. Overnight in the old town.
On the way: Fes craft cooperatives, Rif mountain drive, Blue medina lanes, Outa el-Hammam square, Spanish Mosque sunset
Day 3
A relaxed morning in Chefchaouen's blue medina before the crowds, then drive about an hour to an hour and a half north to Tetouan. Its whitewashed medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, shows strong Andalusian and Spanish influence — the Hassan II square, the royal palace facade, the artisan school and the maze of covered souks. Overnight in Tetouan.
On the way: Chefchaouen morning, Tetouan UNESCO medina, Andalusian architecture, Hassan II square, Covered souks
Day 4
Drive an hour or so to Tangier, the storied port at the meeting of the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Explore the kasbah and its museum, the medina and the Petit Socco, the Grand Socco and the terrace views over the strait toward Spain. Continue to Cap Spartel, where the two seas meet, and the Caves of Hercules with their sea-shaped opening. Overnight in Tangier.
On the way: Tangier kasbah, Petit Socco & Grand Socco, Strait of Gibraltar views, Cap Spartel, Caves of Hercules
Day 5
Drive south and break the return journey with two UNESCO sites: the Roman city of Volubilis, with its mosaics, basilica and triumphal arch, and imperial Meknes — the monumental Bab Mansour gate, the Heri es-Souani granaries and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. Continue the short hop east to Fes by evening, closing the northern loop.
On the way: Roman Volubilis, Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, Bab Mansour, Meknes, Heri es-Souani granaries, Return to Fes
City days with scenic mountain drives.
Chouara tannery, FesChefchaouen, Tetouan and Tangier have no rail links to each other, so a private driver is the comfortable way to run this northern loop.
Mornings are best for photos in Chefchaouen, before the day-trip crowds arrive from Fes and Tangier.
Tangier can also be a start or end point if you are arriving by ferry from Spain — the loop works in either direction.
Volubilis is open and exposed; bring a hat and water for the Roman site on the way back.
Longer, shorter or further: the same guides and drivers, a different route.
Fes and Chefchaouen in 3 daysA three-day loop pairing imperial Fes with the blue city of Chefchaouen in the Rif mountains: a full day in the Fes medina, an overnight in the indigo old town, and the Akchour waterfalls before returning.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 days
3 days in FesThree days to explore Fes el-Bali plus the craft quarters, the Andalusian side, and a day trip to Roman Volubilis and imperial Meknes.See the daysRead these before you fix your dates for this route.
