09:30
Riad pickup
Meet your guide and cross to the Andalusian east bank of the medina.
Fes, Morocco· Concierge · Mon–Sat · 09:00–18:00 GMT+1
Al-Attarine Madrasa, Fes · Photo: Houssain tork, CC BY-SA 4.0
The Andalusian Quarter and the shrines of Fes
Fes has a second, quieter half, and this half-day walk takes you into it. You explore the east bank settled by refugees from Córdoba and its Andalusian Mosque, visit the zawiya of Moulay Idriss II and hear how Sufi life still shapes the city. Private or small-group for 1–6 travellers, custom-quoted.
- Half day from Fes
- Private or small-group
- Planned and run from Fes
What the day is
A half-day on the quieter east bank of the medina — the Andalusian quarter founded by refugees from Córdoba, its great mosque, the zawiyas and the spiritual heart of Fes.
Fes was shaped by two waves of refugees: families from Kairouan who settled the west bank and founded the Qaraouiyine, and Andalusians fleeing Córdoba who settled the east bank around the Andalusian Mosque. This walk explores that second, quieter half of the medina, and the spiritual life that still runs through it.
You'll see the great Andalusian Mosque with its monumental gate, walk lanes far less touristed than the main artery, and learn about Fes as a centre of Sufism — the zawiyas (shrine-lodges) of its patron saints, including the Zawiya of Moulay Idriss II in the heart of the city. It's an unhurried, reflective counterpoint to the busier souk tours.
- How long
- Half day
- Starts and ends
- Fes
- Group
- 1–6 travellers, private or small-group
- Pace
- Easy
- Languages
- English, French, Arabic
The painted western doors of the Moulay Idris II mausoleum.
Zawiya of Moulay Idris II, FesHow the day runs
A typical running order. Times shift with your pace, the season and the day of the week.
10:00
Andalusian Mosque
The monumental gate and the story of the Córdoban refugees who built it.
11:15
Zawiyas & shrines
The shrine-lodge of Moulay Idriss II and an introduction to Fassi Sufism.
12:30
Rooftop tea
Finish with mint tea on a quiet terrace over the medina rooftops.
What's included
In your quote
Local guide for the half day; all walking and orientation; rooftop mint tea; and riad meeting point in Fes el-Bali.
Not in it
Tips for the guide; mosque interiors (closed to non-Muslims); and lunch.
What to bring
Comfortable walking shoes; modest cover-up for shrine areas; and camera.
Places on this trip
Fes. Each has its own guide.
Private or small-group
Private means just you and the people you travel with, your own guide and your own pace, on the dates you choose.
Or ask us about a small-group date and share the day with a few other travellers (1–6 travellers). The route is the same.
Every itinerary is a starting point. Add a stop, slow a day down or change the start, and we send a revised quote, agreed in writing before any deposit.
No deposit to receive a quote. A person in Fes reads your request and writes the plan, and we stay on WhatsApp while you travel.
Before you knock
The questions people ask us most before they plan a trip.
Is "Fes Spiritual & Andalusian Quarter" private or a group tour?
Your choice: private or small-group. Book it privately (just you and the people you travel with, your own guide and pace) or ask us about a small-group date. Every trip is custom-quoted.
Can I change the dates or itinerary?
Yes. Every itinerary is a starting point. Add a day, swap a riad, change the start city — we'll send a revised custom quote, agreed in writing before any deposit.
How fit do I need to be?
Easy. Light walking on medina cobblestones, plus optional activities you can opt in or out of on the day.
When should I book?
For high season (Oct–Apr) and any trip involving the Sahara or hot-air balloon, book 8–12 weeks ahead. Last-minute (under 14 days) is usually still possible with a phone call.
Other trips from Fes
Pair it with another day, or make it part of a longer trip.
Fes el-Bali Medina & TanneriesBab Boujloud, the Qaraouiyine, Bou Inania and the tanneries, on foot.See the plan
Fes Artisan WorkshopsZellige at Aïn Nokbi, the pottery kilns and the brass of Seffarine.See the plan
Fes Food TourBissara, maakouda, msemen and pastries, grazed through Fes el-Bali.See the plan
Volubilis & Meknes Day TripRoman Volubilis, holy Moulay Idriss and imperial Meknes in a day.See the plan
Sefrou & the Fes CountrysideSefrou's old medina and waterfall, and the cave homes of Bhalil.See the plan
Chefchaouen Day Trip from FesThrough the Rif to the blue medina, about four hours each way.See the planSend your dates and who's coming. We'll write the plan.
- Tell us what drew you in. Your dates, who is travelling and what you want to see.
- A person reads it. We write a day-by-day plan for your group, private or small-group.
- You change anything. Then we confirm the guides, drivers and riads.