Fes Medina Workshop Tour with official Guide
Active
3h - 4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
This Fes Workshop Tour offers an authentic journey into Morocco’s living craftsmanship, far beyond the typical sightseeing experience. Instead of simply viewing monuments, travelers step inside real artisan workshops to witness centuries-old techniques passed from master to apprentice — from hand-painting zellige tiles to shaping copper trays in Seffarine Square. Each stop reveals a different craft that defines Fes: leather tanning, pottery, weaving, wood carving, and metalwork. Guided by locals deeply connected to the medina’s creative spirit, participants don’t just observe; they interact with artisans and gain rare, behind-the-scenes access to Morocco’s artistic heritage. Immersive, sensory, and culturally rich, this tour transforms a day in Fes into a living museum — where tradition, artistry, and human skill come alive in every color, texture, and sound.
Available options
Fes Medina Workshop Tour with official Guide
Pickup included
What's included
Private transportation
Official Multilangue Guide
Bottled water
Pick up and Drop off at your Hotel
Air-conditioned vehicle
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Begin your journey in the maze-like medina of Fes, Morocco’s spiritual and artistic heart. Follow your local expert through its UNESCO-listed alleys, where every turn reveals the pulse of tradition — the echo of craftsmen’s hammers, the rhythm of weaving looms, the scent of spices, and the vibrant energy of daily life that has remained unchanged for centuries.
2
Visit the world-famous Chouara Tannery, where age-old leather-dyeing techniques have been preserved for more than a thousand years. From a panoramic terrace, watch artisans soak, soften, and dye hides in vibrant natural pigments — a captivating scene that showcases one of Fes’s most remarkable living traditions.
3
Discover Morocco’s rich woodworking heritage inside this beautifully restored caravanserai, once a bustling stop for traders crossing the kingdom. Admire finely carved doors, traditional instruments, and centuries-old tools that reveal the remarkable precision and artistry of Fassi woodworkers.
4
Ride or walk to the pottery quarter just outside the medina, where skilled artisans create Fes’s iconic zellige mosaics, ceramic tiles, and hand-painted pottery. Watch each step of the craft — from molding the clay to firing it in traditional kilns and decorating it with intricate motifs — before exploring a dazzling showroom filled with finished pieces.
5
Visit one of the medina’s oldest metalworking quarters, where the air vibrates with the rhythmic clang of copper and brass. Watch artisans hammer, shape, and engrave teapots, trays, and lanterns — each piece crafted entirely by hand using techniques passed down through generations.
What's not included
Personal expenses
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
FR
ES
Reviews breakdown
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Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
About Fez
Fez is the cultural and spiritual heart of Morocco, known for its ancient medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the oldest university in the world, the University of al-Qarawiyyin. It offers a rich tapestry of history, architecture, and traditional crafts.
Top Attractions
Fez Medina
The Fez Medina is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest and best-preserved medieval old cities in the world. It's a labyrinth of narrow streets, bustling markets, and historic sites.
Historical/Cultural
Full day
Free to explore, fees for specific sites
Al-Qarawiyyin University
Founded in 859 AD, Al-Qarawiyyin is the oldest continuously operating university in the world. It's a significant cultural and historical site.
Historical/Educational
1-2 hours
Free
Bou Inania Madrasa
A beautiful example of Marinid architecture, this madrasa (Islamic school) is one of the few religious sites in Fez open to non-Muslims.
Historical/Architectural
30-60 minutes
Moderate
Chouara Tanneries
One of the last remaining traditional tanneries in the world, the Chouara Tanneries offer a glimpse into an ancient craft that has changed little over centuries.
Cultural/Industrial
30-60 minutes
Free (donations appreciated)
Bab Bou Jeloud
The main gate to the Fez Medina, Bab Bou Jeloud is a beautiful example of Moroccan architecture and a great photo opportunity.
Architectural
15-30 minutes
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Tagine
A slow-cooked stew made with meat, vegetables, and spices, served in a conical clay pot.
Dinner
Can be made with various meats or vegetables, some vegetarian options available.
Couscous
Steamed semolina grains served with vegetables and meat, often with a rich sauce.
Lunch/Dinner
Can be made with various meats or vegetables, some vegetarian options available.
Pastilla
A savory-sweet pie made with layers of thin pastry, filled with spiced pigeon meat, almonds, and sugar.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains meat and nuts.
Harira
A hearty soup made with lentils, chickpeas, tomatoes, and spices, often served during Ramadan.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian and vegan options available.
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Rif Mountains
Horseback riding in the countryside
Spa and hammam treatments
Strolling through the gardens of the Royal Palace
Exploring the Fez Medina
Visiting historic sites and museums
Attending traditional music and dance performances
Experiencing a traditional hammam
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November)
The weather is pleasant, with mild temperatures and lower humidity. This is the best time for sightseeing and exploring the city.
15°C to 25°C
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Arabic, Berber
- Widely spoken: French, English (in tourist areas)
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
Time Zone
GMT+1
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution
Fez is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious of strangers offering help or services
- • Use reputable tour operators and guides
Getting there
By air
- Fes-Saïss Airport • 15 km from city center
By train
Fez Railway Station
By bus
Fez CTM Bus Station, Fez Supratours Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the most common form of public transport in Fez. They are affordable but can be crowded.
Taxis
Available • Apps: None widely used
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Fez Medina
Fes el Jdid
Ville Nouvelle
Day trips
Meknes
60 km • Full day
Meknes is a historic city with a rich past, known for its imperial palaces, mosques, and the famous Bab Mansour gate. It offers a mix of history, architecture, and local culture.
Volubilis
80 km • Full day
Volubilis is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the remains of a Roman city. It's one of the most important archaeological sites in Morocco, offering a glimpse into the country's Roman past.
Chefchaouen
120 km • Overnight
Chefchaouen is a picturesque mountain town known for its blue-washed buildings, narrow streets, and relaxed atmosphere. It's a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the natural beauty of the Rif Mountains.
Festivals
Fez Festival of World Sacred Music • June
Fez Festival of Sufi Culture • April
Ramadan • Date varies (Islamic calendar)
Pro tips
- Hire a local guide to navigate the medina and learn about its history and culture
- Visit the Chouara Tanneries early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds
- Try a traditional hammam experience for relaxation and rejuvenation
- Learn a few basic phrases in Arabic or French to enhance your interactions with locals
- Bargain politely in markets and souks, but be prepared to walk away if the price is not agreeable
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
