Fes Day Trip from Tangier: the World’s Largest Car-Free Medina

Our Fes day trip from Tangier is a big day dedicated to Morocco’s spiritual capital. After about three and a half to four hours on the road, an official guide opens the doors of Fes el-Bali, the largest car-free medina in the world, listed by UNESCO since 1981. It is a long day, but the most direct way to experience Fes when your stay is based in Tangier.

In the heart of the Fes medina

Founded at the end of the 8th century under the Idrisid dynasty, Fes is the oldest of Morocco’s four imperial cities and served as its capital for centuries. You enter through the famous blue gate of Bab Bou Jeloud, then follow Talaa Kebira through a maze of more than 9,000 lanes. On the programme: the Bou Inania madrasa with its carved cedar woodwork, the Nejjarine fountain, the Al Quaraouiyine mosque founded in 859 (seen from the entrance) and the Chouara tanneries, viewed from the leather shops’ terraces. Your guide also introduces you to the coppersmiths, weavers and other artisans who keep centuries-old crafts alive. Wear comfortable shoes: the visit is entirely on foot, through lanes that are steep in places, and your guide adapts the route to your pace.

A long but comfortable day

We leave early to make the most of the visit and return to Tangier in the evening. The vehicle is private, air-conditioned and spacious, with regular breaks on the way. Lunch, at your own expense, is taken in a traditional restaurant in the medina, and the afternoon ends at the golden gates of the Royal Palace in Fes el-Jdid. For a more relaxed pace, we recommend staying overnight: ask for our 2-day programme or our imperial cities tour including Meknes and Volubilis. The UNESCO page on the Medina of Fez tells its story.

Good to know for the Fes day trip from Tangier

The Fes medina is a maze: stay with your official guide, who also keeps unofficial guides away. A sprig of mint is offered at the tanneries to soften the smell. Your Fes day trip from Tangier is a long day: for a more relaxed pace, ask us for a 2-day programme with a night in Fes.

Mosques are reserved for Muslims, but madrasas such as Bou Inania and several museums are open to visitors.

Continuing your journey from Fes? Book a simple Tangier–Fes transfer instead. As a specialist in tourist transport in Tangier, BBK Tours can also plan the rest of your route.

Fes day trip from Tangier at a glance

• Duration: 14 hours
• Group size: up to 16 people
• Pickup: your hotel or riad in Tangier, port or airport on request
• Languages: English, French, Spanish and Arabic
• Price: from €120 per person
• Booking confirmed by email or WhatsApp, no online payment
• Travel information: Moroccan National Tourist Office