Day 04
Exploring Fes
After breakfast, our local guide will take you on an adventure through Fes (or Fez) the intellectual, cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco. Fes is primarily known for the Fes El Bali, or walled medina, another UNESCO site, with its medieval architecture, vibrant souks and old-world atmosphere. We start outside the medina to see the royal palace gate, then walk through the Jewish quarter or “the mellah”, the first Jewish quarter built in the country. Following that, you will enter the medina to experience the sensory stimulating souks - exotic spices, vibrant materials and beautiful metal works are just some of the sights you will experience. As well as spending the morning wandering by the souks, you will visit sites with cultural and historical interest including the famous Medrasa Bouanania, the Karaouine Mosque and the oldest university in the world (and built by a woman). You will also visit the famous tanneries and the Najjarine Fountain. After a Moroccan lunch, at a local restaurant in the heart of the medina, you will be driven to one of the fortresses to experience an amazing panoramic view of the entire medina. From there we will visit a pottery cooperative. Time permitting, we will take a drive through modern Fes drive to experience a different atmosphere. Overnight accommodation at your hotel or riad. BB
After arriving in Essaouira you will be met by our local knowledgeable guide for a wonderful tour of the town. You will visit the Skala fortress, see the magnificent canons and watch falcons, and gulls hover above the nature reserve on the Purpuraires Islands. To the north of the Skala you may see surfers, windsurfers and kite surfers all taming the waves. Be sure to ask your guide to show you the many places in Essaouira immortalized in film. Your guide will take you to the fishing port with its bustling fish market and through the medina where you will learn more of the town’s fascinating history and see many artisans at work including the thuya (a local wood) carvers. In the late afternoon, we will return to Marrakech. Overnight
accommodation in a hotel or riad BB.