Few countries on Earth have a history as complex and diverse as Morocco, which makes our Morrocco private tours a fascinating, culturally rich adventure. The focus here is on city life, and by city we mean the ancient imperial cities of Fes and Marrakech.
Enjoy a Morocco Custom Tour to Fantastic Fes
Regarded as the country’s cultural capital, Fes has many wonderful highlights, not least the magnificent medina. Over flowing with medieval architecture and old-world charm, the Fes El Bali walled medina is special. Enclosed within the thousand-year-old walls you’ll experience what Morocco was like a millennia ago, and with mesmerizingly detailed religious carvings and mosaics everywhere, it’s no surprise Fes is also considered the spiritual heart of Morocco. Time appears to have stood still, and no other Moroccan city has such tangible links to the ancient kingdom’s past.
Top Five in Fes
Marinid Tombs: On surrounding hilltops stand the tombs of the Marinid rulers, but the panoramic view over Fes makes the climb to the ruins alone worthwhile.
Religious Schools: Visit the 14th century Bou Inania and Al Attarine madrassas. Built in the 1350s, the Bou Inania madrasa is unique, being a complete mosque in itself. Its courtyard displays exceptional craftsmanship in the carvings and decorative tiles.
Chaouwara Tanneries: The process of leather dying at the famous Chaouwara tanneries has changed little in 500 years, and as the distinct smell of dye and leather fills the air you’ll feel transported back into a bygone age. With vendors selling high-quality leather goods nearby, it’s a great place to negotiate a bargain.
The Qarawiyyin Mosque: One of the leading spiritual and educational centers of the Muslim world, the Qarawiyyin Mosque features spectacular Islamic architecture and, according to UNESCO, is the oldest existing and first degree awarding educational institution in the world.
Old Tombs: Pass by the tomb of Moulay Idriss II, the founder of Fes, as somber mourners pay their daily respects.
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Discover Magical Marrakesh with one of Osiris’ Morocco Tour Packages
To describe Marrakech in adjectives wouldn’t do one of the liveliest cities on the planet justice, but here are a few: vibrant, evocative, exciting, romantic, colorful, and above all, fun.
For almost a thousand years, Marrakech has been a melting pot of cultures just begging to be explored. From stunning mosques, whose minarets pierce brilliant blue skies, to richly adorned palaces that shimmer under a bright Saharan sun, the city is legendary. Dating from the Berber Empire, the walled medina is where the action happens, with its mazelike alleys and souks, and a heady cacophony of sounds, sights and smells that have lured visitors for centuries.
Must Dos in Marrakech
Djemaa el-Fna: The central square is the busiest in Africa, and you’ll find storytellers, musicians & snake charmers, not to mention a vast array of vendors offering tantalizing Moroccan dishes such as couscous, makouda and zaalouk, most served in traditional tagines.
Souks: Admire impossibly stacked pyramids of spices, and shop for hand-woven rugs and any other exotic goods you could imagine and more. The sounds of the souk in the whirlwind of chaos is the soundtrack of the city.
Architecture: The UNESCO classified medina is home to a spellbinding mix of Arabic, Amazigh and Moorish structures.
Festivals: Marrakech hosts great festivals, such as the Dakka Marrakchia music festival, arts festivals and the International Magician Festival.
Riad: Stay in a traditional riad, magnificent old mansions found among the medina’s narrow alleys.
Day Trip: A few hours outside Marrakech, on our Morocco luxury tours beyond the Atlas Mountains, you can visit the spectacular fortified city of Aït Benhaddou, the setting of multiple Hollywood movies.
