
Activities for special occasions
May your next celebration be memorable
Delve into the Arab chronicles and ancient Moroccan histories, and there is one name that appears time and time again: Fez. The epicentre of politics, culture, trade and religion, it was one of the finest cities in the Arab world, glittering with awe, intrigue, and success. Today, life remains firmly rooted in the glory of times gone by, and many of the inhabitants still live in the medina city of Fes el Bali, the most glorious of Morocco’s medinas and an assault to the senses in every way. Here, electricity is the only nod to modernity - back alleys are crammed with exquisite medersahs and pack-laden donkeys, and labyrinthine streets weave and wander past mosques, monuments and the whispy aromas of tagine. And the best way to see it? Don your best walking shoes and go for it. The more lost you become, the more you’ll discover just why Fez is so brilliant...
Did you know that there are around 9,000 alleyways to explore in the Fes el Bali medina, which also happens to be one of the oldest in the Arab world? You'll do most (if not all) of your exploring on foot - with a private guide if you'd prefer - scanning the colourful stalls for jewellery, textiles and mementos. Watch in fascination as artisans display skills that have been used for centuries from carving, copper bashing, weaving and perhaps most famously, leather dying. You can even make a stop at one of the world's oldest tanneries! This ancient city has remained almost unchanged since the 8th century and it has the architecture to prove it, including the very first university on Earth. For something a little more personal, join a local family for a trip to the souk, a cooking class and a delicious meal, or learn to make the perfect mint tea. There are also fantastic day trips to the Roman ruins of Bolubilis or Meknes, the wine capital of Morocco.
Apart from everything else, Fez is the culinary capital of Morocco. Save space for a slice of pastilla, the great Fassi delicacy of pigeon pie, at least once; and the delicious bisara, a fava-bean soup flavoured with cumin.
Escape the crowds in nearby Meknes, a sleepy hilltop city crammed full of souks selling crafts and carpets, ornate riads, and the unrivalled Grand Mosque.
Often described as Marrakesh before the tourists, Fez, with its snail-selling vendors, nostril-tingling tanneries and propensity for pandemonium, is not for the faint-hearted!
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