ToursFes — Morocco's Imperial Heart
A guide to Fes, Morocco: the ancient medina, the tanneries, the world's oldest university, and how to start a Sahara desert tour from Fes.
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Fes is Morocco's spiritual and cultural capital, home to the world's largest car-free urban area — the labyrinthine medina of Fes el-Bali — and the oldest continually operating university on earth. It's also the northern gateway to the Sahara, where many travellers begin or end a desert tour.
Top things to do in Fes
- Lose yourself in the Fes el-Bali medina
- See the famous Chouara tanneries
- Admire the Al-Qarawiyyin university and Bou Inania madrasa
- Shop for ceramics, leather and brass
From Fes to the desert
The road south from Fes runs through the Middle Atlas, Ifrane and the Ziz Valley to Merzouga — a beautiful 7–8 hour drive usually done over 2–3 days. See our Fes desert tours.
Frequently asked questions
How far is the desert from Fes?
About 7–8 hours to Merzouga, usually over 2–3 days with stops.
Can I do a desert tour one-way between Fes and Marrakech?
Yes — many of our tours run one-way between the two cities.
Is Fes worth visiting?
Absolutely — its medina is one of the world's great historic cities.
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⚡ Spring & autumn dates fill fast — book ahead. · ✓ Free cancellation up to 48h before arrival.