PICNICSMUSICMUSICRELIGIOUSdiscover otherwise unknown corners and courtyards amid this labyrinth.
An alternative is to hire a guide. As well as pointing out incredible architecture and
clandestine corners, guides can answer cultural questions, help overcome language barriers,
and – perhaps most importantly – ward off other would-be guides. A full-day tour with an official
guide costs Dh250 – always ask to see identification.
The quality of guides can vary considerably, so communication is very important to ensure
that you get the best out of the experience. If you’re not interested in shopping, say so firmly at
the outset, although be aware that the guide who won’t take a tourist to a single shop probably
hasn’t been born yet. It may be necessary to pay an extra Dh50 to Dh100 as a ‘no shopping’
supplement. If possible, get a recommendation for a guide from other travellers; alternatively,
arrange one through the tourist office, Syndicat d’Initiative or the larger hotels. For an
alternative take on the medina, Fez Food (www.fez-food.com) offers excellent culinary walking
tours. Tours Around Fez (www.toursaroundfez.com) runs excellent tours in and outside the
city, including walking around nearby Mount Zalagh, visiting Berber farms and villages and trying
local produce.
The tourist office offers panoramic tours of Fez, taking in the best viewpoints of the city,
including Borj Nord and Borj Sud, and the potteries. A 45-minute tour costs Dh200.
Tours Around Fez €€
( 0649 422951; www.toursaroundfez.com; mountain dinner tour Dh495, min 2
people) Here’s your opportunity look down on Fez from afar while dining. Your vehicle whisks
you out of the city to the slopes of Mt Zalagh, which offers views over rolling countryside, olive
groves and the city itself. Meanwhile, your hosts spread out the carpets and prepare your
three-course dinner – best served at sunset for a truly fabulous dining experience. The
maximum group size is eight (at which point prices come to Dh350 per guest). Bookings by
phone/web only.
Festivals & Events
Fez has several festivals that are worth being aware of when you’re planning your trip. The Fès
Festival of World Sacred Music is the city’s internationally famous drawcard, but there are two
newer festivals that bear a visit. Just outside Fez, Sefrou’s Cherry Festival every July is worth a
day trip ( Click here ).
Festival of Sufi Culture
(www.par-chemins.org) The festival debuted in 2007 and hosts a series of events every April
including films and lectures, and some spectacular concerts held in the garden of the Batha
Museum with Sufi musicians from across the world.
National Festival of Berber Culture
In July, the festival, run in association with the Institut Royal de la Culture Amazigh, aims to
promote and protect Amazigh (Berber) culture. Its program includes musical performances as
well as lectures and workshops.
Moussem of Moulay Idriss
Fez’ biggest religious festival is also one of the country’s largest. It’s currently in September but
the date moves according to the Islamic calendar. The moussem (festival in honour of a saint)