Fez, Morocco | Fabulous Fez

by Honi Gibson

On recommendations from friends I recently travelled to Morocco and I must say, this fascinating country certainly did not disappoint. Morocco itself is a wonderful mixture of culture, architecture, landscapes and food, and visiting the city of Fez ticked all the boxes and then some.

The Imperial City of Fez dates back to the 11th century, and with a population of 1 million, it is easy to see why this UNESCO World Heritage-listed city is a must-see on any Moroccan itinerary.

This vibrant, fascinating city awakens all of the senses, nowhere more so than in the main Medina of the old town, known locally as Fes el-Bali. I definitely recommend a tour guide here, as it is easy to get lost as you explore each winding alleyway.

Taking in the different sights, sounds and smells lying around each corner proved an exciting adventure! We did everything from taste the dates at the local fruit stalls, see the leather handicrafts made direct from the local tanneries and learn of ancient herbal remedies from the Berber Pharmacy. All this, topped off with seeing the beautifully decorated mosaics at a 14th century religious college and the local Mosque – the old town certainly had it all.

My visit to Fez finished beautifully with a fresh cup of local mint tea. As I sat sipping my tea I reflected on my day, Fez was one of those places you have to see for yourself really and I can assure you I was not disappointed.

You too can enjoy all the sights, sounds, smells & stunning colours of Fez, on one of the following small group tours: Spain, Morocco & the High Atlas Mountains; Spain, Portugal & Morocco; and Morocco & Kenya.