🏰✨ Fez Walkabout: A Journey Through Morocco’s Timeless Medina

#summervacay **📍 *Why Fez?*** Fez is Morocco’s **cultural and spiritual heart**, home to the world’s largest **car-free medieval medina** (a UNESCO site). Lose yourself in **9,000 alleys**, where **tanneries, madrasas, and artisan workshops** hum with centuries-old traditions. --- ### **🗓️ One-Day Walking Itinerary: History, Crafts & Flavors** #### **Morning: Medina Deep Dive** - **8:30 AM** – **Bab Bou Jeloud (Blue Gate)** - Start at the iconic **ceramic-tiled gate**—photo op at dawn’s soft light. - **9:00 AM** – **Bou Inania Madrasa** - Marvel at **14th-century geometric carvings** and a still-working **sundial**. - **10:30 AM** – **Chouara Tannery** - Watch **pigeon poop dyeing vats** from a terrace (hold mint leaves to your nose!). #### **Midday: Lunch & Hidden Gems** - **12:30 PM** – **Lunch at Café Clock** - Try the **camel burger** or **harira soup** on their rooftop. - **1:30 PM** – **Al-Attarine Madrasa** - Smaller but **more intricate** than Bou Inania—look for **cedar wood ceilings**. - **2:30 PM** – **Seffarine Square** - Listen to **coppersmiths hammering** and sip tea at a hidden café. #### **Afternoon: Artisans & Sunset** - **3:30 PM** – **Fes El Bali Souks** - **Must-Visit Stalls**: - **Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts** (in a restored funduq). - **Henna Souk** for natural dyes (avoid black henna—it’s chemical!). - **5:00 PM** – **Merinid Tombs** - Hike or taxi up for **golden-hour views** over the medina. #### **Evening: Food & Music** - **7:00 PM** – **Dinner at Dar Roumana** - **Modern Moroccan** dishes in a **17th-century riad**. - **8:30 PM** – **Andalusian Music at Café Maure** - Sip **almond milk** by the river under lanterns. --- ### **🎨 Fez’s Unique Experiences:** ✅ **Medersa el-Cherratine**: Climb its **minaret** (rarely open—ask nicely!). ✅ **Jnan Sbil Gardens**: A quiet **oasis** with fountains. ✅ **Fes Pottery**: Watch **hand-painted zellige tiles** being made. --- ### **📌 Survival Tips:** - **Guide?** Hire one for **half-day (~200 MAD)** to navigate the maze. - **Dress**: **Cover shoulders/knees**—conservative vibe. - **Cash Only**: Most medina shops don’t take cards. **"Fez isn’t just old—it’s alive with stories in every stone."** Ready to time-travel? ⏳🐪