Riad Fes
Fes is one of Morocco’s gems and one of Islam’s holiest cities, where people still live and work as they have done since medieval times. Renowned for its rich culture, fine gastronomy and soft weather, Fez is a car-free, carefree World Heritage Site that will delight all your senses. Restored to its original glory, Riad Fès is located in the heart of the ancient city of Fez. With spectacular views of the Medina and the Atlas Mountains. The different styles of the four patios of Riad Fès – Relais & Châteaux provide guests four experiences in one. Islamic carvings, antique doors, myriad mosaics and a grand piano beneath a truly impressive Fassi lamp create a dazzling atmosphere. A distinctive setting unveils as you step into the second Patio. Gleaming vistas of Alhambra-like patios, colonnades, subtle marble and bright arches march round a stunning emerald-green pool. Ideal for daytime sunbathing or romantic evenings the rooftop patio of Riad Fès, provides spectacular views of the Medina and Middle Atlas foothills with the occasional minarets calling for the prayer. The garden offers a shady retreat under orange, lemon and bay trees while listening to the fountain. The pool is located in the new Contemporary Pavilion with a 14 meter pool to relax in or get some exercise.
Be sure to visit the Spa Hammam, a true haven of purity and tranquility created by the designer Christophe Pillet. The Spa Riad Fès by Cinq Mondes invites you to enjoy a unique experience in luxurious and comfortable surroundings. With a selection of the best treatments, massages and traditional formulas.
The exquisite rooms and suites offer an outstanding combination of modern and traditional decoration. The rooms are all equipped with an LCD TV with international channels. They are decorated in a contemporary style and feature a minibar and free Wi-Fi. A breakfast buffet or continental breakfast is served daily in the comfort of your room. Guests can enjoy a drink in the hotel's terrace bar and explore the city's many restaurants.
Guided tours and excursions
Guided historical visit of Fez, Souks and Sights
The imperial city of Meknes, the Roman Volubilis and the picturesque Moulay Idriss
Sefrou and the cave homes and pre-islamic culture of Bahlil
The Middle Atlas cedar forests, waterfalls and lakes
The natural parc of Tazeka
Moulay Yacoub thermal baths, famous for their sulphurous water, surging up at 54°C from 1500 meters depth
Horse-riding excursions in the region of Fez and Middle Atlas.
Guided visit of the Medina
To enhance your stay in the Medieval City, we offer tailor-made activities. A visit of the Medina is a plunge into a medieval labyrinth where the discovery of cultural heritage and the pleasure for shopping become one. The ornate Blue Gate (Bab Boujloud) is starting point for an itinerary rich in monuments.
Ramparts tour
Built years ago in a different time, with clay, bricks or rubble, the ancient walls of Fez have several fortified gates allowing entry to the Medina. The tour includes the visit of the gates offering a splendid view of the city from a different angle.
Volubilis – Moulay Idriss – Meknès
The daytrip starts with a drive across a fertile agricultural region to take you to discover the Roman ruins of Volubilis. After spending one hour to admire the ruins of this Roman city, the journey continues towards the holy city of Moulay Idriss. Things to see: the panorama and the round and white minaret, decorated with verses from the Koran in green mosaics. The last step will be Meknès with all its charm and history.
Middle-Atlas
To get to Ifrane, we drive across the small town of Immouzer, highly visited in summer due to its more moderate climate. You will continue to the surprising Daiet Aoua Lake where you can admire the surrounding hills reflected in its waters… Once in Ifrane, you will like the unusual feel of this town. The road continues towards the ski resorts of Michlifen and Jebel Habri. Then driving south towards Azrou, we make a stopover at the cedar Gouraud. There, we can sometimes see the Monkeys that live in this forest. The trip lasts for half- a-day or more, depending on the time taken to admire the diverse landscapes.
Extras
Option 1: Randonnée in the Valley of the Monkeys. You will walk through the cedars and oaks in the region but also through these beautiful plates at 1700 m altitude.
Option 2: Hiking around the rivers and springs. The start will take place from the village of Ougmès to 1400 m altitude. After a walk to the river and 10 sources of Sidi Rachid then Almo, visit the set of Ait Taleb Said festival and you will meet nomadic families.
Option 3: Horseback riding – Gallop into the forest and the sources of the Atlas.
Taza & Le Djebel Tazzeka
A town of Berber origin, Taza is the crossing point of Eastern Morocco and Algeria. It flourished under the Merinides who built many mosques and Medersas. The old town is surrounded by impressive ramparts. Taza’s surroundings are very rich in natural sceneries: Ras El Oued Waterfalls, Friouato Cave and the Chiker Cave for certified speleologists or potholers. At about 50 km away, rises Djebel Tazzeka (1980m), in the middle of the National Park with the same name. From the top of this mountain, the view of the Rif and Middle Atlas Mountains is simply breathtaking. A visit to the weekly souks (Oued Amlil on Tuesday and Sidi Abdeljelil on Thursday) is another way to discover this beautiful region.
Sefrou & Bhalil
Founded in the 17th century, Sefrou is a Berber town located at about thirty kilometers from Fez where North meets South. It is valued for its waterfalls and the variety of landscapes that can be admired from Sidi Ali Bousserghine’s sanctuary. Today, Sefrou is an important agricultural center that displays the richness of its crops at every Cherry Festival in June. A few kilometers away, across lovely olive groves, lies Bhalil, famous for its troglodytic houses.
Moulay Yacoub – Thermal Day
Situated at 20 km West of Fez in a quiet green landscape in spring and scenery like desert in summer, this thermal spa is known for its sulfur- rich hot springs recommended in the treatment of rheumatism and skin diseases. Rejuvenation programs are also available.
Gourmet Day
Option 1: Cooking Class - Our chef invites you to share her passion and intelligence in a friendly and warm atmosphere. In the main kitchen of the Riad, the workshops are organized in groups of 2 to 4 people maximum to ensure a personalized welcome and confer sessions cheerfulness sought…
Option 2: Balade Gourmande in the souks - A guided walking-tour through the alleys and souks of the medina to explore and enjoy the local street food, the secrets of tea, honey, olives, etc …
Option 3: Wine tasting - If you are interested in the knowledge of Moroccan wines, you can enjoy a tasting in our Wine Bar with one of our sommeliers to discover the world of great wines of the Kingdom.
Golf!
Grand Tour of Morocco
Suggested Private Itinerary
Day 1: Casablanca / Rabat
Arrival Casablanca. Drive to the coast and Rabat, the current capital of Morocco. Spend the afternoon finding out what lurks in the ancient necropolis of Chellah. Walk through the picturesque Kasbah des Oudaias, which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean.
Day 2: Fes
You will journey south to the ancient ruins of Volubulis, a former Roman settlement. Continue to imperial Meknes, where the stables once held 12,000 horses. In Fes, you’ll notice that you feel you’ve stepped back in time. Veiled women hurry through the winding streets, and donkeys carry the wares of traditional artisans.
Day 3: Fes
Highlights of your day: discover Fes’s history with visits to the Bou Inania Medersa (Koranic university) and the Foundouk Nejjarine, which has an excellent museum. Afterwards, you’ll have a chance to take a leisurely walk through countless souks and Fes’ famous tanneries. Ask us where to stop and refresh with a mint tea.
Day 4: Fes
Experience the delights of Moroccan gastronomy during a morning souk food walk through the medina with our expert food guide.
Day 5: Erfoud / Sahara
Make your way south from Fes to the edge of the Sahara and the Tafilet Oasis, the last stop on the trans-Saharan trading route before Timbuktu. In the afternoon, you will transfer via 4×4 to your private desert encampment. Climb the dunes to watch the glorious sunset before indulging in a delicious traditional Berber dinner. Spend the rest of the evening gazing up at the stars—there’s nothing like the clear Saharan night sky.
Day 6: Sahara / Ouarzazate
If you’ve always dreamed of riding a camel up the dunes of the Sahara to watch the sun rise in the east, this is your morning! Continue your 4×4 adventure in the Sahara before heading west to Todgha Gorges, one of the most dramatic and beautiful landscapes in the world.
Day 7: Ouarzazate / High Atlas Mountains
Spend the morning at the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, where Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia were filmed. Then, enjoy a scenic and dramatic passage through Tizn Tichka, deep into the High Atlas Mountains.
Day 8: High Atlas Mountains
Spend the day at leisure swimming, biking or visiting a local Berber market.
Day 9: Essaouira
Set out with your driver for Essaouira. Essaouira is the perfect place to wander—it is a serene and picturesque city. Once known as Mogador, Essaouira’s blue and white medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 10: Essaouira
Browse the numerous and lively café terraces and restaurants of Essaouira and ask us for our favorites. Be sure not to miss the thuya workers, craftsmen who make beautiful inlaid wooden objects; the ocean-side ramparts; and the myriad art galleries scattered about town.
Day 11: Marrakech
Drive inland to Marrakech. You will recognize it by its ancient pink-walled medina. After you have settled in, spend the early evening with your guide, becoming acquainted with the city and perhaps getting a bite to eat on your own.
Day 12: Marrakech
Highlights of your day: the colorful and exotic souks (marketplaces), the stately Koranic university, and some of Marrakech’s excellent museums. Ask us for some shopping recommendations or book a hammam (a steamy ritual bath) for the afternoon.
Day 13: Marrakech
Highlights of your day: take in the sights and smells of the tropical Majorelle Gardens, tour the opulent Saadien Tombs, and visit the Dar Si Said Museum of Moroccan Arts.
Day 14: Marrakech
Transfer to the airport.
Suggested Accommodations:
Villa Mandarine, Rabat
Riad Fes, Fes
Private Desert Encampment, Sahara Desert
L’Ma Lodge, Skoura
Kasbah Tamadot, High Atlas Mountains
Palais Heure Bleue, Essaouira
Villa des Orangers, Marrakech
Bring the Kids
A private 11-day, 10-night family trek to Morocco’s high peaks, endless deserts and spectacular cities.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Casablanca / Fes
Arrival Casablanca. Enjoy your drive inland to the Middle Atlas Mountains and Fes. With your expert guide, you will be introduced to a city where veiled women hurry through the winding streets; donkeys, laden with their wares, take their time; and proud artisans craft objects much as their forefathers did centuries ago.
Day 2: Fes
In the outskirts of Fes, embark on quiet morning hike and intimate picnic lunch on Mt. Zalagh. An afternoon souk food walk through the medina with your local food guide will let you learn about the many delights of Moroccan gastronomy.
Day 3: Fes
Step outside of Fes and explore the nearby ruins of Volubulis. Another delicious picnic lunch will accompany your breathtaking view. Return to Fes for a traditional Moroccan tom-tom drum making experience. Learn the basics of drumming while a master drum-maker crafts your personal instrument.
Day 4: Erfoud / Sahara
Drive south through the scenic cedar forests of the Middle Atlas Mountains, following the green Ziz River valley until it ends at the Sahara desert. Soon you will arrive at the Tafilet oasis. Climb the dunes to watch the glorious sunset. Feast on a delicious traditional Berber dinner and spend the rest of the evening in your private desert encampment, enjoying your temporary Saharan home.
Day 5: Sahara / Ouarzazate
Early morning camel ride up the dunes to watch the sunrise. Travel by 4x4 through the Sahara desert, eventually ending up at the breathtaking Todgha Gorges. Hike through the Gorges’ dramatic cliffs before continuing to Ouarzazate.
Day 6: Ouarzazate / High Atlas Mountains
Wander where film makes shot Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia—at the UNESCO-restored Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou. Wind your way through the dramatic pass of Tizn Tichka, sitting on top of the world, en route to the peaks of the High Atlas Mountains.
Day 7: High Atlas Mountains
Hike into the lush, green mountains (accompanied by support mules) and have a picnic lunch under the open sky.
Day 8: High Atlas Mountains / Marrakech
Enjoy your short ride from the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech. Begin your journey at the 12th century tiled minaret of the Koutoubia mosque. Roam through the ancient pink-walled medina and the frenetic Djemaa el Fnaa (a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Space).
Day 9: Marrakech
Spend the morning preparing a traditional Moroccan lunch with the help of your local culinary expert. If you’re not too stuffed after lunch, design your own Kaftan to fit your personal style.
Day 10: Marrakech
Highlights of your day: explore the colorful souks (marketplaces), the trading centers of such exotic goodies as spices, carpets, jewelry, copper, hand-made rugs and much more. Tonight, indulge your last cravings for Moroccan food at a private dinner party to celebrate the last evening of a wonderful adventure.
Day 13: Marrakech
Depart.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Hike and lovely picnic lunch on Mt. Zalagh (Fes).
• Souk walk guided by an expert on Fes’s finest tastes.
• Picnic lunch overlooking the ruins of ancient Volubulis (Fes).
• Lesson in making a traditional Moroccan tom-tom drum (Fes).
• Hike in the High Atlas Mountains with local guide, support mules and picnic lunch.
• Hands-on cooking lesson with a talented Moroccan chef (Marrakech).
• Create your own personalized Kaftan with local craftspeople (Marrakech).
• Luxurious farewell dinner to send you off in style (Marrakech).
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATIONS
Riad Fes, Fes
Private Desert Encampment, Sahara Desert
Berbere Palace, Ouarzazate
Kasbah Bab Ourika, High Atlas Mountains
Riad Joya, Marrakech
* Please inquire for availability, pricing and custom tailoring your itinerary.
