We interviewed several British travel agencies that specialize in tours to Fes to ask them their advice for someone coming to Fes for the first time.  So here is how the experts weighed in.

Giles Griffin: Naturally Morocco- Naturally Morocco has been creating highly customized holidays in Morocco for over 10 years. Their holidays are crafted to the interests and budgets of the clients and have expertise in Fes, Marrakech, Essaouira and throughout Morocco. They can be contacted at www.naturallymorocco.co.uk for specific questions.

Tips:

• Choose the location of your riad depending on the focus of your stay. If you are interested solely in the magnificent medina, a riad in the heart of the medina is ideal, but if your stay is longer and day trips out of Fes are of interest (e.g. to the Roman ruins of Volubilis to the West, or to the cave dwellers of Bahlil a short trip south, well worth a visit but only by prior arrangement) then places closer to the edge of the Medina may be more suitable.  There is no car access into the heart of the medina and it is hilly.

• High End Riads are Exceptional. If budget permits, some of the high end riads are exceptional and provide a fabulous haven away from the hustle and bustle of the souks, which can be exhausting.

• Heating/Air Conditioning: Due to the seasonal variations in temperature in Fes, in the peak summer months ensure that the riad or dar has air conditioning, and preferably a pool, and in the winter ensure that your riad has suitable heating for the size of rooms.

Natalie Humphries: Audley Travel. Audley Travel specializes in tailor-made individual itineraries for travelers seeking authentic experiences from around the world. They pride themselves in a deep knowledge of and passion for the countries and regions in which they operate. All of their staff have either lived in or travelled extensively within these regions. Audley Travel has won the “Best Tour Operator” award by Wanderlust readers and “Best Small Tour Operator 2008” by Guardian and Observer readers. They have been working in Morocco since 2004. For more information visit them at www.audleytravel.com.

Tips:

• Get a Guide: One consequence of the dense, complex network of secret alleys and souqs is that you might want to consider having a guide, not just for your initial tour of the city, but also for any subsequent free days you have to explore the city. Our experience, and that of our returning clients, is that the city will give up far more of its secrets in the company of someone who knows it very well!

• Stay in one of the beautiful riads in the city. These are converted townhouses deep in the medina and are small and intimate. They showcase the best of traditional architecture and design and offer a real flavour for the city.

• Unwind with a traditional body scrub. After a full day of sightseeing the best way to unwind is with a traditional body scrub. Our favourite hammam is in La Maison Bleue and our preferred traditional treatment is the Saboun Beldi scrub. This is unique to La Maison Bleue spa and we now recommend it to anyone travelling to Fez. This treatment is based on olive and eucalyptus oils which are applied to the whole body before being scrubbed down using a traditional glove. After the treatment you are encourage to wrap yourselves in a warm robe and relax in a room scented with orange blossom. The overall feeling is of relaxation and rejuvenation – all set to take on the Fez medina once more!

Saad Hamoumi: Ulysse Travel Agency- Uniglobe Global Partner. Ulysse Travel Agency is Moroccan owned and operated and has been in business since 1987. Their office is in Casablanca. The company specializes in corporate travel, event planning, and tailor made tours for Morocco and the region. They can be reached at: www.ulysse-voyage.com. Ulysse Travel also provided the information for our section on Business Conferences in Fes.

Tips:

• For your first visit to Fes, choose a 5 star hotel and experience a riad for your second visit to Morocco. Why? The riads are great, but Fes is a very overwhelming place if you are coming for the first time and 5 star hotel will give you the comfort and service you are used to, and be a good launching out point for explorations into the medina.

• Choose a guided tour organized by a professional. You will experience more of the riches of Fes and all of Morocco by letting someone who has experience arrange your stay and your activities according to your wishes. Were you to come on your own, and try and find your own way around, even with a good guide book, you could miss a lot that Fes has to offer.

Mark Stacey: Cox and Kings: Cox and Kings has been organizing travel to Fes and Morocco for more than 10 years. They create group tours, private journeys and tailor-made holidays throughout the country. They are committed to using centrally located authentic hotels and riads as well as excellent ground handlers. Cox and Kings can be reached here for your Fes holiday needs.

Tips:

• Stay in a traditional riad in the old city. This will give you an authentic experience of Fes and you will see what Morocco really has to offer. Some of the international hotels are OK, but they really are no different from anything you’ll find anywhere else. Make sure you stay in the old city, so you’re close to the hustle and bustle and goings on of the town. Riad Mabrouka and Riad Maison Bleue are two of our favourites.

• Allow enough time. Spend a full day exploring the city with a guide, including the Kairaouine Mosque, the Bou Inania Medersa, the Nerjjarine Fountain and the Jewish quarter (mellah. Allow a second day for shopping. Keep your guide and explore the extensive souqs and the leather tanneries that Fes is well-known for. Having a local guide with you will mean you get to see the best stalls and shops, get the right price, and come away with some authentic Moroccan produce.

• Fes also makes a great base for exploring the surrounding area. The imperial city of Meknes and the Roman ruins at Volubilis can be seen on a day trip from the city.

Peter Eshelby: Explore Morocco- Explore Morocco has operated tours to Morocco for over 25 years. They offer varying itineraries ranging from High Atlas treks to desert adventures for all types of tourists. They can be reached at www.explore.co.uk with inquiries about tour arrangements.

Tip:

• Look for somewhere within easy reach of the local restaurants, somewhere ideally close to Fes El Bali and of course, somewhere with local character, ideally a riad.

Mark Marais: Chaka Travel. Chaka Travel offers golf holidays all over Morocco for the last four years. They can be reached for information on golf holidays here.

Tips:

• Discuss your requirements with a specialist tour operator who will best be able to guide you based on your individual requirements.

• Ask for a room with a view over the medina

• If your budget allows it, have a private guided tour of the city rather than joining a large group tour

This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 13th, 2009 at 11:28 am and is filed under Travel Advice in Fes. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.