In short
Five days is enough to see the essentials of Fez and Chefchaouen: two days in the Fez medina, a day on the road and in the blue city, then a free morning in its souks. The pace stays relaxed as long as you do not add too many stops.
- Recommended length5 days / 4 nights
- Fez to ChefchaouenAbout 200 km
- Best seasonsMarch to May, September to November
- StopsFez, Chefchaouen, back to Fez
How many days do you need for Fez and Chefchaouen?
Five days works best. Fez takes time: its medina is one of the largest in the Arab world, a maze of lanes where getting lost is part of the charm. Chefchaouen is smaller and is best enjoyed without a plan, but the road between the two, about 200 km, takes up a good part of a day.
Our Fez and Chefchaouen 5-day tour follows exactly this split, by private vehicle with a driver, on half-board with local guides. Departures are guaranteed and limited to five travellers; the trip page shows a price “from €1,473” for two people, flights excluded.
What should you see in Fez in two days?
The first day is for arriving and soaking up the city. The second is a guided visit of the medina. A guide changes everything here: they help you make sense of the craftsmen's quarters, the souks and the madrasas with their zellige-tiled courtyards.
Among the highlights, the Al Quaraouiyine mosque and university, founded in the 9th century, is often described as the oldest university still in operation in the world. The Fez medina has also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981. Allow time for the tanners' and metalworkers' quarters, where skills have been passed down for generations.
Our experts' tip
Wear comfortable closed shoes and keep your biggest visits for the morning: the medina is calmer and the light softer before midday.
What is there to do in Chefchaouen?
Tucked into the Rif mountains, Chefchaouen is famous for its blue-painted lanes, flowered staircases and patios. The mood is slower than in Fez: you wander, take photos and stop for a mint tea. Our tour covers the town on day 3, then leaves a free morning in the souks before heading back to Fez.
If you want to add Marrakech, the desert or the kasbahs, the imperial cities tour links Marrakech to Fez in eight days, and the desert, riad and kasbah tour includes a night in a dune bivouac.
What does a 5-day itinerary look like?
| Day | Stage | Programme |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival in Fez | Hotel transfer, free time |
| 2 | Fez | Full-day guided visit of the medina |
| 3 | Fez – Chefchaouen | Drive of about 200 km, discover the blue city |
| 4 | Chefchaouen – Fez | Free morning in the souks, return to Fez |
| 5 | Departure | Breakfast, then airport transfer |
When is the best time to go to Fez and Chefchaouen?
The trip page recommends March to May and September to November. Spring and autumn generally bring pleasant temperatures for walking the medinas. Summer can be hot in Fez, and winter cooler and sometimes rainy, especially in the Rif. To compare seasons across the country, see our guide on when to go to Morocco.
Good to know
Entry requirements depend on your nationality: check them before departure with your government's official travel advice.
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Frequently asked questions
Can you do Fez and Chefchaouen in 3 days?
In theory yes, but it is very rushed: the road of about 200 km leaves little time for the Fez medina. We recommend five days for a comfortable pace.
Is Chefchaouen worth a night?
Yes, and that is what our tour does: arrive during the day, wander the blue lanes, then enjoy a free morning in the souks the next day.
Do you need a guide for the Fez medina?
It is not compulsory, but it is very helpful: the lanes are countless and a local guide explains the history and the crafts. Our tour includes a full guided day.
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