Fes, Morocco's spiritual and intellectual heart, stands as a profound testament to medieval Islamic civilization and is an unmissable stop for anyone who wants to truly Explore Morocco. Fes el Bali, the ancient walled city, is the largest car-free urban area in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wandering through its more than 9,000 narrow, twisting streets is like stepping back in time. This is where authentic Moroccan crafts and traditions thrive, most famously in the iconic Chouara Tannery, with its vivid dye pits. The city’s culture is deeply rooted in history, home to the University of Al Quaraouiyine, one of the world's oldest degree-granting universities. While Fes itself is further north than the immediate desert gates, it offers a crucial cultural counterpoint to the southern destinations and is often seamlessly integrated into longer private Morocco tours. A typical itinerary will combine the historical depths of Fes with the excitement of an eventual Morocco desert tour, often traveling through the Middle Atlas Mountains toward the Erg Chebbi dunes. The contrast between the intense, scholarly ambiance of Fes and the quiet majesty of the Sahara provides a rich, well-rounded Travel to Morocco experience.