Authentic Arabic culture on the doorstep of Europe. Effectively three cities rolled into one, the Moroccan city of Fez contains one of the last pockets of medieval Islamic civilisation in the world. Not so much a culture shock as a slap round the face, the ancient medina is a vibrant, buzzing enclave where craftsmen and street-sellers live and work as they have done for hundreds of years. Visitors should leave plenty of luggage space to stock up on the multitude of ornate brass-work and embroidery on offer, or the hand-crafted bags and shoes made at one of the many leather tanneries.
Less explored than Marrakech or Casablanca but still tourist-friendly, the imperial city is a sensual feast of North African culture, where the call to prayer provides the soundtrack to your exploration through the maze of market stalls.
Where to stay: Palais Amani sits just inside the walls of the medieval city and is the perfect oasis of calm away from the hubbub of the medina. Where to eat: Tagine is the national dish of Morocco; a slow-cooked stew of lamb or chicken and vegetables given a smooth aromatic flavour by the addition of preserved lemon, olives, almonds and prunes. Palais Amani offer souk spice tours and cooking workshops where you can see traditional Moroccan cuisine go from medina to plate.
For more information visit palaisamani. Authentic Arabic culture on the doorstep of Europe Effectively three cities rolled into one, the Moroccan city of Fez contains one of the last pockets of medieval Islamic civilisation in the world. Subscription Get THe magazine.
