Chefchaouen or Chauen is a known as the “blue” city in northwest Morocco situated in theRifMountains, located inland from Tangier and Tetouan. The city was founded in`47` by MoorishexilesfromSpain. Its blue-glazedhousesand buildings are a tradition that comes from the town's former Jewish population.Chefchaouen was known as one of the main concentrations ofMoriscos and Jewswho sought refuge in this mountainous city after the Spanish Reconquista in medieval times. Moulay Ali Ben Moussa Ben Rached El Alami and the exiles used the fortress of Chefchaouen to fight off the invading Portuguese who were entering Morocco from the North in 1920, the Spanish seized Chefchaouen to form part of Spanish Morocco..

Chefchaouen is a populartouristdestination given its proximity to Tangier and the Spanish border. The name refers to the shapes of the mountain tops that tower over the town that looks like the two horns (chaoua) of a goat. "Chef Chaouen" literally means "lookatthehorns". Chefchaouen is a quaint place to hike, relax and shop. It offers many native handicrafts that are not available elsewhere in Morocco, such as wool garments and woven blankets. The goatcheese native to the area is also popular. The countryside around Chefchaouen has a reputation for being a prolific source of marijuana and the region is one of the main producers of cannabis in Morocco. Hashish is subsequently sold all over town, but is mostly the domain of native Chaouenis.

►After breakfast depart from Fes to tour Chefchaouen. Drive through the breathtaking landscapes of the the fertile costal plains. Option to have lunch at Dar Dara Farmhouse en route. Continue the road until you arrive in The region of the Rif Mountains which is the heart and location of the quiet blue and white washed city of Chefchaouen.

► Once you enter the poetic RifMountains and see a dramatic entrance of a wide set valley full of blue-washed buildings, you will recognize Chefchaouen. Get settled at Dar Terrae, an Andalusian-style guest house. Then dine at one of the hotel’s three rooftop terraces. Relax under a sea of Moroccanstars and enjoy a tajine and couscous meal complemented by an aromatic glass of red wine.

►Overnight at a charming Boutique Riad or Hotel in Chefchaouen.

►Enjoy a panoramic view of Chefchaouen as you enjoy breakfast with fresh fruits, jams and natural squeezed juices from your hotel’s terrace. After breakfast explore and tour Chefchaouen, the blue-washed town (old medina) by foot along with your guide who will share stories of Chefchaouen’s history.

► Start your tour with the kasbah museum in the medina. The kasbah of Chefchaouen belongs to the early 18th century, and was built by the legendary ruler Moulay Ismail. It is fairly simple without architectural surprises however it is surrounded by gardens on the interior and exterior. Inside the Kasbah, you can visit the ethnographic museum containing antique weapons, musical instruments, and photographs of the old town.

► Step onto the museum’s roof and take pictures of a panoramic view of the Hispanic flavored town lined with blue and white washed houses, tiny balconies, tiled roofs and patios embellished with citrus trees. Next, visit the cobbled main square, Plaza Uta el- Hammam and where the striking 15^th century Grand Mosque sits. The Mosque and its nearby buildings were built by Jewish refugees, who alongside Muslims escaped the Spanish persecution to Chefchaouen. Until the Spanish arrived in the 1920’s the town remained isolated and with the exception of three western men who snuck in.

►Chefchaouen's blue and white washed buildings are reminiscent of the religious Jewish tradition that involves the weaving of Talis (Jewish prayer shawls) with Tekhelet,  a blue dye prized by ancient Mediterranean civilizations and mentioned 49 times in the Hebrew Torah.

► After exploring the medina, have lunch at one of the local restaurants. 

► Try fresh goat cheese salad, a local Rif specialty, chicken pastilla or a lamb tajine with prunes. For dessert sit outside by the mulberry trees of Plaza Uta el- Hammam and enjoy local sweets from one of the cafes or browse the small shops famous for selling woven rugs, blankets and woolen goods.

► After lunch go for a guided hike in the close-by green hillsides. In the evening it is possible to relax in hammam, a Moroccan spa experience.  For dinner, you will dine at the Restaurant Tissemlal, a beautifully decorated old house with a French-Moroccan set menu. 

►Overnight at a charming Boutique Riad or Hotel in Chefchaouen.

DAY 3: CHEFCHAOUEN DEPARTURE & RETURN TO FES
► Morning at Leisure. Self Exploration in this Blue washed town. After breakfast begin your journey back to Fes heading South through the poetic Rif Mountains.