Travel: 48 hours in Fez, Morocco

Saturday, 7pm

Check in at Fez’s newest luxury cocoon, the Hotel Sahrai (tel: 5 3594 0332, www.hotelsahrai.com), a stone’s throw from the hubbub of Fez el Bali, the old quarter. A double costs from around £120 per person.

8pm

Dinner at La Mezzanine (Avenue Moulay Hassan; tel: 535 638 668), Fez’s hipster hangout, where live blues, soul, and gypsy music is played.

Sunday, 10am

Take a taxi to the 14th century Merenid Tombs (Tour de Fez Nord; free). Just outside the old city, they’re dilapidated but picturesque. Enjoy the view of the medina within its eight mile ring of walls.

11am

Visit the nearby Borj Nord (ave. des Mérenides), a miniature 16th century fortress that is now a museum with a collection of arms and armour including gem-encrusted daggers, scimitars and muskets.

2pm

Back at Hotel Sahrai, visit the hotel’s Givenchy spa, where massages are around £60 for one hour.

6:30pm

Book in for a sunset concert and dinner at Café Clock (tel: 535 637 855, www.cafeclock.com), opposite Medersa Bou Inania.

Monday, 9am

Take a three-hour medina tour with Planit Fez (tel: 535 638 708, www.planit-fez.com; from around £45). Highlights include the smelly and colourful tanneries, the half-deserted Jewish Mellah, and the Musée Nejjaarine, a handicrafts museum where you can pause for a glass of mint tea. You’ll also glimpse the historic Kairouane Mosque, the most spectacular of Fez’s religious foundations.

Midday

Lunch at The Ruined Garden (Sidi Ahmed Chaoui, tel: 649 191 410, www.ruinedgarden.com). Order the slowcooked lamb mechwi in advance (it takes seven hours, but it’s worth the wait). Around £20 for two.

2pm

Explore the Dar Batha Museum, 5 place du Batha Oued Fejjaline, with its fine collection of carved wood and colourful ceramics.

8pm

Dine at culinary legend La Maison Bleue (2 place Istiqlal, tel: 535 741 843; www.maisonbleue.com).

• Ryanair (www.ryanair.com) flies to Fez from London Stansted with return fares from around £60; www.visitmorocco.com