Day 01
Meknes, Volubilis, and Moulay Idriss Excursion
- Departure from Fes
- Pick-up: Your day begins with pick-up from your accommodation in Fes. Most tours offer a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, and you will be accompanied by an English-speaking driver-guide.
- Travel time: The journey to Meknes takes around 1.5 hours (approximately 130 km).
- Explore Meknes (1.5-2 hours)
- Once you arrive in Meknes, you will begin exploring this imperial city, famous for its historical significance and well-preserved architecture.
- Bab Mansour Gate: Begin at the grand Bab Mansour, one of Morocco's most beautiful and monumental gates.
- Moulay Ismail Mausoleum: Visit the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum, where the tomb of the Sultan who made Meknes his capital lies.
- Heri es-Souani: Explore the Royal Stables and Granaries, once used to house thousands of horses and store grain for the royal family.
- Place el-Hedim: Wander through the lively Place el-Hedim, a square full of activity where locals gather. It is a great spot to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
- Drive to Volubilis (30 minutes)
- After your visit to Meknes, you will drive for 30 minutes to Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco's most impressive Roman ruins.
- Visit Volubilis (2-2.5 hours)
- Roman Ruins: Explore the ruins of Volubilis, once a thriving Roman city and now a vast archaeological site. The ruins date back to the 3rd century BC and include:
- Triumphal Arch: The grand entryway to the ancient city, an impressive monument to the Roman Emperor Carus.
- Basilica: A large Roman building once used for public meetings and legal proceedings.
- Mosaic Floors: Discover the stunning mosaics scattered throughout the site, depicting scenes from Roman mythology and daily life.
- Temple of Jupiter: The remains of this temple, dedicated to the Roman god Jupiter, stand tall among the ruins.
- Panoramic Views: Volubilis sits atop a hill, offering sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, including the town of Moulay Idriss.
- Optional Visit to Moulay Idriss (1 hour)
- If time permits, your guide may take you to the nearby town of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, a holy town and an important pilgrimage site in Morocco. The town is home to the tomb of Moulay Idriss I, the founder of the first Arab dynasty in Morocco. You will have a chance to wander its narrow streets and admire the panoramic views.
- Lunch (1 hour)
- Enjoy a delicious Moroccan lunch at a local restaurant, either in Meknes or near Volubilis. Moroccan cuisine includes dishes such as tagine, couscous, and fresh salads.
- Return to Fes (1.5 hours)
- After an enriching day, you will begin your drive back to Fes, arriving by late afternoon or early evening, depending on traffic.
