What to expect on this 1 day trip from Fez to Volubilis and Meknes
Our driver / guide will pick you up from your accommodation in Fez at 09:00 and drive to Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once a thriving Roman outpost. Here you will be offered a tour of the ancient Roman city of Volubilis. Next is Moulay Idriss, a holy city with a historic mosque set in a picturesque mountainous landscape. Later we continue our journey to Meknes, one of the four imperial cities of Morocco and its ancient city in the UNESCO World Heritage List. After discovering all that the city of Meknes has to offer, we return to Fez.
Itinerary
We will leave your accommodation in Fez at 09:00. across the plains of aiss for a short 80km journey to Volubilis. On the way, you will stop at Achahad Dam and Mount Rif to enjoy the scenery, fresh air, and take photos. The ancient site of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was once a prosperous Roman outpost. This 2,000-year-old complex was once the capital of the kingdom of Mauritania. The ruins give you a real insight into the Roman way of life and the later medieval Berber city.
You will see old oil mills, palaces, amazing mosaics, monumental arches and Corinthian columns. Our guided tour will show you the partially reconstructed ruins of the Roman Baths, the Basilica, the Triumphal Gate and the Capitoline Temple, where Volubilis worshiped a trio of deities: Juno, Jupiter and Minerva.
Less than 5km away, our next stop is the holy city of Moulay Idriss amidst the picturesque mountains. Moulay Idriss I introduced the religion of Islam in 789 AD. Every year, thousands of Moroccans make the pilgrimage (Moussem) to Moulay Idriss in August to pray at the tomb of a descendant of the Prophet Mohammed. This holy city was only opened to non-Muslims in 2005. Arriving at the elongated square, we will walk the narrow streets of this small town visiting the historic mosque and the only round minaret in Morocco. Later, transfer to the imperial city of Meknes, whose medina and fortified kasbah are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded as a military settlement in the 11th century, at least three groups of fortifications have been incorporated into the city's road network.
The king's tomb is located in the heart of what remains of the original imperial city. See the monumental city gates (Bab Mansour), then see top attractions: Moulay Ismail Mausoleum, El Hedim Square, and, weather permitting, the Dar Jamai Museum. The museum is housed in a historic palace and houses a remarkable collection of traditional Moroccan arts, including saddles, sewing and carpets. Marvel at the splendid ornate decorations of Hispano-Moorish architecture. Have lunch in Meknes before returning to Fez in the afternoon. We'll stop in the city for a chance to take some panoramic photos, before dropping you off at your accommodation.
All of our tours can be tailored to your budget and preferences, please contact us with any questions you may have about your dream vacation in Morocco.
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