Historic Meknes, Roman Volubilis and Holy Moulay Idriss Day trip from Fes.

Your Meknes and Volubilis day trip begins after breakfast when we collect you from your hotel or riad in Fes at 10 am. Fez Charm Tours is flexible, so if another time suits you better, just let us know! The first leg of your journey takes you to the holy village of Moulay Idriss, beautifully perched on the edge of Mount Zerhon, offering dramatic views of the surrounding Moroccan countryside, including the ruins of Volubilis. This site is a pilgrimage destination for Muslims, as it is believed that those who cannot afford to travel to Hajj in Mecca can visit Moulay Idriss five times in their lifetime to achieve equal status. The village itself is charming, filled with quaint souks, although only Muslims are permitted to enter the tomb of Idris I of the Idrisid dynasty, who ruled from 788 to 791 AD and is credited with converting Morocco to Islam. Idris I is also a direct descendant of the Prophet Mohammed. Next, you'll take a short drive to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, known as Ouallili in Berber, meaning "laurel flower." Here, you are free to explore the well-preserved remains of this ancient town, including the Triumphal Arch, baths, palaces, and stunning mosaics depicting classical themes from Roman mythology. As one of the most significant Roman sites in North Africa, Volubilis holds UNESCO World Heritage Status and is a key attraction that makes Meknes a popular destination for tourists. After your visit to Volubilis, you'll head to the imperial city of Meknes, founded as a military camp in the 11th century and often referred to as "the Versailles of Morocco." This title reflects its lavish design, which was inspired by the royal palaces of Paris and Arabia during the 17th century, under Sultan Moulay Ismail, who established it as his capital. In its prime, Meknes was surrounded by 45 kilometers of walls in three defensive circles, featuring twenty city gates and protecting over fifty palaces. Here, you will see impressive crenelated battlements, grand city gates adorned with Islamic art, and Roman marble pillars taken from Volubilis. You can also visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, the royal palace of Dal El Makhzen, the Royal Stables, the beautiful Agdal reservoir, and the nearby granaries and subterranean prison. Meknes has an old-fashioned charm and a more relaxed atmosphere than Fes, set against stunning countryside filled with olive groves and vineyards. Be sure to explore the local souks, known for their variety and often more affordable prices compared to Fes. After your enriching Meknes day trip, Fez Charm Tours will ensure you are taken back to your riad in Fes.