Day Trip from Fes to Volubilis and Meknes

Enjoy a fantastic day trip from Fes to Volubilis and Meknes, where you’ll have the opportunity to visit the ruined Roman city of Volubilis. This site is the best-preserved archaeological site in Morocco, featuring many beautiful mosaics preserved in situ. Volubilis was declared a World Heritage Site in 1997.

This day trip from Fes to Volubilis and Meknes is one of the most popular excursions from Fes. It offers a timeless journey to explore three fascinating sites: the Roman ruins of Volubilis, the charming town of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, which holds great spiritual significance for Moroccans, and Meknes, a serene city and one of Morocco’s Imperial cities.

Volubilis

The first stop is Volubilis, an archaeological site from the Roman period. This site of Carthaginian origin is one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in North Africa. Volubilis symbolizes the ancient city of Meknes and is one of its most important historical and tourist attractions.
Dating back to the Roman era and beyond, archaeological excavations since the early twentieth century have shown that Volubilis’ origins go back at least to the third century BC. Its urban exploits still bear witness to its glory of a decades-long civilization in the region.
This archaeological area is distinguished by its natural beauty and splendor, attracting visitors with its picturesque landscape amidst the urban influence of the city. Ancient columns with Roman letters, houses, temples, arches, and fantastic mosaic panels surrounded by a large wall are some of its highlights. The bath of Diana, the bath of the nymphs, and the trials of Hercules are some of the best-preserved mosaics.
Volubilis boasts many public buildings, including the famous Capitol Temple, the Arc of Freedom, the court, and the public square. Additionally, it features numerous monuments like mills, olive presses, baths, and the remains of the walls.

Moulay Idriss Zerhoun

The second stop is Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, the first Islamic city in North Africa. Named after its founder, Moulay Idriss, it sits 550 meters above sea level under Mount Zerhoun, extending over two hills and surrounded by green plains with abundant olive trees. The city banned non-Muslims until 1917. Today, it retains its character as a holy city, with the mausoleum of Moulay Idriss being the only place forbidden to non-Muslims.

The city clings to a hill, forming a maze of stairs. Some places, called “Terraces,” provide a wonderful view of the city, the mausoleum, the alleys, and the small houses surrounding it. You can get lost in the charming streets, look for the only circular minaret in Morocco, or enjoy beautiful views from one of the panoramic terraces.

Annually, the city hosts the Season of Moulay Idriss the Greater, the biggest religious festival in this small holy city. Thousands of pilgrims, Sufi sects, and various gatherings in search of blessings go on pilgrimage every year at the end of August to visit Moulay Idriss, carrying many gifts accompanied by folkloric groups such as Aissaoua, Hamadisha, and the people of Tuat.

Meknes

The last stop on the day trip from Fes to Volubilis and Meknes is Meknes, the least famous of the country’s four imperial cities. Meknes has been in light since the 10th century AD. Its medina may not have as many important buildings as the medina of Fes or Marrakech, but it is very beautiful and quiet. It also has a madrasa and colorful souks where you can see artisans working with traditional techniques.

Although the medina is beautiful, the most impressive places to see in Meknes are outside its medieval quarter. The city is distinguished by its wide area and the multiplicity of its historical buildings and walls. Mawla Ismail surrounded it with walls extending over 40 km, interspersed with huge urban gates and towers. The Bab Mansour is the most impressive gate in all of Morocco.

On the other side of this gate is Lahdem Square, which resembles the famous Jamaa el Fna Square in Marrakech. The square is bounded by the wall on one side and by the market with restaurants on the other. This large square has a lively atmosphere with animals like snakes with their charmers, an ostrich, and Barbary monkeys.

Another interesting place to visit in Meknes is the Royal Stables, somewhat out of the center. Thousands of horses lived in the stables, and they stored grain here. The outside of the stables is very beautiful, a place where you can take many beautiful photos.

The city of Meknes, with its important historical monuments, deservedly earned a place on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1996. Your day trip from Fes to Volubilis and Meknes ends with a transfer back to your accommodation in Fes.