meknes & Berber-Roman city of Volubilis

After breakfast, we’ll pick you up from your hotel or riad in Fes at 9:00 am to kick off the day. However, Fes Desert Trips offer flexibility, accommodating different schedules if needed—just let us know your preferences.

Our first stop is the holy Moulay Idriss, nestled on the edge of Mount Zerhon, offering breathtaking views of the Moroccan countryside, including Volubilis. This sacred site draws Muslim pilgrims, who believe that visiting Moulay Idriss five times in a lifetime grants them equal status to those who undertake the Hajj in Mecca. While Muslims can enter the tomb of Idris I, the charming village boasts bustling souks for all to explore. Idris I, a descendant of Prophet Mohammed, ruled briefly but played a pivotal role in converting Morocco to Islam.

Next, we’ll take a short drive to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, meaning “laurel flower” in Berber. Here, you’re free to wander among well-preserved remnants, including the Triumphal arch, baths, palaces, and intricate mosaics depicting classical themes from Roman mythology. Volubilis holds UNESCO World Heritage status and is a highlight of Meknes, making it a must-see destination in Morocco.

Then, we’ll proceed to the Imperial city of Meknes, established as a military camp in the 11th century but transformed into the “Versailles of Morocco” during the 17th century by Sultan Moulay Ismail, who designated it as his capital.

In its prime, Meknes boasted impressive defenses, with 45 kilometers of walls, twenty city gates, and over fifty palaces. Highlights include crenulated battlements, grand city gates adorned with Islamic art and pilfered Roman marble from Volubilis, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, the royal palace of Dar El Makhzen with its Royal Stables, the scenic Agdal reservoir, and nearby granaries and underground prison. Meknes exudes old-world charm, offering a more relaxed ambiance than Fes, amidst picturesque countryside, olive groves, and vineyards. Don’t miss exploring the local souks, which offer a diverse array of goods at prices often lower than those in Fes.