Exploring Fes: A Meknes and Volubilis Day Trip

Exploring the ancient imperial cities of northern Morocco is a must-do when visiting Fes. The city of Fes is home to the largest living medieval city in the world, Fes el Bali, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meknes and Volubilis are two nearby destinations both within easy distance to Fes city, making them perfect for a day trip.

These ancient cities are a great insight into history and an opportunity to take in the majestic beauty of Morocco. In this guide, we’ll cover the essential information you need to plan your day trip from Fes to Meknes and Volubilis.

Meknes and Volubilis Overview

Meknes and Volubilis are two ancient imperial cities situated about an hour’s drive away from Fes. These cities were founded in the 11th and 3rd centuries BC, respectively, and played a big role throughout Morocco’s history under the rule of various dynasties, including the Almoravids.

The cities show many influences from different cultures as it changed hands over time, but are mostly noted for their impressive architecture and artwork depicting this mix of cultures. Meknes is known as the “Versailles of Morocco” due to its sprawling palace walls, where as Volubilis has well-preserved Roman ruins beneath its modern country village.

Day Trip Itinerary

For those visiting Fes and wishing to explore these interesting cities for a day, planning your trip is easy thanks to the one-day Meknes-Volubilis tour available via leading tour operator Get Your Guide. This tour begins with a morning pick-up from your accommodation in Fes, providing roundtrip transportation between Fes and the two imperial cities in an air-conditioned vehicle for up to 6 people.

Once you arrive in Meknes, you will explore the history of this grand former capital with your knowledgeable guide with stops at historical highlights including the Bab Mansour Gate, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, the Jewish Mellah and the Bahia Palace. You will have time to wander around the different quarters, and if interested, you can also explore the nearby ancient granaries.

The tour will then take you directly to Volubilis where you’ll explore ruins and artifacts dating back to the 3rd century BC. You’ll have time here to explore the extensive ruins that include triumphal arches, lavish palace mosaics, remains of temples and sanctuaries, and more. Every corner of this site offers another beautiful view and a fascinating glimpse into ancient times.

After exploring these two cities, you’ll be provided with an included lunch of Moroccan specialties before your tour ends with a relaxing ride back to your accommodation in Fes.

Practical Considerations for Visiting Meknes

If you do decide to take a day trip from Fes to visit Meknes and Volubilis, there are a few practical considerations you should be aware of before your tour:

Clothing

It is important to dress modestly when visiting both cities due to local cultural sensitivities. This means keeping upper arms and legs covered as much as possible and wearing long trousers or skirts. Additionally, you should also wear comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking around both sites. Note that there are mosques located in both Meknes and Volubilis; when visiting them, women must cover their heads with a headscarf as well.

Weather

The weather in Morocco can become very hot in summer (May to September), and even during springtime temperatures are mild but can still be in excess of 30°C (86°F). It is important to be prepared with sunscreen and water while visiting Meknes and Volubilis. Hats are also recommended, especially during summer.

Budget

The one-day tour offered via Get Your Guide includes round-trip transportation between Fes and both cities as well as a guided tour and lunch. As this tour is all-inclusive and offered at an affordable price, there really shouldn’t be any additional expenses while visiting Meknes and Volubilis on this tour. That said, those taking the tour should bring enough money for drinks, snacks or souvenirs if wanted.

Conclusion

Meknes and Volubilis are two beautiful cities and a must-visit when staying in Fes. Thanks to the one-day Meknes-Volubilis tour by GetYourGuide ., exploring these two cities for a day couldn’t be easier. Whether you’re after some unforgettable historical sights or simply some stunning photo opportunities, booking this tour is an excellent way to visit two imperial cities in one day. So why not see the best sights north Morocco has to offer on a Meknes and Volubilis day trip from Fes? Click hereto book your tour today!