Meknes was once a capital of the kingdom of Morocco and Moulay Idriss is the Morocco’s first Islamic city.
If you have time in Fez, why not visiting Meknes and Volubilis for a day?
Meknes was once a capital of the kingdom of Morocco, a powerful leader Moulay Ismail ruled the city.
Volubilis is one of the most well preserved Roman ruins in the North Africa, floor mosaics are famous here.
And Moulay Idriss is the Morocco’s first Islamic city, still surrounded by a sacred atmosphere.
OUR PROGRAM
Departure from Fez to Meknes
We’ll pick you up at your hotel or riad in the morning, Drive to Meknes, one hour away by car. Getting through peaceful fields in the Middle Atlases.
Visit Bab Mansour
Right at the center of the old city, at the entrance of the old medina. The ruler Moulay Ismail built this fascinating gate. The zerij mozaics are amaizing, One of the UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail
Most of the mosques and mausoleums are not open to non Muslims in Morocco, and this is one of the exceptions. The courtyard is so quiet, you’ll instantly understand that you entered a very sacred place. The coffin room is prohibited to enter but the entrance room is definitely the highlight of this mausoleum. Enjoy the beauty of the Islamic architecture!
Drive to Moulay Idriss, walk in the city
Moulay Idriss was once a rival for the ruler of the Muslim Empire in the 8th century and fled to Morocco after being defeated. He established his dynasty here and that’s the beginning of the Islam in Morocco. The Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss is not open to non Muslims, but it still gives you a great impression just by looking at this hallway!
Lunch at a local restaurant
Visit Volubilis
The Roman ruin Volubilis is 10 to 15 minutes drive away from Moulay Idriss. It is said that Moulay Ismail brought the stones from here to build the Meknes city and many of the Roman buildings were destroyed. Still, you can see the pillars of temples and beautiful mosaic on the floor. This place is also the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Back to hotel
Transfer back to your hotel or riad in Fez.
NOTES: If this itinerary is not to your liking, please contact us and we will make the itinerary to suit you.