+212 661 998 266
Morocco Trip JoyEXCLUSIVE & GROUP TOURS
Roman ruins and columns of Volubilis near Meknes, Morocco

Photo: Morocco Magic / Unsplash

Volubilis and Meknes Day Trip from Fez

History in one day: the gates and granaries of Meknes, the holy town of Moulay Idriss and the Roman mosaics of Volubilis.

  • Duration1 day
  • StartFez
  • EndFez
  • Trip typePrivate tour

Overview

This Volubilis and Meknes day trip from Fez combines three important places. In Meknes you see the great gate of Bab Mansour and the huge royal granaries of Sultan Moulay Ismail. You stop at a viewpoint over Moulay Idriss, a holy town, and then visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis with a local guide.

It is a good day for history lovers and families. For a longer trip with the same sights, see our halal Muslim-friendly tour or all imperial city tours.

Highlights

  • Bab Mansour, the great gate of Meknes
  • Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail
  • Royal granaries and stables
  • Viewpoint over the holy town of Moulay Idriss
  • Volubilis Roman ruins and mosaics with a local guide

Schedule of the day

  1. 09:00 – Pick-up in Fez

    Your private driver picks you up at your riad or hotel in Fez. You drive about 1 hour west to Meknes on a good road.

  2. 10:00 – Meknes: Bab Mansour and Moulay Ismail mausoleum

    You see Bab Mansour, one of the most beautiful gates in Morocco, with green and white tiles. Then you visit the mausoleum of Sultan Moulay Ismail (when open to visitors), with its calm courtyards and fine decoration.

  3. 11:30 – Royal granaries

    You visit the royal granaries and stables, huge buildings with thick walls that once stored food and held thousands of horses for the sultan's army.

  4. 12:30 – Lunch

    Lunch in Meknes or on the road (lunch not included). Your driver can suggest a good local restaurant.

  5. 14:30 – Moulay Idriss viewpoint

    You stop at a viewpoint over Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, a white town on two hills, where Idriss I, founder of the first Moroccan dynasty, is buried. It is an important place of pilgrimage.

  6. 15:00 – Volubilis with a local guide

    At Volubilis, a UNESCO site, a local guide shows you the Roman city: the triumphal arch, the basilica, the olive presses and the best floor mosaics. Wear a hat; there is little shade.

  7. 18:00 – Drop-off in Fez

    You drive back about 1 hour to Fez and arrive at your riad or hotel around 18:00.

Route map

Fez → Meknes → Moulay Idriss → Volubilis

What's included

  • Private air-conditioned vehicle for the day (1–6 people)
  • Private English-speaking driver
  • Pick-up and drop-off at your riad or hotel in Fez
  • Visits to Meknes, the Moulay Idriss viewpoint and Volubilis
  • Flexible timing at each site
  • Bottled water in the vehicle

Not included

  • Lunch and drinks
  • Entrance tickets (Volubilis, granaries, mausoleum)
  • Local guide in Volubilis and Meknes
  • Tips and personal expenses

Photo gallery

Frequently asked questions

Is a guide needed in Volubilis?

It is not required, but a guide helps you understand the ruins and find the best mosaics. We recommend it.

Can non-Muslims enter Moulay Idriss?

Yes, non-Muslims can walk in the town, but the shrine is open only to Muslims. Muslim travellers can visit the shrine.

Is this trip good in summer?

Yes, but Volubilis is very hot at midday in July and August. Bring water, a hat and sunscreen.

Want to change this itinerary?

Add days, change the start city or the hotels. We design it for you, free of charge.

Design it your way →

You may also like