Embark on an enlightening day trip from the captivating city of Fes, exploring the historic sites of Meknes and Volubilis. This tour blends rich cultural heritage with stunning landscapes, providing a well-rounded experience for travelers. Uncover the impressive architecture of Meknes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, renowned for their exquisite mosaics. With round-trip transportation, a knowledgeable local guide, and a delicious lunch, this excursion promises to deliver a memorable glimpse into Morocco’s captivating past. But what secrets and surprises await within these legendary destinations?

Key Points

Fes to Meknes and Volubilis Day Trip - Key Points

  • A day trip from Fes to Meknes and Volubilis, offering a 5.0-rated tour with air-conditioned transportation, a professional driver, and a local guide.
  • Includes round-trip transportation, complimentary mineral water, and a local cuisine lunch, with opportunities for souvenirs.
  • Flexible pickup options from hotels, riads, or the airport in Fes, with the tour ending at the original meeting point.
  • Minimum group size of 2 people, suitable for most travelers, with stroller-friendly and infant seating options.
  • Tour cost starts from $64.50 per person, with a lowest price guarantee and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the trip.

Trip Overview

This day trip from Fes to Meknes and Volubilis is offered by Magical Desert Tours, a reputable provider in Fez, Morocco.

The tour has a 5.0 rating from 5 reviews, indicating high customer satisfaction. The package includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional driver, hotel/riad/airport pickup and drop-off, mineral water, a local guide, and lunch.

The trip starts at 8:00 AM and requires a minimum of 2 people per booking. While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly and allows service animals.

Most travelers can participate, provided they don’t have serious medical conditions.

Inclusions

Fes to Meknes and Volubilis Day Trip - Inclusions

The day trip package includes round-trip transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, providing a hassle-free travel experience.

A professional driver is provided to ensure a smooth journey. Pickup and drop-off services are available at your hotel, riad, or the airport in Fes.

Throughout the trip, you’ll have access to complimentary mineral water. A local guide will accompany you, sharing insights and history about the destinations.

Lunch is included, allowing you to savor local cuisine. The tour also provides the opportunity to purchase personal souvenirs, making it a well-rounded experience.

Meeting and Pickup

Fes to Meknes and Volubilis Day Trip - Meeting and Pickup

Pickup options for the Fes to Meknes and Volubilis day trip are flexible, allowing travelers to choose the most convenient starting point. Pickup can be directly at the meeting point or the provider can arrange pickup from the traveler’s hotel, riad, or airport in Fes.

Pickup Options Pickup Points
Directly at meeting point Hotel, riad, airport, or designated meeting point in Fes
Request pickup Hotel, riad, airport, or designated meeting point in Fes

The activity ends back at the original meeting point.

Tour Details

The day trip begins at 8:00 AM, providing ample time to explore the historic cities of Meknes and Volubilis.

The minimum group size is 2 people, ensuring an intimate experience. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly, and infants can sit on laps.

As long as there are no serious medical conditions, most travelers can participate. The activity ends back at the original meeting point, which can be a hotel, riad, or airport in Fes.

Throughout the day, you’ll enjoy transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional driver, and a local guide to bring the sites to life.

Pricing and Cancellation

The cost of the Fes to Meknes and Volubilis day trip starts from $64.50 per person, varying based on the group size.

The tour company offers a lowest price guarantee, ensuring customers get the best deal.

Travelers can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, providing flexibility in planning.

Booking is easy, with the option to reserve now and pay later.

The tour is a private experience, with only your group participating.

Exploring Fes

Fes to Meknes and Volubilis Day Trip - Exploring Fes

Fes, the cultural heart of Morocco, offers an enchanting exploration of the country’s rich history and vibrant traditions.

As the oldest imperial city, Fes boasts a captivating medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where visitors can:

  1. Navigate the winding alleyways and discover hidden gems, such as the iconic Bab Boujeloud gate and the intricate Medersa Bou Inania.

  2. Immerse themselves in the vibrant sights, sounds, and scents of the bustling souks, where artisans skillfully craft traditional Moroccan goods.

  3. Visit the renowned Chouara Tannery, a century-old leather-making workshop, and witness the intricate process of dyeing and producing high-quality leather products.

These enchanting experiences make Fes a must-visit destination on any Moroccan journey.

Historic Meknes

Located just 60 miles east of Fes, Meknes stands as a captivating historic city that once served as the capital of Morocco under the rule of Sultan Moulay Ismail. The walled medina of Meknes is a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing an impressive array of historic landmarks, from the grandiose Bab Mansour Gate to the stunning Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail.

Attraction Description Highlights
Bab Mansour Gate Magnificent 17th-century gate Intricate tile work and architectural details
Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail Elaborate burial site of the powerful sultan Stunning marble, intricate mosaics, and sacred Islamic elements
Imperial Granaries Vast underground storage chambers Impressive scale and engineering
Dar Jamaï Museum Housed in a former palace Showcases Moroccan art, crafts, and history

Ancient Volubilis

Situated just 15 miles north of Meknes, the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis stand as a captivating testament to Morocco’s rich historical legacy.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this sprawling archaeological site reveals:

  1. Remarkably well-preserved Roman structures, including ornate mosaic floors, triumphal arches, and the remnants of impressive public buildings.

  2. Insights into the daily life of the Roman settlers, with excavated homes, marketplaces, and even an ancient oil press.

  3. Breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, which allows visitors to imagine the grandeur of this once-thriving Roman city.

Wandering through Volubilis is a truly immersive experience, transporting travelers back in time and offering a glimpse into Morocco’s enduring connection to its ancient past.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Time Should I Arrive for the Pickup?

According to the trip overview, the start time for the tour is 8:00 AM. The traveler should plan to arrive at their chosen pickup point, such as their hotel or a designated meeting location, in time for the 8:00 AM departure.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

According to the trip details, you can bring your own food and drinks. The tour includes mineral water, but you’re free to pack additional snacks or beverages if you prefer. Complimentary lunch is provided as part of the tour.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour?

Yes, the tour provider offers the option to extend the tour. Travelers can discuss their preferences with the driver or guide and arrange for additional time or stops beyond the standard itinerary, subject to availability and additional fees.

What Is the Best Way to Tip the Driver and Guide?

The best way to tip the driver and guide is to provide a cash tip at the end of the tour. A typical tip range is 10-20% of the total tour cost, which can be divided between the driver and guide.

Can I Take Pictures During the Tour?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photos during the tour. However, it’s polite to ask permission before photographing people, especially in more sensitive cultural or religious sites. The tour guide can provide guidance on appropriate photo-taking etiquette.

Recap

This captivating day trip from Fes to Meknes and Volubilis offers a chance to take in the region’s rich history and stunning landscapes. Exploring the UNESCO-listed sites of Meknes and the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, this tour provides a well-rounded experience, complemented by local cuisine and attentive service. It’s an ideal way to discover the cultural and historical significance of this captivating corner of Morocco.