Volubilis, Meknes, Moulay Idriss: Full Day Private Tour from Fes, Morocco
Description
The ruined Roman city of Volubilis is the best-preserved archaeological site in Morocco. Its most amazing features are the many beautiful mosaics preserved in situ, and it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997. Next, the whitewashed town of Moulay Idriss sits astride two green hills in a cradle of mountains and is one of the country’s most important pilgrimage sites. Given its picturesque setting, pretty historic core and national importance, it's a mystery why more tourists don't visit. The good news is that its lack of popularity means you can often have the place all to yourself. Finally, the city of Meknes is quieter and smaller than its grand neighbour, Fez. Meknes feels rather overshadowed and receives fewer visitors than it should. It’s more laid-back with less hassle, yet still has all the winding narrow medina streets and grand buildings that it warrants as an imperial city and one-time home of the Moroccan sultanate.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Your driver will pick you up at your accommodation in Fez and drive you to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. These remarkable ruins provide a peek into the lives of both Romans, who inhabited this area 2000 years ago, and Berbers who lived here after the Romans were gone. The Roman city has a capitol, the triumphal arch of Caracalla, thermal baths, a basilica, and a main artery lined with villas decorated with precious mosaics. Volubilis is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
You will continue on to the whitewashed town of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, considered a holy city and the country’s most important pilgrimage site. In spite of its picturesque setting, delightful historic core, and national importance, it has few tourists so you can often have the place to yourself. Some of the highlights include: Sentissi Mosque with the only cyclindrical miniaret in Morocco, in beautiful green tile; the aquaduct built to supply Moulay Idriss with fresh water; the tomb of Moulay Idriss; and the grand and petite terraces with gorgeous panoramic views across the valley below.
The third stop on your trip is the lovely city of Meknes, Fes's sister city that is much smaller and quieter yet it is still an Imperial City filled with many fascinating attractions. The king's tomb sits at the heart of the original imperial city, framed by the magnificent Bab El Mansour – the largest city gate in Morocco. Heri Es Souani, which Moulay Ismail built to store grain, is a marvel of architecture that Moulay Ismail was very proud of. You can also spend some time in Place El Hedim, which is a much less touristed version of Marrakesh's popular square Djemaa El Fna. The Dar Jamaï museum, built in 1882, houses intricate pieces of art, like traditional ceramics, jewelry, embroidery and rugs. Meknes's souk (market) is small and easy to navigate, and the people mostly leave you to your own devices, make it an enjoyable stroll.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(14)
I did not get to Volubulis because the driver never arrived. No one contacted me and I had no way to contact them Thanks TripAdvisor. Never again
Unfortunately the local provider did not show and wad not available when they called I have requested a refund and suggested Viator no longer provide a platform for this provider given the history
That the operator may not turn up at the designated pickup point. Could not understand that you were requested to supply a pickup point and they do not show up. Poor.
We would highly recommend this day tour. We enjoyed all three stops and found our driver very informative. You will need to hire a local tour guide in Volubilis, but we were very happy with ours.
Our activity provider didn't arrive at the pick up point. He was not reachable with the contact number provided in the ticket. Our activity didn't take place. We have requested for refund.
Everything went perfect, I booked it last minute literally the night before and driver came to pick me up even before time. Small group, knowledgeable guide and very accommodating, comfortable van with A/C. No complaints really!
Amazing sightseeing trip and super friendly guide! Abderrahim showed us local places and gave us the typical Moroccan experience. Also great choice of music during the excursion :)
Good tour, can get sufficient time in Volubilis (driver asked how long do you need), note this is a small van tour with 8-10 people so quite flexible. Other stops were fine, nothing to see in Meknes as it is being refurbished. Book this via hotel cheaper than online.
Volubilis was AMAZING, definitely recommend the place. Also, our driver, Mohammed was extremely accommodating and nice. He knew a lot about the place and even made a lot of photo stops.
Thank you for your help with these great review we hope to see you again in Morocco
Great, well planned tour! Highly recommend. Driver was very polite and informative! The tour was shared with other people, but the tour operator was very helpful and arranged our airport transfers to compensate for the misunderstanding.
