Meknes & Volubilis Tours — Imperial City and Roman Ruins
Meknes is the smallest and least crowded of Morocco's imperial cities, built up by Sultan Moulay Ismail in the 17th century and known for the monumental Bab Mansour gate and the vast Heri es-Souani granaries. Thirty kilometres north lie the ruins of Volubilis, the best-preserved Roman city in Morocco. Both are commonly done as a day trip from Fes.
- Region
- Fès-Meknès
- Suggested stay
- 1 day trip from Fes
- Best time to visit
- March to May and September to November. Volubilis is an open site with almost no shade, which makes midsummer midday visits punishing.
About Meknes & Volubilis
Moulay Ismail intended Meknes as a Moroccan Versailles, and the scale of what he built shows it — kilometres of rampart, stables said to have held twelve thousand horses, and granaries with walls thick enough to keep grain cool through a Moroccan summer. Bab Mansour, facing Place el-Hedim, is generally considered the finest monumental gate in North Africa.
Volubilis was the western administrative centre of Roman Mauretania Tingitana, and its mosaic floors have survived largely in place, still open to the sky where they were laid. The Capitol, basilica and triumphal arch of Caracalla are all standing, and the site is walkable in about ninety minutes. It became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997.
Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, the whitewashed hill town between the two, holds the tomb of the founder of Morocco's first Islamic dynasty and is among the country's most important pilgrimage sites. Pairing all three makes a full and well-balanced day out of Fes.
What to see in Meknes & Volubilis
- Bab Mansour, the monumental gate at Place el-Hedim
- Heri es-Souani granaries and royal stables
- Volubilis — Roman mosaics, basilica and triumphal arch
- Moulay Idriss Zerhoun hill town
- Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail
- Quieter and cheaper than Fes or Marrakech
Tours that include Meknes & Volubilis
All private and fully customisable — durations and routes can be adjusted.
Morocco Imperial Cities Tour: Casablanca to Marrakech
Explore Morocco's contemporary and historic cities on an eight-day journey that begins and ends in Casablanca, the country's economic hub. Travel north to see the capital city of Rabat, take in the sunset over the blue city of Chefchaoeun, visit artisan workshops in the cultural center of Fes, and travel back in time to the Roman era at Volubilis. Finish in bustling Marrakech and explore Jemaa el-Fna, Africa's busiest plaza.
Northern Morocco: A 5-Day Imperial Cities Tour
Five days is all you need to discover why Morocco's imperial north has been captivating travelers for centuries. This efficiently designed private tour takes you from Casablanca's Atlantic coastline through the capital city of Rabat, up into the dreamlike blue streets of Chefchaouen, past the Roman ruins of Volubilis, and deep into the medieval soul of Fes. There's no desert, no long cross-country drives — just the rich, concentrated history and culture of northern Morocco, at a pace that lets you breathe it in. Perfect for first-time visitors or anyone with limited time who refuses to compromise on depth.
Casablanca to the Sahara: 10 Days of Private Morocco with a Local Guide
Morocco is one of those countries where the difference between a great trip and an overwhelming one comes down entirely to who's guiding you. This 10-day private journey from Casablanca is built around that insight. From the moment your flight lands, a dedicated English-speaking driver and local experts in Fes and Marrakech handle every detail — so you can focus entirely on what's in front of you. You'll walk the blue-washed alleys of Chefchaouen, get lost in the ancient 9,000-street labyrinth of Fes medina, ride a camel into the Sahara at sunset, sleep under the stars at a luxury desert camp, and finish in the electric heart of Marrakech. Ten days, one seamless private journey — Morocco the way it was meant to be experienced.
North to South: The Ultimate 11-Day Morocco Grand Tour
Morocco is a country of dramatic contrasts — and no tour captures them better than this one. Beginning at the Mediterranean shores of Tangier and ending in the sun-baked souks of Marrakech, this 11-day private journey takes you through every landscape and culture the Kingdom has to offer. You'll walk the blue alleys of Chefchaouen, get lost in the medieval heart of Fes, ride a camel into the Sahara at sunset, and cross the highest road in North Africa through the High Atlas Mountains. From the Mediterranean to the Sahara, this is Morocco from top to bottom — exactly as it should be seen.
The Complete Morocco: 13 Days from Atlantic Coast to Sahara Dunes
Some countries deserve more than a highlight reel. This 13-day private journey is designed for travelers who want to experience Morocco in full — from the Mediterranean gateway of Tangier and the blue alleys of Chefchaouen, through the ancient spiritual heart of Fes, across the golden Sahara dunes of Merzouga, and into the vibrant energy of Marrakech. With a private driver, dedicated local guides, and a luxury desert camp along the way, every detail is handled so you can focus entirely on the experience. This is not a tour of Morocco. This is Morocco
The Morocco Honeymoon: Crafted for Two, From Marrakech to the Sea
Over eight unforgettable days, this Morocco honeymoon itinerary blends culture, romance, and easy adventure. Savor the vivid souks and historic medina of Marrakech, breathe the coastal air of Essaouira, and cross the dramatic High Atlas Mountains for breathtaking views and quiet moments together. This thoughtfully paced trip gives couples time to connect — from private riad dinners to shared experiences of Berber culture and local cuisine — with optional luxury upgrades like private tours, a hot air balloon ride, or an extension to a desert camp.
Meknes & Volubilis: common questions
Can you visit Volubilis and Meknes in one day?
Yes, comfortably, and it is the standard way to do it from Fes — roughly an hour's drive each way, with Moulay Idriss added between the two if the timing allows.
Is Volubilis worth visiting?
If Roman archaeology interests you at all, yes — the mosaics are in situ and remarkably intact, and the setting below the Zerhoun hills is beautiful. Travellers with no particular interest in ruins sometimes find ninety minutes enough.
Is Meknes better than Fes?
Not better, but easier. Meknes has grander individual monuments and far fewer visitors; Fes has the more extraordinary medina. Meknes is a day, Fes is two.
Often combined with
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