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Meknes Culture & history

Our most recommended Meknes Culture & history

From Fes: Meknes and Volubilis Day Trip

1. From Fes: Meknes and Volubilis Day Trip

Discover one of Morocco’s four imperial cities and the remains of the former capital of the kingdom of Mauretania on a full-day tour from Fes. Following a pickup from your hotel in Fes, enjoy an easy transfer by air-conditioned vehicle to the Roman ruins of Volubilis. Explore the remains of the 2000-year-old complex. Continue to Moulay Idriss to discover one of Morocco's holiest cities. Take a tour of the narrow streets of the compact town where Moulay Idriss I introduced the religion of Islam in 789 AD. Then, transfer to the city of Meknes, founded in the 11th century by the Almoravids as a military settlement. Go into the Medina and see some of the monumental city gates and ornamental decorations of the Spanish-Moorish architecture. Tour the city walls, and stop at the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, founder of the Alaouite dynasty and sultan when Meknes was the capital city. Visit the Museum of Moroccan Art to see a wide variety of handicrafts. Before the afternoon transfer back to Fes.

From Fez: Volubilis Moulay Idriss and Meknes Day Trip

2. From Fez: Volubilis Moulay Idriss and Meknes Day Trip

Be picked up from your accommodation in Fez and travel aboard a spacious air-conditioned vehicle. On route stop to capture photos for a lifetime. In addition, enjoy cool air at Ain Lah, Royal family firm, Zagotta, attractive Dam ACHAHAD, and Rif mountain. Upon, arrival at the Roman ruins of Volubilis. Explore the remains of the 2,000-year-old complex and learn more about the historical, and cultural Roman city that looks at the ruins of the Arch of Caracalla, Basilica, and Capitoline Temple. Enjoy free time to discover a place on your way. After that, Continue to Moulay Idriss The holiest Islamic town, monument and mosque opened just for Muslims. But, it gives to visitors an excellent impression, just by taking a look at the hallway of the town. It’s a panoramic view. After that, watch the elongated square above us, the green-tiled pyramids of the Zaouia, and stroll between the labyrinth of clean alleyways. (Break for lunch ) Following lunch, start the Meknes city tour Go into the Medina. So as to, discover monumental city gates dating back to the XVII century. Such as Royal Palace, Berdaïne Bab, Bab Khemis, a famous gateway in north Africa Bab Mansour, and ornamental decorations of the Spanish-Moorish architecture. Moreover, stop at the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, founder of the Alaouite dynasty and sultan when Meknes was the capital city. Generally, our tour will not be complete without a Visit to Place el Hadim, El Heri es-Souan huge granaries & stables built by Moulay Ismail’s soldiers, and the Museum of Moroccan Art. At the end, enjoy a transfer back to Fez.

From Fez: Volubilis Moulay Idriss & Meknes Full-Day Trip

3. From Fez: Volubilis Moulay Idriss & Meknes Full-Day Trip

Get picked up from your hotel or riad at 10 AM in a comfortable, air-conditioned car. Drive through Ain Lah, Zagotta, the attractive Dam Achahad, and Rif mountains. Make several stops to enjoy the landscape, fresh air, and capture incredible photos. Arrive at Volubilis, the famous well-preserved Roman city. Learn about the history and culture of the Romans by exploring the ruins of the Arch of Caracalla, Basilica, and the Capitoline Temple. Spend some free time to stroll around on your own and capture more amazing photos. Hop back into the car, and drive towards your next stop, the holy Islamic town in Moulay-Idriss. Find out how this settlement was built by Moulay Idriss I. Admire the panoramic views, elongated squares, and the green-tiled pyramids of the Zaouia as you stroll through a labyrinth of clean alleyways. Next, continue on to Meknes where you will stop for lunch in a local restaurant. After you've eaten, start your tour of Meknes. See the ancient city walls and monumental gates which date back to the 17th-century. Admire the Royal Palace, Berdaïne Bab, and Bab Khemis. Then head over to the Africa Bab Mansour and El Heri es-Souan, huge granaries and stables built by Moulay Ismail's soldiers. Make a stop in the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum, which for a long time was the only mosque which non-Muslims were allowed to visit in Morocco. Visit the Place-El-Hedim monument before making your return trip back to Fez where you will be dropped off back at your accommodation.

From Fez: Meknes, Volubilis and Moulay Idriss Day Trip

4. From Fez: Meknes, Volubilis and Moulay Idriss Day Trip

Discover one of Morocco’s four imperial cities and the remains of the former capital of the kingdom of Mauretania on a full-day tour from Fez. Following a pick-up from your hotel in Fez, transfer by air-conditioned vehicle to the Roman ruins of Volubilis. Explore the remains of the 2,000-year-old complex. Continue to Moulay Idriss to discover one of Morocco's holiest cities. Take a tour of the narrow streets of the compact town where Moulay Idriss I introduced the religion of Islam in 789 AD. Then, transfer to the city of Meknes, founded in the 11th century by the Almoravids as a military settlement. Go into the Medina and see some of the monumental city gates and ornamental decorations of the Spanish-Moorish architecture. Tour the city walls, and stop at the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, founder of the Alaouite dynasty and sultan when Meknes was the capital city. Visit the Museum of Moroccan Art to see a wide variety of handicrafts, before the afternoon transfer back to Fez.

From Rabat: Volubilis and Meknes Full-day Tour

5. From Rabat: Volubilis and Meknes Full-day Tour

After pickup from your hotel at 9:00, you will drive for 1.5 hours to reach the ancient city of Volubilis Sitting in the middle of a fertile plain, 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. Enjoy a visit to this incredible ancient Roman city with its houses, baths, oilery, government buildings, and the scenic views it offers over the valley. Next, drive 40 minutes to  Meknes, where you will have a break for lunch. After lunch, explore the markets and narrow streets of the centuries-old Medina where you will visit Dar Jamaï Museum, built in 1882 by the powerful Jamaï family, two of whom were viziers to Sultan Moulay Al Hassan I, the palace building has been a museum since 1920. Its collection includes traditional ceramics, jewelry, textiles, and cedarwood craft. The Andalusian garden and courtyard are shady, peaceful spots dotted with orange trees. . You will also see the royal stables, the Bab Al Mansour Gate, and the main square. You will then be driven back to Rabat, where you will be dropped off around 6:30 PM.

From Fez: Volubilis and Meknes Day Trip

6. From Fez: Volubilis and Meknes Day Trip

Start your guided tour with pickup from your accommodations in Fez. Discover the archeological ruins of Volubilis and the Meknes Medina with its famous historical gates. Stop at Volubilis first and discover the incredible ruins of this UNESCO World Heritage site, as your guide tells you the history of this beautiful place. Next, proceed to the city of Meknes, one of the four Moroccan imperial cities, also know as the Ismaili city of Morocco. Inside the medina alleys, discover the famous Bab Khmiss and El Mansour gates. The gates are amazing examples of Islamic architecture. Finish your tour with drop-off back at your accommodations.

Fes: Day Trip to Meknes Volubilis and Moulay Idriss

7. Fes: Day Trip to Meknes Volubilis and Moulay Idriss

Your tour will begin as you are picked up at 10.00AM from your accommodation in Fes. From there you will start driving through the magnificent changing landscapes of the Moroccan countryside. Your first stop will be to the mesmerizing Chahed River, a beautiful landscape with captivating views. From there you will advance towards Volubilis, the ancient Roman Ruins which date back to the 3rd century B.C. Once there you will be able to glimpse the old Roman Empire, and admire the captivating architecture and majestic designs while taking some pictures of Arch of Caracalla. Your second stop will be to Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, a sacred little village in which you can enjoy some free time to go into the deep history of the beautiful town, the home of Idriss I. He was the first Moroccan ruler, and was the one who brought Islam to Morocco. Here you will be able to walk through the ancient windy streets whilst admiring the beautiful architecture. Afterwards, you will explore "Meknes", whose historical 17th-century heritage provides the perfect location to enjoy a tour through the old city to discover the huge walls of the old Medina and see the most breathtaking handicrafts and traditional small shops. Next, you will discover the fascinating gate of Bab El Mansour, a magnificent gateway which is well preserved with lavish "zellige" (Moroccan mosaic tile work). In addition, you will visit Moulay Ismail’s shrine to receive an insight into his interesting life and everlasting achievements. You will also visit fascinating historical sites, such as the Mausoleum and the Rouah, as well as the royal stables (which hold over 12,000 horses). You will later explore Place el-Hedim, which is a central pedestrian square in the Medina. Following an unforgettable tour, you will be returned back to your accommodation in Fes.

Other Sightseeing Options in Meknes

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What people are saying about Meknes

Overall rating

3.8 / 5

based on 25 reviews

Our tour was excellent from start to finish. Our driver, Mustafa, was very welcoming and spoke excellent English. He answered any questions we had. Our guide at the Roman ruins was also name Mustafa, and was also very good. He explained the history and was very knowledgeable. In Meknes our guide was Rashid. He was wonderful. He knew everything about everything. He took his time and answered our questions. We would want all the same people for any future trips.

We really liked this tour as it was not too far from Fez. It was really interesting but definitely choose the option to include the guide. You will get a guide for Volubilis and another one for Meknes. If you don't, you will have to pay for a guide over there, so it might be mkre complicated. We wouldn't have learned about a lot of things if we didn't have a guide. Definitely recommend it!

Volubilis is a must see and Meknes is quite amazing. Enjoyed the lunch we had in Meknes.

excellent, most of all the guide in meknes. a real historical and cultural visit

The driver was very nice. Excursion according to planning