Local agency in Marrakech. Private and small-group tours all over Morocco.

Book now
Roman columns and the Arch of Caracalla at Volubilis with olive hills in the background Private

Volubilis and Meknes Day Trip from Fes: Roman Ruins and an Imperial City

Roman mosaics, a holy hilltop town and a sultan's imperial city: a private day from Fes to Volubilis, Moulay Idriss and Meknes.

  • 1 day
  • Fes
  • Private
  • From US$ 107 (€95) per person
Book now Ask

Overview

History lovers, this one is for you. This private Volubilis and Meknes day trip from Fes covers more than 2,000 years in a single day. Start at Volubilis, a UNESCO-listed Roman city where triumphal arches, columns and colorful floor mosaics stand in the middle of olive-covered hills. It is the best-preserved Roman site in Morocco.

Next, look out over Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, the white hilltop town built around the tomb of the founder of Morocco’s first Islamic dynasty. Then continue to Meknes, the imperial capital of Sultan Moulay Ismail in the late 17th century. Admire the monumental Bab Mansour gate, pay your respects at his mausoleum and walk through the vast vaulted granaries and stables that once fed thousands of horses.

Meknes is quieter than Fes and Marrakech, so you can enjoy it at your own pace. Combine it with a guided visit of Fes the next day with our Fes medina guided tour.

Highlights

  • Volubilis, a UNESCO-listed Roman city with original mosaics
  • Viewpoint over the holy town of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun
  • Bab Mansour, the grand gate of Meknes
  • Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail
  • Heri es-Souani granaries and royal stables
  • Short drives, about one hour between stops

Itinerary

  1. Day 1 Fes – Volubilis – Moulay Idriss – Meknes – Fes

    Morning: pickup at your riad or hotel in Fes around 9:00. Drive about one and a half hours to Volubilis. Walk among the House of Orpheus, the Capitol, the basilica and the Triumphal Arch of Caracalla, and look for mosaics of Bacchus and the Labors of Hercules. A local guide is available at the entrance.

    Late morning: stop at a viewpoint over Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, its white houses tumbling down two hills.

    Lunch: in Meknes, at your own expense.

    Afternoon: see Bab Mansour and El Hedim square, then visit the Moulay Ismail mausoleum (when open to visitors) and the Heri es-Souani granaries. Return to Fes, arriving around 18:00.

    Overnight: — (day trip) Meals: Lunch not included (pay locally)

Prices

Price per person by group size
TravelersStandard
1 traveler US$ 214 (€190)
2 travelers US$ 107 (€95)
3 travelers US$ 72 (€64)
4 travelers US$ 54 (€48)
5 travelers US$ 43 (€38)
6 travelers US$ 36 (€32)
7 travelers US$ 32 (€28)
8 travelers US$ 54 (€48)

Prices in euros per person. The amount in your currency is an estimate; payment is processed in USD. Some peak-season dates carry a supplement; you will see it when you pick a date.

Included

Included

  • Pickup and drop-off at your riad or hotel in Fes
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking driver
  • Fuel, parking and tolls

Not included

  • Entrance fees (Volubilis, mausoleum, granaries)
  • Local guides at Volubilis and in Meknes (optional)
  • Lunch and drinks
  • Tips
  • Travel insurance

Planning your Volubilis and Meknes day trip

Volubilis has almost no shade, so bring a hat, sunscreen and water, especially from May to September. The ruins are best in the morning or late afternoon light. Wear comfortable shoes for uneven Roman paving.

The day is moderate, with about three hours of driving in total, which makes it easy for families and older travelers. In Meknes, cover shoulders and knees for the mausoleum. Opening hours and ticket prices change, so check them as of your travel date. Culture lovers can find more ideas on our cultural tours in Morocco page.

What our travelers say

Highly recommended!

We had an amazing 4-day overland trip from Fes to Marrakech with Morocco Excursions, and I can’t recommend this company highly enough — especially our guide and driver, Hassan. From the moment he picked us up, we felt completely safe and taken care of. Hassan is a fantastic driver — something we appreciated even more after meeting other t…

Spencer R

Moroccan journey

My family and I planned our own 10-day itinerary in Morocco. We hired a car with a driver to travel with us and enjoy everything Morocco has to offer. Salem, our driver, was a great person: kind, always available, and not just our driver — he suggested things to do, places to see and where to stay, and explained his traditions and culture…

Translated from Spanish · See original

Viaje marroquí

Mi familia y yo organizamos nuestro propio itinerario durante 10 días en Marruecos. Alquilamos un coche con conductor para acompañarnos en el camino y disfrutar de todo lo que Marruecos tiene para ofrecer. Salem, nuestro conductor, era una gran persona: amable, siempre a disposición, y no solo era nuestro conductor, sino que fue capaz de sugerirnos cosas que hacer, lugares para ver y dónde dormir, y de explicarnos su tradición y cultura. El vehículo era espacioso y cómodo, y la ruta fue genial. Realmente recomiendo esta agencia para viajar por Marruecos de la manera más fácil posible.

Luca B

Amazing trip in Morocco

We are 4 of us joining a 6-day private tour with our driver Hassan from Morocco Excursions, exploring from Marrakesh, desert, Fez, Casablanca, Rabat, Chefchaouen and Tangier. Hassan is our super driver, he is professional, smart, patient and full of fun. He was on time and took us to wherever we liked to explore and he provided us good su…

Escape31939768217

See all reviews (9) →

Frequently asked questions

Is a guide needed at Volubilis?

It is not required, but a local guide brings the ruins to life by explaining the houses, mosaics and daily life. Guides are available at the entrance and paid on site.

Can non-Muslims visit the Moulay Ismail mausoleum?

Yes, non-Muslims have traditionally been allowed into parts of the mausoleum, though not the tomb chamber itself. It has had long closures for restoration, so check its status before your trip.

Can we visit Moulay Idriss Zerhoun?

Yes, if you have time. The town is a pilgrimage site and non-Muslims cannot enter the shrine, but you can walk the lanes and enjoy views from the terraces. Tell your driver if you want to stop.

How long is the day?

Around nine hours, with about three hours of driving. It is one of the easiest day trips from Fes.

Any questions about this tour?

Send us a message, no commitment: we reply personally, usually within 24 hours. We can also adapt the route to your dates.

Related tours

Private Tours from Fes →

From US$ 107 (€95)

AskBook