Fes Day Trip Review: Meknes, Volubilis & Moulay Idriss
Thinking about a day trip from Fes to Meknes, Volubilis, and Moulay Idriss? So, it’s almost a classic Moroccan excursion, right? Very many folks checking out Fes consider this very specific trip, yet deciding if it’s worth the time and money, well, it can feel a bit tricky. This review, in some respects, is designed to provide you, like your very own friendly travel guide, with some super practical insights, some real opinions, and everything that you might need to make up your mind about whether this specific adventure suits you or not, okay?
Why Take This Specific Day Trip?
Okay, so, why should you even bother leaving Fes for a day? Well, you know, this trip packs quite the historical punch, alright? Basically, you get to visit four different locations, each bringing something pretty unique to the overall table. Meknes, that’s almost a former capital, Moulay Idriss is usually a really significant holy city, and Volubilis, in fact, those are very impressive Roman ruins. Usually, folks are craving a break from the intensity of the Fes medina, that place can be quite full-on you know, and this trip offers precisely that; you, like your good self, get a breath of fresh air and experience other faces of Morocco too. That is a bit attractive, no?
Meknes: A Royal City with a Story
Meknes, in fact, is frequently viewed as a somewhat calmer, more relaxed alternative to Fes. The main highlight, so it’s almost Bab Mansour, and that is the enormous and seriously decorated gate that makes for a phenomenal photo opportunity, honestly! The city has this definite imperial vibe to it; you, like your average explorer, can visit the Heri es-Souani, just a very large complex of granaries and stables that illustrate the city’s rich history. That spot, as a matter of fact, shows the vision of Moulay Ismail, and he sought to create Meknes a more attractive capital than Versailles; imagine that, right?
Moulay Idriss: A Holy Pilgrimage Site
Moulay Idriss, basically, it’s arguably one of Morocco’s holiest towns, arguably due to it’s the final resting place of Moulay Idriss I, you know, who brought Islam to Morocco. Non-Muslims, as a matter of fact, weren’t allowed to stay here overnight not so long ago, now anyone can visit, though very, very many parts of the town will stay off-limits. Wandering the very narrow streets and catching some great views of the valley, that seems to offer a completely unique cultural experience, something you wouldn’t find just everywhere. We definitely took loads of pictures; that is almost too important, right?
Volubilis: Roman Ruins in North Africa
Volubilis, in fact, that’s a jump back in time! The Roman ruins happen to be super impressive; you might be surprised to find them so far south, though honestly it does provide quite an indication of Rome’s huge reach. You know, just strolling through those old streets, seeing those mosaics, well, it does make you imagine what life was once like, truly? Very few guided tours tend to really add depth here; so it’s almost like the guides are brilliant at painting pictures of what it used to look, and maybe was like, you know?
What to Consider Prior To Booking Your Day Tour
Alright, before you actually click ‘book’, there truly are some key things to keep somewhere at the front of your brilliant mind. What’s included, well, is almost quite vital, and it usually pays to go over every detail meticulously! Transport, you know, a guide, entrance fees; honestly make sure it is all super clear. Usually the level of guide may have a massive influence on your whole experience; make absolutely sure the company that you’re eyeing up happens to be employing some properly knowledgeable people! And how much downtime will there seriously be? Basically, a few tours have you sprinting all over, that truly is a tiring and thankless situation, while the others give plenty of wiggle room.
Transport and Comfort
Very, very many tours end up using private minivans, that seems comfy enough. The longer drives can become pretty draining, of course, particularly in the super heat, though having AC truly is vital. I mean, a few operators may perhaps skimp, so do make sure this ends up being specified. Legroom is vital for comfort. A little of a crammed van over a day will truly start grating on you very soon, or so I understand.
The Guides Themselves and Their Depth of Knowledge
Arguably a local guide might be able to really either make or ruin your entire experience! They don’t merely trot out some rote facts, although their story-telling abilities and that particular enthusiasm that they end up possessing, this truly may bring those sites to life. Ask those companies questions pertaining to their very own guides’ backgrounds and that specific level of language proficiency to get an expression pertaining to what you, like your average traveller, can truly count on. We’ve had brilliant guides so the others? Well, just almost phoning it in.
Scheduling and How Much Down Time is Involved?
Consider this specific pacing; it ends up being just another important point. How much is just being sat on your bum within the van, when balanced against some specific amount of that real time that ends up being expended at a place? Some of these specific excursions attempt to jam way too much within one single day, in other words you almost don’t get to have fun anywhere. Usually read several reviews, perhaps look into various specific itineraries, that tends to be crucial to ensuring a relaxed pace.
What You Need to Remember When You Pack
So what needs to go into the backpack when prepping yourself for some Moroccan excursion? I will give you several fast tips right here.
Clothing and Being Respectful to Local Customs
Morocco can easily still tend to be fairly conservative. Usually wear some loose, respectful stuff to make sure to show respect for the traditions of that community. The scarves can come super handy for women, and it happens to be great for those temple visits! Also, those very comfortable shoes? Certainly you may thank me later when traversing some specific ruins relating to Volubilis, basically. Morocco is certainly not a spot to be getting your really uncomfortable, though awesome looking, pair of shoes on the loose.
Sun Defense Will Always be Key
Usually expect fairly many sunny days, even over wintertime. Honestly apply plenty of sunscreen, even get yourself an hat, also sunglasses can sometimes save you from those relentless rays, as a matter of fact. So, basically, stay away from sunburn; this will probably just mess up the entire holiday, seriously, that’s what you need the less of. Very highly recommended? Quite highly likely! Make sure that that SPF level is always pretty good to be quite honest with you.
Staying Hydrated
Continue drinking regularly; it will be able to truly assist to prevent that dehydration, as I was saying. This is especially true when exploring during warmer weather conditions. Take perhaps the refillable very nice bottle, then basically just ensure that you keep filling this at that hotel just before getting yourself off! A bit of extra foresight seriously will pay dividends over there. Don’t assume the locations can all be giving you any safe water!
Snapshot of the Good and Maybe Some Issues
Are some specific advantages coupled to certain trade-offs? Arguably you must look into all sides. Those bullet points, basically those will provide quite the extremely short version:
- The Professionals: It provides an extremely varied day taking into account three pretty cool sites! This would usually supply that fantastic snap shot involving Morocco past Fes.
- That Drawbacks: Almost many tours may believe quite rushed, which then compromises on that particular deeper dive from each area, truthfully! Be always quite sure which schedule definitely matches personal choices always.
Is It Really Worth It, Then?
Well, alright now for that particular massive question: do it always reach those peaks always? This really really will always depend on whatever you desire from this. The specific cultural trips tend to be probably ideal to anyone that wishes any super quick tour out to the primary Moroccan history past the frantic roads found around Fez often. Now, if any really involved understanding or any deeper time spent always what we view might not always find you smiling widely after this trip; always think exactly before booking! Personally though? Our families definitely felt that value seemed perfectly amazing – that little variation provided excellent conversational stories after having had something quite exceptional compared what most tourists might be seeing on tours of their very own elsewhere already anyway.
Key Takeaways:
- Historical Dive: You’ll be visiting several iconic historical spots around Morocco, and the old Roman ruins will impress you!
- Culture Hop: Moulay Idriss offers that great religious significance, adding an unique part to your journey too, okay?
- Long Day Alert: Those tours can be seriously tiring due that travel; pace may well matter an awful lot.
- Pack Smart: Remember all that sun screen, respectable outfit outfits, and your own water container too of course ok!