Fes to Volubilis & Meknes Cultural Tour: An Honest Review

Okay, so you are perhaps thinking about escaping the bustle that is Fes for a spell and are eyeballing a full-day cultural hop that swings through Volubilis and Meknes, right? That’s totally understandable. I was in a similar position. These guided trips can appear rather attractive. Yet, of course, before you commit your hard-earned cash, it’s helpful to know if it’s actually worth the hype.

First Stop: The Ancient Roman City of Volubilis

Okay, so first off, Volubilis, that place is fairly impressive. As a matter of fact, traipsing around these old Roman ruins does deliver a pretty serious wow moment, you know? I mean, seriously, wandering where Romans actually strolled a couple thousand years ago kind of makes you feel… well, pretty small, to be frank. It gives a little perspective, is that right?

Yet, hold on. While the location has a certain undeniable historical pull, like your own history teacher has somehow magically made it to this desert location. A lot hinges on the weather, you see? Seriously. When the sun’s blazing away with very little mercy, finding a shady spot is extremely essential. Actually, our tour guide that day was pretty good, really. I mean, he had plenty of tales about the mosaics. Also, all that ancient Roman life. Yet, honestly, there’s very little escaping the heat. Like your standing around wondering where that breeze went.

So, maybe bring a wide-brimmed hat, like, a ton of water and a lot of sunscreen, because trust me, you will want those things. Similarly, don’t get so hung up on getting that killer Instagram snap that you forget to enjoy the atmosphere, you know? Actually soak it in.

Meknes: A Royal City Rich With History

After baking in the sun, there is also Meknes, which is, like, only a comparatively quick drive. Okay, so the shift from ancient ruins to a lively city actually gives you a bit of everything, it really does. Meknes gives you some amazing stuff to check out. Take Bab Mansour for example. Actually, this gigantic gate is something else, you know? Honestly, it’s covered in elaborate details that you have to just stop and gaze at. And, honestly, it just might stay with you long after you leave. Honestly. Seriously.

Yet, there is, in a way, this slight issue. Often these types of tours run you through the hotspots pretty quickly. It felt almost as if we barely just scratched the surface. It seemed as though we moved from landmark to landmark pretty darn fast. As a matter of fact, you might find you don’t have quite enough time to enjoy wandering through the markets at your own relaxed pace. I mean, to haggle a little, or, well, to sample some street food at random.

So, be mentally equipped. To clarify, if you’re the kind who relishes spending hours soaking in the atmosphere of each specific place, this fast rhythm could seem, maybe, rushed, or what have you.

Lunch and Local Experiences

Alright, and, of course, a cultural tour is rarely actually complete unless it gets you tasting some local goodies. I suppose our tour contained a lunch stop, and, look, it served up a pretty standard Moroccan spread. I’m thinking, tagine and couscous. Yes. No surprises there. Seriously.

Yet, that’s actually not necessarily a bad thing, right? Anyway, the tagine was absolutely decent, I think. Plus, you also have the chance to try some local flavors. Furthermore, beyond the meal, you might, just maybe, find your group takes a little detour that involves visiting a local craft workshop. For example, maybe to glimpse people weaving carpets or perhaps to see ceramics being formed, right?

If you can, honestly I would say, engage. So, maybe ask questions. That’s the way you get the richest understanding. Very true. After all, tourism does affect locals one way or the other.

The Guide and Group Dynamics

Arguably, the glue that binds any tour together has to be your tour guide. Very very true. Their expertise makes or breaks it, is that right? In some ways. Honestly, ours appeared reasonably well-versed, so they supplied sufficient background on each spot, clearly. Nevertheless, as it goes with any group scenario, your experiences might also vary based on the rest of the group, arguably.

So, keeping an open mind might well assist here. That is, just, remain tolerant, right? Some members of your group are likely to be actually interested in every single tiny piece of history. By the way, others could be primarily there just to, maybe, tick off boxes, and such. Very well, get to know some strangers? Very good for you, isn’t it?

Is the Tour Worth It?

So, at the end of the day, so, did this full-day jaunt hit the mark? Like your school tests did. To some degree, yes, in a way, it sure did. If, just maybe, you’re short on days and wish to squeeze in the views of Volubilis plus Meknes without actually handling the transport on your own, really, it’s definitely actually a practical answer. Seriously.

And, actually, let’s not ignore that. Frankly, someone is managing the logistics for you! Just saying. Yet, look, just go in having an idea that things can sometimes feel quite rushed, because there’s obviously much to squeeze into only one single day.

If, like your travel photos, you would like everything to come together without issues then make sure you:

1. Double check what is covered, actually what is not. Basically confirm if entry fees are sorted and what the deal is in regard to meals and drinks.
2. Dress for all climates: sun, but sometimes there are wind gusts! Maybe pack layers and always use sensible footwear, you see.
3. Engage! Pose inquiries. Communicate. Be keen. So, this tour thing really has the capacity to turn out amazing for you, really!