Meknes & Volubilis Day Trip from Fez: A Detailed Review
Fez is a magical place. However, it’s so very easy to get totally lost in its sensory overload – I mean, its crazy mix of sights, sounds, smells, and the sheer amount of people. That’s why getting away for a day, like, to explore the neighboring gems of Meknes and Volubilis, is often the perfect escape. This review gets you ready, almost like prepping for an adventure, to decide if this day trip is right for you. It’s totally my experience, hopefully, in a useful way, and will help you know what to anticipate, what to look out for, and how to get the most out of your excursion.
What to Expect from the Trip
Okay, so you’re probably thinking: What actually goes down on this day away from Fez? You might think that It generally involves hitting two main spots: Meknes, which is one of Morocco’s four imperial cities, and Volubilis, ancient Roman ruins, pretty darn cool ones at that. The drive itself is quite pleasant, kind of like a visual snack, with the Moroccan countryside rolling past your window. Think fields, hills, and small villages – very picture-postcard-like in many spots. Typically, transportation will be in a comfy van or a private car, quite decent I found, depending on the tour company or deal you find. Just check beforehand!
The day tends to be a mixture of sightseeing and learning. Meknes usually offers bustling markets and historical sites like Bab Mansour (a seriously impressive gate). Then Volubilis is a step back in time, so you’re walking through ruins while thinking about Romans and their life way back then. Very insightful, if I might add. Most tours do include a local guide who can explain the history and significance of the places you’re seeing; however, their usefulness can really vary. In some respects, having a good guide can make all the difference, yet some are really just going through the motions. Hopefully, you get a good one, obviously.
Exploring Meknes: Morocco’s Imperial City
Now, let’s talk Meknes! So, so called, “The City of a Hundred Minarets.” I want to tell you a bit about it. It’s like, the less flashy, more low-key cousin of Marrakesh. That is to say, it’s got a more relaxed feel about it, in some respects, without sacrificing any of the Moroccan charm. Think, very old walls, busy marketplaces, and a history that echoes, quite loudly, if you listen.
One of the big attractions here, I guess first up, would be Bab Mansour. Which I mentioned before, too, because it’s hard to miss! Seriously, it’s absolutely enormous and detailed, generally considered one of the most beautiful gateways in Morocco. Then, you’ve got the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, very calm and serene – and actually quite striking in design and atmosphere. It gives you a little look into Moroccan royal history, basically. And, if you enjoy a market buzz, well then, the Meknes Medina won’t let you down. So, its crammed with stalls selling everything you could imagine, very tourist-shop heavy, that, said – you can find some gems if you have the time and patience.
Discovering Volubilis: Roman Ruins in Morocco
From the hubbub of Meknes, you will head over, basically north, to Volubilis. Arguably, an experience. As a matter of fact, the drive is not too long, giving you, like, time to absorb what you’ve already seen and to gear up for what is to come. So, prepare yourself for something really fascinating.
Volubilis, in some respects, is amazing. Seemingly plonked on a hill. These Roman ruins provide you with an unusual glimpse into Morocco’s way ancient past. You’re really strolling among bits and pieces of what once was a bustling Roman town. Things to note is, mosaics, in a way, still brilliantly coloured. Even very old pillars standing tall-ish and grand architecture hints that once thrived. Think what it was like back then! It’s clearly well-maintained, too, actually, so it’s easy enough to amble around and take it all in. Don’t skip the House of Orpheus with its very stunning mosaic. If, I’m being really honest, the whole spot is an utter photography goldmine. It might be hot, you’ll want to wear sunscreen and maybe bring water, generally, like any outdoor ruins trip.
Potential Tour Operators and What to Look For
Choosing a tour operator may seem tricky but needn’t be. As a matter of fact, so many operate day trips like these out of Fez, really all offering similar itineraries at all prices. In that case, here are several things to consider and to consider very strongly. Look for tours with stellar reviews highlighting very informed and likable guides. A smaller group tour is nearly always better, so you get the personal attention and less of the “herding cattle” feel. You can find many local tour companies listed on TripAdvisor or GetYourGuide – so, it pays to have a poke around before deciding.
Don’t be shy to ask questions of tour people before you book, clearly important to me. Will lunch be included? As I was saying, what exactly is the schedule and how long will you have at each location? Are entrance fees included in the price? What is their cancellation policy? I mean, the responses that you receive will certainly give you a feel of the company and assist in decision making. Very cheap options, to be fair, may sound alluring, but occasionally skimp on the guide quality or transportation standards, potentially ending up less fulfilling.
What to Eat
Lunch is, after all, a very essential consideration. Several tours include a meal, typically held at a restaurant in Meknes. It might be. that you’ll usually find a set menu with the Moroccan standards. Think tagine, couscous, or brochettes (grilled skewers). It’s almost a fine way to taste a variety of things if it’s a new culinary area for you. Just check ahead that this, in reality, is part of the package, very obviously. Or, as I was saying, check that you get the free time to wander alone to grab a quick bite in Meknes. Anyway, look around the Medina and close to Place El-Hedim to uncover the most tempting eats, in general, at reasonable prices.
And also remember to keep your water bottle topped up. This might be vital, clearly if you are travelling during hot times. So many little shops sell bottled water, no matter how hot or dusty it is, even at Volubilis. To be honest, you might also consider getting some snacks for yourself for the trip. And you may have some treats too it’s almost a perfect way of keeping your energy level throughout. Just don’t go buying rubbish, too, clearly.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Day Trip
Alright then, so you’re heading out, or considering heading out? Well, here’s how to get the maximum experience on this day excursion:
- Comfort is key: Use shoes that are comfy, almost really supportive for walking around both the Medina of Meknes and in and among the rocky area of Volubilis. As a matter of fact, you will definitely get your steps in that day.
- Dress with respect: Morocco tends to be a pretty conservative place, and dressing respectfully, basically shoulders and knees covered, goes over way better when visiting historical or religious sites.
- Haggle smart: In any event you shop at Meknes, basically in the Medina, get ready to haggle for a better price. Anyway, get into it cheerfully and politely – it’s just, you know, how things roll.
- Stay hydrated: Especially as it may get very, very, warm – water is super important. Take and then drink plenty throughout your day.
- Protect from the sun: Anyhow, protect against the sun -sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses is not overdoing things at all, anyway. And use often, of course.
- Engage with guides and locals: Show respect. Yet listen, when you’re doing a trip where a local is present make sure you show respect for that – that is vital, of course. I find you glean so much by just chatting with the guides or the locals, I’ve learnt much that way, actually. And if not, that is your call to make.
Photo Opportunities
Make sure your camera or phone is ready to go as you want it at those moments. At the end of the day, some picture-perfect spots await you. Very much so actually. In Meknes it can be that elaborate archways of Bab Mansour which will impress even very well travelled folk. Also too, at Volubilis you will find so much, basically scenic snaps across all the ruins with rolling hills as a back drop – these are all quite unique.
For great photo opportunities you do well to plan and prep what is going on and time of the day. Anyhow you should try, when at Volubilis to maybe wait for either morning or that evening light for a much more sensational background palette. To make sure you get good shots, make an effort and ensure you are taking time and care and remember to adjust, that is when on your camera, and not to let the lighting beat your efforts. Of course you want it all to be correct when you press the button for a snap to remember always. When you review that album maybe years on from now! But, you know, make it good!
Is this Day Trip Right for You?
To begin with, you would like history and ancient bits and pieces, very nice mosaics for sure. That makes this trip very ideal as your cup of tea. In as much as you get very excited, by those very Moroccan cities without those big crowds like some places – that actually Meknes is quite ideal. Do you love photography where you may use some ruined roman bits. Very nice for snaps, as long as those clouds are good too.
On very much on what does influence any one decision, in very many trips! To be sure if you’re not fond that walking, at both historic or in those rocky areas; well possibly its not so fine for you. Likewise and very often it happens that busy locations do get over whelming; or there are moments that those haggling over bits does just ruin you – possibly better options elsewhere, anyhow. So to cut away from those high paced options or some that make time be on an edge with only little relaxed free roam areas is not the most fitting option available for you here right.