Fes, Morocco· Concierge · Mon–Sat · 09:00–18:00 GMT+1
Volubilis · Photo: José Luis Filpo Cabana, CC BY 3.0
This 5-day itinerary covers Morocco's imperial north: two days in Fes, a day for Volubilis, Moulay Idriss and Meknes, then Rabat with its kasbah, Hassan Tower and Chellah. It suits culture-first travellers on a first imperial trip, at a balanced pace of city days, one touring day and a transfer.
Five days through Morocco's imperial north: the great medina of Fes, Roman Volubilis, the gates of Meknes, and the calm capital of Rabat with its kasbah, Hassan Tower and Chellah. Best for culture-first travellers and first imperial trips.
Day 1
Arrive in Fes and dive into the medieval medina: Bab Bou Jeloud, the Bou Inania and Al-Attarine medersas, the Kairaouine university, the Nejjarine fountain and the Chouara tanneries, with a Merinid Tombs sunset to orient yourself over the old city.
On the way: Bou Inania Medersa, Chouara tanneries, Kairaouine University, Merinid Tombs sunset
Day 2
A second, slower Fes day: pottery and zellige cooperatives in Aïn Nokbi, the Andalusian quarter and its mosque, the Mellah and Ibn Danan synagogue, and the Jnan Sbil gardens.
On the way: Pottery & zellige cooperatives, Andalusian quarter, Mellah, Jnan Sbil gardens
Day 3
West to the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the sacred town of Moulay Idriss, then imperial Meknes — Bab Mansour, the Heri es-Souani granaries and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail — with an overnight in or near Meknes.
On the way: Roman Volubilis, Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, Bab Mansour, Moulay Ismail Mausoleum
Day 4
Drive west to the Atlantic capital, Rabat. The blue-and-white Kasbah of the Udayas above the river mouth, its Andalusian garden, and the calm riverside medina and souks.
On the way: Kasbah of the Udayas, Andalusian Gardens, Rabat medina, Bou Regreg riverfront
Day 5
The Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, then the Roman-and-Merinid ruins of Chellah wrapped in gardens and storks' nests, before your onward train or flight from Rabat or Casablanca.
On the way: Hassan Tower, Mausoleum of Mohammed V, Chellah necropolis
Two cities, a touring day and a transfer.
Chouara tannery, FesFes, Meknes and Rabat sit along the same northern corridor — Fes to Meknes is about an hour, Meknes to Rabat about an hour and a half to two hours.
The route works well as a private-driver loop, or by train between Fes, Meknes and Rabat with guided days in each city.
Rabat connects easily to Casablanca's airport (under an hour by train) for departure.
Longer, shorter or further: the same guides and drivers, a different route.
3 days in FesThree days to explore Fes el-Bali plus the craft quarters, the Andalusian side, and a day trip to Roman Volubilis and imperial Meknes.See the days
3 days in Morocco's imperial heartlandThree days centred on Morocco's imperial heartland: the great medina of Fes el-Bali, a day trip west to imperial Meknes, the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the holy town of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, then a slower second Fes day for the viewpoints, gardens and craft quarters.See the days
Fes to Marrakech via the Sahara in 4 daysThe classic overland route from Fes to Marrakech across the Middle Atlas and the desert: cedar forests and Berber towns, the dunes of Erg Chebbi at Merzouga, the Dadès and Todra gorges, and Aït Ben Haddou before arriving in Marrakech.See the daysRead these before you fix your dates for this route.
