It is essential to travel beyond Fez to see the Roman remains of Volubilis, the magnificent little village of Mulay Idris Zerhoun, which has immense spiritual value to Moroccans, and Meknes, a tranquil imperial city. One of the most popular day trips from Fez is to Volubilis and Meknes.

Volubilis

First stop:

Roman Volubilis. This site from the Carthaginian period is one of the best preserved in North Africa, and not only in Morocco. Volubilis is the most famous historical and tourist site in Meknes.
Since the 20th century, archaeologists have discovered that the origins of Volubilis date back to the 3rd century BC. The historic city dates back to Roman times and beyond. Its urbanistic achievements demonstrate the long civilization of the area.
This city or archaeological area attracts visitors for its picturesque landscape amidst the city’s urban influence, which includes ancient columns with Roman letters carved on them, houses and temples, arches and amazing mosaic panels surrounded by a high wall. These mosaics are among the best preserved: the Trials of Hercules, the Bath of Diana and the Bath of the Nymphs.
Volubilis has several public buildings, such as the temple of the Capitol, the Arch of Liberty, the court, the square, mills, olive presses, baths and wall fragments.

Zerhoun is Molay.

The second stop:

Is Moulay Idris Zerhoun, the oldest Islamic city in North Africa. Its name comes from its creator, Moulay Idris. It is located 550 meters above sea level, under Mount Zerhoun, on two ridges. It is surrounded by olive groves. Non-Muslims were forbidden access to the city until 1917. It remains a sacred city. Fortunately, only the tomb of Mulay Idris prohibits entry to non-Muslims.
The city is on a hill full of stairs. Other places, called “terraces”, offer breathtaking views of the city, the mausoleum, roads and country houses. You can lose yourself in the narrow streets of this charming city, see the only circular minaret in Morocco or enjoy the view from a terrace.
Every year this city celebrates the Feast of Moulay Idris the Great, the largest religious festival of this small holy city.
Thousands of pilgrims, Sufi sects and other organizations seek favors in Moulay Idris at the end of August. They arrive with traditional Aissaoua, Hamadisha and Tuat ensembles and many gifts.

The day trip from Fez to Volubilis and Meknes.

It ends in Meknes:

The least known of the country’s four imperial cities. Since the 10th century AD, Meknes is famous. It is beautiful and quiet despite having fewer buildings than the medinas of Fez or Marrakech. In its madrasa and its bustling souks, you can watch local craftsmen making iron or weaving in the traditional way.
The most beautiful sights of Meknes lie beyond the Medina, despite its magnificence. Meknes is distinguished by its size and abundance of ramparts and historic buildings. Mawla Ismail once surrounded it with 40 km of ramparts and large urban gates and towers. The most beautiful gate in Morocco is Bab Mansour, one of several in the ramparts.
The other entrance leads to Lahdem square, reminiscent of the Jamaa el Fna square in Marrakech. Markets and restaurants flank the square and the wall. There is also a large square with an ostrich, a Barbary monkey and snake charmers.
The Royal Stables are another Meknes attraction that will delight you. It is the only attraction out of the ordinary. The stables housed here thousands of horses and food. Its beautiful exterior makes the stables a fantastic place to take pictures.
Meknes should have been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996 for its historic sites.
Your day trip from Volubilis and Meknes ends with a return to Fez.