Meknes /Volubilis Full Day City Tour (Lunch included) From Fes

Departure for Meknes, founded in the 11th century by the Almoravids as a military establishment, Meknes became the capital under the reign of Moulay Ismail (1672-1727), founder of the Alaouite dynasty. He transformed it into an impressive city in the Hispano-Moorish style, equipped with a triple wall enclosure stretching 40 km, with 15m high walls featuring 9 monumental gates that today exhibit a harmonious blend of Islamic and European styles in the Maghreb of the 17th century. Visit of the city includes El Hedim Square, Bab Khémis, Bab Mansour which is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful gates in Morocco, the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum, the only mosque accessible to non-Muslims outside of the Hassan II Grand Mosque, as per the wishes of Marshal Lyautey. Lunch in a palace. Then continue to Volubilis and visit the Roman ruins. Volubilis was one of the largest Roman cities in Africa. The site is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located near Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, the ruins of Volubilis are the most beautiful Roman ruins in Morocco. They are also among the main Roman ruins in Africa. The history of Volubilis perfectly represents the multiple cultural influences in Morocco. The city bears the marks of several civilizations. Volubilis was founded in the 3rd century BC. It was then the capital of Mauretania, which was then the territory of the Berbers. Volubilis was initially a Berber city. The city developed rapidly when it was controlled by the Romans. At its peak, Volubilis had between 10,000 and 20,000 inhabitants, according to historians. The city's economy was mainly based on the trade of olive oil. The plains surrounding Volubilis are still covered with olive trees! Volubilis was abandoned by the Romans towards the end of the 3rd century AD. It was then inhabited by a Christian community. Later, with the arrival of Islam in Morocco, the city became Muslim and was inhabited until the 11th century. The city was then abandoned and very well preserved until the 18th century, when a major earthquake seriously damaged Volubilis. On the return to Fes, stop at the holy village of Moulay Idriss. Moulay Idriss Zerhoun is an important spiritual village in Morocco as it houses the mausoleum of Idris I, also known as Moulay Idris. He is the founder of the Idrisid kingdom, which is considered the origin of the Moroccan nation.