Excursions from Fez

With its multitude of religious monuments, ancient ruins and outstanding museums, Fez is a haven for any culture enthusiast. However, those wishing to gain a deeper insight into a wider section of Morocco can do so by participating in one of many day trips and tours from Fez.

These excursions cover all manner of interests, meaning there’s one to suit every traveler. From camel rides through the Sahara desert to bartering for spices in a buzzing souk and wandering UNESCO World Heritage sites, the options for day trips are endless.

Sahara Desert

The world’s largest desert — the Sahara — covers 9 million square kilometers throughout 11 countries in Northern Africa. Morocco is included in the countries touched by this golden wonderland, which means that visitors can embark on a day trip to the Sahara Desert from Fez.

Here, you can experience the lifestyle of the Berbers — an ancient nomadic tribe that has been moving across the plains of North Africa for more than 20,000 years — through a myriad of traditional activities, including camel rides, all while exploring the bumpy terrain of the endless desert.

Chefchaouen

Known as the “Blue Pearl of Morocco”, Chefchaouen is nestled in the Rif mountain range and is widely known for its vibrant city walls. While there is some discrepancy in the theories of why the city has been painted blue, the main consensus is that the Jewish community who immigrated to the area to avoid persecution painted Chefchaouen to represent the destination’s closeness to God.

While the city walls are the main attraction here, those on a day trip to Chefchaouen from Fez can also explore its 15th-century Medina, as well as the Kasbah Museum or Bouzafer Mosque.

Meknes

One of the four Imperial Cities of Morocco, Meknes is a paradise for any history buff. Located in the North-Central region of Morocco, around 60 kilometers southwest of Fez, the open-air museum of Meknes has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site and was founded in the 11th century.

Here, you’ll find many dazzling attractions, from bustling bazaars selling a wide range of goods, including leather products and Berber carpets, to mausoleums honoring respected Moroccan rulers. A day trip to Meknes from Fez is often combined with Volubilis, enabling you to gain a better insight into the country’s past.

Volubilis

Just a stone’s throw from Meknes lies the archaeological site of Volubilis — a Roman city founded in the 3rd century B.C. Believed to have been the capital of the Kingdom of Mauretania, the site has only been partly excavated, however, there is a multitude of ruins to be seen here.

These include thermal baths, as well as several houses, a basilica and a palace, which is thought to have housed an Imperial procurator.

Those on a day tour to Volubilis from Fez will learn the extensive history of the site, including its abandonment by the Romans in the 3rd century as local tribes honed in on the destination. The city was then fully deserted in the 11th century, lying dormant for more than 800 years until excavations began at the end of the 19th century.

Atlas Mountains

Spanning 2,500 kilometers through three North African countries and separating the Sahara Desert from the Mediterranean Sea lies the Atlas mountain range. The region features more than 32,000 peaks, with the highest being Toubkal at 4,167 meters, and is an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Day trips to the Atlas Mountains from Fez enable you to explore traditional Berber heritage, hopping between remote villages to gain a feel for this untouched corner of Morocco. Alongside seeing shepherds and carpenters, you’ll also have the opportunity to discover Barbary Macaque apes, which are considered endangered, in a dense cedar forest.

Moulay Idriss

The town of Moulay Idriss is often woven into the itinerary of day trips to Meknes and Volubilis because of its close proximity to the two sites. However, the 8th-century locale is a stand-alone destination and provides visitors with an insight into the life of the founder of Morocco, Idriss I — a descendant of the Prophet Mohammed.

While the king’s mausoleum is off-limits to tourists, those on a day trip to Moulay Idriss from Fez can stroll the town’s charming streets to discover its historic architecture and deep roots.

Rabat

No vacation to Fez is complete without a day tour to Rabat, the country's capital city. Established in the 12th century by the Almohads, Rabat is home to an impressive number of monuments and parks, which have led to its nickname as the “Washington of North Africa”. Among these landmarks are the 12th-century Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V.

Those on a day trip to Rabat from Fez will also discover the city as the seat of the Moroccan royal family. From perfectly manicured gardens to thriving souks and ancient mosques, Rabat has everything needed to keep a history or culture enthusiast happy.

Azrou

Less than 100 kilometers south of Fez lies Azrou, situated in the Ifrane Province. More than 1,200 meters above sea level, this town is known for its sparkling blanket of snow throughout the winter months and verdant evergreen forests during the warmer part of the year.

Azrou is famed for its flourishing biodiversity, and its thriving cedar ecosystem covers approximately 100,000 hectares. Day tours to Azrou from Fez are often combined with other fascinating attractions in the area, including the traditional Berber villages of the Atlas Mountains.