Overview
The 11-day Ultimate Morocco tour from Fes builds directly on our 10-day Complete Morocco route and adds the one imperial city that route has to skip: Meknes, together with the Roman ruins of Volubilis just beyond it. It is aimed at travelers who have already decided a 10-day circuit is too short and want the fullest possible cultural picture alongside the Sahara crossing.
Meknes is deliberately given its own half-day rather than being squeezed into a transit stop. Less visited than Fes or Marrakech, it rewards a slower look — the monumental Bab Mansour gate, the vast granaries of Moulay Ismail, and the open farmland setting of Volubilis all benefit from unhurried time rather than a rushed drive-by.
This is our recommended itinerary for travelers who want one comprehensive Fes-based route that leaves out as little of Morocco's core as possible.
Highlights
- Adds Meknes and Volubilis to the full Chefchaouen-to-Sahara-to-Marrakech circuit
- A dedicated overnight and free day in Chefchaouen
- Camel trek and a night under canvas at Merzouga
- Todra Gorge, Dades Valley, and Ait Ben Haddou on the return west
- Comfortable pacing across 11 days with no rushed transitions
- Finishes in Marrakech
Fes el-Bali, the old medina, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose basic layout has changed remarkably little since the 9th century, and parts of it have functioned as a working commercial center for over a thousand years. Use the first afternoon for orientation rather than a rush through monuments: settle into your riad, walk the main routes connecting the principal souks, and let the call to prayer, the woodsmoke, and the sound of the metalworkers' souk set the mood. A licensed local guide, arranged through your accommodation, is well worth arranging for the following day's deeper exploration.
What Is Included
- Pick-up in Fes and transport throughout the route
- Ten nights' accommodation
- Camel ride and one night in a desert camp
- Driver-guide service
- Dinners and breakfasts as scheduled
- Cultural and scenic stops along the route
What Is Not Included
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees and local guides unless stated
- Tips and personal expenses
- Travel insurance
Practical Tips
- Explore early: Morocco's medinas are cooler and less crowded in the morning — aim to start sightseeing before 10:00 AM
- What to wear: Dress modestly in medinas and near mosques; avoid very short shorts or sleeveless tops out of respect for local culture
- Money: Carry Moroccan dirhams (MAD) for souks, entry fees, and tips; card payments are limited in traditional markets — ATMs are available in all major cities
- Bargaining: Haggling is expected in souks; start at roughly half the asking price and negotiate respectfully — it is part of the culture
- Guided visits: A licensed local guide significantly enriches the experience in large medinas like Fes or Marrakech; we can arrange this on request
- Security: Morocco's imperial cities are generally safe for tourists; keep standard urban awareness in busy markets and watch your belongings
FAQ
Why add Meknes and Volubilis to a Fes grand tour?
They round out the imperial-cities picture with minimal extra driving, since Meknes sits less than an hour from Fes, and give the itinerary a Roman-era layer the shorter versions skip.
Is 11 days too long for a first trip to Morocco?
Not at all. The extra day goes toward depth rather than distance, and the pace throughout stays comfortable rather than rushed.
Is this suitable for couples or families?
Yes. The pacing works well for most travelers, including families with older children.
Can this be customized into a private luxury trip?
Yes. Upgraded riads, private guides, and added experiences can usually be arranged.
Do I need a local guide at each city?
Not strictly required, but a licensed local guide adds considerable depth, especially in Fes, Meknes, and Marrakech. We can arrange guided visits if requested.
Is it safe to explore Moroccan cities independently?
Yes. Morocco's main cities are generally safe for tourists. Use standard urban awareness and keep valuables secure in busy souks.
What currency should I use?
Moroccan dirhams (MAD). Exchange at official bureaux de change or banks — avoid street money changers. ATMs are available in all major cities.
