Question 1

What is worth seeing in Meknes?

Accepted Answer

Bab Mansour — arguably Morocco's finest gate — the vast royal granaries and stables of Moulay Ismail, and a medina that feels workaday in the best sense. It slots perfectly as a two-hour stop on the Fes road, which is how most of our routes take it.

Question 2

What exactly is Volubilis?

Accepted Answer

The best-preserved Roman city in Morocco — a UNESCO site of triumphal arches, olive presses and floor mosaics still in place under the sky, on a hill of wheat and olives. Go early or late for the light; allow ninety unhurried minutes.

Question 3

Why is Moulay Idriss important?

Accepted Answer

The whitewashed hill town holds the tomb of Idriss I, founder of Morocco's first dynasty, making it one of the country's holiest places. Non-Muslims cannot enter the shrine but the town, its terraces and its round minaret welcome respectful visitors.

Question 4

What is the Middle Atlas like?

Accepted Answer

A green surprise: cedar forests, trout lakes, the 'Moroccan Switzerland' resort of Ifrane and roadside apes on the Azrou passes. Every Fes–Sahara crossing samples it; our heritage route adds a full Ifrane National Park day.

Question 5

Will I really see monkeys?

Accepted Answer

Barbary macaques live wild in the Azrou cedars and often lounge by the road — a guaranteed child-delighter. Watch, photograph, and skip the peanut-sellers; fed apes become nuisance apes.

Question 6

Is there wine country near Meknes?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the Guerrouane and Zerhoune slopes around Meknes are Morocco's main appellation, and cellar visits with tasting lunches are possible on our coastal 16-day route and tailor-made itineraries.

Meknes, Volubilis & the Middle Atlas

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38. Meknes, Volubilis & the Middle Atlas