Roman Ruins at Volubilis, Moulay Idriss and Meknes, a side trip on the way to Fes…

Departing Chefchaouen and driving south towards Fes, the northeast of Morocco s the agricultural basin, for food production. Driving from the Rif Mountains in October you’ll see freshly ploughed fields of black fertile soil and enormous stacks of hay being piled high – too high – onto large trucks. There are roadside stalls bursting with melons along with thousands of olive groves lining the route and many shepherds tending their flocks.

The UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site of Volubilis of 42 hectares was founded in the 3rd century BC and was an important outpost for the Roman Empire.

Archaeological excavations began in 1915 and continue today.

The houses of Orpheus and Venus are well defined, and the floor mosaics are outstanding in their details and preservation.

The beautiful town of Moulay Idriss, in the Fès-Meknès region, is spread over two hills at the base of Mount Zerhoun.

It is known for being the site of the tomb of Idris I, the first major Islamic ruler of Morocco, after whom the town is named.

The main street is lined with cafés and grill restaurants serving mint tea and cooking meat for the famous Berber burgers.

Following lunch, it’s worthwhile to climb up the 350+ stairs through the laneways to the top of town and capture the views across the valley, hills and fertile plains.

The last stop before Fes, was Meknes, one of the four Imperial Cities, and a UNESCO heritage site. This city has a grand history within its intricately decorated gates and buildings, royal palace named the Versailles of Morocco, grand stables that once housed 12,000 horses and the large artificial lake.