This morning depart Chefchaouen for Fez via Moulay Idriss and the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. Find beautiful mosaic floors, uncovered and brought to light by the archaeologists that still work on this partly excavated site. It was developed from the 3rd century BC onwards as a Phoenician and later a Carthaginian settlement. The town fell to local tribesmen in 285 and was never recovered by the Roman Empire. Constantly uncovering this city beneath the sands of time, now exclusively a Moroccan project runs by Moroccan archaeologists.
Afterwards enjoy the tranquility of a local farm situated in the shadow of the ancient ruins while sampling traditional Roman recipes as recorded in the Latin texts of Apicius. Roman cuisine relied on exclusively local ingredients such as olive oil, wine, soft fresh cheese, game birds, hearty fruits such as pears and melons, honey, and fresh herbs- and of course, omitted new World ingredients such as potatoes and tomatoes. The picnic will include 3 vegetable/ pulse/ fruit dishes, one meat, and one dessert, as well as a selection of olives and bread and include some regional Moroccan wine.
Continue to Moulay Idriss, one of Morocco’s most venerated Muslim sites. It was said that for Moroccans who couldn’t afford the trip to Mecca, then to travel five times in one’s life to Moulay Idriss was of equal merit. The scenic village has lovely souks to explore and a number of panoramic views of Volubilis.
Continue to Fes and check into Riad Fes where you will stay for two nights. Inspired by Moorish architecture, Riad Fès invites you to travel back in time to discover the authenticity and the pomp of the life of the noble families of Fez who did their remains, the custodian and the mirror their sophisticated civilization and their glorious past in an atmosphere of Arabian Andalusian nights. Each suite has its own soul! Combining the most noble of Morocco materials: carved wood, embroidered by craftsmen from Fez or bathrooms in Tadelakt silks, with views on contemporary Moroccan patios, Andalusian, baroque, and the swimming pool.
Morocco’s second largest city and the country’s former capital, Fes (Fez) is an exotic mix of Arabic architecture, ancient alleyways, calls to prayer and colourful markets, all mixed in with a good dose of modern culture. Home to the venerated Karaouiyine Mosque, which dates to 857 and incorporates an Islamic university, and to the country’s most hallowed shrine, the Zaouia Moulay Idriss II, Fes is regarded as the spiritual seat of Morocco. Music lovers should try to synchronise their trips with the annual Festival of Sacred Music, one of the highlights of the city’s cultural calendar, showcasing diverse performances of spiritual and religious music, while those with a penchant for shopping will be in their element here at any time of the year, with an exquisite array of silver, leather and other handicrafts up for grabs.