DAY 6
Day 5: Chefchaouen – Meknes - Fès (230 Km/4h00) Breakfat and departure to Fès via Meknes. Tours of Volubilis and Meknes: Meknes is an Imperial capital founded in the 17th century by the Alaouite sultan Moulay Ismaël who decided to make Meknes one of the most beautiful and powerful Imperial cities in Morocco. And still today, protected by around 40km of walls. Its medina and the remains of the royal palace earned Meknès a place on Unesco's world heritage list. Considered to be one of the most beautiful gates in the world, Bab Mansour was constructed at the beginning of the 18th century. It is the entrance to the Imperial city proper, where a visit to the sultan's mausoleum is still of interest. Meknes has one of the busiest medinas in Morocco. The Place El-Hedime, located exactly between the old town and the Imperial part of the city, houses the covered market and becomes busy at dusk: fire-swallowers, storytellers, animal trainers and jugglers create an atmosphere different from anything you are used to. The largest Roman archeological site in Morocco lies 31km north of Meknes: Volubilis. Triumphal arch, capitol building, and house of Bacchus – everything testifies to the city's splendor and its economical and political weight. Not to mention the moving delicacy of the mosaics. Allow at least two hours to discover this open-air treasure. Moulay Idriss Zerhoun is the most important pilgrimage town in Morocco. Here lies the tomb of Moulay Idriss I, the founder of the Idrissid Dynasty and great- grandson of the prophetMohammed. The town has a spectacular setting, with its whitewashed houses straddled over (and between) two green hilltops. Arrival to Fès, (Optional dinner)* and overnight in Fez. Meals: Breakfast Day 6: FES exploration day Breakfast at your hotel. Full day guided tour. The imperial city of Fes is the city that most reflects the ancestral past of the Moroccan kingdom and its ancient civilization. It was and still remains the core of the intellectual and spiritual creativity, not only in Morocco, but also in the Islamic world. Fes houses the oldest university in the world, Al Quaraouiyyne and its ancient medina was classified as Universal Heritage by UNESCO in 1981. Traditionally your exploration of the medina should start at the Bab Boujlloud Gate. The first monument to visit is the vast Bou Inania medersa. As you continue along Talaa Kebira Street (big climb), you will particularly admire the Tijani Zaouïa (zaouïa, sanctuary of a religious brotherhood) and the instrument makers' souk before arriving at the mzara (shrine) of the ancient sovereign Moulay Idriss situated at the place where he took the decision to build the town. Once you have passed the babouche vendors, you arrive in En-Nejjarine Square and the cabinetmakers' souk. The magnificent carved foundouk (caravanserai) on the square houses the Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts. The kissaria (covered market), where jewellery and fine fabrics are on sold, is nearby (it is shut at night). Next to it, you can admire the most visited and revered attraction in Fès: the “Zaouïa” of Moulay Idriss, founder of the town. Your walk continues on to “Es-Seffarine” Square, the coppersmith square, and then to the tanners' quarter situated just before the Andalusian quarter with its mosque and the Es-Sahrij medersa. Medresas: A Medersa is a school where the Koran is taught along with all the classic subject of learning: mathematics, grammar, history, astronomy, medicine… In Morocco, and especially in Fès, medersas have the important role of integrating students from other regions. Generally they are built around a central courtyard with a fountain. El-Attarine : The Merenids built this masterpiece between 1323 and 1325. Its central courtyard is magnificently decorated. Its walls are covered with sura engraved in wood or plaster. The fountain and marble columns are embellished with zellige (tiled mosaic). Bou Inania : This Medersa, built between 1350 and 1357, is the biggest in Fès . Pass through the magnificent entrance with its heavy copper work doors, and then be impressed by the abundance of earthenware, the refinement of the sculptured wood and plaster and the chiselled stalactites called mukarnas, the hallmark of Merenid architecture. A canopy of typical Fès green tiles surmounts the onyx and marble courtyard. (Optional Dinner)* and overnight in Fez. Meals: Breakfast