Discover with me the beauty of Meknes, the narrow medina streets and grand buildings of the imperial city and one-time home of the Moroccan sultanate, while working remotely. I am Faiza! I am fun to travel with, very optimistic, and open to new ideas, I like to explore nice places, and different cultures, eat healthily...etc. 😊 We'll check the architecture of the medina, the grandiose gateway of Bab el-Mansour, and the dazzling Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, the three of the top sights. This is also the closest base to the hilltop pilgrimage town of Moulay Idriss, one of this region's most beautiful villages. Each day we'll have a different activity upon your request and at your ease, we'll be flexible with the schedule of our activities and I will make sure that you're all happy. All this could be done in the afternoon before sunset, or early morning, and you can do your work during the day, or in the afternoon. The spring in Morocco is awesome, it is warm, and the climate is so nice and special, you'll love it here. What is included in the price: - Accommodation: Private rooms in apartments or hotel - Transportation between stops Not included: - Flights and personal expenses - Food Are you in? Join My Trip and if you have any questions feel free to go to the Q&A bottom next to my profile. See you soon in Morocco.
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Trip Itinerary
1
Lahdim Square
Day 1-2
Cleared by Moulay Ismail so his populace could better admire Bab El Mansour, this square is the social heart of the medina, and it really livens up at night. Families come out to stroll, snack at the cafes, play football, and listen to musicians. Kids zip around in battery-powered cars and occasionally (and somewhat unfortunately) a monkey or an ostrich is dragged in for photo ops. Park yourself at a snack stand or a nearby rooftop to watch the show.
2
Bab El Mansour Laalej
Day 2
The focus of Place El Hedim is this huge gate, perhaps the grandest of all imperial Moroccan gateways. The gate is well preserved, if a bit dulled by soot, with intricate mosaic tilework and inscriptions across the top. It was completed by Moulay Ismail’s son, Moulay Abdallah, in 1732. You can't actually pass through, though the front door is sometimes open to host exhibitions. Otherwise, there's a little foot passage through the wall to the left of the gate.
3
Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail
Day 2-3
This sumptuously decorated mausoleum was built to house the tomb of Sultan Moulay Ismail, who made Meknes his imperial capital in the 17th century. The actual mosque is not open to non-Muslims, but you can enter the outer parts of the complex and enter the tomb hall itself, which is the major attraction of the building. Take your shoes off on entering, wear modest clothing, and don't forget to tip the guardian.
4
هري الصواني Heri es-Souani
Day 3-4
Moulay Ismail considered this early-18th-century complex one of his finest architectural projects, and on paper, it's a marvel. The massive, thick-walled, barrel-vaulted granaries (tribes paid taxes in grain) were kept cool through a system of underfloor water channels, drawing from a cistern below. Outside to the west are the remains of stables for a supposed 12,000 horses. In summer, it’s a long (2km) hot walk from Moulay Ismail’s mausoleum, so you might prefer a taxi or horse carriage. If you walk, follow the road from the mausoleum south between the high walls and past the main entrance of the Royal Palace (no visitors) to find the entrance straight ahead.
5
Bassin Souani صهريج السواني
Day 4
Agdal Basin: Adjacent to the Heri Es Souani lies an enormous stone-lined lake, the Agdal Basin, built in the 18th century as both a reservoir for Moulay Ismail's gardens and a pleasant lake. Originally it was surrounded by high walls and fed by a complex system of wells and aqueducts.
6
Dar Jamai Museum
Day 4-5
On the north side of Place El Hedim, this museum was under renovation on the last visit, with a possible reopening in 2020. Built-in 1882 by the powerful Jamaï family, two of whom were viziers to Sultan Moulay Al Hassan I, the palace building has been a museum since 1920. Its collection includes traditional ceramics, jewelry, textiles, and cedar-wood craft. The Andalusian garden and courtyard are shady, peaceful spots dotted with orange trees.
7
Volubilis
Day 5-6
The ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, about 29 kilometers from Meknes, are the main tourist attraction for Meknes. This is Morocco's most famous Roman remnant and for good reason. Sitting atop a hill, with the countryside rolling out below, the surviving columns and temple fragments of Volubilis are an impressive and powerfully atmospheric site.
8
Moulay Idriss Zerhoun
Day 6
The whitewashed town of Moulay Idriss sits astride two green hills in a cradle of mountains and is one of the country’s most important pilgrimage sites. Given its picturesque setting, pretty historic core and national importance, it's a mystery why more tourists don't visit. The good news is that its lack of popularity means you can often have the place all to yourself.
9
Madrasa Bou Inania
Day 6-7
Opposite the Grande Mosquée, this religious school, completed in 1358, is typical of the exquisite Merinid interior design. Although it is not as lavish as its counterpart of the same name in Fez, it does display the classic zellige tile, delicate stucco and carved cedar-wood ceiling. You can explore the student rooms, the roof (nice views of the Grande Mosquée's minaret) and even the school's hammam (down a hall to the left, opposite the ticket desk).
Trip Summary
Accommodation
Apartments & Hotel & Hostel
7 days trip
Lahdim Square, Bab El Mansour Laalej & 7 more
Transportation
Car
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