alan_s

A question for those who have visited Volubilis. I intend spending 24 hours in Meknes or Moulay Idriss en-route from Fes to Casablanca by rail in early July. While there I would like to see the Roman ruins at Volubilis as well as local sights.

I would appreciate advice on the better locality to stay in for my short visit.

Any other advice or tips on those towns would also help. Are there any additional customs or courtesies when visiting the holy town of Moulay Idriss?

Fra_Diavolo

I think you want to stay in Meknes. Moulay Idriss is much smaller and until recently didn't allow non-Muslims to spend the night -- thinking Meknes would be friendlier. I stayed in Fes and visited Volubilis on a day trip, so I'm not speaking from firsthand knowledge.

denisejohn

It is true that Moulay Driss is small and there are few riads there. Spending the night in Meknes could be better. AHeading to Moulay Driss in The morning, then Volubilis which is a few miles from Moulay Driss. Be back in he afternoon and walk around Meknes. In the evening you head to Fez.
Have a good time.

denisejohn

A clean nice accommodation I stayed in when I was in Meknes called riad bahia not far from Lahdim Square.

alan_s

Thank you for your responses.

I am likely to arrive and depart on the train around 11am. If I stay in Meknes, what is the best way to get to Volubilis for the afternoon?

I would not want a guide. My Arabic is non-existent and my French is limited to the basic civilities. Are there agencies near the station which can provide a driver who understands English, with a car, for a half-day visit, waiting at the site then continuing to Moulay Idriss and return? If so, how much should I budget for that in euros or MAD?

Fra_Diavolo

Your hotel should be able to call just such a driver for you. Trying to remember what we paid last year from Fes -- I think it was about 700 dh, about $70.

alan_s

Thanks.