2-Day Trip from Fes to Chefchaouen, the Blue City

Fes → Rif Mountains → Chefchaouen

After breakfast you leave Fes and head north across the rolling green hills of the Rif — countryside so lush it's often likened to wine country. You'll reach Chefchaouen by lunchtime, drop your bags at the riad and set out on foot. Lose yourself in the blue-washed alleys, visit the walled kasbah with its garden and small museum, and climb to a rooftop for a sweeping view over the indigo houses. Browse the town's wool blankets and famous goat cheese before dinner and a night in a local riad.

Accommodation: Dar Echchaouen or similar

Chefchaouen → Volubilis → Meknes → Fes

This morning you drive to Volubilis, the strikingly well-preserved Roman city and UNESCO site known for its mosaics, passing the sacred hilltop village of Moulay Idriss on the way. Next is Meknes, one of Morocco's four imperial cities, where you'll see the monumental Bab Mansour gate, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, the huge Sahrij Souani basin and the old granaries. After free time on the lively main square, you'll return to Fes in the late afternoon.