Fes sits in a perfect position to explore some of Morocco’s most impressive historical sites, mountain towns and desert landscapes without committing to multi day travel. After a few intense days navigating the medina a day trip offers mental breathing space and a chance to see how diverse Morocco is beyond the imperial cities. Solo travelers benefit from the structure of organized tours or the simplicity of shared transport which removes the stress of driving unfamiliar roads while still giving you independence and flexibility.
I have done most of these trips multiple times both solo and with others. Some work better as guided tours where context and logistics matter. Others are easy enough to manage independently if you prefer total control over timing and pace. All of them are safe, accessible and worth the early wake up call. Before planning your excursions make sure you have a solid base in Fes by reading my solo travel guide to the city which covers where to stay, safety tips and how to structure your time in the medina.
Chefchaouen: The Blue Pearl Of Morocco
Chefchaouen is probably the most popular day trip from Fes and for good reason. This small mountain town in the Rif range is famous for its blue washed buildings, relaxed vibe and stunning natural surroundings. The drive takes about three and a half to four hours each way through winding mountain roads with dramatic views. Most tours leave Fes around eight in the morning, give you four to five hours in Chefchaouen then return by early evening.
The town itself is compact and easy to navigate on foot. You spend your time wandering narrow blue streets, shopping for local crafts like woven blankets and leather goods, eating lunch at a rooftop restaurant and taking endless photos. The atmosphere feels calmer than Fes with less pressure from vendors and more space to move at your own pace. Solo travelers appreciate how walkable and safe Chefchaouen feels. You can easily separate from your tour group for an hour or two and explore independently before meeting back at the bus.
If you book a tour choose a small group option rather than a huge coach. This keeps the experience more personal and flexible. Some tours include a short hike to the Spanish Mosque on a hill above town which offers panoramic views especially at sunset. If you want that option confirm timing when you book because most day trips do not stay late enough for sunset. Independent travel to Chefchaouen is possible using CTM buses from Fes but the schedule limits your time in town and return options. For a day trip an organized tour makes more sense.
Volubilis And Meknes: Roman Ruins And Imperial History
Combining Volubilis and Meknes in one day gives you a solid mix of ancient Roman history and Moroccan imperial architecture. Volubilis is the best preserved Roman site in Morocco with impressive mosaics, columns and foundations spread across a hillside with views toward distant mountains. The site dates back over two thousand years and was once a prosperous city producing olive oil and grain for the empire. Walking through the ruins with a guide brings the history alive in ways that solo wandering does not.
From Volubilis most tours continue to Meknes about thirty minutes away. Meknes is one of Morocco’s four imperial cities and was the capital under Sultan Moulay Ismail in the seventeenth century. The main highlights include the massive Bab Mansour gate, the royal stables and granaries, the mausoleum of Moulay Ismail and a more compact medina that feels less overwhelming than Fes. You usually get a couple hours to explore with a guide then free time for lunch and shopping.
This day trip works perfectly for solo travelers interested in history who want structure and expert commentary. Tours handle all transport and entry fees. You share the experience with other travelers which often includes solo visitors from different countries. The whole trip takes about eight to nine hours door to door. It costs less than the Chefchaouen trip because distances are shorter. Some tours add a stop at the holy town of Moulay Idriss near Volubilis which is worth it if time allows.
Middle Atlas Mountains And Ifrane
The Middle Atlas mountain region offers a completely different landscape from the medina or desert. This day trip usually includes stops in Ifrane, Azrou and surrounding cedar forests. Ifrane is known as Morocco’s Switzerland because of its alpine style architecture, clean streets and cooler climate. It feels surreal after days in Fes. The town was built by the French in the 1930s as a mountain resort and still serves that purpose for wealthy Moroccans escaping summer heat.
From Ifrane the route continues to Azrou and the nearby cedar forests where wild Barbary macaques live. You can walk forest trails and watch monkeys in their natural habitat. Guides usually bring food to attract them which makes for good photos but also means the animals are semi habituated to humans. The forests are beautiful and the air feels incredibly fresh compared to the medina. This trip appeals to solo travelers who want nature and a break from historical sites.
The drive takes about an hour each way to Ifrane and slightly longer to the forests. Most tours include lunch in a local restaurant and time to walk around Ifrane’s main park and lake. This is one of the easier day trips physically because there is less walking and more driving with scenic stops. It costs about the same as Meknes and Volubilis. You can also do this trip independently using grand taxis or buses but having transport arranged makes it simpler especially for the forest areas where public options are limited.
Merzouga And Erg Chebbi Dunes
recommend it. The drive takes seven to eight hours each way which means you leave before dawn and return after midnight. You barely get time in the dunes and you spend most of the day exhausted in a van. If the desert is a priority plan at least a two day trip with an overnight in a desert camp. That said some companies do offer one day desert tours from Fes that push hard to fit everything in.
These marathon trips usually include stops at Ifrane, the Ziz Valley and Erfoud before reaching the dunes. You get an hour or two for a camel ride and sunset photos then immediately turn around. It is rushed and uncomfortable. Solo travelers often book these trips because they do not want to commit to a longer tour or travel alone overnight. I understand the appeal but the experience suffers from the time pressure. If you only have one extra day choose Chefchaouen or Meknes instead. Save the desert for a future trip when you can do it properly.
If you do book a long desert day trip confirm exact timing, meal inclusion and camel ride details before paying. Some companies cut corners on these extended trips because margins are tight. Read recent reviews carefully. Bring snacks, water and entertainment for the long drives. Expect to feel wiped out the next day.
Sefrou And The Surrounding Countryside
Sefrou is a small town about thirty kilometers south of Fes that sees far fewer tourists than Chefchaouen or Meknes. It has a compact medina, a Jewish quarter and a river running through the center. The town is famous for its cherry festival in June but it makes a pleasant low key day trip any time of year. The pace is slower and interactions feel more authentic because visitors are rare enough to be interesting rather than overwhelming.
You can reach Sefrou independently using local buses or grand taxis from Fes. The trip takes about thirty minutes and costs very little. Once there you wander the medina, visit the old waterfalls just outside town and have lunch at a local café. This trip works well for solo travelers who want a taste of rural Morocco without the time commitment of going to Chefchaouen. It also works as a half day option if you want to return to Fes by early afternoon for other activities.
Sefrou does not offer dramatic scenery or major monuments. The appeal is cultural immersion and a break from tourist infrastructure. If you value authentic interaction over Instagram moments this trip delivers. Otherwise you might find it underwhelming compared to more famous destinations. I like Sefrou as a second or third visit to the region when I have already seen the main highlights and want something different.
Moulay Idriss And Countryside Exploration
Moulay Idriss is a holy town built on two hills near Volubilis. It is named after Moulay Idriss I who brought Islam to Morocco and founded the first Moroccan Islamic state. The town is an important pilgrimage site and has a sacred atmosphere. Until recently non Muslims were not allowed to stay overnight though day visits were permitted. That rule has relaxed but the town still feels deeply traditional.
Visiting Moulay Idriss works well as an add on to a Volubilis and Meknes day trip or as a standalone half day excursion. The town is small and you can walk through it in an hour or two. The views from the upper levels over the surrounding farmland and olive groves are beautiful. There are fewer tourist facilities here which means simpler restaurants and less English but also more genuine hospitality if you approach people respectfully.
Solo travelers interested in religious history and off the beaten path experiences will enjoy Moulay Idriss. It does not have the wow factor of Chefchaouen but it offers insight into the spiritual side of Moroccan culture. You can combine it with a stop at a local winery in the area which feels surprising given Morocco’s Muslim majority. A few vineyards near Meknes offer tours and tastings. Ask your guide or driver if this interests you.
Fes To Rabat Or Casablanca
If you want to see another Moroccan city without staying overnight Rabat and Casablanca are both reachable by train for long day trips. Rabat is the capital and offers a more organized modern vibe with historical sites like the Hassan Tower, the Kasbah of the Udayas and the Mohammed V Mausoleum. The train takes about three and a half hours each way. You can spend four to five hours exploring then return to Fes the same evening.
Casablanca is larger and more business focused but the Hassan II Mosque is one of the most impressive buildings in Morocco. The mosque sits partly over the Atlantic and non Muslims can visit on guided tours at specific times. The train to Casablanca takes about four hours. This trip makes sense if you have extra days in the region and you have already covered closer destinations. It is less common as a day trip because the travel time eats into exploration hours.
Both cities work well for independent solo travelers who enjoy train travel and navigating urban environments. You buy tickets at the Fes train station the day before or morning of your trip. First class is worth the small upcharge for more space and comfort. Bring snacks and water for the journey. These trips give you a sense of modern Morocco beyond the tourist focused imperial cities.
Practical Tips For Booking Day Trips
Most riads can arrange day trips through trusted partners. This is convenient but not always the cheapest option. You can also book directly through tour companies or platforms like GetYourGuide or Viator which offer reviews and fixed pricing. Compare a few options before committing. Make sure the price includes transport, entry fees and guide services. Clarify meal arrangements. Some tours include lunch while others just allow time for you to buy your own.
Small group tours cost more than large bus tours but provide better experiences. You move faster, get more attention from guides and have flexibility if the group wants to adjust timing. Private tours give you total control but cost significantly more. For solo travelers small groups offer the best balance of cost, quality and social opportunity. Confirm pickup location and time the night before. Have your riad host’s phone number in case you need to coordinate morning of.
Bring layers regardless of season. Mountain and desert trips involve temperature changes. Comfortable walking shoes matter even though most day trips involve less walking than a full day in the Fes medina. Pack sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. Bring your camera or phone fully charged with space for photos. Keep some cash for tips, snacks or souvenirs. Most guides appreciate a tip if they provided good service. Five to ten dollars per person is standard for full day tours.
Final Thoughts
Day trips from Fes add variety and depth to your Morocco experience without the complexity of changing accommodations or managing long distance travel. Chefchaouen and the Volubilis Meknes combination are the most popular for good reason but the Middle Atlas and smaller towns like Sefrou offer different flavors worth considering. Solo travelers benefit from the social aspect of group tours while maintaining independence and flexibility. Once you have explored beyond Fes and you are ready to wrap up your trip you might want to revisit the city itself with fresh eyes by checking out my guide on the best things to do alone in Fes which covers activities, hammams, cooking classes and other experiences that help you make the most of your final days in this incredible city.
