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Moulay Idriss Tour
One-Day Tour to Moulay Idriss Zerhoun: Morocco's Holy City
Moulay Idriss Zerhoun holds immense historical and spiritual significance as the burial place of Moulay Idriss I, founder of the Idrisid dynasty and a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad. The town is home to a revered mausoleum with its distinctive green-tiled pyramidal roof, which, although closed to non-Muslims, remains a focal point of pilgrimage and veneration. Beyond its religious importance, Moulay Idriss offers visitors a glimpse into traditional Moroccan life with its winding streets, bustling souks, and panoramic views of the surrounding olive groves and nearby ruins of Volubilis, creating a unique blend of spiritual atmosphere and cultural richness.
Tour Details
- Tour Name: Moulay Idriss Zerhoun One-day Tour
- Duration: 9:00am - 5:00pm
- Transportation: Luxury 4x4 with English, Arabic, Berber, French Speaking Driver and Guide
- Starting & Finishing Point: Your Hotel in Fès
The Sacred History of Moulay Idriss
Moulay Idriss, nestled in the Rif Mountains, is a town steeped in religious significance and rich history. Named after Moulay Idriss I, it holds a special place in Moroccan Islamic heritage.
Key historical points:
- Founded by Moulay Idriss I in 789 AD
- Moulay Idriss I was the great-grandson of the Prophet Muhammad
- Established the first Arab Muslim Dynasty in Morocco
- Closed to non-Muslims until 1916
Tour Itinerary
After a traditional Moroccan breakfast, embark on a one-hour journey from Fès to the picturesque town of Moulay Idriss.
Exploring the Holy Town
- Discover the town's defensive walls and monumental gate
- Visit Koranic schools and fountains
- Observe the new dome of the mausoleum (tomb closed to non-Muslims)
- Enjoy breathtaking views from the terrace near the Mosque of Sidi Abdallah el Hajjam
The Spiritual Significance of Moulay Idriss
Your guide will explain:
- The town's status as the second holiest site in Morocco after Mecca
- The tradition of making five pilgrimages to Moulay Idriss as an alternative to Hajj
- The annual pilgrimage in August, when thousands gather in the town
Lunch with a View
- Dine on one of Moulay Idriss' terraces overlooking the Middle Atlas Mountains
- Taste local cuisine complemented by regional wines
Exploring the Souk and Surroundings
- Walk through the lively souk and labyrinth streets
- Experience local life: small cafes, chicken brochettes, sweets, and trinkets
- Take a walking trail past vineyards and olive groves
- Enjoy the scent of ripening olives and dates
A Glimpse of Volubilis
Before returning to Fès, stand on one of Moulay Idriss' twin hills for a panoramic view of the ancient Roman city of Volubilis (Walili) among cypress trees.
Book your tour to this extraordinary holy site and immerse yourself in Morocco's spiritual heritage.
One Day Tour Moulay Idriss
Duration: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Morocco Travel: In Luxury 4x4
English, Arabic, Berver, French Speaking Driver, Guide
Starting & Finishing Point: Your Hotel In Fès
Duration: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Morocco Travel: In Luxury 4x4
English, Arabic, Berver, French Speaking Driver, Guide
Starting & Finishing Point: Your Hotel In Fès
Travel to Moulay Idriss Morocco, the holiest town in Morocco and second to Mecca(Book a Tour or call (800) 787-8806. Let us be your guide to Morocco Travel.
ITINERARY
MOULAY IDRISS GUIDED HISTORICAL TOUR:
►After a breakfast of fresh fruit, jams, bread and coffee depart to the picturesque town of Moulay (Saint) Idriss. Just one hour away from Fès and scenically nestled in a fold of the Rif Mountains, has become a famed destination. Moulay Idriss Morocco is considered the holiest town in Morocco and of all lands after Mecca. Visit this charming whitewashed town.
►After a breakfast of fresh fruit, jams, bread and coffee depart to the picturesque town of Moulay (Saint) Idriss. Just one hour away from Fès and scenically nestled in a fold of the Rif Mountains, has become a famed destination. Moulay Idriss Morocco is considered the holiest town in Morocco and of all lands after Mecca. Visit this charming whitewashed town.
►Moulay Idriss was forbidden to non-Muslims until 1916, however today, it welcomes visitors from all over the world. Most travelers who visit Moulay Idriss come to see the green tiled tomb of Moulay Idriss I. Moulay Idriss wasthegreat-grandsonoftheprophetMohamedaswellasthefirstArabMuslimDynastyinMorocco. , who fled to Morocco in 787. He founded Fès
►One of the five pillarsofIslamisthehajj - thepilgrimagetoMecca; it is an obligation for every Muslim man to make the pilgrimage at least once in his life. For those Moroccans who cannot afford to travel toMecca, it is considered of equal merit to make a pilgrimage to Moulay Idriss five times in one’s life. Every August, thousands go on a pilgrimage to Moulay Idriss and pitch tents throughout as a more affordable alternative than going to the Mecca.
►As at tourist, you can explore the holy town of Moulay Idriss filled with defensive walls, a monumentalgate, koranicschools,fountains and a new dome for the mausoleum. While the Tombof Moulay Idriss is closed to non-Muslims, from the terrace near the Mosque of Sidi Abdallah el Hajjam, you can see breathtakingviews of the town and the mausoleum.
►Dine on one of Moulay Idriss’ terraces and have lunch while overlooking the rocky Middle Atlas Mountains. Complement your meal with a glass of rose or red wine produced within the region. After lunch walkthroughitslivelysoukandlabyrinthstreets filled with small cafes selling chicken brochettes, sweets, fruits, vegetables and other trinkets.
►Afterwards, wewillpassthroughthemarketsandexplore Moulay Idriss by going on one of its walking trails. We will pass by vineyards hidden behind rows of giant cypress trees and enjoy the smell of ripening olives and dates. Before returning to Fès, we will stand on one of the twin hills of Moulay Idriss from where you can see the ancient Roman city of Volubilis/ Walili, situated among a line of cypresses.
