A day trip to the Middle Atlas from Fes, visiting Ifrane, Azrou, and Meknes, is a great way to explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage of this region. Here’s a suggested itinerary for your day trip:

Morning: Fes to Ifrane (Approximately 1.5 – 2 hours drive)

1. Depart from Fes: Start your day early to make the most of your day trip. Leave Fes in the morning, preferably around 7 AM, to have enough time to explore the Middle Atlas region.

2. Drive to Ifrane: Head southwest from Fes towards Ifrane. Enjoy the scenic drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains, which are known for their lush forests and beautiful landscapes.

3. Visit Ifrane: Arrive in Ifrane, often called “Little Switzerland” due to its European-style architecture and clean streets. Explore the town, visit Al Akhawayn University, and take a leisurely walk through its charming streets and parks. Don’t forget to see the Lion Stone statue.

Lunch Break: Ifrane

4. Lunch: Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in Ifrane, where you can savor Moroccan cuisine.

Afternoon: Ifrane to Azrou (Approximately 1 hour drive)

5. Drive to Azrou: After lunch, head to Azrou, a town known for its cedar forests and the opportunity to see Barbary macaques (Atlas monkeys) in the wild.

6. Cedar Forest: Explore the Cedar Forest of Azrou. Take a walk among the cedar trees, and if you’re lucky, you might spot the friendly Barbary macaques. Remember to respect the wildlife and not feed them.

Late Afternoon: Azrou to Meknes (Approximately 1.5 – 2 hours drive)

7. Drive to Meknes: Leave Azrou and head towards Meknes, another historical city in the Middle Atlas region.

Evening: Meknes

8. Visit Meknes: Arrive in Meknes in the late afternoon. Explore the historical sites in Meknes, such as the Bab Mansour gate, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, and the Heri es-Souani granaries. Take your time to soak in the rich history and architecture of this city.

Dinner in Meknes: You can enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Meknes, trying some traditional Moroccan dishes.

Night: Return to Fes (Approximately 1.5 – 2 hours drive)

9. Return to Fes: After dinner and a day full of exploration, start your journey back to Fes. You’ll arrive in Fes in the late evening, concluding your day trip to the Middle Atlas.

Please note that the times mentioned are approximate, and the actual duration may vary depending on traffic and how much time you spend at each location.