There are few places in the world that could be described as outside the reaches of tourism, and Saudi Arabia may be one of them. Images of desert adventures or busy souks are only one side of this eclectic country, known as the birthplace of Islam. This trip will introduce a Saudi Arabia of high mountains, chaotic camel markets, diverse food and a history that spans prehistoric rock art, the ancient spice trade and Lawrence’s Arabian deserts.
AlUla – Discover this ancient Nabatean city, second in size only to Petra, in the middle of the desert
Al Bahah – Experience the mountainous side of Saudi in this region of cave-dwellings, hidden villages and hairpin roads
Jeddah – Explore the atmospheric alleyways of the UNESCO-listed old town, and get some Red Sea air on the coast
Itinerary
Itineraries on some departure dates may differ.
- DAY 1 – Join trip in Riyadh
- DAY 2 – Discover the old and new faces of Riyadh; walking tour with a Saudi lady
- DAY 3 – Visit the Ushaiqer Heritage Village; drive to Buraidah
- DAY 4 – Experience the Buraidah camel market; drive to Ha’il
- DAY 5 – Discover the UNESCO-listed rock carvings at Jubbah; drive to AlUla and our desert accommodation
- DAY 6 – Visit the Nabatean city of Hegra and the Lion Tombs of Dedan
- DAY 7 – Drive through the desert, and past the Sarawat Mountains, to Medina
- DAY 8 – Walk at the Al Wahbah crater; continue by bus to Ta’if
- DAY 9 – Explore Ta’if; continue into the mountains at Al Bahah
- DAY 10 – Visit the unexpected mountain village of Thee Ain
- DAY 11 – Drive to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia’s second largest city on the Red Sea
- DAY 12 – Walking tour of the UNESCO-listed old town; traditional evening meal
- DAY 13 – Trip ends in Jeddah
EXW – KSA
Images courtesy of Explore Worldwide