Saudi Arabia, the most important nation within the Center East and residential to centuries of heritage and historical past, has opened its doorways to worldwide guests.
Our inaugural journey begins within the ultra-modern capital metropolis of Riyadh, and consists of Al Ula – residence to jaw-dropping Nabatean tombs that rival Petra, Madinah, the holy metropolis which has solely lately opened to non-Muslims, the Pink Sea coastal metropolis of Jeddah, and as an extension, we embrace a journey within the gorgeous landscapes of the Asir and Jizan areas, residence to uncommon Arabian leopards and Qahtani tribesmen donning floral headdresses.
Why not be part of us on a very distinctive journey!
Day-to-day itinerary for our journey by way of Saudi Arabia
WEDNESDAY 07 FEBRUARY – ARRIVE RIYADH
We’re met on the airport and transferred to the Crowne Plaza Palace Lodge (3 nights/all meals).
Riyadh, residence to 7 million folks, is a metropolis of very robust contrasts with bustling souqs, ultra-modern and conventional structure. A quirk of Saudi tradition which you’ll discover all through the journey is that many locations come alive after 4 p.m. with souqs, outlets and cafes opening late into the night time. Due to this fact, our information will meet us at 4.00 p.m. for a metropolis orientation tour which can embrace a go to to the Sky Bridge at Kingdom Tower, a shocking piece of recent structure and one of the crucial iconic buildings in Riyadh. The 360-degree views from listed below are breathtaking. Dinner tonight in a neighborhood restaurant.
THURSDAY 08 FEBRUARY – RIYADH
Riyadh is wealthy in historical past and tradition and this morning our information will take us to sights within the King Abdulaziz Historic Centre. We begin on the Nationwide Museum, one of many most interesting within the Center East. Encased inside modernist structure, it comprises well-designed and informative galleries overlaying Arabian historical past, tradition and artwork. We’ll go on to go to Masmak Fortress, which homes a wonderful everlasting exhibition showcasing the historical past of Riyadh, and an interesting vary of pictures of Saudi relationship from 1912 – 1937.
Proceed to Murabba Palace, a remnant of the nice administrative palace constructed by King Abdulaziz in 1936 when the palace throughout the authentic metropolis partitions was now not capable of comprise his elevated family and administrative workers. Not lots of the previous partitions of the palace stay, however the remaining buildings are attention-grabbing since they characterize the transitional interval between mud and concrete as constructing supplies. Cease for lunch in a neighborhood restaurant.
After lunch, we’ve got a brief drive out of Riyadh to Al Diriyah Village, the ancestral residence of the Al Saud household and the birthplace of the Saudi-Wahhabi union. This is without doubt one of the most evocative locations within the Kingdom, and its UNESCO-supervised restoration noticed it acquire World Heritage standing in 2010. The Guests’ Centre is superb with implausible pictures of the Previous City. We stroll by way of the Al Turaif district which showcases Najdi mudbrick structure in its most extraordinary kind. The gates, panels and window shutters are very vibrant, and the inside partitions are coated with intricate geometric designs. Return to Riyadh for dinner and in a single day.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
FRIDAY 09 FEBRUARY – RIYADH
Culturally, dates have lengthy performed a key position in Center Jap delicacies and rituals surrounding hospitality. After breakfast, we go to the Date Souq. A lot of the dates on the Riyadh market are offered both by the kilo or by the field, however you possibly can at all times request a small portion and the distributors are completely satisfied to allow you to pattern all of the totally different varieties obtainable.
We have now lunch in the present day with a neighborhood household, to study their way of life and luxuriate in a home-cooked conventional meal. After lunch go to Souq-al-Zal, the oldest and largest vintage market in Riyadh. Then stroll by way of Deera Sq. to Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque. The prayer corridor is big and might accommodate roughly 17,000 worshippers. Dinner tonight within the lodge.
SATURDAY 10 FEBRUARY – RIYADH – TABUK
After breakfast we switch to the airport. Depart Riyadh on flight at 11.05 a.m. Arrive Tabuk at 1.15 p.m. We’re met upon arrival and brought to a neighborhood restaurant for lunch.
Near the border with Jordan and the Gulf of Aqaba, Tabuk has lengthy been a cease for pilgrims from Jordan and Egypt travelling to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. Town was additionally an vital cease alongside the Hejaz railway, inbuilt 1900.
Afternoon sightseeing on the Ottoman-era Tabuk Fort, which options Al Tawba Mosque, the town’s most important spiritual website. The fort now serves as a museum, illuminating Tabuk’s historical past and its connection to pilgrims and prophets. This night we browse the stalls of Souq Twaheen, a conventional Saudi market illustrating elements of the native tradition. Well-liked amongst the native Bedouin, the busy market is without doubt one of the greatest locations to purchase genuine Saudi souvenirs. We spend the following two nights within the Swiss Inn. Dinner tonight within the lodge.
SUNDAY 11 FEBRUARY – TABUK – WADI HISMA – TABUK
Right now we observe Saudi Arabia’s epic mountain path west of Tabuk to Wadi Hisma, residence to imposing rock formations, and inscriptions made by historical tribes relationship again greater than 2600 years. Archaeological remnants are widespread within the mountains, which fashioned a part of a buying and selling route for camel convoys. We spend the day exploring the valley and Bajdah Desert. BBQ lunch. Return to Tabuk for dinner and in a single day.
Wadi Disah
MONDAY 12 FEBRUARY – TABUK – WADI Al DISAH – AL ULA
This morning we drive 80km south to Wadi Al Disah, a 15km lengthy palm-lined canyon operating between partitions of sandstone massifs. Then on to Al Ula, passing a number of villages enroute. This journey west follows alongside some wonderful rock formations and nice desert websites the place we might have alternatives to take pictures of camel herds wandering within the huge desert. Picnic lunch enroute. Late afternoon arrival into Al Ula the place we spend the following three nights in our desert-based lodging, the Sahary Resort Camp (3 nights/all meals).
TUESDAY 13 FEBRUARY – AL ULA
The traditional metropolis of Al Ula dates again millennia and is a spectacularly preserved cultural and historic masterpiece. With 200,000 years of human historical past to uncover, it was as soon as the capital of the North Arabian Lihyanites after which the Nabataeans, and served as a gathering place for pilgrims, retailers and explorers.
We start our exploration on the historical metropolis of Dedan, on the famed Incense Street of antiquity. Right here we’ll see the Lion Tomb, the hole tombs of this historical kingdom’s rulers, carved right into a mountain of rock, at totally different heights and of various sizes. The title comes from the carved lion sculptures discovered outdoors one of many necropolis entrances – denoting the significance of its proprietor. At close by Jabal Ikmah, we see an unlimited assortment of historical inscriptions made instantly upon the face of the nice rock.
Drive to the previous city of Al Ula, mendacity within the coronary heart of exceptionally stunning countryside, with palm groves, forbidding purple sandstone cliffs and displaying a few of the greatest examples of conventional structure in Saudi. We have now lunch right here and discover the city with our information. Return to the Sahary Resort for dinner and in a single day.
WEDNESDAY 14 FEBRUARY – AL ULA
After breakfast, we drive to the mysterious and distant Mada’in Saleh (Hegra), one of the crucial important archaeological websites within the Arabian Peninsula. Its significance led UNESCO to listing it as a World Heritage Website in 2008. This crossroads of historical civilisations, pilgrims, explorers, commerce caravans and armies discover its most outstanding expression within the elaborate stone-carved tombs of the Nabateans, most well-known of which is Qasr al Farid. Taking form within the 1st century AD, the tomb was meticulously carved from a free-standing rock monolith. The remoted location in a boundless desert lends it an excellent better sense of mystique.
Cease for lunch in Al Ula Previous City. After lunch we stroll with our information by way of the plush Al Ula Oasis path underneath towering date palms, meandering by way of remnants of mudbrick homes, native farms and historical metropolis partitions. We have now a possibility to sit down with locals, sip on Arabic espresso or contemporary orange juice and take our time to benefit from the gradual tempo of what makes the Al Ula Oasis so particular. We finish our day at Jebel Al Fil (Elephant Rock), an immediately recognisable geological characteristic that takes its title from the elephantine form. Carved by tens of millions of years of wind and water erosion, this spectacular pure surprise measuring over 50m in top, is about in opposition to a shocking panorama of golden sands, studded with rocky outcrops – it looks like an otherworldly film set. Return to the Sahary Resort for dinner and in a single day.
Al Ula, Saudi Arabia.
THURSDAY 15 FEBRUARY – AL ULA – MADINAH
After breakfast, we go away Al Ula, and successfully choose up the identical route of the Hejaz Railway. We drive south to the holy metropolis of Madinah. The Prophet Mohammed lived and taught in Madinah after departing Mecca in 622 AD. His arrival in Madinah marks the start of the Islamic Calendar. The important thing focus of the town is the Masjid an Nabawi, or the Prophet’s Mosque, constructed by Mohammed and the positioning during which he’s buried. We hope to have the ability to get near the mosque for exterior pictures however because of the cultural sensitivity of a metropolis that, up till late 2021, was off-limits to non-Muslims, we’ll proceed based mostly on the native information’s first-hand data on the time on whether or not this could be acceptable. Nevertheless, we must always be capable to view a few of the different key historic websites of the town. In a single day and dinner at Le Meridien Madinah Lodge.
FRIDAY 16 FEBRUARY – MADINAH – JEDDAH
After breakfast switch to the station. Depart Madinah on the high-speed Haramain Practice at 10.30 a.m. Arrive Jeddah at 12.11 p.m. Switch to the Ramada by Wyndham Lodge for test in (2 nights/all meals). Lunch within the lodge.
Jeddah was established within the seventh century AD because the gateway for Muslims going to Mecca who arrived by sea. It’s the second largest metropolis within the nation and, in relative phrases, probably the most progressive metropolis in Saudi Arabia.
Late afternoon we meet up with our information to discover the Corniche, an space that involves life after the Maghreb (sundown) prayer, with Saudi households eating al fresco. Right here we’ll discover a superbly landscaped waterfront with an Artwork Promenade showcasing 20 distinctive sculptures, together with legendary works by Henry Moore and Joan Miró.
Then to the Fatima Al Zahra Mosque (Floating Mosque), inbuilt 1985, overlooks the Pink Sea, and seems to be floating when the tide is excessive. Its magnificent structure consists of 52 white domes supported by giant pillars and 56 carved home windows adorned with Islamic artwork and motifs to let within the solar. Ultimate cease in the present day at King Fahd Fountain, presently the very best fountain on this planet at 312m. The fountain blasts a stream of water from the Pink Sea into the air to a most top of over 244m. Whereas the water jet might be seen throughout the day from many locations all through the town, it’s best appreciated at night time when it’s illuminated by a whole bunch of spotlights. Dinner tonight in a neighborhood restaurant.
SATURDAY 17 FEBRUARY – JEDDAH
After breakfast our information will take us to the Islamic Museum, a veritable showcase of Arab historical past and custom. Then to the gorgeous Al Shafi’i Mosque by the previous port. Its minaret is 800 years previous, whereas different elements of the constructing date to the 18th century. Proceed to the Central Fish Market. Seafood is important to Jeddah’s financial system, and a go to to this thriving market places all of it into perspective. Lunch in a neighborhood restaurant.
We meet our information at 4 p.m. for a stroll by way of the Al Balad district. That is the beating coronary heart of the Previous City, and a nostalgic testomony to bygone days with its distinctive structure. Characterised by imposing Hejazi coral stone buildings, and complex picket window coverings, the Previous City encapsulates the wealthy mixture of influences and traditions that after flourished alongside these commerce routes reflecting a method and custom primarily misplaced now outdoors Saudi Arabia. Throughout our tour we’ll enter a few of the homes for a perspective on how folks lived and labored in previous Arabia. At Souq Al Alawi, we browse stalls brimming with contemporary produce, conventional jewelry and clothes.
Afterwards we stroll to Al Naseef Home, constructed within the late 1800s for Omar Nassif Efendi, the governor of Jeddah. Right now it serves as a museum and cultural centre. We climb to the rooftop simply earlier than Maghreb prayer time to catch the sundown over the rooftops of Al Balad, the Previous City. The sound of the gorgeous Athan (name of prayer) being known as out from all around the metropolis is overwhelming. An expertise you’ll always remember. Dinner tonight in a neighborhood restaurant.
SUNDAY 18 FEBRUARY – JEDDAH – ONWARD DESTINATION
Switch to the airport on your onward flight.
PRICING
12 DAY SAUDI ARABIA TOUR is US$6800 per individual twin share (roughly A$10,150 per individual in keeping with the present alternate price @ .67). Single complement is US$875 (roughly A$1305 at present alternate price).
Consists of all lodging, all meals, non-public autos, non-public English-speaking information, all entrance charges, home flight ticket, rail ticket and return airport transfers. Price doesn’t embrace the worldwide airfare, nor the visa. Visa payment for Australian passport holders is presently A$225.
5 DAY ABHA/JIZAN OPTIONAL EXTENSION
Saudi Arabia is an astounding nation of contrasts and various landscapes and is a very wondrous and eye-opening location to go to. This extension will introduce you to the lesser-visited, however spectacular southern Provinces of Asir and Jizan. This space isn’t a straightforward a part of the nation to journey in primarily because of the lack of tourism sources. Due to this fact, the motels and services won’t be of the identical normal in comparison with these used within the first a part of the itinerary and we must “tough it” just a little. Nevertheless, the spectacular surroundings, the well-known flower males of Jizan and the distinctive tradition, is bound to compensate for any discomfort!
SUNDAY 18 FEBRUARY – JEDDAH – ABHA
Switch to the airport for our flight to Abha, positioned within the Asir Province. We’re met upon arrival and transferred to the lodge (2 nights/all meals). Abha, perched 2200m above sea degree, is a shock to the system after the remainder of Saudi. The temperature is loads cooler, and the mountains and mist make a startling impression. The city is known for its very putting native structure. Within the late afternoon our information will take us to the normal souqs which are world-famous for dates and honey. Dinner in a neighborhood restaurant.
MONDAY 19 FEBRUARY – ABHA – RIJAL ALMAA – ABHA
After breakfast we drive to Al Soudah (3015m) to view the precipitous cliffs, deep valleys and the dense juniper tree-covered mountains disappearing behind clouds. We drive alongside extremely steep and winding roads to the hillside village of Rijal Almaa, which was as soon as the principle stopover for folks coming from Yemen to Mecca and Medina, turning the village into one of the crucial vital commerce centres within the Arabian Peninsula. As such it was strongly influenced each culturally and architecturally by the international travellers who handed by way of. To protect the heritage of the area, many of the buildings have gone by way of an intensive restoration pushed by the locals themselves. The village’s iconic stone buildings have been adorned by expert painters in fascinating color combos and designs, with the interiors (significantly in rooms meant for company) painted by the ladies of the village. The artwork kind is known as Al Qatt Al Asiri, which is a UNESCO-listed heritage artwork kind.
Proceed to the village of Al Muftaha. For a few years it was left in an excessive state of neglect, however due to the efforts of the Saudi authorities, restoration work was accomplished giving the village a brand new life and function. Ever since, it has been serving as a regional cultural centre, with a number of artwork galleries and exhibition areas. The colorful homes have been maintained precisely like the unique ones and are an interesting instance of conventional Asir structure.
After lunch we go to Shada Palace, inbuilt 1927 for a neighborhood governor, and one of many few conventional buildings left in Abha. Right now it’s a handicrafts museum. Return to the lodge. Dinner tonight in a neighborhood restaurant.
Abha, Saudi Arabia
TUESDAY 20 FEBRUARY – ABHA – JIZAN
This morning we go to Souq Al Thulatha (Tuesday Market). It’s open daily however at its busiest on Tuesdays. We then go away Asir Province and drive by way of breathtaking surroundings by way of semicircular tunnels to Jizan, an space completely off the crushed observe. The mountains on this space are much more dramatic, and the Yemeni tradition is totally totally different to that present in the remainder of Saudi Arabia. Males nonetheless costume within the conventional means, carrying the jambiya (dagger) and a head overlaying made from flowers. Examine into our lodge (2 nights/all meals)
WEDNESDAY 21 FEBRUARY – JIZAN
Right now we drive about 100km by way of extra steep and winding roads to the attractive Fayfa Mountains. It’s a gorgeous space with homes perched on seemingly limitless rows of manicured inexperienced terraces, for which the realm is known. There are numerous villages to discover, and we’ll spend the perfect a part of the day seeing as a lot as we will, assembly locals and studying about this distinctive tradition. Return to Jizan for in a single day.
Jizan, Saudi Arabia tour extension |
Jizan, Saudi Arabia tour extension |
THURSDAY 22 FEBRUARY – JIZAN – ABHA – ONWARD DESTINATION
After breakfast we drive to Khamis Mushait, a city near Abha airport. Right here throughout the heritage village of Dhafer Bin Hamsan, we could have a possibility to go to Souq al Khamis (Thursday Market) to discover the social way of life inside its grounds. The souq is known for promoting a few of the greatest gold and silver Bedouin jewelry within the area. After our go to we drive to Abha and airport for onward flight.
Value relies upon numbers, so as soon as I understand how many individuals wish to do the extension then I can get the price.
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