Inside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

**Oliver has visited Saudi Arabia and is on hand to answer your queries when booking with us**

With this 11 day tour you will get the perfect introduction to this unique country. A land of arid desert and scorched mountains, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia conjures up all the romance and adventure of the golden age of discovery. The only country on the Arabian Peninsula with a foot in both the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf, the birthplace of Islam is one of the most difficult and enigmatic countries on earth to visit.

Beginning in historic Jeddah with its beautiful Ottoman houses, this astonishing journey takes us deep into the heart of its ancient landscapes, visiting sites that few travellers from beyond the Arab world have ever seen. Blessed with a remarkable cultural heritage, you will visit four of its five spectacular World Heritage sites including Nabatean Mada’in Saleh, traverse some of the world’s finest desert scenery, marvel at the mountainous landscapes around Ta’if and have the chance to explore on foot the natural wonder of the striking Al Waba volcanic crater.

This is a tour like no other, offering a glimpse into one of the world’s most misunderstood and least known countries that is certain to appeal to those who are drawn to destinations with a difference.

Day 1: Tour starts in Jeddah
The tour begins at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia’s commercial capital and the main gateway to Mecca, the holiest city in Islam. Its historic centre, Al-Balad (The Town), once served as a major trading port along the Indian Ocean trade routes and today its distinctive architecture has seen it inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Characterised by imposing tower houses and coral stone buildings, the old centre of the city encapsulates the rich mix of influences and traditions that once flourished along these trade routes and reflects a style and tradition essentially lost now outside Saudi Arabia.

Day 2: Jeddah
This morning you will start our discovery of The Kingdom by exploring the port city of Jeddah. The local motto in Arabic is “Jeddah Ghair” meaning “Jeddah is different” and today you find out why. The city boasts the largest seaport on the Red Sea, plus a ‘floating’ mosque sculpting an iridescent silhouette along the water’s edge. Jeddah is considered the commercial capital of Saudi Arabia and hides many a unique historic treasure inside its contemporary walls. Today you manoeuvre through the streets taking in the modern elements such as the artsy waterfront Corniche Walk and the contrasting old city, souqs and traditional bazaars.

Day 3: Jeddah to Ta’if
Leaving Jeddah behind, you will skirt around the famous holy city of Mecca and stop at the mountain village of Al Hada on your way to Tai’f. The village of Al Hada exhibits some outstanding examples of traditional Hejazi architecture backdropped by breath-taking views of the surrounding mountain range. From here you continue to Ta’if, known as the “City of Roses”, aptly arriving to tour a local rose factory to learn about production in the region. You will also stop at some notable historic buildings such as the Shubra Palace and will complete the day with a stroll through Ta’if’s bustling souq in the city centre.

Day 4: Ta’if to Medina
This morning you set off early driving through the open desert to the spectacular Al Waba Crater, a dramatic volcano formation with a salt field at its centre. Here there is the option to circumnavigate part of the crater or you may opt for the more challenging steep climb down to the basin and then back up again (approx. 2.5hrs return). After your exploration we will enjoy a much-needed picnic lunch at the crater’s edge taking in this awesome natural wonder. In the afternoon we make your way to the outskirts of the holy city of Medina and conclude the day with a short hike up Mount Uhud to enjoy the sunset over the city.

Day 5: Medina to Al Ula
Today you travel north following the route of the historic Hejaz Railway, stopping at the abandoned Buwayr and Muduraj train stations both of which offer an eerie reminder of a turbulent and bloody past. The aftermath of the First World War’s Arab Revolt can still be seen in the discarded dusty locomotives along this unfinished railway and on our journey north the story of Lawrence of Arabia gradually comes to life. On arrival in the remote desert town of Al Ula you visit the ruins of the Old Town, climb up to the castle, then check-in at our beautifully located permanent desert camp, your base for the next two nights.

Day 6: Al Ula
An early start this morning sees you waking at dawn to beat the intense heat of the day. Embarking on an exhilarating 4WD ride we’ll then explore on foot the narrow overarching canyons at the Ragasat Mountains, known locally as the “Dancing Mountains”. After breakfast explore the ancient Liyhanite ruins located at the nearby oasis of Dedan, then later meander through the impressive natural rock formations and man-made monoliths scattered in the area. The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the first UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Saudi Kingdom, the monolith of Mada’in Saleh, also known as Hegra or the ‘southern Petra’. Later we enjoy a desert sunset and return to your camp for the night.

Day 7: Al Ula to Ha’il
This morning you say farewell to your desert camp at Al Ula and propel once more through arid desert to the great oasis of Tayma. One of the oldest settlements in the entirety of the Arabian Peninsula with evidence of a human settlement dating back some 90,000 years. Tayma features one of the oldest and greatest wells in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Haddaj Well. An excellent museum is located onsite displaying an array of artefacts and antiquities unearthed by archaeologists over many years of study in the area. The former township and trading post of Tayma holds considerable geological and historical significance for the Kingdom. This evening you arrive and check-in to our hotel in Ha’il.

Day 8: Ha’il to Buraydah
A short distance north-west of Ha’il you find the UNESCO World Heritage site, Jubbah. This world-famous site features some of the best rock-art in Saudi Arabia. Strewn across the scorched rocks of Jabal Umm Sinman are thousands of intricate rock carvings, some of which are thought to be over 10,000 years old. Subjects etched into the sandstone include man, cattle, ibex, horse, ostrich and lion all of which are impressively well-preserved on their rock canvas. On returning to Ha’il you board a train operated by Saudi Arabian Railways to Buraydah and then transfer to your hotel for the evening. Please note that train schedules are subject to change and if necessary we will drive to Buraydah.

Day 9: Buraydah to Riyadh
Today you need to start early to make the most of a truly unique Saudi experience. Buraydah’s lively camel market is located just a short distance outside modern-day Buraydah but the experience may feel like stepping into a distant era of times gone by. This is the world’s largest camel market where thousands of camels, goats and sheep are traded every day and this morning is sure to be a feast for the senses. We head back into the city to stroll through the mouth-watering date market to pick some tasty treats before driving towards the capital city of Riyadh. En route we will visit the heritage village of Ushaiqer, one of the oldest settlements in the region which boasts some stunning traditional Najdi architecture and considered one of the most attractive places in the country. In the afternoon you hike to the “Edge of the World” for the sunset atop these aptly named desert cliffs after which you make your way back to the city for dinner.

Day 10: Riyadh
A full day is needed to explore the capital city of Riyadh with over five million people calling the city home. There are several historic sites to visit including the Masmak Fortress and Murabbah Palace alongside the impressive modern-day architecture like the Kingdom Tower also known as the ‘Bottle Opener’. Lunch will be a traditional Saudi Arabian affair served in the traditional fashion followed by a further UNESCO World Heritage Site on this trip, Dir’aiyah, where the story of modern Saudi Arabia began.

Day 11: Riyadh
The tour ends with breakfast in the morning.

Accommodation
Wherever possible the tour aims to use characterful accommodation that enhances the overall travel experience, not just offers a bed for the night. On this particular trip you will stay in a combination of comfortable hotels and a fixed desert camp with en-suite facilities.

Transport
On this tour, depending on the final group size, they will use a combination of minibuses and 4WDs as well as trains. They do not use any domestic flights on this trip.

Climate
Given the extreme summer heat of the desert, October to March is definitely the optimum time for visiting Saudi Arabia. At these times of year typically you can expect daytime temperatures to reach 20 – 30oC with night times being surprisingly cool, often in the single digits. Rain is rare although not unheard of!

Key Aspects to Consider
Saudi society is going through some major changes at the moment so please bear in mind that any considerations raised here may alter at any time. Ultimately the Kingdom remains a deeply conservative country and is likely to be different from any other destination to which you may have travelled. Tourism (other than for religious purposes) is a new concept for the Kingdom so come expecting enthusiastic but inexperienced levels of service. Encouragingly, in contrast to previous edicts, there are no current restrictions placed on adult women travelling solo and while it is expected that foreign visitors will dress conservatively, women will not have to wear an abaya (the long black dress covering the body from shoulders to feet) and they will not have to cover their hair.

Alcohol however is still currently forbidden and should not be brought into the country.

It’s also worth mentioning that sometimes sites can be closed for no foreseen reasons and without prior notice.

In conclusion, anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, however, please note the tour involves some options for desert walks so to get the most out of the tour you will need to be fit enough to enjoy these aspects of the tour.