The giant of the Arabian Peninsula, Saudi Arabia, is a land shrouded in mystery, ancient traditions and misperceptions. It is arguably one of the greatest travel destinations in the Middle East. Our Saudi Arabia tours and holidays let you to discover a country that has long been virtually inaccessible to the western traveller.

This is a land of extreme contrasts. From the cosmopolitan city of Jeddah with its Ottoman influences and the rich princes of Riyadh, to the remote desert stronghold of the Nabataeans at Madain Saleh and the simple farmers living traditional lives in the stunning oases.

While this is an unconventional travel destination, it is no less a fulfilling one. With an abundance of beautiful scenery, rich history and distinctive culture there is so much to see and explore. Discover lost cities, ancient rock art and the irresistible hospitality of a misunderstood land on our Saudi Arabia tours.

Top highlights on Saudi Arabia tours and holidays

  • Visit the old Ottoman houses of Jeddah, made of coral and wood
  • Travel to the Asir Mountains and experience its breath-taking scenery and ancient traditions
  • Explore the ancient Nabataean site of Madain Saleh with its marvellous tombs hewn out of the rocks
  • See Riyadh – the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia – with its outstanding architecture that juxtaposes history and modernity
  • Discover ancient Arabian forts and traditional mud brick villages – a snapshot of the rich history of the country

Culture

Saudis are extremely proud of their Islamic faith. They are deeply religious and interpret Islam in the strictest sense, and this is manifested in a number of ways. Saudi society is strictly segregated between the public (male) and the private (female) domains. While women are allowed in public, it is extremely restricted, usually only permitted when accompanied by a male relative. Similarly, their dress code is strict. When travelling on holiday in Saudi Arabia, you should follow the guidelines, such as always dressing conservatively, at all times to avoid any issues.

Recently, however, young Saudis have begun to push the boundaries of these strict social norms, and society is becoming slightly more liberal. Indeed, in September 2017, the ban on women’s driving was lifted. Women are also active as teachers, doctors, nurses and in other respectable professions, although the numbers are proportionality small.

The call to prayer will immediately become a regular occurrence throughout your visit to Saudi Arabia. This ritual, involving hundreds of Muslims praying in unison, occurs five times a day and is an essential and extremely significant element of Islamic culture. These prayers symbolise a ritual re-affirmation of Allah’s power and a reassertion of the brotherhood and equality of all believers. When the call to prayer is heard, businesses close and everything stops for the duration of the prayer.

When to go on holiday to Saudi Arabia

The ideal time to visit Saudi Arabia is between November and February, when the intense summer heat is over. From mid-April until October, the average daily temperature is around 40 degrees Celsius, making autumn and winter the ideal months to travel in the Middle East.

Start planning your Saudi Arabia tour

Check out our scheduled small group tour to Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia – the Hidden Kingdom. While many of our trips are small group adventures with set departures, as a bespoke operator, we can design and create trips to suit any traveller, from solos to larger groups. If you would like to find out more about our tailor-made Saudi Arabia holidays or our group tours, call us on 01473 328546 or email us via our contact page. We’d love to hear from you.

Saudi Arabia Holidays and Tours - Entrance to traditional fort

Saudi Arabia

Good for:Local Culture, Stunning Landscapes and Historic Sites