Day 2 - Riyadh
Spend today exploring Riyadh. We visit the Murraba Palace, built by King Abdul Aziz in the traditional style as a home for his family, as well as the historic Masmak fortress, one of the oldest buildings in the city. As well as this we will visit the Dira souq, specialising in copper and brass as well as old Bedouin jewellery, and if time allows, the Rajhi Mosque. Overnight Warwick Hotel or similar. (B)
Day 3 - Ushaiger – Al Nafud
Drive to the well-preserved mud brick village of Ushaiger, with its approximately 400 houses and 25 mosques lining a maze of paths amidst the palm trees and orchards. Later head out to explore the desert dunes of Al Nafud, then return to Riyadh for the night. Overnight Warwick Hotel or similar. (B)
Day 4 - Al Ula
Fly to Al Ula, with its superbly preserved historic buildings. This is the gateway to Madain Saleh but is well worth exploring on its own. Upon arrival we visit its main sites including the ‘lion tomb’ and Ikmah Mountain with its ancient inscriptions, followed by a walk through the old town. Overnight Sahary Resort or similar. (BLD)
Day 5 - Madain Saleh
Head to the site of Madain Saleh – perhaps the highlight of this trip. We spend time exploring its numerous tombs and chambers hewn into the rocks, a remnant of the Nabataean civilisation which once ruled this part of Arabia. We also visit the famous ‘elephant rock’, before returning to Al Ula for the night. Overnight Sahary Resort or similar. (B)
Day 6 - Al Ula - Jeddah
Day 7 - Jeddah
Spend today exploring Jeddah. This morning visit some of the old Ottoman houses, constructed from coral and wood, for a sense of the history of this Red Sea city, built on the wealth of ancient trade routes. We also explore the fish market and have time to stroll along the cornice with the locals. Overnight Warwick Hotel or similar. (B)
Day 8 - Jeddah
Please note that government restrictions may sometimes force us to make amendments to this itinerary, and you should be prepared for a degree of flexibility. The Saudi authorities can be rather arbitrary in making sudden closures of sites and we cannot always guarantee that all sites can be visited. You should also be aware that some sites, like forts and mosques, can generally only be viewed from the outside.
Optional Pre or Post Tour Bahrain Extension
Day 1 - Bahrain
Arrive in Bahrain and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free. Overnight Golden Tulip Hotel or similar.
Day 2 - Bahrain
Spend today exploring the island of Bahrain. We head south to see the vast site of A’Ali, home to numerous burial mounds dating back 4000 years, then take a closer look at the burial chambers of Saar. We also stop at the fort at Riffa and the remains of the temple of Barbar, before returning to the capital Manama and exploring its lively souq, and the impressive Bahrain Fort, overlooking the ocean. Overnight Golden Tulip Hotel or similar. (B)
Day 3 - Bahrain
This morning visit the National Museum to give a bit more of an insight into the history and traditions of the island. We then drive to the island of Muharraq, home to a beautifully restored historic quarter which gives an idea of what much of the country would have looked like before the discovery of oil. After a visit to a nearby shipyard which builds traditional dhows, the afternoon is free to relax or explore. Overnight Golden Tulip Hotel or similar. (B)
Day 4 - Bahrain
Transfer to the airport for departure. (B)
Please note: this extension can be modified to fit your flights – for example if you are flying into Bahrain early in the morning of Day 1, excursions can start on that day rather than waiting until Day 2. Similarly, you could fly out in the afternoon / evening of Day 3 rather than have a third night in Bahrain.
Optional Pre or Post Tour Qatar Extension
Day 2 - Doha
After breakfast we explore the city. The contrast between history and modernity, old and new is very apparent in this fast growing metropolis. We visit the National Museum of Qatar, as well as Doha’s historical quarter at the Souq Waqif Heritage Market with its extensive wares including an array of spices and herbs, textiles and art. We then head to Doha’s modern landmarks, from the Corniche at the waterfront to the West Bay District with its towering skyscrapers including Doha Tower and the government buildings, as well as the cultural village of Katara with its mosques, amphitheatre and sculptures. Overnight Best Western Hotel or similar. (B)
Day 3 - Desert Safari
After breakfast we head south, venturing into the desert to drive through the dunes to the inland sea of Khor al Adaid, close to the border with Saudi Arabia. Return to Doha and the afternoon is free. Overnight Best Western Hotel or similar. (B)
Day 4 - Doha
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
What's included?
What's not included?
Visas
All travellers will need a visa for Saudi Arabia, which can be applied for online.
You must not have any Israeli stamps, or other evidence of travel to Israel, in your passport. This will lead to your visa application being rejected.
Visa regulations can change however and so we recommend that you contact your nearest embassy for the most up to date information.
Health and vaccinations
We are not medically qualified and so we recommend that you speak to your doctor or nearest health professional for advice concerning recommended vaccinations. For more advice on vaccinations, you can also visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk.
If you have any physical limitations that might impact your ability to participate in the planned tour activities, it’s essential that you make us aware as soon as possible so that we can discuss this with you.
Insurance
It is a condition of joining our tours that you have suitable travel insurance in place, and we cannot accept travellers without insurance. All policies differ in terms of what they will cover, but as a minimum you need medical and health cover which will cover you for the whole time that you are away. Most policies will also include cancellation cover, which will cover you if an unforeseen circumstance obliges you to cancel your trip. We recommend that you obtain your insurance as soon as you book your trip.
Please note that government travel warnings often affect the validity of your travel insurance, and you should check this with your insurance company.
Money
The local currency here is the riyal, and US dollars, Euros and UK pounds are all accepted for exchange purposes. Your guide will be able to help you change money.
Local conditions
When travelling to some of the destinations we offer you need to bear in mind that things won’t always work here as we’re used to them working at home. Travelling in underdeveloped and untouristed destinations requires both patience and a sense of humour. There may be problems with infrastructure, attitudes may be different, and maintenance may not be as high a standard as we would always like, but this is very much part and parcel of travelling in such a place. We aim to resolve any issues as quickly as possible, and thank you for your patience.
This is particularly relevant to this trip – Saudi Arabia has a very different culture to our own, most visibly concerning the status of women in society. Please respect the advice of your guide at all times in order to avoid problems during the tour.
Many sites close between noon and 3pm, and you’ll also find that long lunches are fairly customary here, which uses this time reasonably effectively – adapting to this slower pace is necessary when you’re here.
Travel advice
We keep a very close eye on the travel advice issued by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office so that we can keep you up to date with any warnings.At the time of writing the FCO advises against travel to Abha airport, which we visit on this trip.
We work very closely with our local team and are fully confident that we can operate tours safely in Saudi Arabia. Should you have any concerns over safety please do not hesitate to contact us and we can address your concerns.
This relates to advice from the British government – other nationalities need to check the stance of their own governments.
Please note that the information contained above is highly susceptible to change, and while we endeavour to keep up to date we recommend that you use this as a guide only. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Updated July 2023
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