Arabian Adventure From Red Sea to Gulf

Upon your arrival in Saudi Arabia, a land of striking contrasts and unforgettable experiences, you will be transferred to your hotel in Jeddah. Nestled by the Red Sea, Jeddah is the country's second-largest city, home to four million residents. At 19:00, we will gather with our guide in the hotel lobby to embark on an evening stroll through Al-Balad, Jeddah’s historic heart. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts medieval alleys and houses adorned with coral and wooden balconies. The enchanting night-time illumination enhances the area's charm, making it a favourite spot for both locals and visitors, with a variety of delightful restaurants to explore. Please note, throughout the tour, you may join or part with fellow travellers at various points along the journey, but rest assured, the group size will always remain within the designated limit. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

A full day in Jeddah awaits as we delve into this city of remarkable contrasts with our knowledgeable local guide. As the city evolves into a global megalopolis, the Jeddah Tower—set to become the tallest building in the world at over a thousand metres—stands out among its ongoing construction projects. We'll head towards the Corniche, where stunning sea views, seaside mosques, and recreational spaces create a delightful atmosphere. As we proceed, we'll witness the awe-inspiring King Fahd Fountain, which propels its water jets to heights exceeding 300 metres, making it the tallest of its kind globally.Our tour will also take us to the bustling and vibrant fish market, offering a glimpse into the daily life of the city. We'll then include a visit to the "Al Taybat International City," an architecturally captivating complex featuring fascinating history and ethnography museums. We'll revisit the historic centre, entering through Bab Makkah, Jeddah’s most significant gate. There, we'll explore Beit Salloum, a graceful house now transformed into a museum. Passing by the Eve Cemetery, purported to be the final resting place of Eve, we reach a shopping centre for some free time. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely lunch, choosing from an array of restaurants offering diverse cuisine. In the afternoon, we'll explore the Al Rahma Mosque, affectionately known as the floating mosque, sited on the Red Sea with pillars supporting it over the water. We'll also take in the lively marina, located close to the Formula 1 racing track, adding excitement to our spectacular day in Jeddah.

Following breakfast, we'll set off towards the interior of Arabia, traversing expansive highways that sweep through deserts and mountains, ultimately leading us to the revered city of Medina, known as "the luminous city". Upon our midday arrival, we'll pause at a sizeable shopping centre at the city's entrance for lunch in its food court, where you can choose a meal to suit your taste. Medina stands as an awe-inspiring historical site, being one of the two holiest cities in Islam and a pivotal pilgrimage destination hosting millions of visitors annually. Non-Muslims were only recently permitted to visit this sacred place, so visitors must show respect for local customs and beliefs, including dressing appropriately.In the afternoon, we'll take a walk around the grand Prophet's Mosque (Al Masjid an Nabawi), notable for its 10 minarets and capacity to welcome a million visitors. It is also the resting place of the prophet himself, adding further to its significance. Our journey will continue to Mount Uhud, a vital pilgrimage site marking an important historical battle. You can wander along its vast esplanade and ascend the mountain, but do so quietly in deference to the many pilgrims around us.We'll proceed to the Quba Mosque, historically significant as the first mosque in history founded by the prophet and his followers in 622, though the current structure is more recent. From here, a short walk will bring us to the nearby Ethiq garden and well, where tribes greeted the prophet upon his arrival in Medina after fleeing Mecca.Later, enjoy some free time to explore Medina's city centre. You might choose to wander through its shopping areas or, if you prefer, visit the Hejaz Railway Museum. As the day unfolds, we'll visit the Al Madinah Museum to gain deeper insight into the city's storied past. When evening falls, we'll head back to Al Masjid Mosque. Here you'll experience the profound emotions as thousands gather for prayer, enhanced by the mosque's mesmerising illumination. Dinner will be provided, and we will retire for the night without overnight arrangements.

After enjoying breakfast, we continue our journey eastward across a sparsely populated terrain, characterised by its desert landscapes and vibrant hues. Our destination is Buraidah, the capital of the El Qasim province, known for its sizeable oasis and a population exceeding 600,000. Upon arrival, you’ll have some leisure time for lunch. Later, we delve into the city’s economy, largely driven by the cultivation of oasis products such as dates, lemons, oranges, and wheat. If you're visiting around August, you'll witness the bustling date market that attracts buyers from afar. Our visit to 'the city of the date' offers a chance to sample this sweet fruit, a staple of the local palm trees. After exploring the date market, we'll wander through the vibrant city centre, home to a vegetable market, a grand mosque, jewellery souks, and lively activity. Dinner will be provided, allowing you to unwind after an eventful day.

In the early morning, we will visit the world's largest Camel Market in Buraidah, a city renowned for its camel hospital. Our journey then takes us along the historic pilgrimage route from Iraq to Mecca, peppered with ancient towns and small oases. Upon arriving in Ushaiger, we'll explore the Heritage Village, a key stop for pilgrims, known for its springs and charming oasis. You'll have the chance to admire the Najdi architecture, visit a small museum, and appreciate the quaint wooden doors, ornate windows, and distinctive triangular roofs. A lunch is included to keep you energised for more exploration.The journey continues through the mesmerising dune deserts to Shaqra, a city witnessing growth with its university. We'll delve into its fortified ancient city, where the picturesque old market and adobe alleys await. Our exploration presses on to Al Qasab, historically noted for salt and wheat production, as well as its poetic heritage. Here, we'll explore the walled city and the saline lagoons, where a remarkable 200,000 tonnes of salt are produced annually.As evening approaches, we will arrive in Riyadh, the bustling capital of Saudi Arabia, with a vibrant atmosphere and a population nearing eight million.

In Riyadh, the vibrant capital of Saudi Arabia, our exploration begins with a visit to the Kingdom Centre. Standing just over 300 metres, this iconic tower boasts a striking design and features a bridge-shaped viewpoint, offering breathtaking vistas of the city. Afterwards, we delve into the rich history and culture of the nation at the National Museum, situated within a charming park. This largest museum in the country provides a fascinating insight into the kingdom's heritage. Our journey continues at the Masmak Fortress, a significant historical site that offers a glimpse into the transformative changes this city has undergone over the past century. You will have time to meander through the surrounding neighbourhood, bustling with souks and vibrant commerce.For lunch, we suggest visiting a mall where you can choose from a variety of culinary options according to your preferences. In the evening, we will escort you to the Al Rajhi Mosque, a majestic example of Andalusian-style architecture renowned as the largest mosque in Riyadh. There, we will experience a prayer session and receive an introduction to Islam, offering an enlightening perspective on this religion.Our day concludes with a lively visit to Riyadh City Boulevard, a pulsating hub of entertainment. Revel in its attractions, savour diverse international cuisine at its numerous restaurants, admire its live performances, and be captivated by the mesmerising display of colourful fountains. You'll have free time to enjoy dinner and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere before returning to the hotel.

As we leave the bustling city of Riyadh, we venture on a captivating journey to the historic district of Diriyah, located just outside the city. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Diriyah was the original seat of the Saudi dynasty and offers a glimpse into its glorious past with stunning remnants of palaces set amidst the tranquil oasis. After soaking in the history of Diriyah, our journey continues along well-maintained highways to the awe-inspiring Al-Ahsa Oasis—also declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This enormous oasis, believed to have been inhabited since the Neolithic era, is the world's largest, featuring nearly three million date palms. We reach Al-Hofuf, the bustling heart of the oasis, where you'll have some time to explore the renowned Al Qaisariya Souq. This market, one of Arabia's oldest, is an embodiment of the region’s rich commerce traditions. As evening falls, unwind with a leisurely stroll through King Abdullah Park, a delightful setting replete with an artificial lake and musical fountains, adding a magical touch to the day's end. Dinner is included, offering a perfect close to an enriching day.

In the morning, we set out to explore Al-Hofuf, beginning with the historic Ibrahim Palace. This fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features a striking white mosque and was built by the Ottomans in 1556. We proceed to the "House of Allegiance," offering insight into the typical architecture of palaces found in this oasis region. Our exploration takes us to the vibrant area around Mehaires Palace, brimming with local eateries, shops, and parks popular with residents. Later, as we traverse the lush oasis region, we arrive at Al Qara. Known for its stunning landscape, this area is famed for its labyrinth of mini-gorges and caves nestled in the mountainside, where temperatures remain a pleasant 25 degrees year-round. While here, we visit the "Land of Civilizations" museum, which delves into the area's rich history.In the afternoon, our journey continues towards the Persian Gulf, where we visit the bustling city of Dammam. En route, we stop at the impressive Ithra site, home to the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture. This modern, architecturally striking complex hosts leisure areas, museums, and a library. Upon reaching Dammam, we pause to admire the Khobar water tower and meander along the city's modern promenade to the Heritage Village, designed like a fortress along the coast. Here, we can explore its small but fascinating museum of antique objects and enjoy dinner as we unwind for the evening.Please note that as of itinerary creation, the Ibrahim Palace is under restoration and can only be appreciated from the outside.

After breakfast, we journey across the 25-kilometre Friendship Bridge connecting Saudi Arabia with Bahrain, undergoing necessary border procedures. Bahrain, a small island nation of historical significance, promises an intriguing exploration. Our first stop is the capital, Manama, where we delve into the historic district of Muharraq. Stroll through its pedestrian alleyways, where exquisite royal residences and the well-preserved homes of wealthy pearl merchants await your discovery. We then take a scenic drive around the corniche, pausing to visit Beit Al Quran, a museum dedicated to the Qur'an, offering a unique insight into the Islamic holy book. Our cultural immersion continues at the National Museum of Bahrain, where you can explore the rich art, ethnography, and traditions that underscore the country’s historical prominence. You'll have time to choose your own lunch at a mall food court, catering to a variety of tastes.In the afternoon, we visit the grand Al-Fateh Mosque, Bahrain's main place of worship, notable for its architectural splendour. Our journey proceeds to Qal'at al-Bahrain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This seaside fortress, inhabited for 4000 years, boasts a history as majestic as its setting. Later, we'll explore the petroleum-rich landscape, stopping at Bahrain’s first oil well and the iconic ‘Tree of Life’, a remarkable 500-year-old tree thriving in the desert. We return to Manama for some free time before an evening stroll through the vibrant Manama souq. Here, you can experience the lively atmosphere of Little India, discover the Krishna temple, and sample local Indian cuisine from an array of small restaurants. Please note that the sequence of visits may vary.

On the morning of Day 10, enjoy some free time to explore Bahrain at your own pace. You might choose to stroll through its historic centre or delve into one of its many museums. In the afternoon, we'll provide a transfer to the airport for your included flight to Doha. Upon arrival in Qatar's vibrant capital, we'll arrange a transfer to your hotel, allowing you some leisure time to begin discovering the city's unique blend of tradition and modernity. Enjoy the evening as you wish, soaking in the atmosphere of this intriguing city.

Today, we embark on a discovery of Doha, a city where tradition meets modernity. Our tour begins at the bustling Corniche, where a skyline of impressive skyscrapers meets pristine beaches. We'll catch a glimpse of the ultra-modern Al Thumama Stadium, a key venue for the 2022 World Cup. Next, we marvel at the architectural wonder of the National Museum before entering the Museum of Islamic Art, home to the world's largest collection of Islamic art.In a nod to tradition, we visit the Falcon Souq, a testament to the deep-seated practice of falconry in Qatar, and stroll through the Souq Waqif. This market captures the essence of a 19th-century bazaar and is situated near stables housing graceful Arabian horses.Lunchtime brings us to 'The Pearl of Qatar,' an artificial island dotted with luxury and Venetian-inspired shopping areas. After a delicious lunch, we head to KATARA, a cultural village boasting architectural replicas worldwide, offering various dining options, an opera house, and an amphitheatre. This day truly showcases Qatar's blend of cultural heritage and cutting-edge progress.

After breakfast, we will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Dubai (included). Upon arrival, a transfer will be waiting to take you to your hotel, where you'll have some free time to unwind. In the evening, we will venture out to witness the spectacular cityscape of Dubai as it comes alive at night. Our first stop will be the mesmerising Dubai Fountain show, where water, music, and lights synchronise in a captivating display. Situated at the base of the awe-inspiring Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest tower at 828 metres, this experience is truly unforgettable. You'll then have time to explore and dine at your leisure in the expansive Dubai Mall, home to a myriad of dining options. We'll return to the hotel afterwards. Please note: the flight from Doha may arrive at Dubai or a nearby airport such as Sharjah or Abu Dhabi.

Our adventure today takes us through the vibrant and dynamic city of Dubai. We begin with a visit to the iconic Dubai Frame, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city, seamlessly blending old and new perspectives. Afterwards, we explore the historic heart of Dubai, strolling through the bustling Bur Dubai Souq and the aromatic Spice Souq. An exciting ride on a traditional Abra will ferry us across to the Al Fahidi Historical District. Here, we'll visit the Centre for Cultural Understanding, embraced by the ethos of “Open Minds, Open Doors.” A traditional Emirati meal awaits us, and for groups exceeding 15, there will be an enriching talk on the culinary heritage of the Emirates.In the afternoon, we drive past the grand Jumeirah Mosque before taking in the sights of the awe-inspiring Burj Al Arab, a landmark that epitomises Dubai's vision. We also visit Palm Jumeirah, an engineering marvel shaped like a palm tree, where you'll enjoy a ride on the sleek monorail. A leisurely walk through the vibrant Marina area offers a taste of Dubai's lively spirit. Our evening concludes with some free time at the popular JBR Beach, where you can relax and soak up the bustling atmosphere.

After breakfast, we’ll set off for Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates and the largest of its emirates. Our journey begins with a visit to the iconic Ferrari World, known for its dedication to the famous sports car brand. Next, we’ll explore the impressive Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the largest mosque in the UAE, covering over 12 hectares. This stunning white marble sanctuary is designed to foster cultural and religious understanding. As we enter the city, we'll drive past the futuristic Capital Gate, renowned as the world's most tilted skyscraper. From the Corniche, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the city's skyline. At the Heritage Village, we’ll delve into the rich tapestry of Emirati life and culture. Here, you can take in the views, browse craft shops, and explore small museums that provide insight into the region's history. We'll have lunch in the city centre, which is included in your trip. In the afternoon, admission is included to Qasr Al Watan, the presidential palace of the Emirates. Marvel at its opulence, from the vast white granite rooms to a chandelier made from 350,000 glass pieces. Afterward, we visit the cultural district, home to several museums, including the striking Louvre Abu Dhabi. You’ll have the option to explore its world-class collections or simply enjoy free time in this vibrant district. Nearby, we'll pause at the Abrahamic Family House, featuring a church, mosque, and synagogue side by side. Finally, in the evening, we will visit The Founders Memorial, a tribute to Zayed, the first ruler of the Emirates, where The Constellation impresses with its splendid night illumination.

Following breakfast, our services conclude as your memorable journey through fascinating landscapes and diverse cultures comes to an end. We trust you've had an enriching experience exploring the remarkable destinations and immersing yourself in their unique stories and traditions. Safe travels as you continue your adventures or make your way home, taking with you cherished memories of your time in this remarkable region.