Deserts, Culture, and Skyscrapers Adventure

Upon arrival in Jeddah, nestled on the shores of the Red Sea, you're greeted by a city that blends modernity with tradition. Known as Saudi Arabia’s second-largest city, Jeddah is home to roughly four million people. After settling into your hotel, we’ll gather at 19:00 to meet our guide at the reception. The evening promises an enriching experience as we wander through Al-Balad, Jeddah’s historic heart, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The neighbourhood's medieval streets, adorned with traditional coral houses and wooden balconies, are particularly captivating under the soft glow of night-time illumination. You’ll find numerous delightful eateries here, offering a perfect spot to end the day on a culinary high. Please be aware that participants may join or leave the tour at different intervals, but rest assured, the group size remains manageable for a personalised experience. 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.

On our second day in Jeddah, we'll immerse ourselves in a city of remarkable contrasts alongside a knowledgeable local guide. Jeddah is currently undergoing a remarkable transformation, aspiring to become a global metropolis, with the construction of the Jeddah Tower as a central highlight. This architectural marvel, expected to be the world's tallest building, will stand over a kilometre high upon completion.Our journey continues along the Corniche, where we’ll be treated to stunning sea views, visit seaside mosques, and enjoy recreational spaces. Among the highlights is the King Fahd Fountain, renowned for being the tallest fountain of its kind, with water jets soaring over 300 meters into the air. After this, we will pause at the vibrant fish market, where the energetic atmosphere is truly captivating.Our itinerary includes a visit to "Al Taybat International City," an impressive architectural complex that houses fascinating history and ethnography museums. We'll return to explore the heart of Jeddah via Bab Makkah, the city's main gate. Here, you’ll get the chance to explore Beit Salloum, a historic house turned museum. We will also pass by the storied Eve Cemetery, reputed to be the resting place of Eve, the biblical Adam's wife and the first woman, according to tradition.For lunch, you'll have free time to choose from an array of dining options in a local shopping centre. In the afternoon, we'll visit the Al Rahma Mosque, famously known as the Floating Mosque, beautifully constructed on pillars over the Red Sea. We'll then embrace the vibrant atmosphere of the adjacent marina, located near the world-famous Formula 1 racetrack.End your day with the freedom to delve deeper into Jeddah or simply enjoy its surroundings at your leisure.

Following breakfast, we depart Jeddah and travel inland on expansive highways that traverse the deserts and mountains, leading us to the sacred city of Medina. Known as "the luminous city," Medina is one of the two holiest cities in Islam and was long inaccessible to non-Muslims. Here, appropriate dress and respect for local customs and beliefs are essential. Upon arriving around noon, we'll pause at a large shopping centre on the city's outskirts, allowing you to enjoy lunch at its diverse food court. Our exploration begins at the majestic Prophet’s Mosque (Al Masjid an Nabawi), a stunning mosque with 10 minarets, accommodating up to a million visitors, and the final resting place of the Prophet Muhammad. We will continue to the renowned Mount Uhud, a significant site where forces of the Prophet clashed with those of Mecca. You may walk and climb the esplanade in respectful silence, observing the many pilgrims. Our journey then takes us to the Quba Mosque, where in 622 AD the Prophet and his followers laid the first stone of the Islamic faith's first mosque, later rebuilt. We'll stroll to the garden and well of Ethiq, a historic meeting place for tribes welcoming the Prophet after his flight from Mecca. You will have some free time in the city centre to explore local shops or perhaps visit the Hejaz Railway Museum at the old Ottoman train station. In the afternoon, our itinerary includes a visit to the Al Madinah Museum, dedicated to the city's historical significance. As dusk approaches, we return to Al Masjid to witness the powerful experience of thousands gathering for prayer, amid the mosque's enchanting illuminations. Dinner is included as we conclude our day in Medina.

Following breakfast, we continue our journey eastward through a sparsely inhabited region featuring desert landscapes in an array of captivating colours. Our destination is Buraidah, the capital of the El Qasim province, boasting a population of over 600,000 and situated in a vast oasis. You'll have some free time to enjoy lunch at your leisure. Post-lunch, we explore this agricultural city, known for its oasis-grown products such as dates, lemons, oranges, and wheat. Notably, in August, the city hosts a massive date market that draws visitors from afar. We will visit the so-called "city of dates," which varies in activity with the seasons, and sample this luscious palm fruit. Thereafter, we'll wander through the city centre, taking time to explore the vegetable market, admire the grand mosque, browse the jewellery souks, and absorb the vibrant atmosphere. Dinner is included.

On the fifth day of our journey, we rise early in Buraidah to visit the largest camel market in the world. This city, famed for its connection to these iconic creatures, also boasts a camel hospital. Our journey continues along the ancient route once traversed by pilgrims journeying from Iraq to Mecca, with historical towns and oases punctuating our path. We arrive in Ushaiger, where we explore the Heritage Village, an essential stop for pilgrims known for its springs and elegant oasis. Here, you'll see intricate Najdi architecture, highlighted by carved wooden doors and triangular roofs, while lunch will be included for us. Continuing, we travel through ever-changing desert landscapes to Shaqra, a city budding with development near its university. In Shaqra, we tour the fortified old city, appreciating its charming market and narrow adobe streets. Our next destination is Al Qasab, a place historically renowned for producing salt and wheat, as well as nurturing poetic talent. We visit the walled town and the saline lagoons, still producing hundreds of thousands of tons of salt each year. By evening, we arrive in Riyadh, the vibrant capital of Saudi Arabia, teeming with nearly eight million residents, where our day concludes.

On Day 6, we fully immerse ourselves in the vibrant capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh. Depending on the time of year, we may rearrange the order of activities, but our exploration of this impressive city promises to captivate. Our adventure begins with a visit to the Kingdom Centre, featuring an iconic design and an observation deck shaped like a bridge. From here, we enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the city skyline. Our journey continues to the National Museum, nestled within a picturesque park, where we delve into the rich history, culture, and art of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Next, we explore the Masmak Fortress, the city's ancient stronghold, which provides a fascinating glimpse into Riyadh's dramatic transformation over the past century.Following this, you have free time to wander through a vibrant local neighbourhood, filled with bustling souks and commercial activity, offering a taste of Riyadh's everyday life. For lunch, you’re free to choose from an array of restaurants within a modern shopping centre.In the evening, we visit Al Rajhi Mosque, Riyadh's largest, renowned for its splendid Andalusian architecture. Here, we witness a prayer and gain insight into the Islamic faith. Our day's journey concludes with a transfer to Riyadh City Boulevard. This lively area buzzes with attractions, numerous international restaurants, live shows, and the mesmerising spectacle of illuminated fountains. You'll have free time to dine and stroll through this dynamic hotspot before returning to the hotel.

Today, we begin our journey on the outskirts of Riyadh, where we will visit Diriyah in the Al Turaif district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area was home to the first capital of the Saudi dynasty, and visitors can explore the remnants of its many palaces and the urban complex perched on the edge of an oasis. From here, we travel along well-maintained highways to the Al-Ahsa Oasis, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, distinguished by its elaborate gardens, canals, and wells. This oasis, which dates back to the Neolithic era, is the largest in the world, boasting nearly three million date palms. Upon arrival in Al Hofuf, the key city within the oasis, we will stroll through the enchanting Al Qaisariya Souq. This market is one of the oldest in Arabia and beautifully reflects the region's rich commercial heritage. Our day concludes with an evening walk through King Abdullah Park, where we can enjoy a serene atmosphere, complete with an artificial lake and captivating musical fountains. Dinner is provided.

After breakfast, we begin our exploration of Al-Hofuf. Our first stop is the historic Ibrahim Palace, a World Heritage site. This fortress, built by the Ottomans in 1556, is noted for its striking white mosque. Next, we visit the "House of Allegiance," a small oasis palace that encapsulates the architectural style of the region. We then proceed to the vibrant area surrounding the Mehaires Palace, which is bustling with restaurants, shops, and parks popular with the locals.Continuing our journey across the oasis, we head to Al Qara, renowned for its dramatic landscape of labyrinthine paths, mini-gorges, and caves in the mountain. The constant temperature of around 25 degrees creates a welcoming climate throughout the year. Here, we’ll also visit the "Land of Civilizations" museum, where you can learn about the rich history of the area.In the afternoon, we make our way towards the Persian Gulf and arrive in Dammam, the provincial capital, home to nearly a million people. En route, we stop at Ithra, an architecturally remarkable site housing the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, which features leisure zones, museums, and a library. Once in Dammam, we visit the Khobar water tower and follow the modern promenade to the Heritage Village. This fortress-like structure by the sea presents an introduction to Saudi civilization, with a small museum showcasing antique artefacts, including a collection of historic automobiles. Dinner is included today. Do note that the Ibrahim Palace is currently undergoing restoration, so our visit may be limited to the exterior.

Following breakfast, we journey across the 25-kilometre King Fahd Causeway, known as the Friendship Bridge, connecting Saudi Arabia to Bahrain. After completing border formalities, we arrive in Manama, the capital of Bahrain. Our exploration begins with a visit to Muharraq, the historic district boasting beautifully restored houses of pearl merchants and royal residences nestled along its pedestrian alleys. We then travel along the corniche and delve into the Beit Al Quran museum, dedicated to the Quran—the holy book of Muslims.Continuing on, we explore the National Museum of Bahrain, which offers insight into the country's rich history, art, and traditions. You will have free time in a local mall where you can select a lunch option from the food court. In the afternoon, we visit the grand Al-Fateh Mosque, the country’s largest mosque. Our tour then takes us to Qalat Al Bahrain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site—a striking seaside fortress with a history spanning 4,000 years. From there, we delve into Bahrain's oil production areas, pausing near the nation's inaugural oil well. Not to be missed is the iconic "Tree of Life," a remarkable tree thriving in the desert for over 500 years.As the day winds down, we return to Manama and enjoy free time. In the evening, we wander through the lively Manama souq, explore Little India's vibrant neighbourhood, visit the Krishna temple, and discover numerous small Indian restaurants—a testament to Bahrain's sizeable Indian community, numbering over 300,000. Please note, the order of these visits may vary.

With the morning at your leisure in Bahrain, you're welcome to explore the historic heart of the city or delve into its array of intriguing museums. When afternoon arrives, we will organise your transfer to the airport for a flight (included) to Doha. Upon landing in Qatar's lively capital, you’ll be taken to your hotel with the rest of the day to relax or venture out at your own pace.

Spend the day exploring the vibrant city of Doha, where modernity meets tradition. We'll start with a tour of the Corniche, a stunning waterfront promenade lined with impressive skyscrapers and pristine beaches. As we continue, we'll pass the Al Thumama Stadium, built for the 2022 World Cup, and the National Museum with its striking architecture. A highlight of the day will be a visit to the Museum of Islamic Art, housing the world's largest collection of its kind.We'll delve into the cultural heart of Doha at the Falcon Souq and Souq Waqif. The Falcon Souq offers insight into the traditional sport of falconry, while Souq Waqif, rebuilt to resemble a 19th-century market, provides a lively atmosphere to wander through. Nearby, you'll glimpse the stables of Arabian horses.For lunch, we'll head to The Pearl of Qatar, an artificial archipelago where you can enjoy free time in the Qanat shopping area, a Venetian-inspired locale. The day concludes at Katara, a cultural village showcasing architectural replicas from around the world. Here, you'll find various dining options, an opera house, and an amphitheatre. Lunch is included in today's exploration of Qatar's capital.

Today, you will embark on a journey from Doha to the dazzling city of Dubai. We will begin with a transfer to the airport for your flight, which is included in the itinerary. Upon arrival in Dubai, you will be taken to your hotel, where you have the afternoon at your leisure to explore or relax as you please.As evening descends, we will head out to experience Dubai's vibrant nightlife. Our first stop will be the stunning Dubai Fountain show, a mesmerising display where water, music, and lights harmoniously dance at the base of the towering Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building at an impressive 828 metres. You will have the opportunity to stroll around and perhaps indulge in dinner at your own choice within the expansive Dubai Mall, which offers a myriad of dining options to suit every palate. After a captivating evening, we will return to the hotel.Please note that the flight from Doha may land at Dubai or in a nearby airport, such as Sharjah or Abu Dhabi.

Today, we embark on an extraordinary exploration of Dubai. Our first stop is the Dubai Frame, where you can marvel at the panoramic views framed by this impressive architectural landmark. Next, we delve into the old quarter, strolling through the vibrant Bur Dubai Souq and the fragrant Spice Souq. We'll then hop on an Abra, a traditional Emirati boat, to cross over to the historic Al Fahidi neighbourhood. Here, you'll visit the Centre for Cultural Understanding, which champions the motto "Open Minds, Open Doors." In this culturally rich area, we indulge in a typical Emirati meal served in a traditional setting. If our group has more than fifteen travellers, you'll have the opportunity to learn about the Emirates' diverse gastronomy.In the afternoon, we'll take in the sights of the grand Jumeirah Mosque. Our journey continues past the iconic Burj Al Arab, known for its sail-like silhouette, and onto the remarkable Palm Jumeirah, an island shaped like a palm tree. We'll enjoy a scenic monorail ride and then explore the bustling Marina area on foot. To round off the day, you'll have some leisure time at JBR Beach, Dubai's most dynamic and popular shoreline spot.

After breakfast, we conclude our journey in Dubai. This marks the end of our services. You are free to explore the city further at your leisure, perhaps diving into its distinct blend of modernity and tradition, capturing those last few memories before departing. Safe travels as you continue on your way.