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16 Days The Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia Tour Package Duration: 16 Days / 15 Nights Priced From: $5,726 pp dbl. occ. Dates: Oct, Jan, Oct  Payment of your deposit on this trip confirms your understanding of the circumstances re travel to Saudi Arabia and acceptance of our booking terms and conditions pertaining to limitations of liability. There is a veil hung over Saudi Arabia that distorts the reality that resides behind it. Lift the veil, however, and you will find that many conceptions of Saudi Arabia are truly misconceptions. Saudi Arabia has a lot to offer its visitors. Though different from most countries, it is rich in culture, religion and tradition that give the country its uniqueness. Occupying four-fifths of the Arabian Peninsula, Saudi Arabia is the largest country in area in the Middle East - but 95% of the land is desert. Mountains running parallel to the Red Sea slope down to plains along the Persian Gulf (called Arabian Gulf by Arab states). Below the arid landscape, oil has made this desert kingdom one of the wealthiest nations in the world. For centuries 'Arabia' has appealed to travellers all over the world, inspired by explorers and travellers reports and tales. Today's Saudi Arabia is still a land of mystery! With so many different landscapes, peoples, cultures and traditions, the diversity of Saudi Arabia is virtually limitless. Join the adventure to discover the treasures of Saudi Arabia. Tour Itinerary Day 1 Arrival in Dubai, UAE Individual flight arrangements into Saudi Arabia cannot be arranged. For this reason, our tour must start / end in Dubai, with the group arriving together into Riyadh on Saudi Arabian Airlines. While we have endeavoured to make this itinerary as accurate as possible, it should be considered as an approximate schedule of sightseeing and overnight locations. This itinerary is subject to revision due to government restrictions, local permits and other reasons beyond our control. Overnight in Dubai. Dinner if required. Day 2 Dubai, UAE - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Today we fly from Dubai to Riyadh. Riyadh, situated on a large plateau in the center of the Arabian Peninsula, is both the capital of Saudi Arabia and it's largest city. The name Riyadh is derived from plural of the Arabic word rawdha, which means "garden," particularly those formed in the desert after the spring rains. Riyadh has for more than 1500 years been a fertile area set in the heartland of the Arabian Peninsula. The settlement was historically famous for its palm trees, dates and orchards. Once a small walled city, Riyadh has developed into a dynamic metropolis over the years and has become a focal point for both travel and trade. One of richest and splendid cities in this modern era, this is truly the heart of the Arab world. Overnight in Riyadh. Breakfast and dinner. Day 3 Riyadh: City Tour Considering that at the turn of the 20th Century there were no main roads leading into Riyadh, this desert capital has come a long way. Although Riyadh has always been the base of the ruling Al-Sauds, it was only in the 1970's that ministries and embassies relocated from the more cosmopolitan city of Jeddah to the traditional capital of Riyadh. Much of Riyadh has been constructed since the boom years of the 1970's. In addition to being the center of power, the city is also a commercial hub. Numerous educational, financial, agricultural, cultural, technical, and social organizations have set up base here. The architecture is mostly modern, including contemporary high-rise towers, but the Al-Dira district, the nucleus of the city, has been rebuilt in a style meant to evoke the old pre-20th century mud-brick buildings that once existed. Our full day of sightseeing will include a walking tour through the old city and a visit to the Masmak Fortress, the most important historical monument in Riyadh. Located in the center of the city, this fortress and museum symbolizes the unification and foundation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We will also be sure to visit the National Museum, which houses an impressive collection of cultural artifacts tracing the diverse history of the region, and will provide us with an extraordinary introduction to all aspects of the Kingdom's natural, religious, historical and social heritage. We will also visit the Murabba Palace and the Old Souq (D'ira Souq) with its antiques, gold and carpets. When passing through the new part of city we will view the Al-Faisaliah Tower and the Kingdom Tower. A short drive from the city center will bring us to the old oasis city of Dir'aiyah with its magnificent ruins. Dir'aiyah was the kingdom's first capital and the ruins are now one of Saudi Arabia's most popular archaeological sites. Founded in 1446, the city reached the height of its powers at the end of the 18th century, before being razed in 1818. The reconstructed ruins include palaces, mosques and the old city wall. Suburbs now join the old city with the new. Time permitting we will head out to see the Souq al-Jamal -- one of largest camel markets in Middle East. Overnight in Riyadh. Breakfast and dinner. Day 4 Riyadh - Hofuf This morning we will take the local train from Riyadh to Hofuf and the al-Hasa Oasis Hofuf is one of the major cultural centers in Saudi Arabia, and is the major urban center in the huge al-Hasa Oasis. The area is dotted with date palm farms, and it is these agricultural farms that make al-Hasa the largest oasis in Saudi Arabia. Hofuf was the capital of the Eastern Province until 1953 and various parts of the old town still show evidence of when the Ottoman Empire controlled most of the area. There are several landmarks of its distinguished past, and here one can find an old fort and one of the most interesting souqs in the Kingdom. Today a lot of well-known families live nearby, and the majority of the population is Sunni. The faculties of agriculture, veterinary medicine and animal resources of the King Faisal University are located in the city (the others being in Dammam). The Hofuf campus also has facilities where Saudi women can study medicine, dentistry and home economics. In ancient times, al-Hasa was at the center of the trade routes which traders followed between the east of the Arabian Peninsula and India, Persia and the Far East. Al-Hasa has been inhabited since prehistoric times, due to its abundance of water in an otherwise arid region. Natural fresh-water springs have encouraged human habitation and agricultural efforts (date palm cultivation especially) since prehistoric times. Because of the enormity of the oasis and the number of picturesque villages scattered through it, we will enjoy a drive through the greenery during part of our visit. The balance of our day will be spent exploring the region, and sour sightseeing will include a visit to the Qasr Ibrahim Fort, built in the 16th century by the Ottoman Governor of the time. He also built the Al-Qubbah Mosque, still in existence today. Nearby here is the souq, and this covered market is home to the 'women's souq', and is one of the biggest shopping centers of the area. One can find a great variety of items ranging from gold to textiles, with specific and shops for women. The Al-Hasa Museum provides and interesting and comprehensive look at the regions history. 15 minutes northeast of Hofuf is Al-Kilabiyah and the Jawatha Mosque, built in 629 AD at the hands of the Bani Abdul Qais tribe (dating from the early in the Islamic period). This mosque is believed to be the first mosque built in the Eastern Province and is where the second Friday congregation prayer in Islam was offered, the first being held at the Prophet's Mosque in Medina. Overnight in Hofuf. Breakfast and dinner. Day 5 Hofuf - Dammam - Al Jouf / Sakaka This morning we travel north to the modern city of Dammam, which lies on a strip of land that stretches out into the Persian Gulf. This is a thriving modern economic hub and a major seaport. In the early 1980s Dammam, the capital of the Eastern Region, was a separate city but so close to Al Khobar and Dhahran that the traveller could pass from one to the other in a few minutes. With the continuing expansion of all parts of the Kingdom, the three towns inevitably merged into one, creating a single municipality known as Dammam Area. Near Dammam are located the most important centers in the world for the production and refining of petroleum. With the discovery of oil in March 1938, the fortunes and lifestyle of the people of Arabia changed dramatically. With the economy financed by oil, the pace of growth and change has been phenomenal. Upon arrival to Dammam we will visit the Aramco Exhibition. This high-tech exhibit tells the story of the petroleum industry in Saudi Arabia and spotlights some of the Muslim world's technological heritage. The Dammam Museum focuses on the regions heritage and culture. The King Fahad Causeway connects Saudi Arabia with the island nation of Bahrain. We will drive along the corniche and view the 16th century Tarout Island Fort built by the Portuguese. This fort sits on top of a 3rd millennia BC Dilman civilization fort, as Tarout Island was a trading city and port for more than 7,000 years. Today the harbour is silted up and it is a forgotten backwater. This evening we take a flight to Al Jouf / Sakaka (via Riyadh). Overnight in Al Jouf / Sakaka. Breakfast and dinner. Day 6 Al Jouf / Sakaka Sakaka and Al-Jouf are adjacent oasis towns located in Al Jouf region. They both lie in the northern part of the Kingdom on the old caravan route from the Mediterranean to the south of the Arabian Peninsula. Jouf is Saudi Arabia's northern gateway, linking Syria and Iraq with the Arabia peninsula. It is the cradle of the Nabatean and Assyrian cultures. Jouf is of particular interest because of the role it has played in pre and post Islamic history. There is archeological evidence of the presence of the Assyrians and Nabateans in Jouf. Following its conquest by Muslims in the third year of the Hijira, it became a staging post for Muslim armies, setting out to spread the message of Islam, while remaining an important crossroads for traders and their caravans heading to or from Iraq and Syria into the Arabian Peninsula. With the help of government investment to improve agriculture in the region, Sakaka has developed its agricultural production. The cultivation of palms constitutes the main agricultural sector. In addition, Jouf produces wheat and a wide variety of fruit and vegetables, including grapes, figs, olives, potatoes and tomatoes. Our sightseeing in and around Jouf will include a tour of the old city and its museum. Qasr Marid is a walled fortress that overlooks the ancient town. Umar Mosque is located next to the Qasr Marid, and was built at the time of the second caliph, Umar Bin Al Khatab, who passed through the region on his way to Jerusalem. The Bir Saisra well in Sakaka is believed to be belong to the Nabatean period. Local people said that some areas of Sakaka town as well as the land to the south and East were once irrigated from this well by means of under ground channels. The Qasr Zabal citadel / fortress is located on the northern edge of the town. Overnight in Sakaka. Breakfast and dinner. Day 7 Sakaka - Hail This morning we will drive to Hail, situated in the Shammar mountain region, west of the Al-Odairie Valley (also known as the Hail valley). Traditionally this region derived its wealth from being on the camel caravan route of the Hajj, and the city grew because of its location on this pilgrimage route from Iraq. The opening of the Hejaz Railway between Damascus and Medina, together with new inexpensive steamship routes to Jeddah, undermined the traditional camel caravan economy of Ha'il. It was the capital of the independent emirate of Jabal Shammar, which Ibn Saud conquered in 1921. Today Hail has been transformed into a modern city. There are many gardens and landscaped areas within the city, as well as several historic palaces and fortresses (some dating the Ottoman era). Hail is also known for its agricultural products, (including vegetables, fruit, wheat and barley), and is the center of Saudi Arabia's agricultural program. Most of the wheat crops of the kingdom come from the area surrounding the city. We will tour the city of Hail with its ancient palaces, stone circles and rock drawings. Our sightseeing will take us to the old fort, situated in a prominent position overlooking the old city, with a commanding view of the surrounding desert terrain and the mountains of Jebel Selma and Aja. We will also view the Al Qashla (Qishla) Palace, an old two-story structure of adobe architecture. Overnight in Hail. Breakfast and dinner. Day 8 Hail - Al Ula / Madain Saleh Today we drive from Hail to Al-Ula, passing several villages en-route. This journey west follows along some amazing rock formations and some great desert sites where we may have opportunities to take photos of camel herds wandering in the vast desert. The Al-Ula Oasis was located on the incense route and was the capital of the ancient Lihyanites (Dedanites). Lihyan is an ancient Arab Kingdom that was located in northwestern Arabia, and is known for its Old North Arabian inscriptions dating back to the 6th to 4th centuries BC. The fragmentary inscriptions found in Iraq, Jordan, Syria and Saudi Arabia, are all written in scripts derived from Epigraphic South Arabian. These dialects appear to be predecessors of Classic Arabic. Today, Al-Ula is located in the heart of a beautiful corner of Saudi Arabia, on the west side of a narrow palm-lined wadi. This afternoon we will visit Al Ula with a walk through the old city and a visit to the Al Ula Museum. Al Ula has a rare combination of striking geography, ancient history, ethnography and nature that makes this a fascinating place to visit. This is a rare example of an Islamic city, which dates back to the 11th Century A.D. One of the main building materials here is reused stone brought from the archaeological site of Al Khuraiba located nearby. Many of the Lihyanite inscribed stones, alters, and stone blocks can be seen today in existing houses. The houses were lined side by side to form an outer enclosure wall to protect the city against enemy attacks. Overnight in Al Ula. Breakfast and dinner. Day 9 Al Ula / Madain Saleh Madain Saleh, which rises up from the sands in a landscape of real beauty, dates back to the Nabataean civilization and is considered to be one of the most important archaeological sites in Saudi Arabia. The Nabataeans were an ancient trading people whose oasis settlements gave the name of Nabatene to the borderland between Syria and Arabia, from the Euphrates to the Red Sea. This "Capital of the Monuments" is home to over 130 tombs, many dated to between the 2nd century BC and the 2nd century AD. Inscriptions engraved on rocks, facades of graves and mountains provide evidence of the existence of civilizations that had prevailed and fallen in this area. The Kingdom of Nabataeans, with its capital Petra in Jordan, expanded to dominate Madain Saleh, their second city. The landscape here of sweeping sand and wonderful rock formations is stunningly beautiful. The tombs are also in an excellent state of preservation, due largely to the fact that the local stone is much harder than that found at Petra. Our sightseeing of this extraordinary site will include an early morning visit to some of the most important tombs. We will also be sure to visit Qasr al-Bint and the Hejaz Railway Station #21. The Hejaz Railway was a narrow gauge railway that ran from Damascus to Medina, through the Hejaz region of Arabia, with a branch line to Haifa, on the Mediterranean Sea. It was a part of the Ottoman railways network and was built in order to extend the previously existing line between Istanbul and Damascus all the way to the holy city of Mecca (eventually being able to reach only Medina due to the interruption of the construction works caused by the outbreak of World War I). The main purpose of the Hejaz Railway was to establish a connection between Istanbul, the capital of the Ottoman Empire and the seat of the Islamic Caliphate, and Hejaz in Arabia, the site of the holiest shrines of Islam and the holy city of Mecca. In the afternoon we will visit Um Darraja with its Thamudic script and rock carvings, the Diwan with niches for statues of Nabataean gods was a main site of worship. We will also see the famous Qasr al-Farid tomb, a spectacular carved piece of rock standing alone in the desert. We will drive to the cliff-top of al-Hurrah with its stunning view over the wadi and oasis. Overnight in Al Ula. Breakfast and dinner. Day 10 Madain Saleh - Jeddah (via Medina) Today we drive to Medina, and connect with our evening flight to Jeddah. Along our drive we will visit the magnificent Khuraibat tombs. Here we see some extremely well preserved tombs that are cut into the face of a cliff. We will travel parallel to the Hijaz where the Ottomans built the Hijaz railway line. Located on the Red Sea coast, Jeddah is the principal gateway to Mecca, Islam's holiest city. Founded as a fishing hamlet over 2500 years ago, today Jeddah is the commercial capital of Saudi Arabia. This city first truly came to light in 647 AD when it was turned into a port for Muslim pilgrims making the required Hajj to Mecca. Jeddah has been mentioned in many ancient travellers' journals and texts, some describing it as "the city surrounded by walls with beautiful markets and teeming with buildings" whilst others described it as "the small city on the Red Sea coast crowded with pilgrims". It seems as though there have always been inns, caravanserais, and hostels catering to travelers and pilgrims. The present city has expanded and transformed into a metropolis, but still holds true to its original charm and uniqueness, thereby making it superb for its residents and a must for those who wish to visit her. Overnight in Jeddah. Breakfast and dinner. Day 11 Jeddah: City Tour Jeddah -- "Where desert and water meet rises the gateway to Islam, a city of life and a crossroad of culture". This city has grown from humble origins. In AD 647, Caliph Osman Ibn Affan chose Jeddah as the main port for the city of Mecca (Makkah), and it became known as Bilad al Kanasil -- the City of Consulates. In the 16th century, the Ottomans built a stone wall around the town in order to fortify it against attacks from the Portuguese. Jeddah remained a fortified, walled town for centuries of Ottoman influence and was not released from Turkish rule until 1915. The buildings of old Jeddah were tall and graceful, constructed of coral limestone and decorated with intricately beautiful wooden facades, known as rawasheen. These were designed not only to break up the sun's glare, but also to take advantage of the cooling sea breezes when the inner windows were opened. One cannot help but feel that, with the enclosure of the town within high, fortified walls, the sea breezes may not have stood much chance of reaching Jeddah's early inhabitants; hence their penchant for building their houses tall and for sleeping on the roofs on hot summer nights. Our sightseeing tour today will include a walking tour around old Jeddah (al-Balad). In bygone days, the streets of Old Jeddah were twisting, unpaved and haphazard, flanked by closely-packed buildings. A thick layer of sand covered these streets, packed solid by numerous tramping feet. Mingling with the strolling inhabitants, water carriers and other street vendors, camel caravans once plodded their way through the wider thoroughfares, while goats and donkeys wandered in the narrow alleys. During our tour we will visit Nasif House (Eit Beit Nassif) and Shorbatly House -- both located in Old Jeddah. We will be sure to visit the bustling Alawi Souq, the heartbeat of Old Jeddah and still an exciting and picturesque part of today's city. Traditionally the open-fronted shops were grouped together according to trade; an old Oriental bazaar tradition, which has continued into modern life. Wares were displayed in the street under palm-leafed canopies, sheltering traders from the relentless sun -- a far cry from the modern-day comforts of air-conditioning in the luxurious shopping malls of 2008. Time permitting today we will also visit the Abul Rauf Khalil Art Museum. In the evening we will drive along the Corniche, a cultural landmark of the city. After the Maghreb (sunset) prayer, the Corniche springs to life, with Saudi families dining al fresco. Picnicking seems to be a favourite local hobby, and is regarded as an ideal opportunity to get together for a family chat and a substantial supper. Overnight in Jeddah. Breakfast and dinner. Day 12 Jeddah - Abha This morning we fly south to Abha in the Asir region. Stepping off a plane at Abha airport, travellers are at once impressed and delighted by the unique landscape that greets them. Here in the hinterland of Saudi Arabia, a nation famous for its sweeping deserts and harsh climate, is an extensive region of steep mountains, lush greenery, cool breezes and inhabitants who have maintained their traditional lifestyle in the face of the new millennium. Here, in the fertile mountains of the southwest, some of the handmade stone and mud homes are over 300 years old (and still inhabited). To ancient Egyptians, this region was known as the land of spices and incense. The natural beauty of the region and its fertility make it a popular holiday destination for Saudis, and the well-known marketplace here is always busy. Evidence exists of settlements in this region as far back as the Neolithic period, some 4,000 years ago. However, the people who today inhabit this region are descendants of the Asiri tribes that historical records confirm have been a presence in this region at least since the 10th Century A.D. Settled among the rugged terrain of the southwestern part of the Arabian Peninsula, these tribes remained sealed off from outside influences for centuries, and only in recent decades have such modern amenities as electricity, plumbing and telephones begun to permeate these communities. During our time here we will drive to the Asir National Park viewing agricultural fields and terraced villages. We will take a cable car ride to see village of Rijal Alma in Wadi Tihama. This is a true 'living museum'. The mountainside village of Al Habala, which is no longer inhabited, is cloistered in a valley about 35 miles from Abha. This region is renowned for its deep vertical caverns, scenic beauty and ancient villages. Overnight in Abha. Breakfast and dinner. Day 13 Abha Some historians believe that the Asir region was named after an old inhabitant from the Adnan tribe. There are those, however, who think it more likely that this area used to be called Jarash, after the well-known historic site southeast of Khamis Mushayt. Others believe the name 'Asir', meaning 'inaccessible,' prevailed because of the area's rocky terrain, deep valleys and high mountaintops. Walking through these villages, visitors are struck by the lively colours and patterns painted along the rooftops and framing doors and windows. Traditionally, residents used paints derived from local plants or minerals to concoct veneers. Red was extracted from the juice of pomegranates or from clay; blue came from boiling indigo plants, green from alfalfa or clove, and black was the product of vegetable tar. Today, the women use synthetic paint, but still carry on the tradition of cheerful hues in amusing patterns. Abha residents paint their homes each year, usually in preparation for the Eids, the religious festivals that follow Ramadan or the Hajj. We will see the famous Shada archeological palace, one of the few traditional buildings left in the region. The Al Miftaha art village at the King Fahad Cultural Center displays art works by Saudi painters and sculptors, as well as archaeological items and local handicrafts. We will also visit the Abha Museum before ending our day and the souq and local market. Overnight in Abha. Breakfast and dinner. Day 14 Abha - Najran Today we drive from Abha to Najran. Along the way we will make stops at Al Haraja, and Dhahran al-Janoub to visit traditional mud homes. The Arabian Peninsula, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has supported agricultural, herding and hunting cultures for thousands of years. Indeed, the town of Najran, close to the Yemeni border, is thought to have been inhabited for about 4,000 years. Najran was an important stopping place on the 'Incense Road', and most prosperous trading was during the 1st and 2nd centuries. There has been an incense trade route for as long as there has been recorded history. As soon as the camel was domesticated, Arab tribes began carrying incense from southern Arabia to the civilizations scattered around the Mediterranean Sea. The frankincense route was the ancient caravan route from the incense-producing areas of southern Arabia up through modern-day Saudi Arabia and into Jordan, Syria, Egypt and the whole Mediterranean basin. This region has been populated for 100's of years by the Yam tribe, notable among the tribes of Saudi Arabia for the fact that the vast majority of its members traditionally follow the small Isma'ili branch of Shi'ite Islam. This city and oasis is situated in a relatively fertile region where the main produce is dates. Many of the traditional houses here are of a 'Yemeni' style. This afternoon our sightseeing will include a visit to the local museum (Al Ukhood Museum) and the al Ukhood Site, a large sand covered fortress. Overnight in Najran. Breakfast and dinner. Day 15 Najran Najran is one of the most fascinating and least visited places in the kingdom. Yemen's cultural influence is stronger here than anywhere else in the country -- you can see it in the architecture, and in the outgoing demeanor of the Najrani people. We will enjoy a walking tour through this delightful city and will see some of the local towering mud brick fortress-like homes, and will view the Najran Fort. This fort has only been around since 1942 and was decommissioned in 1967 when relations with Yemen improved. Built as a self-sustaining complex, it has around 60 rooms, including livestock pens and its own mosque. The Najran Fort is one of the most remarkable pieces of architecture in the Wadi Najran, and the main tower dominates the oasis from the summit of a rocky outcrop. We can't enter into the building because it is still inhabited, but there's an excellent view from nearby over the oasis. The market (souk), near the old Royal Palace, consists of many single storey buildings and is considered to be one of the most popular traditional markets in the Kingdom. Even today, there are many craftsmen who still have stalls in this market. We will also visit the Raoum Castle and Emarat Historical Palace. If we are able to obtain the required permits, we will travel by 4x4 to fringes of the Empty Quarter, or Rub'al Khali. This is one of the largest sand deserts in the world, encompassing most of the southern 3rd of the Arabian Peninsula. Largely unexplored until recently, even the Bedouins only skirt the edges of the desert. Between 1946 and 1950 Wilfred Thesiger crossed the area several times and mapped large parts of the Empty Quarter and the mountains of Oman. Possible evening flight to Jeddah for our last night (or overnight in Najran). Overnight in Najran or Jeddah. Breakfast and dinner. Day 16 Departure* Departure flight from Najran to Jeddah, connecting with International Flight to Dubai. Breakfast. * NOTE: We should be able to connect to Dubai and depart without having to overnight in Dubai. LAND ONLY passengers need to confirm this with us prior to booking their air. RHLAH S'IDAH ! Save time, money and stress! For reservations: Fill out the vacation planner to be contacted by our Saudi Arabia vacation specialist. Contact : Travelwizard.com Phone: 1-800-330-8820 or 1-415-446-5252 10/10 |
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