Jeddah is a commercial hub sitting to the west along the Red Sea with the second busiest seaport in the Middle East. It’s the principal gateway to Mecca, the holiest city in Islam, and sees over a million pilgrims a year on their way to perform the Hajj. Despite this, Jeddah is perceived to be the most liberal city in Saudi Arabia and is a popular tourist destination, offering the beauty of ancient architecture mixed with the latest luxuries.
Celebrate your arrival in the Kingdom with sunset drinks on the city’s attractive corniche. Take a stroll to admire the artworks in the ‘open air museum’ and spread out your carpet and your ‘takwa’, the smart Saudi picnic seat. Join the locals when the sun sets, the call for prayer sounds and the world's tallest fountain comes to life in front of the beachwalk. Complete your first day in Saudi Arabia with a welcome dinner in modern style, befitting fast-paced Jeddah.
Overnight in Jeddah at the Sheraton Jeddah (or similar) in a Club Room.
Distances and journey time:
Jeddah - Jeddah airport (25km): 30 mins
Sheraton Jeddah Hotel
Enjoy a warm welcome to the city at the Sheraton Jeddah Hotel. Located on Jeddah’s fashionable and exclusive North Corniche, the breathtaking view of a tropical oasis backed by the blue waters of the Red Sea will make you feel at home and at ease instantly.
Sit back, relax, and take in our hotel’s futuristic design, beautiful landscaping, and majestic fountains. Our lobby is a great place to catch up with friends and family after a full day of business, traveling, or sightseeing.
When you head back to your room, enjoy panoramic views of the coastline and breathtaking sunsets. Stay connected to home or the office with High Speed Internet Access in all guest rooms and wireless High Speed Internet Access in all public areas.
Hi Charlene
Thanks for the email but unfortunately we are not attending ITB this year.
Many thanks
Ann
Start the day working on the Saudi bigger picture in the Tayebat museum to gain background about Islam, Saudi Arabia and Jeddah. The Tayebat museum consists of real-live-size examples of Saudi and especially Jeddahwi building styles, everyday tools and utensils, art and of course details about the Two Holy Cities; Mecca and Medina. After visiting a selection of what is on display, let’s head out into the real Saudi!
Jeddah’s proximity to the Red Sea puts local seafood at the forefront. The Central Fish Market is the hotspot where buyers and sellers come together. Squid, shrimp, lobster and a great variety of fish, some only native to the Red Sea, are all fresh and on display. Follow the flow of the market where customers first choose their pick. Next they move on to have it weighed and get a ticket for the cleaning section, All set? Now it can be prepared in the restaurant right in the market or taken home. To stay in style, enjoy a seafood lunch in a nearby restaurant.
Optional half-day of snorkeling and swimming program!
Experience the Red Sea! Hop on a private speedboat to enjoy the sea and sun. Snorkeling gear is packed to discover the wealth of underwater life the region is famous for. Different types of colorful coral, old sorts of exotic fish; snorkeling along the coral sites will impress. These shallow waters make it fun for all levels. The temperatures of the water are at least 21C and the high salinity is beneficial for your health. Top off the trip with a seafood barbeque, skillfully prepared by your skipper.
Find out that things are equally convivial on dry land in the atmospheric old town Al Balad, which achieved UNESCO World Heritage status in 2014. Its traditional multi storey buildings and merchant houses are an architectural treasure trove. Head back in time with the buzz of trading, pilgrims shopping and the occasional tourist mixed in. The roshan or wooden window covers are the ancient way to create shade and cool in this hot and humid climate, and they make these alleys especially picturesque. Visiting Al Balad is like a dive back in time with the buzz of trading, pilgrims shopping and the occasional tourist mixed in. In a quickly modernizing Kingdom, this area might be the last one to find that ‘real Middle Eastern mix of sights and smells’ that you can find in the old souks across the region.
Overnight in Jeddah at the Sheraton Jeddah (or similar) in a Club Room.
Sheraton Jeddah Hotel
Enjoy a warm welcome to the city at the Sheraton Jeddah Hotel. Located on Jeddah’s fashionable and exclusive North Corniche, the breathtaking view of a tropical oasis backed by the blue waters of the Red Sea will make you feel at home and at ease instantly.
Sit back, relax, and take in our hotel’s futuristic design, beautiful landscaping, and majestic fountains. Our lobby is a great place to catch up with friends and family after a full day of business, traveling, or sightseeing.
When you head back to your room, enjoy panoramic views of the coastline and breathtaking sunsets. Stay connected to home or the office with High Speed Internet Access in all guest rooms and wireless High Speed Internet Access in all public areas.
Today is for following ‘the footsteps of prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him)’ to The Holy City of Medina. His early followers undertook this journey on foot and by camel. Present day’s pilgrims go by Haramain, Saudi Arabia’s state-of-the-art high-speed train system, which makes it a short (under two hours) hop to Medina, one of Islam’s holiest pilgrimage sites.
Medina is one of the two most sacred cities in Islam (the other is Mecca). Medina is centered around Al Masjid an Nabawi, also known as the Prophet’s Mosque, which was constructed by the Prophet himself and is also where he is buried. For a showstopping finale to a remarkable day, experience exterior views of the wonder of the Prophet’s Mosque: a 10-minaret giant that can accommodate one million people. Join the throngs of pilgrims, it is hard to describe the vibe.
Non-muslims are welcome to enjoy exterior views of the mosque from the edge of the square. When the sun sinks it is a great time to visit Mount Uhud, a major pilgrimage site and viewpoint across the Holy City.
Overnight at Le Meridien Medina in a Standard Room
Distances and journey time:
Jeddah city center - Jeddah train station (20km): 25 mins
Jeddah - Medina (415 km): 1 hr 45 mins by high-speed train
Medina train station - Medina city center (20km): 25 mins
Le Meridien Medina
Le Méridien Medina is a first-class hotel in the holy city of Medina Munawarrah. Referred to as the "City of the Prophet (S)," Medina is the second holy city for Muslims and the first capital of Islam. Medina is also home to King Fahad Quran Printing Press, where millions of Quran are printed and distributed throughout the world every year.
There’s much more to Medina than its primary holy site. Guests will get the chance to visit the terminus station of the Hijaz or Ottoman railway, which once brought pilgrims to Medina from as far away as Damascus in Syria. Guests will round out their time in Medina with some browsing time at the city’s central market. Saudis are known for having a sweet tooth and the stalls at this bustling souk are ideal snaffling territory for goodies such as ma’amoul (butter cookies stuffed with pistachios, walnuts, almonds, or dates), luqaimat (hot, crispy dumplings drizzled in honey) and kunafa (a kind of sweet cheese pie made with semolina pastry and rose water syrup).
A fascinating road trip from Medina to AlUla, home to Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, awaits. These destinations sit deep in the desert in the northwestern region of the country. Don’t expect only sand dunes, this is a volcanic area with black lava stone and mountain vistas and rich in historical significance.
Arriving in AlUla before sunset leaves ample scope for a pilgrimage to Elephant Rock. Set in golden desert sands and climbing into the blue Arabian skies, the rock (also known as Jabal Alfil) is one of AlUla’s most impressive geological marvels.
Overnight at Habitas Resort AlUla in a Canyon Villa.
Distances and journey time:
Medina - AlUla (390 km): 4 hrs 30 mins
AlUla - Jabal AlFil (Elephant Rock) (5 km): 10 mins
Habitas AlUla
Welcome to the most sustainable home of wonder in AlUla, an immersive experience where nature inspires creative expression, human connection, and the pursuit of adventure.
The draw to AlUla is its remarkable natural rock formations and canyons, extensive and varied pre-Arabic rock art, and immaculately preserved tombs built more than 2,000 years ago by the Nabataeans. You’ll start the day with a visit to the Nabataean site of Hegra, which was the southern capital of the Nabataean kingdom, dating back to the first century BCE. Today, visitors follow their ‘rawee’ or storyteller, to explore several of the more than 100 well-preserved monumental tombs, most with elaborate facades carved from rock formations scattered around the desert.
Next, head for the green zone that is AlUla Oasis, and enjoy a cup of coffee at The Pink Camel, situated beautifully amid the date farms. Take a stroll where lush palm trees sway gently and the smell of citrus fills the fresh air. Follow the winding, shaded Oasis Heritage Trail through the orange grove, hear birds and imagine how the nomads of the past found water and refuge from the desert here.
Exit the lush oasis at AlJadeeda, an area known also as ‘Art City’ which has a colourful vibe with street art and art exhibits spread out in its walking streets. Continue exploring AlUla historic city, often called ‘the Old Town,’ a charismatic place that once sat at the crossroads of the Silk Road and the Incense Route, and that rewards a leisurely stroll. Recent renovations have turned it into a magical mix of ancient alleys,trendy restaurants and upmarket souvenir shops.
The remaining afternoon is at leisure. Enjoy the facilities of the hotel or continue your exploration of AlUla’s landscapes with an optional activity: to name a few; see the sandstone mountains from above in a helicopter or hot air balloon (in season), hop on a mountain bike and venture off the beaten path into desert dunes or climb the valley’s edge to better soak in AlUla’s expansive vistas.
Overnight in Habitas AlUla in a Canyon View.
Distances and journey time:
AlUla - Hegra (20 km): 20 mins
Hegra - AlUla Historic Town (20 km): 25 mins
Habitas AlUla
Welcome to the most sustainable home of wonder in AlUla, an immersive experience where nature inspires creative expression, human connection, and the pursuit of adventure.
Enjoy a leisurely start in your hotel before a midmorning departure to Riyadh, the Kingdom’s modern capital.
Arriving in Riyadh you’ll immediately see how rapidly the city is modernizing. From towering skyscrapers to long boulevards, shopping centers, mosques and luxury hotels, this is a city that is set to surprise you. Put things in perspective by taking the high-speed lift to the 99th floor of the iconic Kingdom Center for access to Riyadh’s best urban panorama. Suspended 300 meters above the city, the tower's curved Sky Bridge offers spectacular views across the Riyadh skyline and beyond.
Overnight in Narcissus Hotel & Spa in Riyadh in a Superior Room.
Distances and journey time:
Flight AlUla - Riyadh: 1 hr 30 mins
Riyadh airport - Riyadh city center (35 km): 45 mins
Narcissus Hotel & Residence Riyadh
Property Location
With a stay at Narcissus Hotel & Residence Riyadh, you'll be centrally located in Riyadh, steps from Olaya Towers and minutes from Centria Mall. This 5-star hotel is within close proximity of Al Faisaliyah Tower and Panorama Mall.
Discover the wealth of contrasts that distinguish Riyadh. Historical highlights here include Masmak Fort, Souq al Zel, and cultural centres such as the National Museum and the Murabba Palace. And of course At Turaif in the Diriya area, once the heart and start of the Kingdom. Whilst making your way across the city you will note the contrast between these local marketplaces and the city’s sparkling highrise.
Begin the day with a visit to the Diriyah area, the birthplace of the first Saudi state called At-Turaif which ruled between 1744 and 1818. The UNESCO World Heritage site has just been stunningly restored to its former glory and is poised to become a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s tourism offerings. Discover all about the architecture and heritage at the site. Find out how the mud-brick houses were built; how homes were cooled during the hot summer days; and how people lived without electricity and creature comforts
It’s time to explore other pointers toward Saudi’s charismatic past. You’ll find Al Masmak Fortress in the heart of the old town. A large clay and mud-brick citadel that witnessed the birth of a kingdom, the 150-year-old edifice stands as a reminder of Saudi’s storied past. Justice Square is another reminder of the past. Roaming this ordinary neighbourhood on foot you discover mud houses, just like this morning, abandoned not long ago. You’ll learn more about Saudi history at Murabba Palace and at the fantastic National Museum of Saudi Arabia.
Towards the end of a busy day head for Souq al Zel and Souq Bisht, two of the most characteristic traditional marketplaces in town and uniquely atmospheric hubs of Arabian commerce. This is the ideal spot to acquire a memento for your journey back. Complete the Riaydh feeling by mingling with the locals in one of the city parks or squares that come alive with socializing activities once the sun rays disappear.
Overnight at The Narcissus Hotel and Spa in Riyadh in a Superior Room.
Narcissus Hotel & Residence Riyadh
Property Location
With a stay at Narcissus Hotel & Residence Riyadh, you'll be centrally located in Riyadh, steps from Olaya Towers and minutes from Centria Mall. This 5-star hotel is within close proximity of Al Faisaliyah Tower and Panorama Mall.
At leisure until you check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport
Distances and journey time:
Riyadh city center - Riyadh airport (35 km): 45 mins
The price includes:â—‹ All taxesâ—‹ English speaking local tour guidesâ—‹ 7 nights accommodation in shared twin/double room with daily breakfastâ—‹ Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner) without any beveragesâ—‹ All transfers and tours by private air-conditioned vehicles, unless otherwise mentionedâ—‹ Bottled drinking water totalling to 1lit/pax/day during touring days â—‹ All entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary Prices do not include: â—‹ International and domestic flights, unless specified otherwiseâ—‹ Meals other than mentioned above,â—‹ Camera/video entrance fees,â—‹ Personal expenses,â—‹ Travel insurance, tips, visa,â—‹ Supplements for early/late transfersâ—‹ Other services not clearly indicated in the package inclusions aboveâ—‹ Optional private boat trip on the Red Sea in Jeddahâ—‹ Other optional tours/activities mentioned in the program, for example helicopter tour, biking , hot air balloon ride etc.
Terms and Conditions:. â—‹ All itineraries are subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control, including but not limited to: adverse weather conditions, road or trail conditions, conditions of the places to be visited, changes in flight schedules, etc. â—‹ Prices may increase in the event of airline fare changes, fuel increases or large currency exchange rate increases.â—‹ All accommodation is subject to change in case of government or related parties taking over hotel inventory,â—‹ Arrival and departure transfers: for flights arriving before 0600H and after 2200H and departures before 0800H and after 2300H, surcharges will apply (night transfer).Notes:â—‹ The passport must be valid for more than 6 months at the time of entry into each country and must have blank pages for immigration formalities upon entry and/or exit of the country. â—‹ Visa: most nationalities require a visa. Many will be able to obtain an e visa. â—‹ Baggage: Includes 1 carry-on baggage (max. 5-10 kg depending on the airline) and 1 check-in baggage (max. 20 kg). Travelling light with smaller baggage sizes is more practical on the road and recommended.â—‹ Check-in hotels: from 14:00/15:00 / Check-out: until 11:00 or 12:00. Early check-in or late check-out on request and subject to availability. Surcharges may be applied, please contact us.
