Saudi Arabia, From Riyadh to Jeddah

First steps in Saudi Arabia 4^*

After arriving at Riyadh International Airport, you will be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day free.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will set off on a sightseeing tour of Riyadh, starting with the National Museum, the main repository of Saudi national heritage and culture. It offers a historical overview of Arab civilisation, from prehistory to the present day. Then it's on to Murabba Palace, for a tour of the exterior of the palace (currently under renovation), one of the city's historic buildings.

In the afternoon, you will visit Masmak Fort and its museum, which traces the history of the Al-Saud family's conquest of Arabia. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Lunch in a typical local restaurant, dinner on your own and overnight stay in hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will leave for Riyadh station where you will board the new fast train to Ha'il, which you will reach in just under 5 hours. The town of Ha'il lies at the foot of the imposing Shammar mountain range. Renowned for its hospitable people, Ha'il is traditionally the home of Saudi Arabia's poets and writers. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. In the early afternoon, you will visit the A'Arif fort and the nearby heritage museum, before strolling through the traditional market where you will find many local specialities. You can also visit the Ha'il regional museum to discover its fabulous collections, site permitting.

Own lunch arrangements, dinner and overnight stay in hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, the day begins with a visit to the town of Jubbah, which lies on an ancient lake. The town is surrounded by large sandstone outcrops filled with ancient petroglyphs and inscriptions. Jubbah and Shuwaymis, the other major sculpture site in Hail province, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015 for its many petroglyph panels and wealth of inscriptions. On the way, you will cross the famous Nefud Al Kabir desert, which literally means "the great expanse of sand dunes". It is 290 kilometres long and 225 kilometres wide, with a surface area of 103,600 square kilometres.

Own lunch arrangements, dinner and overnight stay in hotel.

After breakfast, you will spend the day in Al Ula. Al-Ula is an ancient oasis that has been inhabited for 7,000 years, as evidenced by the ancient sculptures in and around the oasis. You'll start by visiting two ancient sculpture sites at Al-Ula, before passing through the ancient town of Dedan, which was an important oasis on the incense trade route between southern Arabia and the Mediterranean world. You then continue on to the old town of Al-Ula, which in the early Islamic era became an important stop on the pilgrimage route to Mecca. In the afternoon, you will visit the ancient sites of Ekma and Abu 'Aoud, where the inhabitants of the oasis wrote texts in ancient script that are deciphered for you.

Own lunch arrangements, dinner and overnight stay in hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will begin with a visit to the famous Hegra (Madain Saleh), the first site in Saudi Arabia to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the most important southern city of the Nabataean Kingdom and the second richest Nabataean city in terms of monumental tombs, with 94 elaborate funerary monuments, including some of the most dynamic and well-preserved architectural achievements of the Nabataean builders. In the afternoon you will continue to visit the many sites around Al Ula, including the Leopard Trail and many others. Then it's on to the town of Medina, where your hotel is located.

Make your own lunch and dinner arrangements, overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will visit the holy city of Medina, with the majestic Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (Mosque of the Prophet) at its centre, a major Islamic pilgrimage site. You will visit the outskirts of the city, before ending the day with a short walk near Mount Uhud to enjoy a delightful sunset over the city. Finally, you will visit the Dar Al Madina museum before heading for Jeddah, where your hotel is located.

Own lunch arrangements, dinner and overnight stay in hotel.

After breakfast, you will visit the Abdul Rouf Khalil Museum, a unique site showcasing local and Arab heritage. Then it's off to old Jeddah for a stroll through Al-Balad, the old city. This walking tour of the Old City will take you past all the lesser-known local must-sees, such as the hidden gems of the Old Market, the hidden galleries of Old Jeddah and many more. Afterwards, you'll discover the floating mosque, an architectural marvel with a unique dome that literally sits on the sea, symbolising Jeddah's dauntless spirit in the modern era. Situated in an enviable location, the courtyard of the mosque offers a breathtaking view of the Red Sea. Your visit will end on the Jeddah Corniche, which is the coastal resort area 30 km from the city. Situated on the banks of the Red Sea, the Corniche features a coastal road, leisure areas, pavilions and large-scale civic sculptures, as well as the King Fahd Fountain, the highest fountain in the world.

Own lunch arrangements, dinner in a local restaurant and overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to Jeddah international airport for your return flight.

Entry requirements for Saudi Arabia:

Visa

Since September 27, 2019, Saudi Arabia has been granting tourist visas to nationals of 49 countries, including France.

According to the Saudi authorities, it is possible to apply for this type of visa directly on arrival, thanks to dedicated terminals at Riyadh and Jeddah airports.

However, it is recommended that French nationals wishing to travel to Saudi Arabia apply for an electronic visa via Saudi Visa (https://visa.visitsaudi.com/) before travelling.

In all cases, on arrival, visitors must be able to present the required supporting documents, particularly in terms of medical cover.

The Saudi authorities do not issue visas to holders of passports bearing Israeli visas or stamps.

Customs regulations

On arrival in Saudi Arabia, luggage is generally inspected in detail. Import bans on certain goods must be respected, to avoid confiscation and a tedious search.

For further information, please contact the Saudi Arabian Embassy in France (https://embassies.mofa.gov.sa/sites/France/FR/Pages/default.aspx).

Customs and traditions

Certain social and religious rules must be respected:

The import and consumption of alcohol and pork is totally forbidden in Saudi Arabia. Imported cultural products (books, DVDs, magazines, etc.) must be compatible with local standards of decency.

Foreign women are no longer required to wear an "abaya" (a long dress covering the entire body). However, women are advised to wear loose-fitting clothing and avoid short sleeves and dresses above the knee.

Men should wear pants and avoid shorts or Bermuda shorts.

Islam is the only religion permitted in Saudi Arabia. All manifestations of belonging to other religions (practice, proselytism, symbols, etc.) are forbidden.

Only Muslims are authorised to visit Mecca, where access is strictly controlled. As for Medina, access to the Prophet's mosque is forbidden to non-Muslims.

During the month of Ramadan, travellers should pay particular attention to respecting Saudi customs and habits.

Saudis are strict about fasting. It is absolutely forbidden to eat, drink or smoke in public, on risk of arrest and deportation. Women must be particularly careful about their dress code.

Certain aspects of private life are considered indecent offences (adultery, homosexuality, etc.) and are severely punished. The consumption and trafficking of alcohol and drugs are also severely punished.