Saudi Arabia, From Jeddah to Riyadh

Saudi escape 4^*

Upon your arrival at Jeddah airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel.

Make your own dining arrangements and overnight stay at the hotel

After breakfast, set off on a guided tour of the city of Jeddah. A local guide will take you on a tour of this city that is full of contrasts. A large part of the city is being rebuilt and developed into a huge global metropolis. Discover the Corniche, the King Fahd Fountain, the fish market, the Al Rahma Mosque, and the historic centre. Learn more about the history and culture of Jeddah by visiting its most iconic sites. The tour also includes Tabeyat International City, a magnificent architectural complex with interesting history and ethnography museums. We will also visit Bab Makkah, Jeddah's most important port, and Beit Sallum, now a museum. Free time for lunch in a shopping centre - Mall - where you can choose from the different restaurants and types of food available. In the afternoon, you will visit the Al Rahma Mosque, also known as the floating mosque as it was built on the shores of the Red Sea with pillars on the water. We'll also enjoy the lively marina, located close to the Formula 1 circuit.

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

After breakfast, you will head towards inland Arabia, crossing deserts and mountains to reach Medina, the holy city of light. You will arrive around midday, in time for lunch. Medina is a historic and sacred site for Islam, visited by millions of pilgrims every year. It is only recently that non-Muslims have been allowed access. It is important that you respect their culture and dress appropriately. You'll stroll around the Great Mosque of the Prophet (Al Masjid an Nabawi), a dazzling and luminous mosque with 10 minarets that can accommodate one million visitors. The prophet built it and is buried there. You will also visit the UHUD hill. You can walk and climb the hill, but be quiet and respectful of the many pilgrims. From there you will walk to the garden, where the local tribes welcomed and watered the Prophet and his companions as they fled Mecca for Medina. In the evening, you will return outside the Al Masjid mosque to see the crowds and the lights again.

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

After breakfast, you will continue your journey to some of the most beautiful desert areas in the world. You will pass through KHAIBAR, a historic region in a volcanic area with breathtaking scenery. You will visit the historic fortress of KHAYBAR and its magnificent oasis. Then off to Al-Ula; truly one of the most astonishing places in the world. It's an open-air museum, with majestic rock formations, canyons, and gorges. You will visit Elephant Rock, "Jabal Al Fil", an impressive geomorphological phenomenon: a 52-metre-high rock in the shape of an elephant.

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

After a gentle wake-up call and breakfast in the camp, you will visit the archaeological site of the Nabataean culture, HEGRA (Madain Saleh), declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and often referred to as "the other Petra", which will amaze you with its tombs cut into the rock, in a desert environment that is full of mystery. You'll then have free time to stroll around and enjoy its shopping streets and magnificent oasis. In the early afternoon, you will set off for TABUK, a city of over five hundred thousand inhabitants, a bustling provincial capital, and one of the oldest cities in the country. You'll have plenty of time to wander around the busy city centre shopping area.

Outdoor lunch, dinner and overnight stay at the hotel

After breakfast, it's off to the airport to catch a flight to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's astonishing capital. You will visit the National Museum - the largest museum in the country - where you will learn more about the history, culture, and art of the Kingdom. You will then visit the Masmak fortress. You'll also have time to wander around the district, with its souks and commercial life. In the late afternoon, you will visit the Al Rajhi Mosque, Riyadh's largest mosque, with its Andalusian-style architecture. You will attend a prayer session and receive an introduction to Islam that will help you learn more about this religion. To round off the day, you'll head to Riyadh's Boulevard, where you'll be amazed by the bustle and activity, the attractions, the many restaurants serving specialities from different countries, the live shows and, above all, the colourful fountains. You'll have plenty of time to wander around and enjoy this unique place.

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

Today, after breakfast, enjoy a free day to explore Riyadh at your own pace. This dynamic city offers a multitude of activities and sites to discover. You could start with a visit to the famous Kingdom Centre, one of the city's most iconic skyscrapers, offering spectacular panoramic views from its observation deck. For history buffs, the National Museum of Saudi Arabia is a must-see. It traces the history of the country from prehistoric times to the present day. If you prefer a more traditional atmosphere, the Al-Thumairi souk is the ideal place to discover local crafts and perhaps even pick up a few souvenirs. Nature lovers can relax in the magnificent gardens of King Abdullah Park, a peaceful green space in the heart of the city. For a culinary experience, Riyadh offers a variety of restaurants serving local and international dishes. Finally, don't miss a stroll through the historic district of Diriyah, the birthplace of the Saudi dynasty, where you can admire the traditional architecture and learn more about the origins of the kingdom. Make the most of the day and discover the many facets of Riyadh!

Make your own dining arrangements, overnight stay at the hotel

After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight.

Entry requirements for Saudi Arabia:

Visa

Saudi Arabia has been granting tourist visas to nationals of 49 countries, including France, since 27 September 2019. According to the Saudi authorities, it is possible to apply for this type of visa directly on arrival, using dedicated terminals at the Riyadh and Jeddah airports. However, it is recommended that French citizens wishing to travel to Saudi Arabia obtain an electronic visa via Saudi Visa (https://visa.visitsaudi.com/) prior to their trip. In any case, visitors must be able to present the required supporting documents upon arrival, particularly those regarding 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, baggage generally undergoes a thorough inspection. Prohibitions on the import of 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).

Practices and customs

Certain social and religious rules must be respected:

The import and consumption of alcohol and pork are strictly prohibited in Saudi Arabia. Imported cultural products (books, DVDs, magazines, etc.) must be in line 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 trousers and avoid shorts or Bermuda shorts.

Islam is the only authorised religion in Saudi Arabia. All manifestations of belonging to other religions (practices, proselytism, symbols, etc.) are prohibited.

Only people of the Muslim faith are permitted to visit Mecca, and access remains strictly controlled. In 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 traditions.

Saudis scrupulously observe the fasting period. It is strictly forbidden to eat, drink or smoke in public, under penalty of arrest and expulsion. Women must pay greater attention to what they wear.

Certain aspects of private life are considered to be indecent offences (adultery, homosexuality, etc.), which are severely punished. The consumption and smuggling of alcohol or drugs also carry severe penalties.