Saudi Arabia, From Riyadh to Jeddah

Saudi Arabia's Golden Triangle: In search of its hidden treasures 4^*

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

Dinner at leisure, overnight stay at the hotel

Welcome to Riyadh or "the garden", the capital of Saudi Arabia. In the morning, visit to the National Museum featuring collections retracing the history of the country from before its creation to the beginning of the 20th century. Not far away is the al-Murabba Palace, the final place of residence of the founder of Saudi Arabia, Abelaziz al-Aziz. Make your own lunch arrangements. In the afternoon, visit Diriyah and its historic centre of al-Turaif, cradle of the Al Saud dynasty and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, enjoy a stroll through the narrow streets of this small town with its traditional Najdi architectural and ornamental style, made of unbaked clay bricks, an ancient stopover on the route taken by merchants and pilgrims from Africa, Europe, and Asia.

Lunch at leisure, dinner and overnight stay at the camp.

In the morning, visit Dadan (Jabal al-Khuraybah), the capital of the Lihyan kingdom constructed at the foot of a cliff featuring square tombs. Then visit Jabal Ikmah, an open-air library featuring inscriptions in various languages (Aramaic, Dadanic, Thamudic, and Nabataean). Lunch at leisure. In the afternoon, stroll through the narrow streets of the Old Town of al-Ula.

Lunch at leisure, dinner and overnight stay at the camp.

In the morning, you wil visit Mada’in Salih (Hegra). The first Saudi site to be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its "outstanding universal value", ancient Hegra is a major city of the Nabataean civilisation, following on from Petra in Jordan, and extending over some twenty kilometres. This remarkably well-preserved site is home to an exceptional funerary heritage carved into the rock, with architecture reminiscent of the Hellenistic, Roman and Oriental styles. Lunch at leisure. Free afternoon.

Lunch at leisure, dinner and overnight stay at the camp.

In the morning, visit the oasis of Khaybar, halfway between al-Ula and Medina. In the 5th century AD, Muhammad fought a historic battle there against Jewish tribes, who were defeated. But its history goes back much further. Its fortress, an essential stop on the frankincense route, is mentioned in texts about its conquest by the Babylonian king Nabonidus. Archaeological excavations continue in the region to shed light on the history of this natural stopover in the heart of a volcanic field. Lunch at leisure. Depart for Medina for a short sightseeing tour before departing by train for Jeddah.

Lunch and dinner at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Jeddah is the country's economic capital and most dynamic city, with a large port on the Red Sea and the maritime gateway to Mecca. In the morning, visit the Tayebat Museum, which houses a large collection of artefacts that trace the history of the Kingdom through the ages. The day continues with a stroll along the waterfront, a favourite haunt of the Saudi population, with its restaurants and picnic areas: the floating al-Rahmah Mosque (visit from outside) was built on water so that it appears to float at high tide; meanwhile, King Fahd's Fountain boasts the highest water jet in the world, visible from all over the city. Lunch at leisure. In the afternoon, visit the historic old town of al-Balad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The traditional buildings are made of coral stone with wooden windows and balconies. Visit the interior of one of the houses. Free time to wander the narrow streets, enjoy a cup of tea and do some last-minute shopping before returning home.

Lunch and dinner at leisure and overnight at hotel.

You will be transferred to Jeddah airport, according to your return flight schedule.

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.