Saudi Arabia, From Jeddah to Riyadh

Saudi getaway 4^*

After arriving at Jeddah airport and completing the customs and immigration formalities, you will be transferred to your hotel. Welcome to Saudi Arabia! Jeddah, on the shores of the Red Sea, is the country's second largest city, with a population of four million.

Make your own dining 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 essential 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. In the evening, you will return to the outside of the Al Masjid Mosque to see the crowds and the lights once more.

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 KHAYBAR, a historic region in a volcanic area with breathtaking scenery. You will visit the historic fortress of KHAYBAR and its magnificent oasis (entrance fee included). 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 in the Al Ula desert.

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. In the afternoon, you'll have free time to stroll around and enjoy its shopping streets and magnificent oasis. Then it's on to 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 explore the busy shopping area in the city centre.

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 Boulevard de Ryad, 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. 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 lunch and dinner arrangements, overnight stay at the hotel

After breakfast at the hotel, depending on your return flight time, you will be transferred to the airport.

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.