This tour starts in Riyadh where we meet at our hotel at 14H00 to check in and have a quick pre-departure meeting. This afternoon we will then visit the National Museum and Murabba Palace, 2 of Riyadh’s most historically interesting sites.

This evening we will take the 180kph lift up the 99th floor of the Kingdom Tower where you can brave a walk across the Sky Bridge for unsurpassed views over the city.

We end our evening at the Najdi Village where you are invited to join us for a group welcome dinner at a traditional Saudi restaurant before retiring to the comfort of your 4 star hotel.

This morning after breakfast we will venture into the old part of the city and visit Masmak Fortress, a mudbrick museum showcasing one of Saudi’s most important historical landmarks.

We continue to the mud-brick ruins of the ancient town of Diriyah, a UNESCO heritage site where the At-Turaif open-air museum showcases quintessential Najdi architecture.

This afternoon we will take 4x4’s to visit The Edge of the World, a dramatic escarpment that rises steeply out of the rocky desert floor offering uninterrupted views of the horizon, best viewed at sunset.

This evening we return to our 4 star hotel in Riyadh where you have the rest of the night free to relax and enjoy a meal at a local restaurant.

After breakfast we travel to the cultural heritage village of Ushaiger, a living museum where you can wander through the maze of twisting alleyways that lead to hundreds of yellow mud houses displaying traditional Najdi architecture.

We end our day in the town of Buraidah, famous for its date farms and a camel market which we visit early the following morning.

Tonight we stay at a 4 star hotel in Buraidah and you have the evening free to relax or explore the town at your leisure.

An early rise today and we are off to the world’s largest camel market on the dusty outskirts of Buraidah where thousands of camels, goats and sheep are traded each morning. This lively market is an attack on the senses and a true Saudi experience!

This afternoon we reach the town of Hail where we have sunset at Hail Hilltop for outstanding views over Hail city including views of the mud fort of Aarif and the Qishla mud palace.

This evening we will stay at a 3 star hotel in Hail where you have the evening free to relax or explore the town at your leisure.

This morning we will visit the ancient rock art at Jubbah. This area was once an oasis where thousands of years ago the Arab ancestors left traces of their passages in numerous petroglyphs in the rock face including representations of humans, lions, ibex, horses, camels and ostrich.

In the afternoon we continue our journey to the oasis of AlUla where we will have the following 2 days free to explore this area of outstanding natural beauty and history.

After checking into a local guest house in AlUla you will have the option to visit the old town at night where you are free to explore this quaint area and have dinner at a local restaurant. 

Today we will visit the UNESCO world heritage site of Hegra (Madain Saleh) where we find well-preserved tombs with magnificent facades carved into the sandstone rocks by the Nabataean civilization nearly two thousand years ago.

Please note that our timings to visit the sites at AlUla today may vary depending on how many tourists are at each of the sites, so be prepared to be fluid.

We will spend this evening at our local guest house in AlUla where you are free to relax or explore more of AlUla by night if you so wish.

Today we will visit the Lion Tombs of Dedan, a site that predates Hegra where the kings of Dedan were laid to rest with some of the most important tombs displaying lions carved at their entrances.

AlUla is an area not only famous for its ancient tombs but also for its natural beauty and today we spend sunset at the iconic Elephant Rock where nature has created an enormous geological feature resembling an elephant. 

Please note that our timings to visit all the sites at AlUla today may vary depending on how many tourists are at each of the sites, so be prepared to be fluid.

We will spend this evening at our local guest house in AlUla where you are free to relax or explore more of AlUla by night if you so wish.

Today we will drive through Lawrence of Arabia country where in WW1 the Arab tribes frequently sabotaged the famous Hejaz Railway line that ran from Damascus to Medina. Along our route we will stop at an historic site that displays the remnants of this bygone era including rusting train carriages and an abandoned train station.

This afternoon we will arrive at the holy city of Medina where we will stay at a comfortable 3 star hotel.

Today is a free day for you to explore the city of Medina by utilising the hop-on hop-off open top bus service. Officially the city centre and Prophet’s Mosque remain off-limits to tourists but muslims are welcome to visit and reports of non-muslims visiting these sites are becoming more common. Your time in Medina is free for you to explore as many of the historic sites as possible on your own.

Tonight we will stay at a comfortable 3 star hotel.

Today we drive to the ancient port of Jeddah, the cosmopolitan hub of the country displaying a vibrant mix of new and old. After checking into our hotel you have the opportunity to visit the lively corniche, a beautiful walkway along the Red Sea coast which also offers a wonderful view of the Al Rahma floating Mosque and King Fahd’s fountain which at 312 metres high makes it the world’s tallest fountain.

You will have this evening free to explore more of Jeddah at your leisure and enjoy the comforts of our 3 star hotel.

This morning we will visit the UNESCO listed historic centre of Jeddah, Al Balad, where narrow alleyways lead you to spice-scented souqs, art galleries, quirky cafes and traditional bakeries. Some of the old coral merchants' houses and mosques have been carefully restored and turned into living museums of which Naseef House and Al Shafee Mosque are two of the finest examples.

This afternoon we will take a trip to the Tayebat City Museum where you can learn all about Jeddah’s 2500 year history through a collection of over 60,000 items including ancient coins and manuscripts, Arabic weaponry, traditional Saudi costumes and fine art.

This evening you are invited to a traditional Arabic group dinner at a popular local restaurant before returning to our 3 star hotel.

This morning we will fly to Jazan in the southeastern part of the country and from there we catch the afternoon ferry to the Farasan Islands, an idyllic archipelago made up of more than 80 islands with pristine coral reefs and white sand beaches.

After checking into our resort you are free to explore the island and sample some of the country's best seafood.

This morning you are invited to join the group for a 4 hour boat tour around the archipelago to enjoy some of the area's best beaches and snorkelling.

After lunch we will then visit Al Qassar sandstone village and explore the historic Pearl Merchants Neighbourhood, the 2 most historic highlights of the Farasan Islands.

This evening you are free to explore more of the islands at your leisure or relax in the comfort of our resort.

Today we catch the early ferry back to Jazan where we meet our bus and continue up to Rijal Almaa, a village displaying dark block-like fortresses elegantly studded with white quartz. The men of the village wear colourful wrap-around skirts and adorn themselves with floral wreaths which give them the nickname the Flower Men.

Later in the afternoon we reach the town of Muhayil where we spend the night at our 3 star hotel and you have the evening free to enjoy some of Saudi’s more modern conveniences.

This morning a snaking road leads us up to the Asir province, so named after the local Asir tribe. This is an entirely different face of the Kingdom with the area boasting big mountains and lush vegetation, a huge contrast to the desert landscapes further north.

We head directly into the beautiful Asir National Park and explore this area of outstanding natural beauty which is home to troops of Hamadryas baboons and incredible views of Saudi Arabia’s highest peak, Mt. Soudah (3000m).

After lunch we visit the hanging village of Al Habala which is dramatically perched on the ledge of a sheer cliff. Built nearly 400 years ago by the Qahtan tribe and only accessible by rope ladders, this village is the only one of its kind in the Kingdom.

We continue on to Al Yanfa, a village that sits atop a warren of underground tunnels which resembles something out of a fairytale. Wandering through the labyrinth of low ceilinged tunnels is an experience not to be missed.

Tonight we spend our final evening of the tour in a 3 star hotel in Abha, a town famous for its mud-walled Shada Palace, a showpiece of traditional Asir architecture. This evening you are invited to attend a group farewell dinner to say goodbye to your crew and fellow travellers.

After breakfast today we catch a flight from Abha to Riyadh where our tour ends upon arrival at Riyadh airport, usually around midday. For your own peace of mind please do not book your flight home before 14H00 today.

If you need any extra nights accommodation in Riyadh your tour leader will be happy to help arrange that for you.

HOW TO BOOK

To make a booking please fill in our online booking form and then pay a £300 deposit by Credit/Debit Card, Bank Transfer, Revolut, Wise or Paypal.

Once we receive your online booking form and deposit we will confirm your booking by email and send you all relevant information necessary for your tour preparations.

TOUR PAYMENT

The Tour Payment of £3947 is the complete payment for your tour and is payable in the UK in GBP (£ Sterling). There is no Local Payment or Kitty to pay on this tour. In order to reserve a place on this tour you must pay £300 as a deposit. Eight months prior to departure a further payment of £1700 must be paid to secure your booking. The final balance of your Tour Payment £1947 must then be paid in full at least four months prior to the tour start date. If you book between 4 to 8 months prior to the departure date a deposit of £2000 should be paid upon booking. If you book within 4 months of the departure date the full Tour Payment of £3947 should be paid upon booking.

The Tour Payment can be paid by Credit/Debit Card, Bank Transfer, Revolut, Wise or Paypal.

Credit and Debit Card Payments (please use your full name as a reference when paying)

You can use the following link to pay by credit or debit card:

Dragoman Tour Payment

Or feel free to call us on +44 7858 468 953 in order to make a credit or debit card payment over the phone.

Bank Details for Direct Transfers (please use your full name as a reference when paying)

Bank: HSBC

Account name: Madventure Ltd.

Sort code: 400810

Account number: 91618415

IBAN : GB14HBUK40081091618415

Swift/Bank BIC: HBUKGB4B

Branch BIC: HBUKGB4116A

Bank address: HSBC Bank, 6 High Street, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 5AZ, United Kingdom

Revolut (please use your full name as a reference when paying)

Revolut offers a cheap and fast international money transfer service where you can choose to make a payment using either your bank account or credit/debit card.

Don’t have a Revolut account? Create one now - www.revolut.com 

Wise (please use your full name as a reference when paying)

Wise offers a cheap and fast international money transfer service where you can choose to make a payment using either your bank account or credit/debit card.

Don’t have a Wise account? Create one now - www.wise.com

Paypal (please use your full name as a reference when paying)

Paypal account name: info@madventure.co.uk

Don’t have a Paypal account? Create one now - www.paypal.com

INCLUDED

Services of your Dragoman tour leader

Local guides where required

All transport costs including private buses, 4x4’s and domestic flights

15 breakfasts and 3 evening meals provided

All accommodation costs in 3 & 4 star hotels, resorts and local guest houses

National Museum

Murabba Palace

Najdi Village group dinner

Masmak Fortress

Diriyah

Edge of the World 4x4 tour

Ushaiger heritage village

Buraidah camel market

Jubbah rock art entry

Hegra (Madain Saleh) tour

Lion Tombs of Dedan tour

Elephant Rock

Jeddah Old Town tour

Jeddah Arabian group dinner

Farasan Islands boat trip

Rijal Almaa

Al Yanfa village

Abha Arabian group dinner

NOT INCLUDED

International flights

Airport transfers

Personal travel insurance

Personal spending money (£150 – £200 per week recommended)

Visas (budget approximately £100 for your visa)

Lunches and 12 evening meals

Snacks and soft drinks

Accommodation upgrades

Entrance fees and local guides at optional sites

Any optional activities and excursions

Tips (USD $50 for your tour leader is recommended)

We stay at 3 & 4 star hotels, resorts and local guest houses throughout this tour. All the accommodation we provide is comfortable with modern conveniences and private bathrooms.

Accommodation is provided on a twin share basis so if you are travelling alone be prepared to share your room with another traveller of any gender. Your tour leader will always strive to put you in a room with a suitable partner. Couples can request a room with a double bed.

There is a single room supplement fee of £800 if you are a solo traveller and prefer to have a private room just for yourself.

We have designed this tour to be comfortable and avoid long drives wherever possible.

Most of the time we will be travelling in private air-conditioned buses and 4x4’s. We also include 2 domestic flights, from Jeddah to Jazan and from Abha to Riyadh, as the drive between these places is time consuming without much to see along the way.

All breakfasts will be provided during this tour, usually at the hotel before we start the day’s activities.

We include 3 evening meals during this tour, usually a welcome dinner in Riyadh, a traditional group dinner in Jeddah and a farewell dinner in Abha. The rest of the evening meals are at your own expense.

We do not include any lunches during this tour so this is a good time to sample the local food.

Arabian food is delicious and also inexpensive by western standards so we are sure you will enjoy sampling the local dishes as much as possible. 

Please bear in mind that in Saudi Arabia the availability of western style food may be limited outside of the big towns.

Hotels and restaurants do cater for vegetarians but the dishes may not be exactly what you are used to at home so please be prepared to try a few new things.

You will have a crew of 1 tour leader, 1 local driver and 1 local guide when required for certain activities on this tour. On some tours we may also have a cameraman who is there to help market our tours and update our social media.

Your tour leader will be in charge of routes, itineraries, food and accommodation and will ensure the smooth running of the tour. Your tour leader is not a tour guide and will not be giving you the history and facts of every place we visit.

Your tour leader will arrange local guides (if required) to give you the history of any important sites that we visit as sometimes historic sites require the specialist knowledge of a local guide.

Your tour leader will be hand-picked and trained by Dragoman but they may or may not have done this tour before. They will, however, have detailed notes from previous tours and backup from the office in the UK.

Each vehicle will also have a local driver to ensure you are driven safely and comfortably during this tour.

Tipping your tour leader at the end of the tour is always appreciated if you feel they have done a good job. People often ask us what amount they should leave as a tip so we recommend you tip your tour leader a minimum of $50 at the end of the tour if you feel they have given you good service, thank you.

PERSONAL BUDGET

As breakfasts, accommodation, transport and entrance fees are included during this tour you won’t need much spending money. We therefore recommend a budget of £400 per person to live comfortably during this tour. This budget should cover day to day things like the lunches and dinners that are not included, snacks, soft drinks, etc. 

Budget approximately £100 for your e-visa.

Souvenirs are something that can be very cheap or very expensive so if you are going to be buying souvenirs you should budget for it.

TRAVEL MONEY

We recommend you bring all of your money on your credit or debit card as nearly everywhere in Saudi Arabia accepts card payments.

ATM’s are widely available for you to draw local currency using your credit or debit card should you need cash.

To keep your money/credit cards/ipad/camera/laptop safe we recommend you purchase a ‘Pacsafe Travelsafe’ product. They offer various size portable anti-theft bags that can be attached to a fixed feature of the vehicle when travelling and also attached to a fixed feature in your hotel room when off the vehicle.

Below is general information and recommendations regarding visas and passports according to the most recent information we have from previous tours. Visas are ultimately your own responsibility to obtain and visa requirements may vary according to your nationality and place of application, so use the information below as a guide only and if you are unsure please check with your local consulate. Dragoman is in no way responsible for obtaining your visas or passports.

Please ensure you have 1 blank page in your passport in order to accommodate all the visas and stamps, and ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your tour end date.

Saudi Arabia visa - for most nationalities including citizens of the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and EU countries an e-visa is required to enter Saudi Arabia which you can apply for online before joining the tour. The visa processing time is usually within minutes and the cost of the visa including insurance is approximately £100.

VACCINATIONS

Vaccination requirements are constantly changing so we recommend you seek the latest professional medical advice at least 8 weeks before departure to ensure you allow yourself enough time to obtain all necessary vaccinations. Nomad Travel’s website has up-to-date information on vaccinations, malaria and other general medical advice for all the countries we will be visiting and they also administer vaccinations at their Travel Clinics in various locations within the UK.

www.nomadtravel.co.uk 

Alternatively speak with your local Health Professionals for current accurate information. You will need to make an appointment with your GP or Travel Clinic and take a list of the countries you are visiting and the approximate dates when you will be there.

It is not necessary to be vaccinated against covid to join this tour.

If you are arriving from a country where there is a risk of yellow fever transmission you may be required to show a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate.

MEDICALLY FIT & ABLE

You need to be in good general health for this tour and be reasonably fit and able. You need to be able to carry your bags from the vehicle to the hotels, do the short walks to the sites we visit, etc. You do not need to be super-fit by any means and all ages are welcome. We always attract a very broad age range on these tours, from people in their 20’s through to people in their 70’s.

Please inform us of any medical conditions that you have before departure so that your tour leader knows how to deal with a medical situation if it should arise. All information will be kept confidential unless you request us to inform your fellow travellers. For example, it may be wise to inform fellow travellers if you are allergic to something like bee-stings so they know what to do if you get stung.

FIRST AID KIT

The tour leader carries a basic first aid kit during the tour but it is recommended that you bring your own first aid kit for general use.

It is compulsory that every person who travels with Dragoman obtain travel insurance for the complete duration of the tour. Proof of travel insurance must be shown before joining a tour.

When applying for your e-visa you may be given the option to include local Saudi Arabian travel insurance which may be the cheapest option for you.

You may be covered under your credit card’s travel insurance so it might be worth checking with your credit card provider first.

There are various travel insurance companies to choose from and a Google search will bring up a vast selection but for people based in the UK seeking a comprehensive and reliable policy that includes Medical Repatriation we recommend a London based company named Campbell Irvine, +44 20 7938 1734, http://www.campbellirvine.com/Madventure

Campbell Irvine are familiar with what we do so if you mention Dragoman and the tour you are travelling on they should be able to provide excellent cover for you.

For people based in North America a company named Allianz offers good cover, +1 866 884 3556, www.allianztravelinsurance.com

If you choose to obtain your travel insurance through another company please ensure you read the small-print and make sure your policy includes Medical Repatriation.

Backpack/sports bag/suitcase: We recommend you carry your luggage in a backpack but irrespective if you prefer a sports bag or a suitcase you are restricted to a maximum 100 litre volume. 

Day bag: You are also permitted to bring a day bag with a maximum 40 litre volume that you can carry in in the vehicle with you.

Pacsafe: In order to keep your valuables safe we recommend a Pacsafe product. They make a range of anti-theft bags which vary in sizes and can accommodate your money, credit cards, passport, camera, laptop, etc. They can be attached to a fixed feature on the back of the vehicle when travelling and/or to a fixed feature in your hotel room when off the vehicle. 

Kindle: Optional but great to keep all your travel guides and books in one place.

Ipad/Tablet: not a necessity but most places have WiFi available these days so having your own Ipad or Tablet will enable you to stay connected.

Smartphone: It is highly recommended that you bring a smartphone with you as the majority of the tour communications are sent via WhatsApp. It is also very convenient for storing all your digital documents, emailing, taking and sharing photos, mapping and calling home. 

E-sim: Airalo has an affordable digital E-sim that you can use while travelling abroad which means you can stay connected and be online without having to constantly buy local physical sim cards to connect to the internet. Just make sure your phone is E-sim compatible before buying any E-sim.

Camera: Completely up to you but most people bring one.

Toiletries: Available everywhere but start with some toothpaste, toothbrush, dental floss, deodorant, soap and shampoo.

Sunblock: Minimum SPF 15 recommended.

Sunglasses: Polarised lenses offer great protection.

First aid kit: Only a basic one is recommended but should include plasters, antiseptic cream, bandage, pain relief tablets, scissors and safety pins.

Passport: Please ensure you have 1 blank page in your passport to accommodate all the visas and stamps required on this tour, and ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your tour end date.

Clothes & shoes: 

1 x flip flops

1 x walking shoes, trainers or boots

7 x socks

7 x underwear

4 x t-shirts

1 x lightweight long sleeve top

1 x fleece top or fleece jacket

1 x waterproof jacket

2 x zip-off  trousers which can be worn long or short

1 x swimwear

1 x headscarf for the ladies

1 x thermal beanie or woolly hat

1 x baseball cap

Saudi Arabia was once a conservative Islamic country but over the last few years change has swept through the country and people are now much more free to wear western style clothing.

Females no longer need to wear headscarves (hijab) and the traditional ‘abaya’ if they don’t want to. These days it is not uncommon to see women wearing jeans and t-shirts however we still recommend that our female travellers err on the side of caution and have a headscarf handy along with a long loose shirt that covers their arms and hangs down to mid-thigh level. Women will need this type of clothing to get into many of the religious sites too.

Males no longer need to wear long trousers or the traditional Arabian attire if they don't want to either and many younger men are seen wearing shorts and t-shirts during the day. We still recommend men err on the side of caution and wear long trousers as that will also ensure you get access to all the sites we visit.

Alcohol and drugs are illegal in Saudi Arabia and they enforce severe punishment for being caught in possession so don’t be fooled into thinking you can sneak a couple of bottles of wine into the country because you could get yourself into serious trouble. If you are offered alcohol at any point during the tour please do not accept as you not only jeopardise your own freedom but also the well-being of the entire group. Saudi Arabia has the death penalty in place for anyone caught in possession of hard drugs.

Public displays of affection are uncommon and it would also be deemed unusual to shake a woman's hand when meeting her.

In general Saudi Arabia is a very friendly, modern, clean and hassle-free destination. If we all respect Saudi traditions, culture and religion we will have an unforgettable experience in one of the most welcoming countries in the Middle East.

OVERVIEW

This Dragoman small group tour is for travellers seeking an adventurous yet comfortable vacation where your tour leader does all the planning to ensure you get to enjoy yourself as much as possible. On this trip our group size is a maximum of 16 travellers of all ages and nationalities. We use private buses, 4x4’s and domestic flights to reach our destinations quickly and we stay in 3 & 4 star hotels, resorts and local guest houses to ensure your comfort at all times. This tour is meticulously planned to ensure you visit the highlights of Saudi Arabia at a leisurely pace and we also visit a couple of harder to reach destinations such as the Farasan Islands and Abha. If you are looking for a true adventure shared with a group of like-minded travellers then this Dragoman small group tour may be the trip for you!

At Dragoman we like to go through every aspect of the tour with you to ensure that you are as informed and prepared as possible. We believe in not only telling you about the highlights of the tour but also providing you with all the small details of what to expect as we know these are just as important. We want to explain the tour in as much detail as possible so that you are sure you are suited to one of our small group adventures. If after reading the information below you decide that this tour is not for you then, as long as it is within 14 days of your initial booking, you can cancel your booking and receive a full refund of all monies paid.

YOUR FELLOW TRAVELLERS

We have no age restrictions on our small group tours and if there is one thing we have come to realise, it’s the mental attitude that counts the most. On this trip our group size is a maximum of 16 travellers of all ages and nationalities so you can expect to share this experience with a wide variety of characters from all walks of life.  

WEATHER

We run our Saudi Arabia tours during their winter months as any other time of year is simply too hot and uncomfortable. You can expect the days to be warm and the nights to be cool during this tour.

ALTITUDE

We remain at a relatively low altitude throughout this tour so you should be comfortable.

HYGIENE

As wonderful as Saudi Arabia is, some places do not have a western infrastructure and their acceptable level of hygiene standards may be very different to ours, so be prepared to accept that things may not be as clean as they are back home.

You must maintain your own personal hygiene and ensure that you and your clothes are washed regularly. If anyone smells bad or is noticeably unclean the tour leader will have a word with that person to ensure a decent level of personal hygiene is maintained by everyone on the tour.

SIGHTSEEING & ACTIVITIES

In Saudi Arabia your tour leader will arrange many short sightseeing and walking tours. For many of the organised tours your tour leader will arrange a local guide to provide the history of the sites we visit. Some of the sites have information boards and a guide is not necessary. You are always free to go sightseeing on your own at your leisure if you prefer not to join the group for some of the activities.

On this tour you are completely free to do as you choose and you can be as active or inactive as you like.

YOUR ATTITUDE

A friendly, easy-going attitude will help you enjoy this trip and ensure you are liked by your fellow travellers as well as the locals. The one thing that is extremely detrimental to any tour are people that constantly moan. It has nothing to do with age, gender or nationality, some people just like to find fault in everything and it’s always got to be someone’s fault. This type of constant negativity can be extremely detrimental within a group so it may sound a bit harsh but by weeding out any moaners early on we can have a chat with them to try and ensure your tour is as good as it can be. We don’t hide anything so people who travel with us usually know exactly what to expect on this tour which makes for an enjoyable group experience.

Please be aware that if any particular person is constantly causing the rest of the group (or the tour leader) grief due to their behaviour they will be warned and then asked to leave the tour if nothing improves and no refund will be given. This is obviously the most extreme case but we will not let one or two rude individuals spoil it for everybody else. This is a once in a lifetime experience so let’s all enjoy it!

WHEN THINGS GO WRONG

When we are in Saudi Arabia things generally go to plan but if something unexpected does delay us or force us to change our itinerary please understand that sometimes things happen that are simply out of our control and we may have to make alternative arrangements. Please be prepared to expect the unexpected and accept that things might go wrong from time to time. An easy-going approach will help the situation immensely. Moaning about every little thing that doesn’t go our way will not! When situations arise where we can’t please everybody we always aim to please the majority of the group, not the individual. 

TRAVEL TIMES & ITINERARIES

We have designed this tour to visit all the highlights of Saudi Arabia in a comfortable timeframe and have plenty of time to look around the sites. 

We usually set off at 08H00 after breakfast, have various stops during the day to see the sites and arrive at our destinations before nightfall.

It is unlikely to happen but sometimes we do have to alter our route slightly and the itinerary may have to be changed due to unforeseen circumstances.

DRUGS & ALCOHOL

Please be aware that alcohol and drugs are illegal in Saudi Arabia and they enforce severe punishment for being caught in possession so don’t be fooled into thinking you can sneak a couple of bottles of wine into the country because you could get yourself into serious trouble. If you are offered alcohol at any point during the tour please do not accept as you not only jeopardise your own freedom but also the well-being of the entire group. Saudi Arabia has the death penalty in place for anyone caught in possession of hard drugs. NEVER carry drugs and alcohol on your person or on the vehicle during this tour as you would not only jeopardise your own freedom but also the well-being of the entire group if you are caught in possession.

If you are caught in possession of alcohol or drugs on this tour you will be asked to leave the tour immediately and no refund will be given. Any such inconsideration can lead to the tour being cancelled and innocent people arrested. We will not hesitate to remove someone if we have to.

DRESS CODE

Saudi Arabia was once a conservative Islamic country but over the last few years change has swept through the country and people are now much more free to wear western style clothing.

Females no longer need to wear headscarves (hijab) and the traditional ‘abaya’ if they don’t want to. These days it is not uncommon to see women wearing jeans and t-shirts however we still recommend that our female travellers err on the side of caution and have a headscarf handy along with a long shirt that covers their arms and hangs down to mid-thigh level. Women will need this type of clothing to get into many of the religious sites too.

Males no longer need to wear long trousers or the traditional Arabian attire if they don't want to and many younger men are seen wearing shorts and t-shirts during the day. We still recommend men err on the side of caution and wear long trousers as that will also ensure you get access to all the sites we visit.

MEDICALLY FIT & ABLE

You need to be in good general health for this tour and be reasonably fit and able. You need to be able to carry your bags from the vehicle to the hotels, do the short walks to the sites we visit, etc. You do not need to be super-fit by any means and all ages are welcome. We always attract a very broad age range on these tours, from people in their 20’s through to people in their 70’s.

Please inform us of any medical conditions that you have before departure so that your tour leader knows how to deal with a medical situation if it should arise. All information will be kept confidential unless you request us to inform your fellow travellers. For example, it may be wise to inform fellow travellers if you are allergic to something like bee-stings so they know what to do if you get stung.

ACCOMMODATION

We stay at 3 & 4 star hotels, resorts and local guest houses throughout this tour. All the accommodation we provide is comfortable with modern conveniences and private bathrooms.

Accommodation is provided on a twin share basis so if you are travelling alone be prepared to share your room with another traveller of any gender. Your tour leader will always strive to put you in a room with a suitable partner. Couples can request a room with a double bed.

There is a single room supplement fee of £800 if you are a solo traveller and prefer to have a private room just for yourself.

TRANSPORT

We have designed this tour to be comfortable and avoid long drives wherever possible.

Most of the time we will be travelling in private air-conditioned buses and 4x4’s. We also include 2 domestic flights, from Jeddah to Jazan and from Abha to Riyadh, as the drive between these places is time consuming without much to see along the way.

MEALS

All breakfasts will be provided during this tour, usually at the hotel before we start the day’s activities.

We include 3 evening meals during this tour, usually a welcome dinner in Riyadh, a traditional group dinner in Jeddah and a farewell dinner in Abha. The rest of the evening meals are at your own expense.

We do not include any lunches during this tour so this is a good time to sample the local food.

Arabian food is delicious and also inexpensive by western standards so we are sure you will enjoy sampling the local dishes as much as possible. 

Please bear in mind that in Saudi Arabia the availability of western style food may be limited outside of the big towns.

Hotels and restaurants do cater for vegetarians but the dishes may not be exactly what you are used to at home so please be prepared to try a few new things.

CREW

You will have a crew of 1 tour leader, 1 local driver and 1 local guide when required for certain activities on this tour. On some tours we may also have a cameraman who is there to help market our tours and update our social media.

Your tour leader will be in charge of routes, itineraries, food and accommodation and will ensure the smooth running of the tour. Your tour leader is not a tour guide and will not be giving you the history and facts of every place we visit.

Your tour leader will arrange local guides (if required) to give you the history of any important sites that we visit as sometimes historic sites require the specialist knowledge of a local guide.

Your tour leader will be hand-picked and trained by Dragoman but they may or may not have done this tour before. They will, however, have detailed notes from previous tours and backup from the office in the UK.

Each vehicle will also have a local driver to ensure you are driven safely and comfortably during this tour.

Tipping your tour leader at the end of the tour is always appreciated if you feel they have done a good job. People often ask us what amount they should leave as a tip so we recommend you tip your tour leader a minimum of $100 at the end of the tour if you feel they have given you good service, thank you.