Trip through the south of Saudi Arabia

Day 1 | Jeddah, colorful world heritage

Jeddah is a commercial center on the west coast along the Red Sea, with the second busiest seaport in the Middle East. It is the main gateway to Makkah, the holiest city within Islam, and welcomes more than a million pilgrims each year on their way to the Hajj.

Still, Jeddah is considered Saudi Arabia's most liberal city and is a popular tourist destination, where ancient architecture blends with modern luxury and a rich underwater world.

Delve into the history and heritage of the atmospheric old town of Al-Balad, which was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2014. The traditional multi-story buildings and merchant houses are a true architectural jewel. Here you step back in time, surrounded by the bustle of merchants, pilgrims doing their shopping and the occasional amazed tourist.

The rawasheen, or wooden window shutters, are an ancient way to create shade and coolness in the hot and humid climate - and they make the narrow alleys extra picturesque. A visit to Al-Balad feels like a trip back in time, with the typical smells, sounds and images of the Middle East. In a rapidly modernizing kingdom, this is one of the last places where you can still experience that authentic atmosphere of old souks.

Celebrate your arrival in Saudi Arabia with a sunset drink at the lively corniche. Take a stroll past the works of art first, then spread out a rug and takwa and enjoy the moment. Blend into the crowd as the sun sets, the call to prayer sounds and the world's tallest fountain comes to life on the beachfront promenade.

Day 2 | Nature is calling

The day begins with a scenic drive from Jeddah to the mountain city of Taif, stopping en route at Al Wabah Crater - one of Saudi Arabia's most breathtaking natural wonders. This huge crater, created by volcanic activity, stretches for more than 2 kilometers and is 250 meters deep. There are spectacular views from the rim and plenty of opportunities for taking stunning photos.

After enjoying the panoramic scenery and a delicious picnic, continue your drive towards Taif. At 1,800 meters above sea level, Taif makes a perfect overnight stop. Also called the "City of Roses," this city is known for its cool temperatures and the fragrant flowers that grow in the city and surrounding mountain valleys.

The countryside around Taif offers an abundance of natural beauty and is also known for growing grapes, figs, pomegranates and honey.

In the late afternoon, explore the local market - a lively district where every corner has the atmosphere of a real Arab souk. Here you will find everything from oud (scented wood) and the shemagh (the typical Saudi headscarf for men) to everyday household items.

Day 3 | Thee Ain, perhaps the most beautiful village in Saudi Arabia

From Taif, visit the Sarawat Mountains where you will breathe the fresh mountain air. Explore the remarkable ancient beehives in the abandoned village of Al-Kharfi, where some 1,200 mud and clay structures were used for beekeeping some 800 years ago - possibly even earlier. These ancient beehives show man's ingenuity in a harsh desert environment, and were an essential source of food and medicinal honey.

The journey between Taif and Abha is among the most beautiful in the Arabian Peninsula. You will drive past steep cliffs, ruins of ancient watchtowers and peaceful mountain villages untouched by time. Terraces of farmland break the image of Saudi Arabia as a barren land, and along the way there are plenty of opportunities to stop and explore these enchanting landscapes - especially around Al Bahah.

Al Bahah, also the capital of the Al Bahah region, is located at an altitude of about 2,200 meters and enjoys a pleasant climate. The city is surrounded by more than forty forests, including Raghadan, Al-Zareeb and Baidan.

Deep in the wadi lies the UNESCO-protected village of Thee Ain, reached by a winding road that runs along the cliff face. This is one of the best-preserved villages in the region and houses a fascinating visitor center that provides insight into local life. Climb the steps in the steep alleys and enter a house or two. Narrow steps will eventually lead you to a rooftop overlooking the valley.

Day 4 | A dinner and overnight stay with the locals

After breakfast, resume your journey with a stop at Al Malad Castle, located in the historic village of Al Malad. Located on a hill along the trade route to Aseer, this double fortress was built four centuries ago by two brothers. It had a military function and also served for storing supplies.

En route, stop in Baljorashi, a town with a historic Saturday market offering traditional Saudi handicrafts, local products and honey. Also visit the Baljorashi Heritage Village with a small museum, followed by lunch before traveling on.

You will arrive at a mountain village on a cliff, known for terraced agriculture and stone architecture. Unlike the desert areas, houses, mosques and fortresses here are built of solid natural stone, often embellished with white marble. Interiors and doors are decorated with vibrant patterns in white, red, yellow and green, with a strong emphasis on geometric shapes.

Enter one of these hidden gems and be welcomed by a local family for an authentic stay at a locals' home. Meals are served sitting on the floor, and mattresses are also on the floor when it's time to sleep.

At sunset, a mysterious mist often draws up from the valley, temporarily obscuring the view before the sky opens up to reveal a starry rooftop. If there is still time before sunset, take a walk through and around the village, enjoying the views, the goat herds and the occasional monkey. But beware - they are curious.

Day 5 | Jawal Sawda, a true highlight

After a local breakfast prepared by the host family, it is time to continue your journey. Further south, the landscape becomes more rugged and the mountains higher, culminating in Jabal Sawda - the highest peak in Saudi Arabia at 3,133 meters. Before reaching Abha, you will pass traditional Aseer houses, an impressive mosque and stunning views at the village of Al Olayan, as well as a fortress-like ruler's house that now serves as a museum in the town of Namas. A picnic lunch can be enjoyed in a park overlooking the deep valley just outside the town.

End the day by exploring Abha. Stretch your legs on the city's Art Street, a quaint street lined with beautiful purple jacaranda trees. Decorated with colorful artwork, the area is a meeting place for artists from all over the country to display their creativity.

Sunset or early evening is the perfect time to enjoy the Al Dabab promenade, located on the edge of a cliff, built by the city of Abha for sports and social gatherings. Look to the west and dream in advance of the mountain scenery ahead.

Day 6 | UNESCO World Heritage Site Rijal Alma

Abha and the Aseer region beg to be explored. The emphasis here is on Aseer culture, with local traditions, architecture and heritage as we further explore the area around Abha. The last part of this journey through the Saudi mountain landscape is perhaps the most impressive.

Drive past Jabal Sawda, Saudi Arabia's highest mountain at 3,133 meters, before descending a spectacular hairpin road to Rijal Alma - a fascinating collection of some 60 traditional multi-story stone houses nestled against the mountain slopes. These large, fortress-like houses are built vertically, which helps to let heat escape and retain cool air. The site is on the UNESCO World Heritage List..

After climbing back up to the top of the mountain, you will discover a beautifully restored fortress in the village of Tabab. It towers over the valley and overlooks the fields with thick walls of clay and stone. Those walls kept the heat out in summer and the heat in during winter. Even livestock had a place inside the walls, safe from intruders. Enjoy lunch in the village before returning to Abha.

Delve further into Aseer's heritage at Fatimah's Museum of Aseeri Woman Heritage - a fascinating museum that offers an overview of traditional designs, home decorations and Aseer's unique painting techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation through the female line. Every color and motif has a meaning, an insight that brings to life the brightly colored interiors of the previously visited homes.

Day 7 | From the mountains to the coast

Today's drive takes you from the cool highlands of Abha to the coastal city of Jizan. The landscape changes dramatically: from misty mountains to the sun-drenched coast of the Red Sea. Upon arrival in Jizan, enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant, where you will be introduced to regional flavors influenced by both Red Sea and Yemeni cuisine.

In the afternoon, the program includes a visit to the Adosareyah Fortress - a centuries-old Ottoman fortress on a hilltop that offers an insight into the strategic importance and rich military history of the region. This is followed by a stop at the Jizan Heritage Village, a cultural heritage park that brings together traditional architecture, local crafts and folklore, providing insight into the diverse tribes and lifestyles of the south of the country.

The day ends leisurely with a walk along the North Corniche, a popular spot among locals to watch the sunset on the Red Sea. The warm sea breeze and golden light make for a perfect end to the day.

Day 8 | The tropical Farasan Islands

Start the day with an early transfer to the port and board the ferry that will take you to the breathtaking Farasan Islands - an archipelago in the Red Sea known for its crystal clear waters, vibrant coral reefs and pristine white sand beaches.

Take a private boat excursion to some of the best snorkeling spots in the region. Dive into the turquoise waters and discover a kaleidoscope of marine life: from colorful coral formations to tropical fish. In between snorkeling, you can swim, relax on secluded beaches and enjoy the serene island atmosphere.

The tour then continues with an overland sightseeing tour of Farasan's main historical sites, including the traditional village of Al Qassar, the elegant House of al-Rifai, the beautifully preserved Al-Najdi Mosque, the Ottoman fortress and the scenic Farasan Corniche.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the port to take the ferry to Jizan. Arrive at the hotel in the early evening, with wonderful memories of this hidden paradise in the Red Sea.

Day 9 | The end of an extraordinary journey

A private transfer will take you to Jizan airport from where you will fly to either Jeddah or Riyadh for your return flight home.

Trip through the south of Saudi Arabia

Introduction trip through the south of Saudi Arabia

What makes this trip through the south Saudi Arabia unique?

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Day-to-day

Day 1 | Jeddah, colorful world heritage

Day 2 | Nature is calling

Day 3 | Thee Ain, perhaps the most beautiful village in Saudi Arabia

Day 4 | A dinner and overnight stay with the locals

Day 5 | Jawal Sawda, a true highlight

Day 6 | UNESCO World Heritage Site Rijal Alma

Day 7 | From the mountains to the coast

Day 8 | The tropical Farasan Islands

Day 9 | The end of an extraordinary journey

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