From the skin, Saudi Arabia could appear to be one other Gulf nation with hyper-modern cities, fancy vehicles, and largely coated in desert. However what if I advised you that there’s a twin sister metropolis to Petra in Jordan right here? What if there’s a canyon so spectacular, it nearly looks like you’re standing on the sting of the world? What if there’s a beautiful mountain street that zigzags its means up a 2,300-meter-high mountain, stuffed with baboons?
These are the locations we might be visiting on this 2-week Saudi Arabia street journey itinerary. We’ll begin in Riyadh and make our means throughout the desert all the way in which to the coast of the Pink Sea, stopping by AlUla, Jeddah, and some of the sacred cities in Islam, Medina, earlier than heading over to the mountains and finishing our journey in Abha.
We’ll present all the knowledge it is advisable to plan a unbelievable journey to Saudi Arabia, from issues to do, the place to remain, and extra. It’ll be some of the epic street journeys in your life, so fasten your seat belt, and let’s start the journey!
Saudi Arabia 2-Week Highway Journey Itinerary Map
Fast Abstract: 2 Weeks in Saudi Arabia Itinerary
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2 Weeks in Saudi Arabia Highway Journey Itinerary
Driving Distance: 10 – 50 km
Driving Time: 1 hour whole
This itinerary begins in Riyadh, the capital metropolis of Saudi Arabia that’s spearheading the nation into the fashionable period, with its hyper-modern skyscrapers, oil-driven financial system, and loads of hidden gems so that you can discover.
As quickly as you arrive on the airport, be sure to buy an STC native SIM card on the arrival corridor, ideally the 30-day one, so as to use it for navigation all through your journey. Then, withdraw some money for emergencies.
Having round 1,200 SAR ought to suffice in case some locations don’t settle for bank cards. Out of all of the fuel stations we visited throughout the nation, just one did not settle for bank cards, so it is all the time useful to have some money readily available.
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As soon as every thing is prepared, go and acquire your rental automotive from the automotive rental space on the airport. Do not forget to doc every thing for proof in case they attempt to cost you for damages you did not trigger while you return the automotive. Additionally, remind the clerk of all of the insurance policies you chose (corresponding to open-mile, full insurance coverage, and a unique drop-off level) in case they neglected them.
In spite of everything is finished, it is time to drive on the notorious Saudi roads. Get your self acquainted with the principles of the jungle, I imply street right here, and do not go sooner than 80 km/hr when not on a freeway. Retreat to your lodge, relaxation up, and put together for an journey the subsequent day.
In your second day, you can begin your day by visiting Masmak Fortress, a unique-looking fortress with a wealthy historical past to inform. You’ll be able to park on the paid parking zone in entrance of the fortress. It ought to value round 5 SAR per hour and it ought to take you not more than that to see the fortress.
Subsequent up, we’re going to go to the Nationwide Museum, a large museum with a number of sections devoted to every interval of Saudi Arabia from prehistoric instances to the age of oil and modernization. An ideal place to be taught extra in regards to the historical past of Saudi Arabia.
The museum is very large, so be sure you allocate at the very least an hour or 2 right here. There is no such thing as a entrance charge to enter, which I feel was fairly superior of them. There are many free parking spots in entrance of the museum, so you shouldn’t have any hassle getting right here.
Do not forget to drop by Murabba Historic Palace, a fantastically renovated former palace, residence to a museum with an incredible assortment of artifacts, conventional apparel, and ornamental artwork. It is related to the nationwide museum, so you must be capable of stroll there.
This was a photograph I took at Boulevard World, subsequent to Boulevard Metropolis. I did not have any clear images of Boulevard Metropolis as I used to be caught in site visitors a lot of the time.
Within the night, you possibly can hang around at Boulevard Metropolis and see what the long run holds for the capital metropolis of Saudi Arabia, with its beautiful gentle reveals, shiny billboards harking back to Instances Sq., and loads of eating places and cafes to take pleasure in. You’ll be able to park free of charge at this parking zone.
On the second day, you can begin a little bit later and go to Kingdom Heart Sky Bridge for an unimaginable view of the town. The point of view is positioned on the 77th ground, so it is possible for you to to see all of the hyper-modern skyscrapers in Riyadh, together with the enduring Al Faisaliah Tower. The ticket is 69 SAR per individual, and you should purchase it as soon as you’re there.
You’ll be able to then discover the shopping center there or at Al Faisaliah Tower, one other iconic tower in Riyadh, with its iconic golden globe on the high. There is a mall inside in addition to an alternate commentary deck you possibly can try.
Within the night, you possibly can go and discover Al Bujairi Heritage Park, a large park located within the historic district of Diriyah, the oldest a part of the town, in addition to the place the place the founding father of Saudi Arabia, the Home of Saud, resided.
The park is full of eating places, cafes, and leisure services so that you can take pleasure in. It is essential to notice that the park is simply open from 5 PM to 4 AM, so be sure to plan your go to accordingly and arrive after 5 PM.
The doorway charge is about 50 SAR, and it’s important to purchase the ticket on-line right here earlier than you possibly can enter. There’s a paid parking zone accessible close to Heritage Park. Alternatively, you would additionally park alongside this street free of charge, as I did. It’s not a lot additional than the paid parking zone.
Inside Al Bujairi Heritage Park, you can see At-Turaif World Heritage Web site, which is the precise birthplace of the primary Saudi state and the ancestral residence of the Saudi royal household, the Al Sauds.
The place is large, and you may anticipate to spend at the very least an hour or two simply exploring At-Turaif alone. It’s a maze of winding and crisscrossing streets and alleyways, so be sure you spend a while and discover completely.
You’ll want to keep right here till sundown, so you possibly can witness its unimaginable gentle and sound present, which tells the historical past of Saudi Arabia from its founding days to its struggles with powers to the fashionable Saudi Arabia state we see as we speak.
After you are executed exploring Al Bujairi Heritage Park, be sure to go to Almesainad District, an upcoming stylish spot the place you may discover many locals hanging out at night time. We stumbled upon it accidentally whereas searching for a extra reasonably priced place to have dinner close to Al Bujairi.
In your third day in Riyadh, you possibly can spend the remainder of the morning stress-free at your lodge as we might be occurring a tour to the Fringe of the World, positively the spotlight of visiting Riyadh.
It’s positioned roughly 98 km north of Riyadh and it requires 4WD and a information to navigate the desert to get there, so you’ll have to go on an organized tour as an alternative. The tour will decide you up from this assembly level in Riyadh round 2 PM and it ought to take about 6 hours in whole.
You must arrive round 4 PM, and you’ll have about 2-3 hours to freely roam the canyon. You’ll be able to hike all the way in which right down to the large rock outcrop and dangle your ft off the Fringe of the World, simply be very conscious of your step because the cliff could be very excessive above the bottom.
Simply earlier than the tour ends, the information will direct you to a small plateau the place you may get a transparent view of the enduring rock outcrop throughout sundown as it’s surrounded by the dramatic panorama of the Fringe of the World. It’s fairly a sight to behold and makes the bumpy journey worthwhile.
You’ll want to e-book the tour beforehand, ideally just a few days earlier, as it may possibly get booked out fairly quick throughout the peak season. The tour additionally offers a fundamental dinner within the desert expertise earlier than they drop you off in Riyadh round 8 PM. Relaxation up for the night time as we’ve an extended drive forward of us.
Day 4: Hail
Driving Distance: 624 km
Driving Time: 6 – 7 hours
Immediately, we’re going to be driving about 600 km, and it’ll take you about 6 hours to get to Hail, so be sure you get up early and hit the street earlier than 7 AM. Your first cease is Hlewa Heritage Market, a fantastic heritage web site with beautiful mud homes you possibly can discover. It is about 2 hours away, so you must arrive there by 9 AM, simply in time for it to be opened.
Whereas the Heritage Market may not be as energetic throughout the day, it is nonetheless price visiting for its lovely structure. You may also discover the native museum right here free of charge, in addition to a close-by mosque, which contains a towering minaret.
Proper behind the mosque, you can see a slender path, main you into the ruins of the previous mud homes right here. You’ll be able to discover the previous ruins, climb as much as one of many mud homes, and benefit from the view from above. The walkways are well-maintained and go out and in of those mud homes, which is extraordinarily enjoyable to discover.
After you’re executed, you may as well try the brand new previous market they’re renovating proper by the previous mud homes and take some images. Though it’s synthetic, it’s nonetheless fairly good to see and picture what it should have been like in its heyday.
Subsequent up, we go to one other mud village known as Ushaiqer Heritage Village, positioned about quarter-hour’ drive from Hlewa Heritage Market. This village is certainly extra well-lived-in, with a small neighborhood nonetheless dwelling contained in the mud homes.
There are a lot of extra crisscrossing streets right here with many hidden gems like Ushaiqer Heritage Mosque, Al Salem Museum, and extra, so be sure you spend an hour exploring the world completely.
I fairly just like the distinction of the placing shadows and the mud homes’ brownish exterior. It can lead to some actually beautiful images, so get your digicam prepared. Each of the heritage villages (Hlewa and Ushaiqer) are freed from cost, which I feel is fairly superior.
As soon as you’re executed right here, you possibly can proceed for about 2 hours till you arrive in Unayzah, cease for a late lunch, earlier than heading over to Albassam Heritage Home to be taught extra in regards to the historical past of this a part of Saudi Arabia.
Albassam Heritage Home is an previous heritage home owned by an area household that dates all the way in which again to the 14th Century. Now, it’s transformed right into a cultural middle the place you’ll be guided by means of every room, with small exhibitions about conventional apparel, conventional instruments to make meals, and how one can retailer their dates for months with out them going unhealthy.
You’ll find out about every room and its capabilities, and on the finish of the tour, you’ll take pleasure in a stunning welcome Arabic espresso and dates, with a cool presentation of how they entertain individuals whereas making espresso. The espresso maker would create rhythmic sounds from his espresso grinder as he sings alongside to its tune. It was fairly superior!
And all that’s free of charge! How superior is that this? We went to three locations and all of them are free. I am certain this may not final as vacationers decide up within the nation, so take pleasure in it whereas it lasts!
After you’re executed, be sure you try Al Musawkaf Market behind it. Though they don’t seem to be open till 4 PM, you must be capable of enter, stroll round, and take some images.
It’s fairly cool with palm timber in the course of a big courtyard surrounded by all types of native retailers. Spend a while right here and stroll round earlier than we proceed driving to Hail.
You may also cease by Aloqilat Museum and take a look at its native assortment. Though most exhibitions are in Arabic, it’s nonetheless a cool place to see. It ought to take about 2 hours to get to Hail, and you must arrive within the metropolis simply earlier than sundown.
Earlier than you go to your lodge, be sure to drive up Al Samra Mountain and benefit from the sundown from up there. The doorway charge is 25 SAR, and you may drive all the way in which to its designated parking spot on the high.
When you park the automotive, you’ll then need to take a free switch to the commentary deck. The automotive comes each 2 – 3 minutes and also you simply have to attend by the parking zone. There was not a lot of a line after I was there, so watch out of individuals reducing in line.
When you arrive on the commentary deck, you’ll have a panoramic view of the town of Hail from above. The commentary deck faces straight west, so you possibly can witness an unimaginable sundown right here. It will get fairly chilly after sunset, so be sure you put on a jacket.
As soon as executed, you possibly can take the shuttle again to the parking zone, drive down, verify in to your lodge, seize dinner, and retreat for the day.
Day 5 – 7: AlUla
Driving Distance: 428 km
Driving Time: 5 hours whole
After spending the night time in Hail, we’re going to head over to AlUla, however earlier than that, be sure you cease by A’arif Fort and take a look at the view from up there.
As soon as you’re executed, it is time to drive to some of the lovely locations in Saudi Arabia, AlUla, residence to the traditional metropolis of Hegra that was constructed by the Nabateans, who additionally constructed the beautiful historical metropolis Petra in Jordan.
The drive ought to take not more than 5 hours alongside a desert street. Gasoline stations are few and much between, so be sure you fill your automotive up earlier than you permit the town.
When you arrive in AlUla, you possibly can verify into your lodge first and go to Elephant Rock or vice versa. It’s a lovely rock formation that’s formed like an elephant, positioned in the course of the desert, and it’s lovely each throughout the day and at night time when it’s illuminated by lights. Most choose it at night time, so you possibly can come again right here after sundown.
Round 4 PM, be sure you drive as much as Harrat Viewpoint, an unimaginable vantage level positioned on high of a big sandstone cliff, overlooking the town of AlUla and its surrounding space.
The vantage level from Harrat is unimaginable. With its 180° view, there is no such thing as a place the place you possibly can take within the beautiful pure magnificence and unimaginable geological options of AlUla like this. Regardless of the solar setting behind the point of view, it’s nonetheless among the best locations to look at the sundown in AlUla.
There may be additionally a restaurant on the high with dwell music and loads of seats, the place you possibly can chill out as you look forward to the sundown. If you’re searching for a spot to look at the sundown, be sure you try Harrat Viewpoint.
After you’re executed, you possibly can come again to Elephant Rock and see the place at night time. It certain gave a unique vibe after I visited once more after sunset. There are eating places and cafes with loads of seats in the course of the desert the place you possibly can take pleasure in.
Earlier than you return to your lodging and retreat for the night time, do not forget to get lost behind the Elephant Rock, lookup on the sky, and gaze on the stars. A desert is all the time an incredible place to go stargazing.
For the subsequent day, you can begin exploring the gorgeous previous city of AlUla beginning with Al Jadidah Arts District, a newly developed district adjoining to AlUla’s Previous City, and it’s a place the place the creativity of the locals right here shines probably the most.
Situated proper subsequent to the Previous City’s North Parking Lot, you’ll probably need to stroll by means of Al Jadidah Arts District as you make your solution to AlUla’s Previous City. The place is stuffed with hidden gems like Madrasat Addeera Cultural Heart, Design Area, and my favourite of all, AlUla Public Library.
As soon as you’re executed, you possibly can then proceed to AlUla’s Previous City, which is simply subsequent to Al Jadidah Arts District. With a number of mud homes and retailers lining either side of the road, the previous city of AlUla actually provides off a vibe of being in a Western cowboy film.
Alongside either side of the Previous City’s major avenue, you may discover loads of retailers and shops providing all types of products, from souvenirs to perfumes, and extra. You may additionally discover a collection of actually beautiful eating places and cafes that mix seamlessly with the desert environment.
You may also go on a guided tour across the Previous City, which gives you entry to AlUla Fort as effectively. The tour ought to take about 90 minutes, and you may e-book one on-line right here.
After the previous city, you possibly can go on a little bit journey and hike the Oasis Heritage Path, a 10-km lengthy strolling path that may take you thru the oasis of AlUla alongside lush palm-shaded paths and a picture-perfect setting.
Don’t fret, you wouldn’t have to stroll all the 10-km size. You are able to do as I did and stroll components of it that start from this path head throughout the street from AlUla’s Previous City to Pink Camel Cafe, and do just a few detours and see a date farm and the deserted mud homes close by.
Spend about an hour or 2 exploring the mud homes alongside Oasis Heritage Path, after which head over to Pink Camel Cafe to take pleasure in lunch earlier than visiting one of many highlights of AlUla, the traditional metropolis of Hegra.
Constructed by the Nabateans, the identical individuals who gave us Petra in Jordan, Hegra might be the spotlight of my journey to Saudi Arabia. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Web site with over 100 tombs carved into sandstone cliffs positioned in the course of the AlUla desert.
Your complete space is fenced off, and the one solution to go to Hegra is to go on an organized tour run by the federal government. You’ll be able to e-book it on-line right here. Make certain to e-book upfront, as they’ve restricted spots for every time slot.
The perfect time to go to Hegra is within the night, so be sure you e-book a time slot that’s as near sundown as doable. After I booked the tour in early March, the final time slot of the day was at 2:30 PM, which turned out to be excellent. It took us about half-hour to get from the assembly level to Hegra, and we spent about 3 hours exploring the heritage web site till 5 PM.
The tour will decide you up from Winter Park, simply north of AlUla. You’ll be able to drive there and park free of charge at its parking zone.
After you’ve accomplished the Hegra Tour, you possibly can head again to AlUla’s Previous City and witness how the quiet Previous City involves life as each native and overseas vacationers flock to hang around at cafes and eating places right here. It’s such a distinction to the morning and positively price testing once more.
For our third day in AlUla, I extremely advocate you turn your lodging and keep at both Caravan by Habitas, Banyan Tree AlUla, or Our Habitas for an evening so that you just get entry to its unimaginable services and vacationer sights that you just will not be capable of go to with out being a visitor at these inns.
With such a excessive price ticket, you’ll get your cash’s price by spending all the of your third day having fun with all of the services and actions supplied free of charge by Our Habitas.
You’ll be able to spend the afternoon visiting Maraya, a large mirrored construction, the biggest of its type on this planet, positioned contained in the non-public land operated by Our Habitas. It is likely one of the most lovely buildings you will note in AlUla.
Since it’s an artwork middle, in the meanwhile, you’ll solely have entry contained in the constructing if there may be an occasion occurring and you’ve got a reservation for that occasion. Even then, simply looking at Maraya from the skin is already well worth the journey. There’s simply nothing fairly prefer it.
After that, you possibly can spend the night having fun with the sundown or becoming a member of one of many many every day actions offered by the lodge. After I was there, there have been free Yoga courses, an artwork tour, and an open-air film theatre you possibly can be a part of.
I stayed at Caravan by Habitas, the most cost effective choice of all three, which remains to be fairly expensive at nearly 311 USD per night time, however consider it as a once-in-a-lifetime expertise, and a whole day price of exercise, and you must really feel a bit higher. That is how I tricked myself into paying it anyway .
The subsequent morning, you possibly can benefit from the limitless breakfast at your lodge and go to the beautiful pool of Our Habitas lodge to chill out there.
You may also seize an e-bike and journey across the property free of charge, which is fairly enjoyable to do. As soon as you’re executed, you possibly can retreat again to your lodge, perhaps have one other free early lunch round 10:30 AM due to its limitless breakfast, earlier than finishing your journey in AlUla and heading over to Medina.
Day 8: Medina
Driving Distance: 336 km
Driving Time: 3.5 hours
After AlUla, we proceed our journey to Medina, the second most sacred metropolis in Islam. The town is greater than 1,500 years previous and is taken into account the place from which Prophet Muhammad, the founding father of Islam, established the Muslim neighborhood after his flight from Mecca (622 CE) and is the place his physique is entombed.
The town used to ban non-Muslims from visiting, however in 2021, they relaxed this rule and now anybody is welcome to the town, which is why I’ve included this within the itinerary. It will be a disgrace to come back all the way in which to Saudi Arabia and never go to some of the sacred cities on this planet.
As of 2024, you possibly can even go and see the Prophet’s Mosque, which was constructed on the web site the place Prophet Mohammed handed away. It’s the second largest mosque on this planet, second solely to the grand mosque in Mecca, with a capability of over one million.
Technically, you’re solely allowed to see the mosque from the skin, however generally the safety guard may will let you enter the fenced space, however not contained in the mosque itself.
The foundations aren’t as clear-cut; nevertheless, I used to be let in at one gate and scolded by a safety guard at a unique gate, so your mileage could differ. You will need to respect the faith right here, so I would not try and enter the mosque with out permission.
If you wish to see the fenced-off space of the mosque with out stepping into, you may as well e-book Dar Al Iman InterContinental Resort and get a room with a view of the mosque. It is costly, nevertheless it’s higher than getting scolded by the safety there.
Girls, be sure you put on a headband the second you enter Medina and attempt to mix in as a lot as doable all the time you’re on this metropolis. Many individuals will stare at you in discontent if you happen to do not, as that is probably the most sacred place right here. In different cities, you’ll be high quality with out, however Medina is a unique story.
Because the Grand Mosque is the one factor to do right here, I extremely advocate you keep someplace across the middle so you possibly can simply see the mosque. Your complete metropolis middle will get extraordinarily packed throughout the night, which is sort of a sight to behold. As soon as you’re executed, retreat for the night time and put together for an additional lengthy drive to Jeddah.
Day 9 – 11: Jeddah
Driving Distance: 599 km
Driving Time: 6.5 – 7 hours
Often, the drive to Jeddah ought to take about 5 hours, however we’re going to go on a little bit detour and go to Al-Wa’bah Crater, some of the lovely craters in Saudi Arabia, recognized for its unimaginable surroundings and vista.
In about 3 hours, you must arrive at Al-Wa’bah Crater. The street is a single lane, however fairly empty, and you must be capable of drive straight to the crater utilizing the route urged on Google Maps. You’ll want to purchase some snacks and lunch for the journey as you will not discover a lot out right here.
When you arrive, you possibly can spend just a few hours exploring the crater alongside the rim walkway. They’ve constructed a number of pavilions alongside the bridge, so you must be capable of benefit from the place and stretch your legs for a bit.
It’s now prohibited to descend into the crater as a result of previous incidents the place people have been unable to climb again up as a result of its slippery and steep nature. A neighborhood man advised me that there are nonetheless sediments on the middle of the crater that could possibly be dangerous to your respiratory system, so please chorus from making an attempt it.
After you’re executed, you’ll have to drive one other 3-4 hours till you arrive at Jeddah, the topped jewel of the Pink Sea, also known as the Dubai of Saudi Arabia. You’ll respect the transition from the sacred metropolis of Medina to the bustling free port of Jeddah. Settle in at your lodging and relaxation for the night time.
After you’re well-rested, it’s time to discover the gorgeous metropolis of Jeddah, beginning with Al Tayabat Metropolis Museum, most likely the very best museum within the metropolis and one which should not be missed. The museum is housed on this spectacular multi-complex construction that’s in contrast to something you’ve seen earlier than.
Inside the museum premises, you can see a handful of slender alleyways the place you possibly can stroll round and admire the beautiful exterior to your coronary heart’s content material. From the normal wood home windows to the previous wood sky bridge, the place jogged my memory of my time in Zanzibar, Tanzania, one other coastal city that had been closely influenced by Indian tradition.
As soon as you’re prepared, you possibly can enter the museum the place you can see a formidable quantity of in-depth reveals unfold throughout 3 flooring. The museum affords a dwelling historical past lesson on the muse of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and the broader Arabian Peninsula.
After you’re executed on the museum, you possibly can then head over to Previous Jeddah, the oldest a part of the town with a historical past relationship all the way in which again to the seventh century.
If you are right here, you’ll be surrounded by among the most photogenic buildings in Jeddah. Some are present process renovation, whereas others stay comparatively untouched with overgrown tree branches, chipped paint, and all. Not every thing must be fully renovated, in my view.
I occurred to come upon Herbalists Lane accidentally as I used to be exploring Previous Jeddah, and I fully fell in love with it immediately. It’s a small, slender alleyway among the many maze of Previous City Jeddah, however what makes this totally different is the entire vibe of it.
Should you’re searching for a pleasant and quiet place to take pleasure in a cup of espresso in Previous Jeddah, I extremely advocate testing Roshan Cafe inside Baeshen Home. Baeshen Home is an previous heritage constructing with a small museum which you could go to free of charge, however what’s actually cool is Roshan Café that is inside.
One other vacationer attraction in Previous Jeddah you should not miss is Nassif Home Museum, a large multi-floor historic home that has been transformed right into a museum and a cultural middle the place you possibly can be taught in regards to the historical past of the place.
There are a number of parking heaps across the previous city, however nearly all of them are actually paid. I discovered this parking zone to be probably the most handy, with quick access to the previous city. It was additionally fairly priced. I imagine we paid about 5 SAR for 3 hours through bank card on its web site.
There may be a lot to see and do in Previous Jeddah, so I extremely advocate you keep till the night time when the place is most energetic if you happen to can. To avoid wasting on parking, you may take into account taking a taxi right here and again. It’s my favourite space of Jeddah, so you will not remorse it.
For the second day, you can begin a little bit later and go for a stroll alongside Jeddah Corniche, a 30 km lengthy coastal leisure space that runs alongside the coast of the Pink Sea.
If you are hanging out at Jeddah Corniche, be sure you drop by and take a look at Al Rahmah Mosque, finest generally known as the floating mosque. It’s a lovely mosque constructed on stilts and marked by its shiny white shade and its turquoise dome.
Within the night, head over to Center Corniche Park or Al-Hamra Corniche and see King Fahad’s Fountain, a large fountain that jets water as excessive as 260 meters (853 ft), making it one of many highest on this planet.
For the third day right here, you possibly can spend the remainder of the day at your personal leisure. I understand how taxing it’s to drive round Saudi Arabia, and belief me, you’ll respect a day the place you wouldn’t have to drive very far. Perhaps try the Pink Sea Mall.
Attempt the well-known Al-Baik Quick Meals chain and style a few of their scrumptious fried hen and hen nuggets. You must be capable of discover one on the meals courtroom inside Pink Sea Mall. Get pleasure from an evening out in Jeddah earlier than retreating for the night time and making ready for the subsequent day.
Day 12: Al Bahah
Driving Distance: 368 km
Driving Time: 4.5 hours
For as we speak, we’re going to be driving round 4.5 hours to Al Bahah the place we might be visiting the gorgeous Thee Ain Historic Village, a village constructed within the eighth Century on high of a marble mountain with greater than 40 homes, a mosque, and a fortified wall surrounding it.
The village was named after the water that flows from the close by mountains. There’s a native legend that tells of a person who misplaced his stick in one of many valleys. In his try and retrieve it, he adopted the river till he arrived on the village. There, he gathered its individuals and excavated till he extracted the stick from the spring.
You’ll be able to learn the historical past of the place and all its legends on the Customer Heart on the backside of the village. The village is free to enter and though there may be nothing inside the homes right here, it’s nonetheless well worth the climb for the view over the world.
It’s fairly a little bit of a hike and may take about 10 – quarter-hour to succeed in the highest, so be sure you pack some water with you. Since we might be staying in Al Bahah tonight, you’ve loads of time to go to Thee Ain village.
You’ll be able to come again and verify the place out within the night as I heard it’s fantastically illuminated at night time, if you happen to do not thoughts driving the mountain street between Al Bahah and Thee Ain at night time.
The place to Keep in Al Bahah?
Day 13-14: Abha
Driving Distance: 369 km
Driving Time: 5.5 hours (going up mountains)
The drive from Al Bahah to Abha is arguably probably the most scenic among the many roads you have pushed, with its breathtaking surroundings, tunnels, and a street that zigzags up a mountain ridge, resembling a serpent snaking its means up the mountain.
Alongside the mountain street, you can see Rijal Almaa Museum, an unimaginable piece of structure that has stood the take a look at of time for greater than 900 years.
It’s a village turned museum, extremely influenced by Yemeni tradition, which is clearly seen in its distinctive architectural model, harking back to these discovered within the Previous Quarter of Sana’a, the capital metropolis of Yemen.
Regardless of sure areas being transformed right into a museum, you’ll nonetheless discover individuals dwelling in among the homes right here. It’s stated that there are round 60 multi-story buildings right here, all product of stone, clay, and wooden.
You’ll have to pay the doorway charge of 20 SAR per individual to enter the construction. Inside, there’s a small museum that incorporates previous instruments, weapons, and some costumes. It is not notably particular, however you possibly can hike up additional to get a pleasant view of the village from above.
There may be additionally a restaurant right here in addition to retailers promoting snacks and souvenirs in case you have not purchased one alongside the way in which. Should you do not need to pay the doorway charge, you may as well respect the museum from the skin. It’s fairly a sight to behold!
As soon as you’re executed, you possibly can proceed your means up the mountain to Abha. That is probably the most scenic a part of the street journey, but additionally probably the most harmful, with its steep climb and a number of other hairpin turns, so be extraordinarily cautious right here.
The street will take you all the way in which as much as nearly 2,400 meters. It takes about 45 minutes to drive all the way in which as much as the highest. We drove up with a daily sedan automotive (Toyota Yaris), and it was high quality, however we have been positively pushing it to its restrict with all of the climbs we have been doing.
Fortunately, there are just a few relaxation stops which can be price visiting alongside the way in which. One is that this viewpoint, positioned at one of many hairpin turns up the mountain, and you’re going to get an unimaginable view of the valley under.
I used to be there at sundown, and it was unimaginable. There have been additionally baboons all over the place, hanging out on the mountain, ready for locals to feed them. They’ll get fairly aggressive once they see something that could possibly be meals, so wouldn’t have something dangling round with you while you get out of the automotive.
Additionally, don’t feed them; identical to the monkeys in Thailand, that’s how they change into increasingly more aggressive in the direction of people. So long as you do not have something that appears like meals, they will not trouble you.
As soon as you’re executed, drive all the way in which as much as the highest and you must discover one other nice viewpoint with a transparent view of the serpentine street that you just simply drove up. Do not forget to cease right here.
Final however not least, the best viewpoint right here will offer you an unimaginable vantage level over the western facet of the mountain, making it an ideal spot to look at the sundown. All three viewpoints are actually price a go to, so be sure you hold a watch out for them! Convey your jackets too as it may be extraordinarily chilly up right here.
As soon as you’re executed, you possibly can descend to Abha and spend the night time within the metropolis. The subsequent day, you possibly can discover Abha, go to Shamsan Historic Fort, Abha Lake, and The Artwork Road at night time, or you possibly can simply chill out for all the day earlier than you head residence.
In your final day, return your automotive to the rental place at Abha Worldwide Airport. Spare at the very least 3.5 hours earlier than your flight as a result of the automotive inspection may take half-hour and you must have time to dispute any additional prices they may throw at you on the finish. Additionally, Abha airport shouldn’t be notably effectively organized, and also you may end up having to queue as much as verify in for fairly a while. We waited for an hour simply to get our bag checked, so be sure you be on the airport early.
And that’s it! You might have accomplished a 2-week street journey round Saudi Arabia! Not many individuals could have the time and power to do that epic itinerary, so congratulations! Benefit from the journey of your lifetime and keep protected!
Saudi Arabia Journey Video
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When to Go to Saudi Arabia?
The perfect time to go to Saudi Arabia is between November and Early March when the climate is ideal throughout the day and with some cool breeze within the night and up within the mountains. You’ll want to pack just a few jackets because the night time may be fairly chilly within the desert.
I’d keep away from visiting Saudi Arabia in the summertime months as, like most Gulf Nations, it may possibly get extraordinarily scorching and humid. A lot so that you just would not be capable of do something throughout the day, which isn’t excellent for such an action-packed itinerary that we’ve right here.
Get to Saudi Arabia?
From the US, there are solely a handful of direct flights from the US to Saudi Arabia, such because the one from JFK to Riyadh operated by Saudia Airways. However if you happen to do not thoughts transiting, you must be capable of discover flights on your metropolis to Riyadh through Emirates, Etihad, and Royal Jordan Air.
From Europe, you may as well take one of many many direct flights leaving from cities like Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and London to Riyadh through Saudi Airways, KLM, or different native airways.
From Asia, the identical applies to most direct flights operated by Saudi Airways. You may also fly through Emirates and Etihad if you happen to do not thoughts transiting by means of the UAE.
To discover a low-cost flight to Saudi Arabia, I’d advocate you utilize Skyscanner or Expedia to search for the most cost effective route and schedule so you possibly can evaluate and decide the very best one.
Get Round Saudi Arabia?
For this itinerary, you’ll have to hire a automotive and drive since we might be overlaying greater than 2,700 km, visiting far and huge.
Counting on public transportation between cities is simply relevant if you happen to simply need to go to Jeddah, Medina, and Mecca (for Muslims solely) as they’re related through a high-speed rail line, however that’s just about it for Saudi Arabia.
Inside the metropolis, you may as well take Uber or Careem, however taxis are fairly costly right here, and you’ll save extra money by renting a automotive and driving your self.
Gasoline is reasonable at round 1.9 – 2 SAR per liter, and it ought to value not more than 84 SAR (223 USD) to refill the 42-liter tank capability of a Toyota Yaris fully.
There are 2 notable automotive rental corporations I like to recommend, Yelo and Keys, each are locals. Yelo is a little more costly, however they’re extremely praised and are extra skilled to take care of. Keys are cheaper, however I had just a few points with them.
When Keys delivered the automotive to me, the automotive’s inside was fairly soiled. Once we returned the automotive at one other department, they charged us 57 SAR for the stains that got here with the automotive (not attributable to us).
We forgot to document a video contained in the automotive as proof after we received it, so we needed to chew the bullet and pay. So do not make the identical mistake as I did and document each the outside and inside of the automotive while you get it from the automotive rental place.
For 14 days, you possibly can anticipate to pay round 1,000 USD for automotive rental with an open-mile coverage and full insurance coverage. You’ll want this insurance coverage as with out the open-mile, you’re restricted to touring solely round 200 km per day, which isn’t sufficient to cowl this itinerary. Saudi Arabia is means too massive for a every day mile restrict.
You additionally want full insurance coverage because the Saudi roads are a whole jungle out right here. Everybody drives like their homes are on fireplace right here. Tailgating and sweeping throughout 4 lanes with out flip alerts are extraordinarily widespread, and you’re largely on the behest of different drivers.
I’ve highlighted fairly extensively why right here, so be sure you verify that out. Oh, and there are additionally dangers of sandstorms, so it’s all the time a good suggestion to go together with full insurance coverage.
You may additionally depend on worldwide automotive rental locations like Hertz or Funds, however you may not be capable of return the automotive at a unique location, so be sure you look into that first.
For this itinerary, you’ll need to return the automotive at a unique location since our journey begins in Riyadh and ends in Abha, so do not forget to choose that choice. Each corporations permit a unique drop-off location, and so they each have a department at Abha Worldwide Airport, so you’re good to go.
How A lot Cash Do I Want For A 2-Week Journey To Saudi Arabia?
From this 2-week itinerary, we are able to calculate roughly how a lot cash you’ll be spending right here as follows:
Lodging: You’ll be able to anticipate to spend round 835 USD minimal for 14 days’ price of lodging.
Meals: For 14 days, you possibly can anticipate to pay round 336 USD for meals at common eating places.
Transportation: For this itinerary, you possibly can anticipate to pay round 1100 USD for transportation with the automotive rental being 1,000 USD together with open-mile, totally different drop-off places, and full insurance coverage. 100 USD is for fuel for all the 14-day street journey.
Actions: Relying on how a lot you need to comply with my itinerary, you possibly can anticipate to pay round 200 SAR (53 USD) for actions, together with entrance charges for vacationer sights, excursions, and so on.
Complete Funds for two weeks in Saudi Arabia: 2,324 USD (Solo) or 2,713 USD (Couple)
What to Pack for Saudi Arabia?
As you might already know, I’m an advocate of sunshine touring, and certainly, packing gentle for a journey like it is a distinctive artwork type. Listed below are some packing suggestions on your upcoming journey to Saudi Arabia:
- Strolling/Mountaineering Footwear: With all of the strolling and doable mountaineering throughout your journey, a snug pair of sneakers is a should. I like to recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Basic Boat Footwear which can be my go-to pair for lengthy strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for warm climate, pack just a few breathable shirts on your outside adventures.
- Shorts/Denims: Anticipate plenty of strolling throughout your travels? You’ll want to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi’s denims for when the climate cools. For girls, leggings are glorious for each cold and hot climates, so take into account packing some as effectively.
- Fleece Jacket: For colder climate, layering is the important thing, and a fleece jacket makes a wonderful insulating layer. I like to recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for girls).
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is nice for windy or wet circumstances. I extremely advocate the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for girls). It is light-weight, breathable, and even is available in a cool orange shade.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the perfect backpacker’s towel as a result of its lightness, fast drying, and compressibility.
- Digital camera: You also needs to pack a great digicam on your journey so as to seize all the gorgeous experiences you might need. I like to recommend the Sony a7R V digicam along with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which might be the highest-performance digicam and lens mixture you may get proper now.
- Energy Financial institution: Maintain your electronics charged on the go together with a 20,000+ mAh Energy Financial institution.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Path Water Bottle is a good insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on mountaineering trails. It’s light-weight and may hold your water chilly or heat for greater than 12 hours. It is a whole game-changer.
- Common Adapter: You may want only one common adapter to plug in your electronics in any nation you go to.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will assist you save house in your backpack and hold all of your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to on a regular basis digicam backpack. It is giant sufficient to hold all my journey gear, and it comes with loads of slots and pouches. Plus, it is trendy as hell!
- Massive Backpack: You have to a big backpack to hold your entire stuff. I like to recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With glorious weight distribution and a lifetime assure, you possibly can’t go fallacious with Osprey.
Additional Studying for Saudi Arabia
On the lookout for extra info on your journey to Saudi Arabia? Here’s a assortment of articles about Saudi Arabia that you just may discover helpful:
- Need to go to Saudi Arabia, however unsure the place to go? Take a look at: 15 Greatest Locations to Go to in Saudi Arabia.
- Visiting Riyadh quickly and questioning what there may be to do there? Take a look at: 10 Greatest Issues to Do in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- AlUla is, arms down, some of the lovely locations in Saudi Arabia and if you happen to plan to go to there, you’ll want this information: 10 Greatest Issues to Do in AlUla, Saudi Arabia.
- Jeddah is the Dubai of Saudi Arabia with the identical laid-back vibe, however means cooler historical past. Listed below are the9 Greatest Issues to Do in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
- Need to hire a automotive and journey round Saudi Arabia? You may need to learn this primary: 19 Issues To Know Earlier than Renting a Automotive and Drive in Saudi Arabia.
- Seeking to discover extra? How about dropping by the United Arab Emirates Journey Information, Qatar, or Bahrain?
- On the lookout for extra journey guides for the Center East? You will discover extra on my Center East Journey Information web page.
- For extra of my journey guides, go to my Locations web page.