Saudi Arabia Womens Expedition

Description

A tour crafted for women, by women.   Australian tour company Intrepid presents a series of Women only departures, exploring the culture and diversity of the food, architecture and ethnic mix that is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

We journey from the capital to the farming lands, the historical sites to the local homes, to the timeless wonders to the local crafts people – and find out what this amazing frontier country called Saudi Arabia is all about.

Single supplement available (only $1370 – as shown in prices on our website).

Tours depart in the cooler winder months, from October to April.   Prices shown are subject to confirmation at the time of booking due to tour numbers.  A deposit of AUD$600 per room will apply, and is fully refundable should the confirmed tour cost be unacceptable to you.   (the Sale price of AUD$600 reflects the deposit amount – the full price of the tour is shown int he normal price field).

Day 1 • Arrive Riyadh 
Salam! Welcome to Riyadh – the birthplace of modern Saudi Arabia. Once a walled, mudbrick way along desert trading routes, this capital is now a contemporary metropolis with more than 4000 mosques, busy shopping centres, palaces, museums and traditional souks. When you arrive at Riyadh International Airport, you’ll be met by an Intrepid representative and transferred to your hotel, ready for your adventure to begin at 6 pm tonight with a welcome meeting. Get to know your local leader – women are making significant contributions to the tourism sector here and represent around 30% of the workforce – over a traditional Saudi meal in a local heritage restaurant. Saudi Arabian cuisine blends traditional Arabian and Middle Eastern cuisine with influences from Africa and South Asia. You’ll sample local breads, fresh salads, sambosas (a triangle pastry often filled with beef, onions and spices), taheena and kasba (a mixed rice dish).
Included activities  Riyadh – Traditional Saudi Dinner    Riyadh – Complimentary Airport arrival transfer
Optional activities   Riyadh – Kingdom Tower – USD19
Special information   It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. Traffic is notoriously bad in Riyadh, especially between 4-7pm. If you’re heading out to explore today allow enough time to get back to your hotel for the welcome meeting. Ubers and Careem are readily accessible for your explorations. The Kingdom Tower usually opens in the late afternoon but this can change. Please check their website for up to date information.
If you need an additional night/s accommodation prior to the tour commencement, please let us know.

Day 2 • Riyadh 
After breakfast, visit Diriyah – the birthplace of the first Saudi state. The district of At-Turaif is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its well-preserved adobe structures that showcase the Najdi architectural style. It was the first capital of the Saudi dynasty and holds great cultural and historical importance. You’ll find out how the mud-brick houses were built, how homes were cooled during the hot summer days and how people lived without electricity. Meet with a host family of women and enjoy a home-cooked traditional meal here for lunch. Get to know the Saudi culture through eating and cooking with the families, then head to Souq Al-Zal – one of the oldest markets in town. This afternoon, you’ll meet Ghada, a local artist and psychologist, at her pottery workshop. She’ll introduce you to the colours and patterns that Saudis are known for, like the Najdi style and the Aseeri style.
Included activities  Riyadh – Pottery workshop visit with female artist Riyadh – Traditional Home cooked meal with female hosts  Diriyah – UNESCO Site   Riyadh – Souq Al-Zal Market visit
Optional activities  Riyadh – National museum – Free Riyadh – Al Masmak Fortress – Free
Special information  If shopping isn’t your thing, you can visit the Al Masmak Fortress instead of the market.
We’re contending with the Riyadh traffic today so be prepared for some long stretches between some sites. Your leader will do their best to manage this.

Day 3 • Riyadh – Unayzah
Make your way to Unayzah this morning, stopping in Ushaiger along the way. Explore the heritage village and see a glimpse of a traditional, slow-paced Saudi society. Bedouins first settled here 1500 years ago and Ushaiger quickly became a popular stopping point for pilgrims crossing to Makkah, thanks to its springs and low olive and palm groves. Continue to Buraydah, where you’ll join a local chef in her home to learn about some of the traditional dishes the Najd area is famous for. Influenced by the region’s topography and desert climates, Najd dishes are hearty and wholesome – think rich stews, wheat and rice dishes with fragrant spices. After lunch head to Al Musoawkaf Traditional market to explore one of the oldest markets in Najd. Here, you’ll find lots of varied shops and folk crafts. Sample some Kleija made by local women – these biscuits hail from the date-rich province of Qassim and are filled with date paste or nut-sugar. Travel on to Unayzah and spend the night in a traditional home built in the local Quasimi architectural style. Converted into comfortable accommodation, your home for the night is on a working farm, among the gardens and date palms.
Included activities   Ushaiger – Heritage Village   Buraydah – Cooking demonstration with female chef   Unayzah – Al Musoawkaf Traditional market
Special information    Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Day 4 • Unayzah – Hail
On our way to Hail this morning, you’ll stop at Buraydah – home to the world’s largest date market. Known as the Date City, this is where farmers from all over the region come for the seasonal market in August and September. The region has more than 7 million date palm trees, which is the highest concentration among all regions in Saudi Arabia. Learn why dates are a cornerstone of Saudi culture and why they’re considered one of the best gifts one can give. Carry on to Hail, where you’ll visit an Abaya shop to learn how this staple piece has evolved and how many Saudi women still choose to wear it, even since it became optional in 2018. This is the perfect place to buy an abaya (as a foreigner, the use of an abaya is completely optional, but you’ll need one for your visit to Madinah). The rest of the day will be free. You might like to head into the Nufud desert for an evening Bedouin picnic dinner (Kashta)
Included activities   Buraydah – Date market    Hail – Abaya shop
Optional activities   Hail – Bedouin Desert Picnic Dinner  (price per van up to 16) – USD400
Special information    Your travel time today will be about 3 hours.

Day 5 • Hail
Today, you’ll have the opportunity to rest and recharge with a free day in Hail. Hail used to be the capital of the entire Arabian Desert and was a frequent stop for those travelling to Mecca from the north. If you like, you can take an optional half-day tour to Jubbah – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jubbah hosts two of the most emblematic carvings in Saudi Arabia. The petroglyphs, dating back 10,000 years, feature hunting parties, lions, horses and camels. Alternatively, you can return to the Hail Souq (Barzan Market) and pick up your own fruits, vegetables and dates. The souq also features handmade crafts such as clay pots and handwoven mats. You might also like to see the Hail Flea Markets – one of Saudi’s last real flea markets, primarily run by women selling handmade crafts and traditional attire. This evening, meet back up with your group and head to a female-owned, female-only salon for a spot of pampering. Chat with the owner and learn how these types of businesses have created entrepreneurial opportunities for the women here.
Included activities    Hail – Female only Salon visit
Optional activities   Hail – Jubbah Rock art with local guide  (price per car up to 5) – USD400    Hail – Souk & Flea Market – Free   Hail – Visit A’arif Fort – Free
Special information We ask travellers to avoid the Buryadah Camel Market as it goes against our Animal Welfare policy. While wildlife viewing is a big part of many itineraries, we strive to view animals in their natural habitats and with the greatest respect. It is against company policy for leaders to facilitate the booking of activities that do not adhere to our company’s Animal Welfare policy and ethos. This includes organising transport to and from these activities.

Day 6 • Hail – AlUla
Today is a long travel day as you head to your next stop in Alula. Home to Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Alula sits deep in the desert. The natural rock formations and canyons here feature pre-Islamic rock art and immaculately preserved tombs, built more than 2000 years ago by the Nabataeans. When you arrive, you’ll head to Elephant Rock for sunset. The rock (also known as Jabal Alfil) was carved by millions of years of wind and water erosion and now stands 52 m high – now one of Alula’s most impressive geological structures. As dusk falls, there will be food trucks, and music, so you can hang out on the deck chairs and enjoy the view! After, head to the Old Town and explore Old Market Street’s many local artisans, handicraft stores and restaurants.
Included activities   Alula – Historical Old town and Al Jadidah Area   Alula – Elephant Rock (Jabal AlFil)
Special information  Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.

Day 7 • AlUla
Start the day with a morning visit to the Nabataean site of Hegra. This was the southern capital of the Nabataean kingdom, dating back to the first century BCE, and extended as far as Petra in present-day Jordan. Tours here are guided by a local rawee (storytellers), who are predominantly women. You’ll explore several of the 100 well-preserved monumental tombs, most with elaborate facades carved from rocks scattered around the desert. The smallest tomb is only 2.7 m tall, but the largest is 21.5 m! Later, head to a local family-owned citrus farm operated by the Al Joud family and learn more about their produce and how they turned their father’s labour of love into a multi-generational business. Sample the fresh produce before sitting down under the trees for a farm-to-table lunch prepared by the sisters. This afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe head up the mountain to the Harrat Viewpoint where you can see Hegra in the distance, or visit the town for sunset. Alternatively, the largest mirrored building ever constructed, The Maraya Concert Hall is worth a visit.

Included activities   Alula – Citrus Farm Tour & Lunch     Alula – Madain Saleh (Hegra) Tour with local guide

Optional activities   Alula – Harra View point (transport cost per group of 4) – USD66      Alula – Maraya Concert Hall – Free

Special information
The Hegra tour departure time is assigned by the Alula Authority. Tours are guided by local guides and we will be joined by other travellers. Your leader will update you if there are changes to the morning timeslot. Alula has several popular high-risk activities on offer. As the safety of our travellers and staff is our first priority, and unfortunately, to date, none of these activities have passed Intrepid’s minimum safety standards, we are unable to facilitate the booking of or transportation to/from these activities. Getting around Alula can be tricky without public transport or rideshare options. Your group’s private vehicle will be available for the whole group to use. Please be considerate of one another in planning your free time and use of the vehicle.

Day 8 • AlUla – Wadi Disah
Jump into 4WDs this morning and head out on a daytrip to Wadi Disah – one of Saudi Arabia’s most popular natural attractions. Loosely translated as the Valley of the Palm Trees, this valley is made up of rocky mountainous peaks, freshwater springs and palm trees, creating an oasis in the middle of the desert. This site has been inhabited for centuries and is well known for its dates and mangoes. On your off-road adventure, you’ll descend into the valley through the lush vegetation and rushing stream, which winds its way between the towering rock walls. Lunch is a simple, traditional, saudi-style picnic among the palms. Then, you’ll take a walk and explore part of Wadi Disah’s 15 km-long canyon. Soak in the dramatic scenery of the unique landscape before heading back to your hotel for the night.

Included activities   Disah Valley – 4×4 Excursion and  bedouin style picnic
Special information   Today is a long day and the group will be split into 4WDs to make the journey to Wadi Disah and back. Be prepared for some bumpy travels, especially in the heart of the oasis

Day 9 • Madinah
This morning, travel through the desert and mountains along an ancient pilgrimage route to Madinah. This volcanic area is rich with black lava stone, mountain landscapes and religious history. Stop at the terminus station of the Hijaz (or Ottoman railway), which once brought pilgrims to Madinah from as far away as Damascus in Syria, then arrive in one of the two holiest cities in Islam. In the centre of the city sits Al Masjid an Nabawi (the Prophet’s Mosque) – a 10-minaret giant that can accommodate one million people. Meet with a local female guide and join the masses of pilgrims in the heart of the city. Have lunch in one of the local markets, then visit the outskirts of the mosque. Later, you’ll have time to explore the museum dedicated to the life of Prophet Muhammad. One of the 25 pavilions is dedicated to the history of women in Islam and is a dedicated space for women to engage in spiritual discussion and reflection. At sunset, head to a viewpoint across the Holy City and enjoy a picnic of local bread and duggah (spice) with tea and peppermint.

Included activities     Madinah – City Tour & Dar Al Madinah

Museum with local female guide      Madinah – Sunset Saudi Picnic with female local guide    Madinah – Market visit & lunch   Madinah – Hijaz Railway Terminus Station

Special information    Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.  You will be required to wear an abaya and head scarf while in the holy city of Madinah

Day 10 • Madinah / Medina to Jeddah
This morning you’ll hop on one of Saudi Arabia’s state-of-the-art high-speed trains for the journey along the Haramain High Speed Railway to the coastal city of Jeddah. This commercial hub sits on the Red Sea and is home to the second busiest seaport in the Middle East. The main gateway to Mecca (the holiest city in Islam), Jeddah sees up to two million pilgrims a year on their way to perform the Hajj. Jeddah is known as the most liberal city in Saudi Arabia and is a popular spot for visitors. When you arrive, you have a free afternoon to cool off in the hotel’s pool or explore the city. Tonight, head to Al Balad (named by the locals, this means ‘the town,’ referencing the base of Jeddah). Take a tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site with the country’s first female guide and learn the history of these buildings and Abir’s story. Sample a few local delicacies, like sobia (a local drink made of bread) or beans and pickles from the local vendors, then continue to explore on your own.

Included activities    Al Balad – UNESCO Heritage walking tour with female guide

Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours. The train has bathrooms, power outlets and a dining car. Large bags and suitcases must be carried onboard and stored at the end of each carriage. There is a baggage limit of 25 kg per bag.
Abir (the local guide in Jeddah) holds a unique and coveted role within the Department of Tourism, meaning sometimes, she’s called away. In this instance, she will be replaced by another local female guide, all of whom were trained by Abir.

Day 11 • Jeddah
Hop on a private boat today and soak up the sunshine on the Red Sea. Go snorkelling (gear provided) and find out why this region is known for its underwater sea life – you’ll see the many varieties of colourful corals and tropical fish. The temperature of the water never drops below 21 degrees Celsius here, and the high salinity of the water is known to be beneficial for your health! This afternoon, toast to an incredible trip with some snacks and refreshments on the boat. End the day on a private women-only beach. Chill out on the sand, listen to the local music with a mocktail and watch the sunset over the Red Sea. Later, why not gather your group for a final dinner and continue the celebration of an amazing journey.

Included activities   Jeddah – Ladies only beach  – Red Sea Boat & Snorkelling trip

Special information – You can wear whatever you’re comfortable swimming in today. The boat is for our group’s private use, but the crew will likely be male. For this reason, out of respect, we recommend opting for something more modest. A one piece swimsuit is suitable and you may also use a rashguard or t-shirt when snorkelling to protect from the sun. The ladies only beach is private and you can wear whatever you’re comfortable in.

Day 12 • Jeddah

With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end in Jeddah this morning after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry is still in its infancy, and there are some challenges to overcome, like a lack of infrastructure in some locations, reliable systems and trained leaders and guides. Even the most experienced leaders are still very new to group travel. Sites are occasionally closed with little or no notice and restoration work is common. You’ll need to have a degree of flexibility when travelling here.

Hotel standards and service levels vary across the country and may differ from what you’ve experienced elsewhere. Locals are new to international tourism, so please have an open mind and heart.

The country has strict laws and customs that visitors should be aware of before travelling, such as dress codes. Alcohol is also banned.

Saudi Arabia is a large country and we cover a lot in this trip. Be prepared for some long travel days where lunch stops will be simple and limited. Our vehicle is comfortable and we’ve broken these journeys up with free time in key locations to allow you to rest and recharge.