6 Days • 5 Nights
Jeddah & the Red Sea: Old Town, Reefs & Coast
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- The atmospheric UNESCO old town of Al-Balad is a delightful highlight of this journey. Al-Balad, Jeddah's historic heart, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a labyrinth of centuries-old coral-stone houses with beautiful carved wooden balconies (rawasheen), bustling souks, historic mosques and atmospheric squares. You wander its evocative lanes, browse its souks piled with spices, textiles and treasures, and soak up the atmosphere of this ancient merchant and pilgrimage city, once the gateway for pilgrims to Mecca, especially magical in the evening. The atmosphere and heritage are delightful. Wandering the atmospheric UNESCO old town of Al-Balad, with its centuries-old coral-stone houses.
- Snorkelling and diving the pristine coral reefs of the Red Sea is a beautiful highlight. Jeddah sits on some of the finest and least-crowded coral reefs in the world, in the beautiful Red Sea. You snorkel or dive over pristine coral gardens and dramatic reef walls teeming with clouds of colourful tropical fish, vibrant coral, turtles and rays, in warm, clear water with superb visibility, often with the reef almost to yourself. The beauty and pristine condition are wonderful. Snorkelling and diving the pristine coral reefs of the Red Sea, teeming with colourful fish in warm, clear water and often uncrowded.
- The beautiful Jeddah Corniche and vibrant coastal city are a lovely highlight. Jeddah's beautiful corniche stretches for miles along the Red Sea, dotted with striking public sculptures, parks, and the iconic King Fahd Fountain, the tallest in the world, jetting hundreds of metres into the sky. You stroll the corniche, take in the vibrant, cosmopolitan energy of the city, its art scene, cafes and waterfront, and savour beautiful sea views and sunsets. The beauty and vibrancy are lovely. Strolling the beautiful Jeddah Corniche, with its striking sculptures and the world's tallest fountain, and taking in the vibrant coastal city.
- Relaxing on beautiful beaches and cruising the warm Red Sea is a blissful highlight. Beyond the reefs, the Red Sea coast offers beautiful beaches and warm, clear water. You relax on beautiful beaches, swim in the warm, calm sea, and cruise the Red Sea by boat, taking in the beautiful coast and islands, a lovely, relaxing complement to the city and heritage. The warmth, beauty and relaxation are blissful. Relaxing on beautiful beaches and cruising the warm, clear Red Sea, taking in the beautiful coast, is a blissful and relaxing highlight of this journey through Jeddah and the Red Sea.
- A day in the cool mountains and rose gardens of Taif adds beautiful contrast to this journey. Above Jeddah, the mountain city of Taif offers a cool, green contrast to the coast. On a day trip, you ascend the dramatic mountain road to Taif, taking in beautiful mountain scenery, the famous rose gardens and farms (where precious rosewater is distilled), atmospheric souks, and the cooler air and greenery of the highlands. The scenery and roses are beautiful. A day trip to the cool mountains and famous rose gardens of Taif, with its beautiful highland scenery and atmospheric souks.
- Above all, this journey combines atmospheric heritage, a vibrant coastal city and pristine Red Sea reefs. Jeddah is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city of atmospheric heritage and beautiful coast, blessed with pristine reefs, and this journey immerses you in it. Over six days you explore the UNESCO old town of Al-Balad and the beautiful corniche, snorkel pristine coral reefs, relax on beaches and cruise the Red Sea, and take a day in the mountains of Taif, guided by expert local guides and warmed by genuine hospitality. The combination of atmospheric heritage, a vibrant city, pristine reefs and mountain scenery makes this a rich and relaxed journey.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 6-day journey.
Your journey through Jeddah and the Red Sea begins as your flight arrives at Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International Airport, where you are met and transferred to your hotel in this vibrant, cosmopolitan coastal city. Jeddah, the historic Red Sea gateway to Arabia, blends atmospheric heritage with beautiful coast, and its relaxed, cosmopolitan energy is immediately appealing. Spend the rest of the day settling in and relaxing after your journey, perhaps taking a first stroll along the beautiful corniche, with its sea views and striking sculptures, or relaxing at your hotel. This evening, a welcome dinner introduces you to Jeddah's excellent seafood and cosmopolitan cuisine and to the journey ahead through the old town, the Red Sea and Taif. As you settle in, the heritage, vibrancy and warmth of Jeddah work their magic. Rest well, ready to explore the atmospheric old town of Al-Balad tomorrow.
Today you explore Jeddah's atmospheric heritage and beautiful coast. You explore Al-Balad, the UNESCO World Heritage old town, a labyrinth of centuries-old coral-stone houses with beautiful carved wooden balconies (rawasheen), bustling souks, historic mosques and atmospheric squares, wandering its evocative lanes, browsing its souks, and soaking up the atmosphere of this ancient merchant and pilgrimage city. You take in the beautiful Jeddah Corniche along the Red Sea, with its striking public sculptures, parks, the iconic King Fahd Fountain (the tallest in the world), and the floating Al-Rahma Mosque, and the vibrant, cosmopolitan energy of the city. The heritage and coastal beauty are captivating. As the day ends, you return to your hotel. This evening, savour the atmosphere of Al-Balad by night, or fresh seafood by the sea. Rest well, for tomorrow you explore the pristine coral reefs of the Red Sea.
Today you explore the pristine coral reefs of the Red Sea. You take a boat trip out to the beautiful reefs off Jeddah, among the finest and least-crowded in the world, snorkelling or diving over pristine coral gardens and dramatic reef walls teeming with clouds of colourful tropical fish, vibrant coral, turtles and rays, in warm, clear water with superb visibility, often with the reef almost to yourself. You relax on the boat between swims, taking in the beautiful Red Sea. The beauty and pristine condition of the reefs are wonderful. As the day ends, you return to Jeddah, exhilarated by the beautiful underwater world. This evening, savour Jeddah's excellent seafood and cosmopolitan dining, reflecting on the pristine reefs. Rest well, for tomorrow you enjoy more of the beautiful Red Sea coast.
Today you enjoy the beautiful Red Sea coast at a relaxed pace. You might relax on a beautiful beach, swimming in the warm, calm sea, or take a cruise along the beautiful Red Sea coast and islands, taking in the beautiful scenery, swimming and snorkelling from the boat, and soaking up the sun and sea. Alternatively, you might explore more of vibrant Jeddah, its art scene, museums and modern waterfront. The beautiful coast, warm sea and relaxed pleasures are lovely. As the day ends, you return to your hotel, deeply relaxed after a beautiful day by the Red Sea. This evening, savour a relaxed dinner in Jeddah, perhaps fresh seafood by the sea, reflecting on the beautiful coast. Rest well, for tomorrow you take a day trip up to the cool mountains and rose gardens of Taif.
Today you take a day trip up to the cool mountains and rose gardens of Taif, a beautiful contrast to the coast. You ascend the dramatic mountain road to Taif, high in the mountains above Jeddah, taking in beautiful mountain scenery and the cooler, greener air of the highlands. You visit the famous rose gardens and farms, where precious Taif rose water is distilled (spectacular in the spring rose season), explore the atmospheric souks and old quarters of Taif, and take in the beautiful highland scenery, perhaps riding the cable car. The mountain scenery, roses and cooler air are beautiful. As the day ends, you descend to Jeddah, having enjoyed the beautiful mountains. This evening, savour a final dinner in Jeddah, reflecting on your journey through the heritage, reefs and mountains of the Red Sea region. Rest well ahead of your departure tomorrow.
After a final morning in Jeddah, perhaps a last stroll along the corniche or through Al-Balad, or some souvenir shopping, you are transferred to King Abdulaziz International Airport for your onward international departure. You leave having experienced Jeddah and the Red Sea, the atmospheric UNESCO old town of Al-Balad, the beautiful corniche, the pristine coral reefs teeming with colourful fish, the beautiful beaches and cruises, and the cool mountains and rose gardens of Taif, all warmed by genuine Saudi hospitality. The images stay vivid long after you land, the coral-stone houses and carved balconies of Al-Balad, the world's tallest fountain on the corniche, the pristine reefs, and the rose gardens of Taif. Jeddah and the Red Sea offer atmospheric heritage, a vibrant city, pristine reefs and mountain scenery in abundance, and you depart already dreaming of a return to newly opened Saudi Arabia, perhaps to discover AlUla and Riyadh beyond.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 5 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner
- Airport and land transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
- Touring and sightseeing as per itinerary with expert local guides
- Entrance fees, permits and site tickets as per itinerary
- private touring with expert local guides, an Al-Balad and Jeddah city tour, a Red Sea snorkelling excursion, a Red Sea boat cruise, a Taif mountains day trip, and all site tickets
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Scuba diving and equipment hire (arranged locally)
- Some lunches and dinners, and tips for guides and drivers
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Many nationalities can obtain a Saudi tourist eVisa quickly online (or a visa on arrival), valid for a year with multiple entries, with a passport valid for at least six months. Requirements can change, so we confirm the exact process for your nationality and help arrange the eVisa
- Currency: The currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR); cards are very widely accepted in cities, hotels, malls and restaurants, but carry some cash for souks, small shops, tips and remote areas. ATMs are plentiful in cities and towns, and Saudi Arabia is increasingly cashless
- Best time to visit: October to March is ideal, with warm, sunny, comfortable days perfect for Riyadh, AlUla, Jeddah and the desert; summer (May to September) is extremely hot inland (though the Asir mountains in the south-west stay cooler and greener, and the Red Sea remains warm)
- Dress & etiquette: Saudi Arabia is a conservative Muslim country; modest dress is expected in public for all (cover shoulders and knees). Women are no longer required to wear an abaya, but modest, loose clothing is respectful; a headscarf is not required for tourists but is appreciated at some religious sites. Public displays of affection are best avoided
- Mecca & Medina: The holy cities of Mecca and Medina are open only to Muslims; this tourist journey does not include them. Non-Muslim visitors explore Saudi Arabia's extraordinary archaeological, natural and cultural sites, such as AlUla, Diriyah, Jeddah's old town and the deserts and mountains
- Alcohol & Ramadan: Saudi Arabia is a dry country: alcohol is strictly prohibited and not available anywhere, and this should be respected. During the holy month of Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking in public during daylight are not permitted, and hours change; we advise on timing and etiquette, and travel outside Ramadan is often easier for touring
- Prayer times & culture: Muslims pray five times a day, and some shops and sites briefly close during prayer times; we plan around these. Saudis are warm and hospitable, and the country is opening rapidly to tourism with excellent new infrastructure. Respect for local customs, prayer times and photography etiquette (ask before photographing people) is appreciated
- Getting around & power: Saudi Arabia is vast; touring combines private air-conditioned vehicles, 4x4 for deserts, and domestic flights between regions (Riyadh, AlUla, Jeddah), which we arrange. Power is 230V with UK-style type G plugs, so bring an adapter. Arabic is the language, and English is widely spoken in tourism and cities
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Red Sea reefs off Jeddah really that good?
Yes, exceptionally so. The Red Sea off Jeddah has some of the finest, healthiest and least-crowded coral reefs in the world, with pristine coral gardens, dramatic walls, and abundant marine life, turtles, rays, and clouds of colourful fish, in warm, clear water with superb visibility. Because Saudi Arabia has only recently opened to tourism, the reefs are wonderfully uncrowded. It is a superb, uncrowded diving and snorkelling destination, and we arrange excursions for all levels.
Can Jeddah be combined with AlUla and Riyadh?
Absolutely. Jeddah, with its heritage and Red Sea, pairs beautifully with the Nabatean wonders of AlUla (a short flight away) and the capital Riyadh, for a fuller journey through Saudi Arabia. It also combines with the Asir mountains in the south-west. We tailor the combination, logistics and pace to your interests and time, whether you seek culture, sun and sea, or a comprehensive journey through the newly opened kingdom.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary (such as dinners at desert camps or remote stays). Saudi cuisine is rich and delicious, from kabsa (spiced rice with meat) and grilled meats to fresh dates, Arabic coffee and regional specialities, and the cities have a growing, cosmopolitan food scene. We usually leave meals free for you to explore, recommending the best restaurants at every stage.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Your journey is private by default, with your own expert local guide and air-conditioned vehicle (and 4x4 for deserts), giving you flexibility and a pace tailored to you; small-group options can be arranged. Saudi Arabia's knowledgeable guides bring the extraordinary sites of AlUla, Diriyah, Jeddah and the deserts vividly to life, and licensed rawis (storytellers) guide the AlUla heritage sites.
Do I need a visa for Saudi Arabia?
Many nationalities can obtain a Saudi tourist eVisa quickly online, valid for a year with multiple entries, or a visa on arrival, with a passport valid for at least six months. We confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality and help arrange the eVisa, so entry is smooth. Saudi Arabia has opened dramatically to tourism, and visiting is now easy and welcoming.
Is Saudi Arabia safe to visit?
Saudi Arabia is a very safe country for tourists, with low crime and a warm, hospitable culture, and it has invested heavily in excellent tourism infrastructure as it opens to the world. We use trusted local guides and drivers and follow official guidance at all times. Travellers are often struck by the genuine warmth of the Saudi welcome and the ease and safety of touring this extraordinary, long-hidden country.
When is the best time to visit?
October to March is ideal, with warm, sunny, comfortable days perfect for AlUla, Riyadh, Jeddah and the deserts, and the season for AlUla's festivals and events. Summer is extremely hot inland, though the Asir mountains stay cooler and the Red Sea remains warm. We advise on the best timing for your interests and the regions you wish to see, and can time your visit to events like Winter at Tantora in AlUla.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of AlUla's Nabatean wonders, Riyadh and Diriyah, Jeddah and the Red Sea, the Asir mountains and the deserts, add luxury stays, diving or desert camps, and tailor the pace, comfort and focus to you. Saudi Arabia is vast and varied, and every itinerary is a flexible starting point for your ideal journey through this extraordinary, newly opened land.
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