Adventure operator Explore has revealed details of its first tour in Saudi Arabia.
The 12-night Explore the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia tour starts in Riyadh, once a desert trading post and now the capital.
Clients will drive to Jebel Fihrayn, known as the ‘Edge of the World’, to experience sunset over the desert and visit the ancient Nabatean city of Hegra, also known as Mada’in Saleh, and the mountainous region of Al Bahah.
Also on the itinerary is Jeddah’s Unesco-listed old town, the 600-year-old marble village of Thee Ain, and an overnight desert camp stay at Al’Ula.
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Michael Edwards, Explore’s managing director, said: “Saudi is one of the last great wildernesses to discover, and we know visitors will be blown away by just how much it has to offer.
“The birthplace of Islam, it has a rich cultural history and is jam-packed with historic sites but it’s also a country of surprising natural diversity, from vast desert to perhaps less-expected mountain ranges and lush, verdant valleys.”
He added: “Explore has a strong reputation for our Middle East programme and every time we launch a new trip it is booked up quickly – we expect this trip to do the same.
“Travel is one of the best ways to extend our understanding and appreciation of other cultures, and to foster change, and we’re really proud of the exciting itinerary we’ve put together for Saudi Arabia.”
The 12-night Explore the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia tour costs from £3,450, excluding flights; or from £4,040 including flights.
The escorted tour includes 10 nights’ hotel accommodation and two nights camping in fixed tents plus excursions.
Departures are on November 8 and 22 and additional dates throughout 2022.
Pictured: The tomb of Lihyan, son of Kuza, in Al’Ula in the region of Mada’in Saleh; Fredy Thuerig/Shutterstock.com