Discover Jeddah

📍 Jeddah - Jeddah airport (25km): 30 mins

Jeddah is a commercial hub sitting to the west along the Red Sea with the second busiest seaport in the Middle East. It’s the principal gateway to Mecca, the holiest city in Islam, and sees over a million pilgrims a year on their way to perform the Hajj. Despite this, Jeddah is perceived to be the most liberal city in Saudi Arabia and is a popular tourist destination, offering the beauty of ancient architecture mixed with the latest luxuries.

Celebrate your arrival in the Kingdom with sunset drinks on the city’s attractive corniche.  Take a stroll to admire the artworks in the ‘open air museum’ and spread out your carpet and your ‘takwa’, the smart Saudi picnic seat. Join the locals when the sun sets, the call for prayer sounds and the world's tallest fountain comes to life in front of the beachwalk.

Proceed to the distinctive Al Rahmah Mosque, a landmark of Jeddah. Contributed in 1985, the site is commonly referred to as the Floating Mosque, as it rests on the water's surface, with its bases anchored beneath the sea.
Continue with a leisurely stroll around the west end of the Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina. Conclude the day with breathtaking views of the sea, sky and the luxurious boats docked in the marina. 

Overnight in Jeddah.

Inclusions:

Start the day working on the Saudi bigger picture in the Tayebat museum. The museum is housed in a multiroom complex that re-creates the traditional architecture of Al Balad. With several floors of in-depth exhibits, the museum offers a living history lesson on the foundation of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and the wider Arabian Peninsula. There is also an entire floor dedicated to the city’s rich Islamic heritage.

Jeddah’s proximity to the Red Sea puts local seafood at the forefront, unlike elsewhere in the country. The Central Fish Market is the hotspot where buyers and sellers come together. Squid, shrimp, lobster and a great variety of fish, some only native to the Red Sea, are all fresh and on display. Follow the flow of the market where customers first choose their pick. Next they move on to have it weighed and get a ticket for the cleaning section, All set? Now it can be prepared in the restaurant right in the market or taken home. To stay in style, enjoy a seafood lunch in a nearby restaurant.

After lunch, visit the House of Islamic Arts, where explore a stunning collection of Islamic art, artifacts, and rare manuscripts. This cultural gem offers a deep insight into the rich heritage and artistic traditions of the Islamic world.

Continue your dive into history and heritage in the atmospheric old town, Al Balad, which achieved UNESCO World Heritage status in 2014. Its traditional multi storey buildings and merchant houses are an architectural treasure trove. It is a dive back in time with the buzz of trading, pilgrims shopping and the occasional tourist mixed in. The roshan or wooden window covers are the ancient way to create shade and cool in this hot and humid climate, and they make these alleys especially picturesque. Visiting Al Balad is like a dive back in time with the buzz of trading, pilgrims shopping and the occasional tourist mixed in. In a quickly modernizing Kingdom, this area might be the last one to find that ‘real Middle Eastern mix of sights and smells’ that you can find in the old souks across the region.  

Overnight in Jeddah.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

Today is dedicated towards discovering the sparkling blue of the Red Sea both on and under the surface. Hop on a private cruise to enjoy the sea and sun! Snorkeling gear is packed to discover the wealth of underwater life the region is famous for. 

The Red Sea near Jeddah boasts a splendid variety of marine species. Different types of colorful coral, old sorts of exotic fish; snorkeling along the coral sites will impress. These shallow waters make it fun for all levels. The temperatures of the water are at least 21C and the high salinity is beneficial for your health. Top off the trip with a seafood barbeque, skillfully prepared by your skipper. 

This afternoon, dive into local culture with a Jeddah foodie walk, hitting the streets to discover the diverse flavours and faces of the city. Food plays an important role in daily life and culture and this guided walk will provide a deeper understanding of Saudi Arabia’s culinary traditions. Stroll with a food-loving guide through an area of town away from the usual tourist haunts. As a port town, Jeddah has a lot of influence from the region and beyond which is reflected in the people and the food. Sample an array of dishes along the way, stopping to peek into shops and interact with the vendors.

Conclude the tour with a view of a stunning mosque, enjoying the soothing sounds of prayer. 

Overnight in Jeddah.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Jeddah - Jeddah airport (25km): 30 mins

Final leg of the trip! Before departure, enjoy an authentic dining experience with a local family in Jeddah, offering a glimpse into Saudi Arabian hospitality and culture. 

Traditional Saudi coffee and dates welcome guests on arrival, setting a warm, inviting tone. The host family shares stories about their lives, work, and traditions, encouraging meaningful conversations and cultural exchange. A home-cooked meal follows, showcasing seasonal ingredients and cherished family recipes, making each experience unique. After the meal, immerse further into the culture by trying on traditional Saudi attire, creating a memorable and interactive conclusion. End the visit with heartfelt goodbyes, taking home not just flavors but lasting impressions of Saudi tradition, followed by transfer to the airport.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch