Highlands & Heritage: A Self-Drive Adventure

📍 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.

Guided transfer and excursion
Meet the Saudi guide and celebrate arrival with sunset drinks on the city’s attractive corniche. Stroll along the seafront, slalom around pieces of modern art that form an outdoor museum until King Fahad’s fountain comes into view. Spread out acarpet and a‘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. Complete the first day in Saudi Arabia with a welcome dinner in modern style, befitting fast-paced Jeddah.

Overnight in Jeddah.

Inclusions:

🍗 Dinner

Guided excursion
Start the day understanding 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.

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.

Discover the welcoming atmosphere of the historic 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. 

With the support of the guide, collect a car at the car rental for the self-drive journey. Start of self drive program, end of guided services.

Overnight in Jeddah.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Jeddah - Al Wabah Crater (323 km): 4 hrs Al Wabah Crater - Taif (233 km): 3 hrs

Embark on an extraordinary self-drive adventure. The following information are mere suggestions (no tours or entrance fees are arranged or included unless clearly mentioned).

The mountains are calling! Start the engine to begin a scenic overland journey from Jeddah to the mountainous city of Taif, stopping along the way to witness Al Wabah Crater, one of Saudi Arabia’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Formed by volcanic activity, this vast depression stretches over 2 km wide and plunges 250 meters deep, offering spectacular views and photo opportunities from its rim.

After taking in the panoramic landscape and enjoying a picnic-style lunch, continue the drive toward Taif. At 1,800mtr above sea level, Taif itself makes for a satisfying conclusion to the first day of the road trip. Known as the “City of Roses”, it is famous for its cool temperatures and for the fragrant flowers that grow in the city and its surrounding mountain valleys. The countryside has abundant natural beauty and is also known for the cultivation of grapes, figs, pomegranates, and honey.

Discover the local market in the late afternoon. This is a bustling quarter where the sense of a real Arabian souq is on every corner and one finds anything on offer; from ‘oud’  (incense wood burned for its good smell) and ‘shomakh’ (the typical Saudi headscarf for men) to ordinary household goods.

Overnight in Taif.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Taif - Al Bahah (220 km): 3 hrs 15 mins Al Bahah - Thee Ain (48km) 1hr each way

The following information are mere suggestions (no tours or entrance fees are arranged or included unless clearly mentioned).

Embark on an unforgettable road trip along the Sarawat range, breathing in crisp mountain air. Explore the remarkable stone beehives of Taif, centuries-old structures ingeniously crafted by early Arabian communities to preserve honey and heritage in the cool highlands of the Sarawat Mountains.

The journey between Taif and Abha, among the most stunning in the Arabian Peninsula, offers breathtaking views of steep cliffs, ancient watchtower ruins, and serene mountain settlements untouched by time. Terraced fields defy the image of Saudi Arabia as barren, and there are ample opportunities to pause and explore these captivating landscapes, particularly around Al Bahah.

Al Bahah itself is another of Saudi Arabia’s surprises. The city, and capital of Al Bahah region, enjoys a pleasant climate at around 2200 metres above sea level and is surrounded by more than forty forests, including Raghdan, Al-Zareeb and Baidan. 

Deep down in the wadi, the UNESCO-listed village of Thee Ain — accessed via a curving road that hugs the cliffside — is one the region’s best preserved and hosts a fascinating visitors’ centre which offers insight to local life. Climb the steps in its steep alleyways and enter a house or two. Find the way up the narrow staircases and end up on a rooftop, viewing over the valley. A torchlight often comes in handy.  Get a sense of how life was 400 years ago when Thee Ain protected and supported the caravan roads. At the foot of the village is a little stream where a fresh drink can be enjoyed under the trees.

Overnight in Al Bahah.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Al Baha - Al Shaaf homestay (125 km): 3 hrs

The following information are mere suggestions (no tours or entrance fees are arranged or included unless clearly mentioned).

After breakfast, resume the overland journey with a first stop at Al Malad Castle, situated in the historic village of Al Malad, is a dual fortress perched on a hill along the commercial road to Asir. Constructed by two brothers four centuries ago, it served military functions and housed provisions.

Why not make a stop in Baljurashi, a town renowned for its Saturday historical market, where traditional Saudi produce, crafts, and honey are showcased—visible only if visiting on market day. Explore Baljurashi Heritage Village and its small museum followed by lunch before continuing the journey.

Arrive at a cliffside village known for terrace farming and stone architecture. Unlike desert regions, houses, mosques, and forts here are built from sturdy stone, often adorned with white marble. Interiors and doors feature vibrant patterns in white, red, yellow, and green, emphasizing geometric designs.

(The inclusive overnight Homestay Experience begins at 4pm)

Enter one of those gems and be welcomed by the local family for the homestay experience. Meals will be seating on the floor, as will be the mattresses when time comes to sleep. At sunset, mist often sweeps in from the valley, momentarily obscuring the view before clearing to reveal a star-filled night sky on the rooftop. When there is time before sunset, take a stroll in and around the village and enjoy the views, the herds of goats and the occasional monkey. Watch out for them though! 

Dinner and overnight homestay.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Al Shaaf - Abha (240 km): 4 hrs

After a local breakfast prepared by the host family it is time to hit the road again.

(End of the excursion after breakfast, followed by the self-drive to Abha)

Further south the scenery gets more rugged as the mountains get higher, culminating in the peak of Jabal Sawda: the highest summit in Saudi Arabia. Before reaching Abha, adventurers will encounter traditional Asir houses along with an impressive mosque and equally notable views at the village of Olayan and a fort-like ruler’s house that is now a museum in the town of Namas. A picnic lunch can be enjoyed in an airy park with a view into the deep valley outside town. 

End the day by exploring Abha. Stretch the legs at the city’s Art Street, a picturesque street lined with magnificent purple jacaranda trees. The area is decorated with colourful pieces of art and is a place where artists from all over the country catch up to share their creativity. Sunset or early evening is best spent on the Al Dabab walkway on the cliff edge that the city of Abha created for exercising and for social gatherings of its people. Gaze west and dream of more mountain scenery to come!

Overnight in Abha.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Abha - Rijal Alma - Tabab - Abha (230 km): 8 hrs

The following information are mere suggestions (no tours or entrance fees are arranged or included unless clearly mentioned).

Abha and the wider Asir region beg for deeper exploration. And the focus is on Asir culture with local traditions, architecture, and heritage to the fore as we uncover the area that surrounds Abha. 

A visit to Rijal Alma, a cultural treasure of the Asir region, is recommended for today. Pass by Jabal Sawda, widely believed to be the highest in Saudi Arabia at 3,000 metres, before descending a hairpin road down the slopes of the mountain to Rijal Alma, a fascinating collection of around 60 multi storey traditional stone houses that hug the slopes. These large, fortress-like houses are designed vertically, which helps heat escape and trap the cool air. The site is UNESCO-listed.

After climbing back up the mountain, find a beautifully restored fortress in Tabab village. Dominating the valley, overlooking the fields with thick walls made of mud and stone. Walls keep the heat out in summer and the warmth in in winter. Cattle also find a place inside, safe from any invaders. Enjoy lunch at the village before going back to Abha. 

Delf more into the heritage of Asir at the Fatima Museum of Aseeri Women, a fascinating overview of traditional design, home decoration and Asir natural painting techniques that has been passed on through the generations by the female line. Each colour and design has a meaning, understanding that brings to life the bright interiors of the houses visited previously.

Overnight in Abha.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Abha - Jizan (206km): 2 hrs 40 mins

The following information are mere suggestions (no tours or entrance fees are arranged or included unless clearly mentioned).

Today’s journey begins with a scenic overland drive from the cool highlands of Abha down to the coastal city of Jizan, offering a dramatic shift in landscape from misty mountains to the Red Sea’s sunlit shores. 

This afternoon, suggest to visit Adosareyah Castle, a centuries-old Ottoman fort perched on a hill, offering a glimpse into the region’s strategic importance and rich military history. Next is a stop at the Jizan Heritage Village, a cultural site that brings together traditional architecture, local crafts, and folklore, offering insight into the diverse tribes and lifestyles of the southern region. The day concludes with a relaxing walk along the North Corniche, a popular local spot to catch the sunset over the Red Sea, where the warm coastal breeze and golden light provide the perfect close to the day. Afterwards, unwind and settle in at the hotel, with time to relax and reflect on the day’s discoveries.

Overnight in Jizan.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Jizan – Farasan Island Ferry Terminal (60 km): 1 hr Ferry Crossing Jizan – Farasan Island: 1.5 to 2 hrs

(The inclusive guided excursion begins at 5.30am)

Greet by the guide at the hotel and begin the day with an early morning transfer to the port and board a ferry to the stunning Farasan Islands, an archipelago in the Red Sea known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and pristine white-sand beaches.

Set off on a private boat excursion to some of the region’s best snorkeling spots. Dive into the turquoise waters to explore a kaleidoscope of marine life, from colorful coral formations to tropical fish. Between snorkel sessions, enjoy swimming, relaxing on secluded beaches, and soaking up the serene island atmosphere.

Afterwards, continue with a land sightseeing tour of Farasan’s key historical landmarks, including the traditional Al Qessar Village, the elegant House of Riffai, the beautifully preserved Al-Najdi Mosque, the Ottoman Fort, and the scenic Farasan Corniche.

Have lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the port to board the ferry back to Jazan. Arrive at the hotel in the early evening, carrying cherished memories from the Red Sea’s hidden paradise.

(End of the excursion upon return to the hotel in Jazan)

Overnight in Jizan.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Jizan – Melil Park (487 km): 5 hrs 50 mins (self-drive car) Melil Park - The Cave Resort (24 km): 2 hrs 15 mins (local jeep from the resort)

Depart from Jazan and head north along the coastal road toward Jabal Shada near Al Bahah. 

(The inclusive overnight experience begins at 4pm)

Park at Melil Park at the base, meet the local representative and continue the journey in a rugged jeep, ascending steep slopes and winding through dramatic mountain terrain on the final stretch to the resort.

At the heart of this mountainous landscape lies The Cave House, a rare retreat nestled within natural hollow caves formed from granite and salt rock. Once shelters for humans and livestock, these caves have been reimagined into communal spaces, offering a distinctive blend of heritage and modern hospitality.

Before dusk, embark on a local guided hike through the dramatic mountain terrain. Discover ingenious rain-harvesting systems where natural stone slopes channel precious water into reservoirs, sustaining life in this rugged environment. As the sun sets, the valley is bathed in golden light, and the crisp mountain air provides a refreshing contrast to the coastal heat below.

Dinner and overnight at The Cave Resort, surrounded by breathtaking views, serene solitude, and the striking beauty of the highlands, offering a truly immersive experience in Saudi Arabia’s Sarawat Mountains.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

📍 The Cave Resort - Melil Park (24 km): 2 hrs 15 mins (local jeep from the resort) Melil Park - Jeddah (395 km): 4 hrs 15 mins (self-drive car)

Wake early to enjoy the mountain sunrise over the Sarawat Range, capturing panoramic views of the rugged valleys and distant peaks. After breakfast, descend via the winding mountain roads back toward the lowlands natural rock formations. 

(End of the experience upon return to the car parking at the base, continue the self drive to Jeddah)

Head to the sea and drive along the coastal road with a pause for photos and short stops at the beaches along the way. Arrive in Jeddah by late afternoon, with the evening free to unwind, relax, reflect on the journey, or enjoy some last-minute shopping.

Overnight in Jeddah.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

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

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to the airport for onward travels.

(Return the car at Jeddah airport, where the self-drive adventure ends)

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast