Kingdom of the Nabateans

There are few places left that can be said to represent the last frontier of tourism. Follow your curiosity and put experience before prejudgment.

No trip to Saudi would be complete without a visit to Madain Saleh. Accessed from the oasis town of Al-Ula, Madain Saleh, Petra’s twin, was Saudi’s first World Heritage site. With its well preserved, ancient, rock-hewn tombs set amongst a dramatic desert backdrop, it is easy to see why Madain Saleh was chosen as a World Heritage site. The settlement of the site took place during the 1st century AD, when the Nabateans made Madain Saleh the kingdom’s second capital, after Petra in the north. The sense of history at Madain Saleh is palpable in the rock art and sculpture that can be seen all over the site, giving a fascinating insight into the lives of the Nabateans over 2,000 years ago.

When it comes to the safety of tourists, the Saudi Arabian people are extremely friendly and will do their best to make foreigners feel safe and welcome. However, we advise leaving valuables at home, keeping an eye on personal belongings in crowded areas and avoiding unknown areas without your guide.

Saudi Arabia has opened its doors to the world through its new tourist visa. The fast and easy-to-use online portal allows international visitors from eligible countries (including UK and USA) the ability to apply for an eVisa. The eVisa is a one-year, multiple-entry visa, allowing tourists to spend up to 90 days in the country.

Accommodation is varied in this region, where possible, we have carefully selected a range of small comfortable hotels and three to four-star guest houses for this group tour.

Our group tours are perfect for solo travellers, as travelling as part of an organised group in faraway places does provide security and peace of mind. We handle all of the arrangements for you and there will be a local tour guide on hand throughout to provide advice and help if needed, as well as the expertise of a Tour expert.

If you are willing to share, we will always do our best to match you up with another solo traveller of the same sex so that you do not have to pay for a single room.

If you would prefer the privacy of your own room and would like this guaranteed, then the single room price supplement will apply.

Nov–Mar Cooler temperatures make daytime weather bearable and nights surprisingly chilly, especially down south.

Apr-Oct Daily temperatures above 40°C, high humidity along the coast; watch for April sandstorms.

It is important that both men and women dress conservatively when travelling in Saudi Arabia. In non-business situations, women do not need  to wear an Abaya,  a long robe-like dress. However, they should always  carry a headscarf.  If visiting a mosque, the head, hands and legs should be covered and shoes removed. Men should make sure that their arms and shoulders are covered up, and opt for long trousers in place of shorts.

Saudi Arabian cuisine today has many outside influences including Lebanese traditions such as hummus, tabbouleh, and spices that are now common in Saudi Arabia and throughout much of the Middle East. Other influences are Persian, Indian, and European.

General overall fitness is required. There will be a number of walks to monasteries, and sites with a certain number of stone steps and uneven surfaces, as well as some hill climbs, however, this is done at a leisurely pace. We would suggest that you bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes.

Yes, this can easily be arranged at the end or the beginning of the tour. Private travel arrangements with a car and driver will be provided and a private guide arranged for sightseeing. Speak to one of our experts for possible suggestions on what extensions would complement this tour.

There are also options to go further afield in Russia, such as exploring the Golden ring. For more information, speak to one of our Russia specialists.