Saudi Arabia... The Unseen Kingdom
February 10 - February 23, 2025
Led by Tour Lecturer, Ian Shearer
As the birthplace of Islam, Saudi Arabia has been shielding itself from the eyes of the west for a long time, but time has come now that the Kingdom is moving in huge steps towards modernization and openness. However, this is also a land with a vibrant cultural pedigree, aside from its glitzy oilrich modern cities. Amongst the rock-hewn splendors of Hegra, you will explore Nabatean heritage equal to what Petra offers. Most of the great empires of the ancient world traded with the Arabian Kingdoms that commanded the important spice trade routes in the peninsula. Colorful markets, desert landscapes, coral reefs, rock engravings, ancient monuments, traditional mud-brick cities, and imposing fortresses are abundant in a country that has so much to offer to those who choose to venture in it &explore its enigmatic and intriguing side.
Can be combined with the Kuwait & Bahrain Extension
(February 05 - February 10, 2025)
Tour cost (Land Only):
8-9 travelers $8,995.00
10-14 travelers $8,495.00
per person based on double occupancy
Single Supplement: $1,795.00
Price based on a group size minimum of 8 participants and maximum of 14 participants
Trip Grade: II Lodging Level: ****-*****
Tour Includes
All transfers with assistance and luggage porterage.
Transportation within country using A/C motor coach.
All mentioned accommodations in 4* and 5* hotels.
All meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch and D: Dinner).
All entrance fees to visited sites as per the itinerary.
Service of professional English-speaking tour guide along some local guides at various cities and sites.
Bottled water on bus during touring days.
Assistance in obtaining visa approval letter.
Al Medina- Jeddah train ticket.
Saudi Arabia VAT%15.
Escort of lecturer (provided minimum number of travelers is reached).
Gratuities to guide, drivers, and porters (provided minimum number of travelers is reached).
Tour Does Not Include
International air USA-Riyadh / Jeddah-USA.
Saudi Arabia Visa (E-visa $150.00-subject to change).
Beverages and drinks with or without meals.
Items of a personal nature (camera fees, laundry, excess luggage, etc.).
Transfers if not arriving/departing on tour dates.
Dayroom/overnights necessitated by changes in airline schedules or misconnections.
Trip surcharge to operate below required minimum participants.
Gratuity to your tour manager (optional).
Travel protection insurance
(HIGHLY RECOMMENDED).
Trip Grade
II Active – Some hikes, slightly more demanding walks at or to some ancient sites; few elevations, comfortable but busy schedule and some long rides and extensive drives.
LODGING Level
**** -*****Superior: In large cities 5 stars’ hotels and in some smaller towns, lodges and hotels with limited amenities, average service and comfort level acceptable to western standards. (3 or 4 stars)
Special Tour Remarks:
Saudi Arabia is a dry country. Alcohol is absolutely forbidden (as are narcotics and pornographic materials). Dress is modest and women do not need to cover their heads. The wearing of abayas for ladies has been recently easing up and is no longer mandatory. Be advised that you will be fingerprinted and undergo a retinal scan upon arrival in the country. In addition, sometimes sites can be closed for no foreseen reasons or authorities can also deny visit of certain places without prior notice and we (STS) are not responsible for any such events/acts. Some of the drives can be long and monotonous crossing vast expanses of desert with nothing much to observe along the way but it is necessary to cover the territory. Bus discussions will enliven the drives.
Note: Madain Saleh(Al Hgera) tours are conducted by a third-party government agency rather than by our own guides, and hence we are bound by the decision of what tombs they open for us and how many can be visited, and they rotate the tombs on a regular basis, and we don’t have a say to which ones they choose.
