- Explore the Nabatean ruins at Hegra
- Witness the world’s largest camel market
- Soak up history and tradition in Al Ahsa Oasis
- Glimpse Islam’s second holiest city - Medina
- Delve into Jeddah’s historic Al Balad district
- Ponder ancient rock art at Jubbah
- Journey through the Shada Mountains

Saudi Explorer: Across the Arabian Peninsula
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- Middle East
- Saudi Arabia
- Culture
- Saudi Explorer: Across the Arabian Peninsula
Reviews
Add your own reviewPrivileged to be first Exodus guests in this fascinating country.
This trip was memorable for so many reasons not the least because of the warm welcome the group received from our local Saudi guides and by the families that we encountered. The landscape was much more varied than I expected; desert, mountains, oceans, camels, ancient rocks and caves revealing historic art as well as culture in the form of mosques, museums and sculptures in the cities. The temperature (in early May) was not oppressive, as humidity is low and there is ample opportunity to seek shade. We were the first Exodus group to embark on this trip. The visit changed many of my preconceptions of life in Saudi Arabia and, because of the genuinely warm welcome and an increasing understanding of the culture, it felt natural to dress modestly and enjoy fruit juices instead of wine. I left the country feeling that I had been among friends and would therefore not hesitate to recommend it to others.
Most Inspirational Moment
The 4x4 journey into the Sheda Mountains (after the visit to the marble village of Dee Ann), the stunning caves, rocks and vistas at the Cave Resort, where the warm welcome and sharing of coffee and dates as we perched at the “edge of the world” added to an unforgettable experience. A guided exploration of the caves on foot was a taxing but thrilling adventure. Close behind this day and also inspirational, was the majestic “Elephant Rock” bathed in evening sunlight shared with Arabic families enjoying a relaxed day out; the Nabataean Tombs at Jabal Alhambra; the Holy mosque at Medina; the sand dunes at the Yellow Lake and ….. attending (unexpectedly) a Saudi wedding celebration!!
Thoughts on Group Leader
It took a couple of days for us to “gel” as a group with our leader. Once he absorbed the fact that the group wanted more from him than just to get us from A to B safely, he made an effort to give us more information in advance; this included timings and plan of each day, a cultural ‘snapshot’ of the next destination, a selection of places to eat (though his knowledge of this was a little sketchy). We soon got into our mutual routine and found him punctual, efficient, willing to answer questions and helpful and attentive with unexpected hitches. He formed excellent relationships with the local Arab guides and facilitated their interaction with the group. There were one or two in the group that were a bit vocal and at times, over-demanding …. I think he found it difficult to stay patient under “attack” and these occasional confrontations were uncomfortable for all of us.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Accept that the advice to wear loose, comfortable clothes is important, not just to fit in with the culture of host country, but also because it simplifies packing and is just what you need in the hot climate! Make sure you have a good supply of nutritious snacks for the middle of the day hunger pangs; there are some long journeys (necessary to cover the many areas you wouldn’t want to miss) and stops are usually when refuelling the coach, when the available source of food is a small garage supermarket. Water is readily available. Don’t expect to swim, there are few opportunities to do so in public and time at the hotels that might have a pool is tight! Learn how to say please and thank you in Arabic; it is always appreciated. If you are, like me, absent-minded at times, be wary about taking small, valuable things on this trip. If you leave something in these remote desert resorts, your chance of getting a response is slim. I don’t think the machinery is yet in place to negotiate return of lost items.
Suggestions
It was very comforting to have Exodus Travel’s Tom Manchester (the creator of this wonderful adventure) with us on this the first Saudi trip. He was part of the group and kept a low profile but in a modest, understated, yet authoritative way, he gave guidance and advice to our tour leader when needed. He also surprised us with the cost of dinner on our last evening. I (and the group as a whole) found his presence immensely reassuring. Tom Manchester is to be commended (5 stars) on creating this unique exodus trip.
Start
Finish
Availability
Adult Price From
Optional Single Supplement
Sunday Sunday
12 Nov 2023 12 Nov 2023
Saturday Sunday
25 Nov 2023 26 Nov 2023
Availability Guaranteed (Limited) Only 1 space left!
Adult Price From CAD 8,745
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 2,090
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 1 space left. Do not delay your booking!
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
26 Nov 2023 26 Nov 2023
Saturday Sunday
09 Dec 2023 10 Dec 2023
Availability Available
Adult Price From CAD 8,745
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 2,090
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
07 Jan 2024 07 Jan 2024
Saturday Sunday
20 Jan 2024 21 Jan 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From CAD 8,745
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 2,090
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
11 Feb 2024 11 Feb 2024
Saturday Sunday
24 Feb 2024 25 Feb 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From CAD 8,745
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 2,090
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
14 Apr 2024 14 Apr 2024
Saturday Sunday
27 Apr 2024 28 Apr 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From CAD 8,745
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 2,090
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesThursday Thursday
19 Sep 2024 19 Sep 2024
Wednesday Thursday
02 Oct 2024 03 Oct 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From CAD 9,145
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 2,375
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
06 Oct 2024 06 Oct 2024
Saturday Sunday
19 Oct 2024 20 Oct 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From CAD 9,145
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 2,375
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesThursday Thursday
24 Oct 2024 24 Oct 2024
Wednesday Thursday
06 Nov 2024 07 Nov 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From CAD 9,145
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 2,375
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
24 Nov 2024 24 Nov 2024
Saturday Sunday
07 Dec 2024 08 Dec 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From CAD 9,145
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 2,375
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesThursday Thursday
19 Dec 2024 19 Dec 2024
Wednesday Thursday
01 Jan 2025 02 Jan 2025
Availability Available
Adult Price From CAD 9,145
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 2,375
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWould you like to include flights with your booking?
- ATOL protected
- Competitive flight prices
- Full refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
- Specialist support to rearrange flights and transfers
- Regional flights available from many UK airports
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