Grand Tour of Saudi - Riyadh, Abha & Jeddah

• Arrive in Riyadh and transfer to Four Points by Sheraton Hotel (4*).
• Overnight at the hotel.

• Morning visit historical city of Diriyyah, Musmak Fort and Dira Souq.
• Lunch at local restaurant.
• Afternoon visit National Museum followed by visit to Kingdom Tower Bridge for a panoramic view of Riyadh.
• Dinner and Overnight at the hotel.

The old city of Dirriyyah is located about 20km from the main city center of Riyadh. It is one of the most important archaeological sites from where the history of Saudi Dynasty begins. It is situated in the eastern part of the so-called Najd area in the valley known as Wadi Hanifa. The meaning of Najid is the high plateau, which forms the central part of Saudi Arabia.It is recorded by the chronicles that one of the person known as Ibn Dir, who was also the chief of al-Dir clan of Duru, which was belonging to Bani Hanifa tribe, was ruling this area. He had a vast fertile land in the valley, which he was not able to utilize completely due to lack of thin population of his clan. Therefore, he invited another clan of the same Banu Hanifa tribe to settle down on the fertile area of the Hanifa valley. Therefore, the clan named Murdah comes under the leadership of Mani Al-Muraydi in 1446 A.D in Wadi Hanifa. Ibn Dir gave land for the cultivation to the clan in the Wadi Hanifa and the clan settled down. They were the ancestors of the Al-Saud family who established their first rule at Dirriyya.

The Musmak Fort is one of the most important monuments in Saudi Arabia from where the modern Saudi History begins. It is an important historic landmark in the city of Riyadh. This palace was built during the reign of Abdullah bin Rashid in the year 1895 A.D. The reason for building this historic palace was to serve as military garrison for the Abdullah bin Rashid army who was operating under a Governor in Riyadh from the Hail. His Majesty King Abdulaziz on 15th January 1902 captured the fort.

Dira Souq is famous for its variety of old copper and brass objects including silver daggers, silver Beduins Jewelry and dresses. While entering from main access, one always smells sandal wood fragrance. DiraSouq is worth buying antique carpets and other useful Saudi heritage antiques.

The National Museum which opened in Riyadh in 1999 to celebrate the centenary of Saudi unification, was the result of an international design competition. The primary custodian of the Saudi national heritage and culture, the Museum is a place of learning and discovery, designed to sing out with quiet excitement and inspiration, to kindle pride in the Arab heritage and reverence for Islam. This national Landmark is composed of eight galleries telling the complete story of Arabian History from the creation of the universe to our modern era.

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Transfer to the airport for your flight SV 1653 (0850-1030) to Abha
• Arrive and transfer to Shafa Hotel.
• Lunch at the hotel.
• Afternoon proceed for visit to Baskat Market, Muftaha Village Art Gallery, Shada Palace etc.
• Dinner in local restaurant.
• Overnight at the hotel.

Basket Market of Abha is famous for these heavy duty colorful baskets which are made from reeds and sometimes vinyl. Most of which are hand made. They can be found at good prices and used for just about anything. It is run by mostly Saudi women.

Muftaha Village was founded in 1989 as an attempt to promote the arts in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It has now become a popular attraction and is frequented by tourists and locals alike. This cultural center offers artists studio and exhibition space, and therefore the opportunity to present their unique work to the community. This initiative was the first of its kind; with the Saudi Arabian government’s aim being to bring together individuals passionate about photography, traditional crafts, and fine arts and embrace them.

The city of Abha also includes the famous Shada Palace which dates to the year 1250H (1927 AD), and contains numerous archeological artifacts. It was as an office/residence for King Abdul Aziz's governors. After being restored, it was reopened as a museum in1987.

• Proceed for a full day excursion to Mountain Souda, Habala Village,Hamsan Village etc.
• Lunch in local restaurant.
• Continue your tour.
• Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Asir, with its capital at Abha, is mainly a highland province and includes the entire area of southwest Saudi Arabia till the Yemen border. Asir covers the modern administrative provinces of Jizan, Asir,Bahah, and southern Mecca. The region’s topography and vegetation are varied from the juniper forests of the highlands to the “dawm” palm thickets of the coastal plain. Protected Areas and the Asir National Park have been set up near Abha. Unlike the rest of Saudi Arabia, Asir enjoys quite a high rainfall; its highest mountain range runs from Taif south to the Yemen border and catches the highest rainfall.

Mount Souda offers magnificent views and an unforgettable experience. Perched at the highest point accessible by road, the cable car takes visitors on its seven kilometer ride at an altitude of 2,500 meters. One of the most interesting aspects of the area is its distinctive local people -- not least of which the colourful Flower Men of Tihama.

Al Habala, the location of the first cable car in Asir, is named after an old village located on a steep 400 meter cliff made famous by the people of Al Habala. The inhabitants lived in stone dwelling clinging to the cliff-face for the security and safety found in the rock walls. So sheer was the cliff side that the villagers -- men and women -- lowered themselves down into ravine on ropes. These rugged and fearless people came to be known as the Rope People of Al Habala.

• Breakfast at tent village.
• Transfer to the airport for your flight SV 1669 (1230-1345) to Jeddah.
• Arrive Jeddah and transfer to Prime Al Hamra Hotel (4*).
• Lunch at the hotel.
• Afternoon proceeds for sightseeing tour of Jeddah visiting Open Museum.
• Dinner and Overnight at the hotel.

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Visit Hijaz Construction's old houses, Nasif House, Bughdadi House. Jamjom House, Noor Wali House, Matboli House, Almaemar Mosque, Old Gold Market in Bagel Street, Ain Farel Yuser, Shafei & Ukash Mosque.
• Lunch at local restaurant.
• Afternoon Visit Al Rahmah Mosque and Jeddah Aquarium and King Fahd Fountain.
• Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Mount Souda offers magnificent views and an unforgettable experience. Perched at the highest point accessible by road, the cable car takes visitors on its seven kilometer ride at an altitude of 2,500 meters. One of the most interesting aspects of the area is its distinctive local people -- not least of which the colourful Flower Men of Tihama.

Al Habala, the location of the first cable car in Asir, is named after an old village located on a steep 400 meter cliff made famous by the people of Al Habala. The inhabitants lived in stone dwelling clinging to the cliff-face for the security and safety found in the rock walls. So sheer was the cliff side that the villagers -- men and women -- lowered themselves down into ravine on ropes. These rugged and fearless people came to be known as the Rope People of Al Habala.

The cornische of Jeddah is one of the most important archievementsof the city and is a major attraction for visitors to Jeddah. As Jeddah's Red Sea coast extends for more than 80 km, the Munici-pality has made use of this long expanse of waterfront and turnedit into place of fresh air for the city.

• Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.