Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Dir'aiyah (
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Old Jeddah (
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Camel Market & Races (
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Best Places for Nature
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Asir National Park (
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Al-Soudah (
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Diving at Yanbu (
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Farasan Islands (
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Red Sands (
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TOP OF CHAPTER
Daily Costs
Saudi Arabia isn't a budget destination. Eating well for SR50 to SR75 per day is rarely a
problem, but few budget hotels accept Westerners - expect to pay at least SR500 for a
double in a decent midrange hotel. It is, of course, easy to pay much more than this for
both food and accommodation; a more realistic midrange budget, once you factor in trans-
port, is around SR1000 per day.
ITINERARIES
One Week
Begin in Riyadh, with a couple of days exploring the modern architecture,
Masmak Fortress
,
National Mu-
seum
and the nearby
camel races
. On the third day, factor in an afternoon at
Dir'aiyah
and camp in the Red
Sands. Fly to Al-Ula and spend a day amid the wonderful Nabataean ruins of
Madain Saleh
, with extra time for
one or two stops along the
Hejaz Railway
. Fly down to
Jeddah
, Saudi Arabia's most beguiling city, and lose
yourself in the souqs and coral houses of Old Jeddah and a stroll along the corniche.
Two Weeks
With an extra week, allow for a couple of days' diving around
Yanbu
, then head for the hills (especially in sum-
mer) of pretty
Taif
; make it a weekend if you want to catch the camel races. Fly or drive to Abha and use it as a
base for exploring the
Asir Mountains
, especially Jebel Soudah and the hanging village of
Habalah
. Other op-
tions to round out your second week include
div
ing in the Red Sea from the
Farasan Islands
or, if the security
situation permits, a foray to wonderful
Najran
in the Kindgom's far southwest.
