We join our intrepid colleague Carolyn McIntyre in Saudi Arabia, a country just now opening its doors to travelers. Carolyn knows the kingdom intimately, having lived and worked there for more than a decade. Her comprehensive look at the pivotal desert kingdom brings us into contact with her Saudi friends and takes us from deserts to mountains, from skyscrapers to goatskin tents, reveling in the country’s massive, intriguing contrasts.

Contrasts: the bustling commercial capital of Jeddah and the tombs of Meda’in Salah, carved from living rock, a proud rival of Petra. The deserty ruins of Dawmat al-Jandal and the glass-sheathed towers of Riyadh, rising from the sands in optimistic thrust. And much more, on a deeply informative, beautiful, and rare journey to one of the world’s most fascinating and crucial countries, in the company of a fine and sharp guide.

Days 1 & 2: USA to Jeddah • Day 3: Jeddah • Day 4: to Abha • Day 5: Abha • Day 6: to Najran • Day 7: Najran • Day 8: to Riyadh via al Fau • Days 9 & 10: Riyadh • Day 11: to al Hafuf • Day 12: drive to Dammam • Day 13: Hail, Al-Jouf, Sakaka • Day 14: to Tabuk via Dawmat al-Jandal • Day 15: to al Ola and Meda’in Salah • Day 16: Meda’in Salah • Day 17: to Medina and back to Jeddah • Day 18: Jeddah • Day 19: depart for USA.

• General Description
• Health Precautions
• Reading List
• Travel Conditions
• Visa Information
• Weather Information

• More Saudi Arabia Trips
• More Touring Trips
• More Featured Trips