Heritage Highlights
Walk in the footsteps of history during your luxury Saudi holiday – a land where the past comes to life. The culture of Saudi Arabia is a rich one that has been shaped by its Islamic heritage, its historical role as an ancient trade centre, and its Bedouin traditions. Located at the centre of important ancient trade routes, the Arabian people were enriched by many different civilizations. As early as 3,000 BC, Arabian merchants were part of a far-reaching trade network that extended to South Asia, the Mediterranean and Egypt. Today, be awed by AlUla’s striking ancient tombs, stroll along the labyrinthine streets of ancient cities, explore various UNESCO World Heritage Sites across the kingdom, and decode ancient rock art amid the desert.
Outdoor Adventures
Saudi offers awe-inspiring natural highlights and exciting, unique ways to explore its diverse terrain, making the kingdom paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Often what springs to mind when you think of the Arabian Peninsula is its desert, and Saudi is home to the largest sand desert on earth! Along with its storied past and sublime beauty, dune adventures include camel riding, horse riding, dune bashing and more. Rising up from the sand, or discovered amidst it, is a diverse topography that’s ideal for hiking – whether soaring canyons, striking volcanoes or lush green oases. If all that wasn’t enough, Saudi is also bordered by both the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf, making boating, diving and aqua adventures super-popular too.
Live Like a Local
Saudi culture is as rich as it is diverse, and a visit to the kingdom truly immerses you in authentic Arabia. Explore bustling souqs, shop at local markets, or enjoy a taste of Saudi through its traditional cuisine, with many dishes reflecting the ancient trade caravans and nomadic lifestyles of desert dwellers. Whilst Arabian traditions can still be seen throughout the country, Saudi also showcases a distinctly modern side in its cosmopolitan cities. Visit cool urban districts, contemporary galleries and entertainment centres, where young locals meet to shop, dine or just spend time with friends.
Dress code
Dress code is dependent on individual establishments, some casual, others keen on sophistication. Places of worship specifically do require you to dress modestly while visiting.
Etiquette
Bad language, loud behaviour, public diplays of affection, and encroaching on other people’s boundaries are considered disrespectful. Respectful public decorum is always advised.
Religion
Certain shops close briefly during prayer times to allow time for worship. During the holy month of Ramadan, the rhythm of the country changes into a mellow, spiritual one.
Alcohol & Substances
The sale, purchase, and consumption of alcohol and drugs is illegal in Saudi Arabia.
Direct flights from London Heathrow to Riyadh take around 6 hours 30 minutes. There are also options to connect in cities such as Bahrain and Doha. When planning your luxury Saudi holiday, your Luxury Travel Specialist will advise the best travel arrangements for your itinerary.
Travelling With Children or Without an Adult
Children travelling without both parents should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. Please contact the relevant Embassy for the county you are travelling to for further information.
Visa and Advance Passenger Information
All passengers must ensure they have a valid, acceptable passport, any required visa and any other documentation for both the final destination and any stop-off points en route. Please make sure that Advance Passenger Information is submitted in advance to travel for all destinations. Failure to hold correct documentation or submitting incorrect details with Advance Passenger Information or Visa applications may result in refusal of carriage or entry into a country. Please check with the relevant Embassy regarding visa requirements well in advance of your travel date. Charges may apply for some visas.
Passengers not travelling on a British Passport are advised to contact their relevant Foreign & Commonwealth office for individual Visa requirements.
For up-to-date resort information, visit www.fco.gov.uk
Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide and you should take health advice about your specific needs from your general practitioner or a specialist clinic as early as possible before travel. Those planning to become pregnant should discuss their travel plans with their healthcare provider to assess their risk of infection with Zika. For information about Zika, other mosquito-borne diseases (such as Dengue fever and Chikungunya), Lyme Disease (caused by tick bites), and to receive advice on mosquito bite avoidance measures, please visit Insect and tick bite avoidance.
In addition, we highly recommend that you seek specialist advice from your doctor and, where recommended, obtain vaccinations or tablets for protection against, for example: Malaria, Hepatitis A, Polio and Typhoid. In some cases, treatments for Malaria should begin well in advance of travel. Travellers may also be required to show Yellow Fever Certificates on arrival in certain destinations ie, some African countries. Please note that you are strongly advised against scuba-diving for 24 hours before travelling by air. We would also like to draw your attention to the risk of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) and recommend that you consult with your doctor before travelling.
Visit the FCDO website and select your destination country for the very latest travel advice: Foreign Travel Advice. Additional sources of information include: Public Health England, The National Travel Health And Network Centre, Foreign And Commonwealth Office and your General Practitioner or a specialised clinic.