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Saudi Arabia Expedition – Asir Adventure

Saudi Arabia Expedition – Asir Adventure

From $ 5,365 AUD

Description

Journey through Saudi Arabia’s Asir region on this seven-day adventure. At 2200 m above sea level, you’ll explore terraced farms, coffee plantations and UNESCO World Heritage–listed villages. Learn about the Flower Men of the Qahtani tribes, whose traditions date back over 2000 years, visit Abo Noghta Castles in Abha and wander through one of Asir’s oldest bazaars. Try traditional dishes like haneeth (slow-roasted lamb) and masoub (banana bread pudding), discover the stone towers at Rijal Alma’a and set off on a short hike along Tanomah’s scenic trails. Cooler and greener than the rest of the country, Asir offers a rare glimpse into Saudi Arabia’s cultural heartlands.

Trip Name
Saudi Arabia Expedition - Asir Adventure
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
7
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Learn about the Flower Men of the Qahtani Tribe and discover ancient art traditions, rose farms and the architectural wonder of Al-Maqar Palace.
  • Take in the rugged mountain landscapes on a short, guided hike along Tanomah’s scenic trails.
  • Visit Abo Noghta Castles and Tabab Village in Abha. Then, explore the striking stone towers inlaid with white quartz at Rijal Alma'a with local guides.
  • Explore Souq Al Thulatha – one of Asir’s oldest and most cherished bazaars. Meet honey traders and browse local produce, herbs, textiles and crafted clay.
  • Sit down to a home-cooked Asiri lunch featuring traditional dishes like haneeth, arika, tasabea, and miva bread, served with the warmth of local hospitality.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Jeddah
Salam! Welcome to Jeddah. Home to the Middle East’s second busiest seaport, Jeddah is the main gateway to Mecca – Islam’s holiest city – which welcomes up to two million pilgrims every year during Hajj. If you’ve booked an arrival transfer, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe visit the Floating Mosque or explore the House of Islamic Arts. After your welcome meeting, maybe join your fellow travellers for an optional dinner at a popular local spot.
Day 2 - Taif - Al-Bahah
This morning, travel to Taif, famous for its fragrant Rosa Damascena or Taif rose. Visit a local rose factory and farm to learn about the delicate distillation process used to produce rose water and perfumes. Explore a small museum displaying traditional tools, then watch as farmers extract rose water and oil at this family-run site. Each season, Taif produces over 550 million blooms during a 45 to 60 day harvest that begins in late March or early April. Rose water from Taif is even used to wash the Kaaba in Makkah each year – a cherished Saudi tradition. After lunch, continue to Thee Ain (Zee Ain) in the Al Bahah region – a beautifully restored heritage village perched on a marble hill. Discover its 400-year-old stone homes, palm groves and ancient irrigation canals – perfect for photography during golden hour.
Day 3 - Tanomah
After breakfast, drive to Al Namas, known as the city of fog. Surrounded by wild forests and misty mountains, this scenic region stretches from Cloud Park to Jebel Mareer, where clear days reveal views of the Red Sea. Visit the grand Al Maqar Museum – an architectural masterpiece built over 35 years using more than two million Asir mountain stones. Inspired by Andalusian palaces, it houses an extraordinary collection of Islamic artifacts from the Abbasid, Umayyad and Ottoman eras, gathered by founder Mohammed Al-Maqar Al-Shehri. Then, continue to Tanomah. Known for its pine forests, waterfalls and misty views, Tanomah offers a peaceful stay in dorm rooms or dome tents. When you arrive, join a guided Ridge Walk through acacia and juniper trees, and look for playful baboons along the trail.
Day 4 - Tabab- Abha
Today, travel to Tabab Village, nestled in the fertile Asir Highlands. On arrival meet your local guide, and set off on a guided walk before sharing a traditional light lunch of southern bread, cheese, olives and herbal tea. Known for its terraced farms, honey and rich cuisine, the region showcases deep agricultural traditions. Then, visit the Abo Noghta Castles – six ancient fortresses built from mountain stone and valley marble. After, jump into 4x4's and continue to Rijal Alma'a, known for its striking stone towers inlaid with white quartz. Explore with a local guide, discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Al-Qatt Al-Asiri art painted by women, and learn about the Flower Men of the Qahtani tribes, whose garlands of wild herbs and flowers preserve traditions over 2000 years old.
Day 5 - Abha
After breakfast, you’ll explore Al Muftaha art district – one of Abha’s most iconic heritage landmarks. Its closely built houses, painted in vibrant Asiri patterns, tell stories of the region’s rich culture. Wander through art galleries, museums and workshops that showcase the work of local artists or perhaps have a coffee in this lively hub. Continue to Souq Al Thulatha – one of Asir’s oldest bazaars, where you can chat with honey traders, browse textiles and pottery, and soak up the community spirit that has thrived here for centuries. Later, step into the home of Assas, a beloved local cook, for an intimate meal of traditional Asiri dishes like haneeth (slow-roasted lamb) and masoub (banana bread pudding), paired with fragrant Qahwa coffee. End the day with a visit to the visit to the home museum of Fatima Faye Al-Almaai, famed for her conservation efforts towards the UNESCO-recognised art form of Al-Qatt Al-Asiri the female owned Qatt Asiri.
Day 6 - Abha to Al Qunfudhah to Jeddah
Today, travel back to Jeddah along the scenic coastal route. Stop in Al Qunfudhah – an ancient Red Sea port once thriving as a key trading post, particularly known for its date trade. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. After a quick lunch, continue your drive north to Jeddah, where modern energy meets centuries of history. Tonight, maybe head out for a farewell dinner to celebrate your journey.
Day 7 - Jeddah
After breakfast, your adventure comes to an end. If you’d like to spend more time in Jeddah – and it’s highly recommended that you do – just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
18-10-202624-10-2026AUD $ 5,590-
15-11-202621-11-2026AUD $ 5,430-
27-12-202602-01-2027AUD $ 5,365-
17-10-202723-10-2027AUD $ 5,365-
14-11-202720-11-2027AUD $ 5,365-
26-12-202701-01-2028AUD $ 5,365-

Accommodation

Hotel (5 nights), Multishare hostel (1 night)

Transport

Private vehicle, 4WD vehicle

Map