Saudi Arabia Expedition - Asir Adventure

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.

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 Al Baha to explore the region before heading to Thee Ain (Zee Ain), 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.

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.

Today, travel by 4WD to Tabab Village, nestled in the fertile Asir Highlands. When you arrive, set off on a guided walk through this heritage site 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, continue to Rijal Almaa, 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 meet the Flower Men of the Qahtani tribes, whose colourful garlands preserve traditions over 2000 years old.

After breakfast, you’ll explore Al Muftaha District – one of Abha’s most iconic heritage landmarks. Its closely built mud-brick 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 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 at the Qatt Asiri Museum – a private home-gallery celebrating women’s geometric wall art and preserving the vibrant traditions of Asir.

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. Stroll along the waterfront and take in the relaxed seaside atmosphere of this historic town, where traces of its maritime past still linger. Though seafood is available thanks to its coastal location, Al Qunfudhah remains more of a relaxing stop than a bustling fishing hub. 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.

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.