Saudi Arabia: Women's Expedition

Saudi Arabia's tourism industry is still in its infancy, and there are some challenges to overcome, like a lack of infrastructure in some locations, reliable systems and trained guides. Sites are occasionally closed with little or no notice and restoration work is common. You’ll need to have a degree of flexibility when travelling here.

Hotel standards and service levels vary across the country and may differ from what you’ve experienced elsewhere. Locals are new to international tourism, so please have an open mind and heart.

The country has strict laws and customs that visitors should be aware of before travelling, such as dress codes. Alcohol is also banned. Please see the Essential Trip Information for more detail.

Saudi Arabia is large country and we cover we cover a lot on this itinerary. Be prepared for some longer travel days where lunch stops will be simple and limited. Our vehicle is comfortable and we've broken these up with free time in key locations to allow you rest and recharge.

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
3. Checked in luggage on the high speed train from Madinah to Jeddah is restricted to 1 x 25kg bag.

What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible and make sure that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage and walk with it for short distances or up or down a flight of stairs. Our travellers usually find the smaller their luggage is, the more they enjoy the trip not having to worry about carrying heavy bags! Aim to keep your main luggage under 15kg.

Many travellers carry their luggage in a compact smaller suitcase or backpack with wheels. We recommend your bag has carry straps or handles so it is easy to lift and carry for the times you are unable to wheel it (ie. on rough surfaces or up steps).

If you are taking overnight trains, or primarily using public transport then the smaller your luggage the easier it will be to store under or above bunks. Large suitcases may not be able to be taken on board. A lockable bag or small padlock for your bag will be useful especially when travelling on public transportation as well.

You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, camera, swimming suit, waterproof pouch/bag for phone, hiking shoes and jacket etc. when you’re exploring during the day.

Below we have listed the essentials for this trip:, https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list, WATER BOTTLE
Please bring your own water bottle to refill along the way. Although it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when travelling, please use the water dispensers which are provided on some of our vehicles and at some of our accommodation. Your group leader or local representative will advise whether tap water is safe to drink in your destination, and if it is, you can simply refill it with tap water. When unable to avoid bottled water, it is better to buy the largest available and distribute it into your smaller bottle for the day. If you are walking or trekking as part of your trip you will need to carry at least 2L of water with you.

Grand Plaza Takhasosi Hotel, Al Takhassousi, Al Mathar Ash Shamali,, Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA

Alternate Joining Point

Shada Hotel Al Shatie, 633 Hira St, Ash Shati District, 3215 Al Shatiea,, Jeddah, 23513, SAUDI ARABIA

Shada Hotel Al Shatie enjoys a prime location near North Corniche Beach, with the Red Sea Mall just 4.8 kilometers away, along with other cultural attractions. The property features a bar with free Wi-Fi, currency exchange services, a fitness center, a shared lounge, a garden, a sunbathing terrace, and an outdoor pool. The rooms are equipped with ensuite bathrooms, Air conditioning, flat-screen TV, coffee machine, and fridge.

Alternate Finish Point

If you have a confirmed departure transfer, your driver will be dropping you at the Jeddah Airport according to your flight schedule. Your leader can confirm this time with you on the ground. If your driver has not arrived within 30 minutes of the scheduled pick-up time, or your departing flight is cancelled or changed, please contact our local office on the number in the ‘Problems and emergency contact information’ section.

Breakfasts included: 11

Lunches included: 4

Dinners included: 1

Your group leader will endeavor to cater to specific dietary requirements where possible. Please note that gluten intolerances and vegan diets can be more challenging in some parts of Saudi Arabia. Be prepared for some locations to be limited in your choice.You may wish to speak to your trip leader at the group meeting to alert them of this so they can help you throughout the trip in planning suitable meals.
Your group leader or representative will endeavor to disclose to their fullest knowledge the main ingredients in dishes being consumed. It is, however, your personal responsibility to ensure that you do not ingest any foods to which you are allergic.

Saudi Arabia has a predominantly desert climate, meaning that the summers are very hot and dry, and the winters are more temperate.
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are considered the best seasons
to visit Saudi Arabia. The weather during these seasons is mild and comfortable, with
temperatures averaging between 20-30°C (68-86°F). Winter (December to February) can be chilly in the evenings and drop to as low as 5°C (41°F) in some locations so we recommend bringing warm clothes for the evening or early mornings.

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.

For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us

In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below:

Intrepid's Local Operator: +966 554447070