OVERVIEW

Discover the historical importance of Jeddah while walking through its Old Town on the eastern shore of the Red Sea. That strategic location fueled Jeddah’s growth beginning in the 7th century, as it became the primary port for goods sent inland to Mecca. Countless pilgrims also passed through Jeddah and over time the city reflected the Red Sea architecture of the time. Because hundreds of those buildings, particularly tower houses constructed for wealthy merchants, have been preserved, UNESCO declared the Old Town a World Heritage site. You will not only see block after block of these historical houses and others made from coral stone, but also browse the interior of one of them. To enhance the experience, you will be served a cup of traditional Arabic coffee and fresh dates. Afterwards, you will browse a bustling souq in Old Town and enjoy time to explore further independently.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See the well-preserved architecture that earned Jeddah a UNESCO World Heritage site designation.
• Meander through the interior of one of the historically important tower houses in Old Town.
• Gain an understanding of Jeddah’s significance as a major trading port starting in the 7th century.
• Browse a souq in the heart of Old Town and spend free time exploring the area nearby.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress conservatively when going ashore.
• Wear sun protection and bring bottled water.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Zip across hundreds of miles of desert in a high-speed train to Madinah – also known as Medina –where you will view the key attractions in the holy city. Traveling on the modern Haramain High-Speed Railway will provide a dramatic contrast to Madinah, an ancient pilgrimage city associated with the prophet Muhammad. Your immersion into Islamic history will begin at Mount Uhud, where Prophet Muhammad led forces against adversaries from Mecca. While in the city center, you will pause in front of the Prophet’s Mosque, one of the holiest sites in Islam as the tomb of Prophet Muhammad lies inside. A visit to a nearby exhibition with artifacts related to the mosque will enhance your understanding of the building’s historical and architectural significance. On the way to lunch, you will pass one last landmark of Islam, the Quba Mosque, which is particularly holy because Prophet Muhammad laid its foundation stones.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel across the vast desert on a high-speed train to and from Madinah.
• See landmarks associated with the prophet Muhammad, including the Prophet’s Mosque.
• Browse an exhibition with artifacts that showcase the significance of the Prophet’s Mosque.
• Drive by Mount Uhud, where Prophet Muhammad battled the Meccans in the 7th century.
• Stand before the Quba Mosque, whose foundation stones Prophet Muhammad laid.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress conservatively when going ashore.
• Wear sun protection and bring bottled water.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Trace Jeddah’s cultural and historical evolution through the centuries by browsing Al Tayebat, a museum complex with exhibits that present life in Saudi Arabia from various perspectives. The museum is comprised of a dozen Hijazi-style buildings made with natural materials designed with the desert climate in mind. Entire floors are dedicated to topics such as the history of Islam, the formation of Saudi Arabia, the nomadic Bedouins and the heritage of Jeddah. You may see a re-creation of the pilgrimage to Mecca, early manuscripts, old coins, traditional clothing and artifacts from the fishing tribes that once inhabited the area. The exhibits on King Abdulaziz – the founder of modern Saudi Arabia – are especially enlightening. The nearby Hassan Enany Mosque exemplifies contemporary life in its design and cultural significance. While pausing to snap photos of this seaside landmark, be sure to notice the symbolic golden tiles that cover the exterior of the dome.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Browse a museum that showcases most every aspect of life in Saudi Arabia.
• Focus on specific topics of interest such as ancient Jeddah or the history of Islam.
• Come away with an overall understanding of Saudi Arabia through the centuries.
• Pause for photos of the modern Hassan Enany Mosque.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Ride an electric-enhanced bike on an inspiring tour of Jeddah with a special focus on the attractions along the corniche road that runs along the Red Sea. Traveling by e-bike couldn’t be easier because its battery-powered, whisper-quiet motor makes pedaling a breeze, allowing you to go farther with less effort. After a briefing at the oversized LED Jeddah sign – which makes for a great photo opportunity – you will pedal off following the guide around Jeddah in a line of e-bikes. There will be plenty to see along the way, including the race circuit where the annual Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is held. Jeddah is also known for its outdoor art installations along the coast by the likes of sculptor Henry Moore and a host of renowned Middle Eastern artists. The ride will end at the Al Rahma Mosque, where you can browse this landmark that appears to float on the sea at high tide.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Zip around Jeddah on an electric bike that boosts your pedaling power.
• Ride along the coastal North Corniche and pause at the most memorable attractions.
• Pass part of the corniche circuit where Jeddah’s annual Formula One race is held.
• Admire the public art installations that have beautified the corniche.
• Enjoy a beverage while exploring a modern mosque that looks to be floating on the sea.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Become immersed in the world of Formula One racing by visiting the Jeddah corniche circuit where the annual nighttime race is held. For an introduction to this hair-raising F1 motorsport, you will first tour the race control center that overlooks the starting grid and monitors each turn in the nearly 4-mile-long circuit. You will also visit the paddock where the race teams prepare, the garages that hold the multi-million-dollar cars and a trackside villa. The only way to get a better view of the circuit is to be right on the track, a rare experience that you will have while riding in a golf cart with an F1 driver at the wheel. Expect to hear fascinating stories about the non-stop challenges of the track, where speeds can reach 200 miles per hour. You will be treated to another perspective of the race circuit from the Royal Overlook that looms directly above the track.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit the corniche circuit where Jeddah’s annual Formula One race is held.
• Enjoy an in-depth look at the race control center and other key areas around the track.
• Ride along the actual race track in a golf cart with an F1 driver.
• Pause to see the Enani Floating Mosque and the Jeddah sign along the Corniche.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.