SAUDI ARABIA
WOMENS EXPEDITION
Arabian nights & breathtaking sights
Explore a country that most never will. On this adventure around Saudi Arabia’s dramatic landscapes, learn about the country’s deep history and get to know the diverse and severely underrepresented women of Saudi Arabia. Visit the Holy City of Madinah with a local female guide, cruise and snorkel the Red Sea and meet Saudi Arabia’s first-ever female guide in Jeddah.
- 12 Days
- Easy
- Saudi Arabaia
- Saudi Arabia Womens Expedition led by local female guides
- Tour a local, family-owned citrus farm with the sisters who run it, explore Wadi Disah (Valley of Palm Trees) and see Alula’s remarkable rock formations with giant tombs from the Nabatean era.
- Visit Madinah – the second holiest site in Islam, after Mecca – with a local female guide. Enjoy a Saudi-style picnic of local bread and peppermint tea with views over the Holy City.
- Take a bullet train to Jeddah’s Al Balad – a UNESCO World Heritage site – and meet with Saudi’s first female guide Abir. Wander the narrow streets, meet friendly vendors and sample local delicacies.
- Cruise the Red Sea on a boat on your final day – snorkel, swim and end it all on a private women-only beach for sunset.
- Join a cooking class with a local chef, meet a pottery artist, get pampered at a women-owned salon, join a host family for a home-cooked meal and stay in a female-owned boutique hotel.
BOOK FROM
- *Secure your spot with a £200 deposit. Full payment due 70 days prior to departure
- Pay in instalments*
- Financial Protection on your payment
ITINERARY
Salam! Welcome to Riyadh – the birthplace of modern Saudi Arabia.
This contemporary metropolis with more than 4000 mosques, busy shopping centres and palaces, had humble beginnings as a walled stop-off on a desert trading route. Once you’ve transferred to your hotel after meeting your Intrepid representative at the airport, your adventure is ready to begin at 6 pm with a welcome meeting. You’ll be taken to a local heritage restaurant to enjoy traditional Arabian and Middle Eastern cuisine with influences from Africa and South Asia.
Inclusions
Accommodation: 1 night
Meals: Dinner
Included activities:
- Riyadh – Traditional Saudi Dinner
- Riyadh – Complimentary Airport arrival transfer
Add on activities:
- Riyadh – Kingdom Tower – USD19
Special information
Insurance details and next of kin information are collected at this meeting so you must attend. If you are going to be late, please inform your travel agent or hotel reception. There will be a note in the lobby or reception about the meeting location.
Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour.
We begin at Diriyah in the district of At-Turaif. This UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases the Najdi architectural style with its well-preserved adobe structures. Find out how these houses were built, how they were cooled during the hot summer days, and how people lived without electricity.
Enjoy a home-cooked traditional meal with a host family of women then head to Souq Al-Zal – one of the oldest markets in town. Later on, you’ll meet local artist and psychologist, Ghada, at her pottery workshop for an introduction to Najdi and Aseeri style.
Inclusions
Accommodation:
- Hotel (1 night)
Meals:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Included activities:
- Riyadh – Pottery workshop visit with female artist
- Riyadh – Traditional Home cooked meal with female hosts
- Diriyah – UNESCO Site
- Riyadh – Souq Al-Zal Market visit
Add on activities:
- Riyadh – National museum – Free
- Riyadh – Al Masmak Fortress – Free
Special information:
If shopping isn’t your thing, you can visit the Al Masmak Fortress instead of the market.
As your journey takes you to Unayzah, a stop at Ushaiger offers the opportunity to explore this heritage village and see how a traditional, slow-paced Saudi society works. With its palm and olive groves, this ancient Bedouin settlement was a popular destination along the pilgrimage route.
For your lunch at Buraydah, you’ll be working with a local chef to learn some dishes that the Najd area is famous for. Rich stews accompanied by wheat and rice dishes with fragrant spices are the order of the day and after all your hard work you’ll be treated to traditional coffee and Kleija biscuits for dessert. Spend the night in a Quasimi-style farm home among the gardens and date palms.
Inclusions
Accommodation: Heritage Hotel (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Included activities:
- Ushaiger – Heritage Village
- Buraydah – Cooking class with female chef
Special information:
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Today you’ll explore one of the oldest markets in Najd. With its rich range of shops and crafts, you might also have the chance to see one of the traditional weekly performances that are held here. Later in the tour, you’ll need an abaya to visit Madinah and there are plenty on offer here.
A stop at the world’s largest date market, known as Date City, in Buraydah, is up next. With over 7 million date trees in this region alone, you’ll learn about the significance of dates to Saudi culture
Once you’ve got to Hail the afternoon is yours to do with as you please.
Inclusions
Accommodation: 1 night
Meals: Breakfast
Included activities:
- Buraydah – Date market
- Unaizah – Al Musoawkaf Traditional market
Add on activities:
- Hail – Visit A’arif Fort – Free
Special information:
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
A free day is scheduled here but there are some optional extras if you’re feeling in an exploring mood, such as a half-day tour to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jubbah. Here you can see the petroglyphs, carvings that date back 10,000 years followed by a desert picnic at Nufud.
Another option is heading over to the Hail Souq to buy some fresh fruit and dates or admire the handmade crafts on display. The Hail Flea Markets are another interesting idea for handmade crafts and traditional attire.
In the evening you’ll meet back up with the group and head out for a spot of pampering and learn how these types of businesses create enterprise opportunities for local women.
Inclusions
Accommodation: 1 night
Meals: Breakfast
Included activities:
- Hail – Female only Salon visit
Add on activities:
- Hail – Jubbah Rock art and Saudi Desert Picnic (price per group up to 12) – USD400
- Hail – Souk & Flea Market – Free
- Hail – Al Mutlaq Heritage Mosque – Free
- Hail – Visit A’arif Fort – Free
Your next destination Alula sits deep in the desert and it takes a long travel day to reach it. The Nabataeans built these tombs over 2000 years ago and feature pre-Islamic rock art along the natural canyons and formations.
Sunset at Elephant Rock beckons, with its vibrant atmosphere provided by the music, food trucks and deck chairs ready to watch the sun go down. This 52m high rock has been chiselled by millions of years of natural erosion and is seriously impressive!
Old Town and Old Market Street follow this, with many local artisans, handicraft stores and restaurants to visit. Pop into a modern abaya shop to learn about the evolution of this wardrobe staple and how many Saudi women still choose to wear it, even though it was made optional in 2018.
Inclusions
Accommodation: Desert Lodge (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast
Included activities:
- Alula – Historical Old town and Al Jadidah Area
- Alula – Elephant Rock (Jabal AlFil)
- Alula – Abeya shop
Special information:
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
The Nabataean site of Hegra means an early start this morning. Dating back to the first century BCE this ancient capital used to extend as far as Petra in present-day Jordan.
The predominantly women storytellers, or rawee, will guide you through some of the elaborate tombs that range from 2.7m in height all the way up to 21.5 m!
Later you’ll tour a multi-generational family-owned citrus farm with the Al Jouds. You can sample their wares before tucking into a delicious farm-prepared lunch, leaving the afternoon free for you to roam as you wish. The Harrat Viewpoint up the mountain or visiting the town for sunset are recommended if you need any ideas.
Inclusions
Accommodation: Desert Lodge (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Included activities:
- Alula – Citrus Farm Tour & Lunch
- Alula – Madain Saleh (Hegra) Tour with local guide
Add on activities:
- Alula – Harra View point (transport cost per group of 4) – USD66
Special information:
The Alula Authority decide the Hegra tour departure times and we will be joined by other travellers. If there are any changes to the morning timeslot you will be kept informed.
Today’s day trip to Wadi Disah is by 4WD. Loosely translated as the Valley of the Palm Trees, this oasis consists of rocky mountainous peaks, freshwater springs and palm trees. It is well known for its dates and mangos and has been inhabited for centuries.
Descend off-road into the valley, your 4WD making light work of the lush vegetation and rushing stream as you journey through towering rock walls. A traditional Bedouin-style lunch awaits and after you’re replenished a walk takes you deep into the Wadi Disah canyon to soak up the spectacular landscape before you head back to your hotel..
Inclusions
Accommodation: Desert Lodge (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Included activities:
- Dissah Valley – 4×4 Excursion and bedouin style picnic
This ancient pilgrimage route to Madinah is rich with black lava stone, mountain landscapes and religious history. You’ll stop at the Hijaz (or Ottoman railway), which once brought pilgrims to Madinah from as far away as Damascus in Syria before arriving in one of the two holiest Islamic cities.
A local female guide will show you around and you’ll have lunch in a local market, followed by a visit to the outskirts of the 10 minareted mosque, Al Masjid an Nabawi (the Prophet’s Mosque). This enormous mosque can hold up to a million people.
Explore the museum next door to the mosque which is dedicated to the life of Prophet Muhammad. One of the 25 pavilions nearby documents the history of women in Islam and provides a dedicated space where women can engage in spiritual discussion and reflection.
A picnic of local bread and duggah (spice) with tea and peppermint has been planned, which will coincide with the sunset. A viewpoint across the Holy City has been chosen where you can take it all in.
Inclusions
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast
Included activities:
- Madinah – City Tour & Dar Al Madinah Museum with local female guide
- Madinah – Sunset Saudi Picnic with female local guide
- Madinah – Market visit & lunch
- Madinah – Hijaz Railway Terminus Station
Special information:
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
You will be required to wear an abaya and headscarf while in the holy city of Madinah.
Today you’re going to take Haramain High-Speed Railway to Jeddah. This commercial hub on the Red Sea has the second busiest seaport in the Middle East. As the main gateway to Mecca (the holiest city in Islam), approximately two million pilgrims pass through here each year as they journey to perform the Hajj. Jeddah is a popular spot for visitors due, in part, to its more liberal attitude.
With an afternoon to yourself, you can cool off in the hotel’s pool or use the opportunity to explore the city. This evening you’ll take a tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site of Al Balad with the country’s first female guide. Along the tour, you’ll learn the history of these buildings and your guide Abir’s story. Try out some of the tasty treats on offer like sobia (a local drink made of bread) or the beans and pickles and continue exploring at your leisure.
Inclusions
Accommodation: Boutique Hotel (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast
Included activities:
- Al Balad – UNESCO Heritage walking tour with female guide
Special information:
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
The train has bathrooms, power outlets and a dining car. There is a baggage weight limit of 25 kg per bag and they must be carried on board and stored at the end of the carriage.
Abir (the local guide in Jeddah) holds a unique role within the Department of Tourism and is sometimes called away. If this happens she will be replaced by another local female guide, all of whom were trained by Abir.
Another day, another mode of transport! Today a private boat will whisk you away for a day of sunshine and snorkelling on the Red Sea. This area has long been a favourite of divers and snorkellers alike with an amazing array of fish and coral life.
The water never dips below a balmy 21℃ here, and the high salinity makes floating the day away all the easier. Snacks and refreshments on the boat are followed by a trip to a private women-only beach for some local music with a mocktail while the sun sets.
As you set about planning your final dinner, why not head out with your group and celebrate the end of a special trip.
Inclusions
Accommodation: Boutique Hotel (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast
Included activities:
- Jeddah – Ladies only beach
- Jeddah – Red Sea Boat & Snorkelling trip
With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end in Jeddah this morning after breakfast. You’ll say your goodbyes to your travel fam who you’ve shared incredible experiences with, with promises to share another adventure.
If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your Adventuress Travel Mentor ahead of time.
Inclusions
Meals: Breakfast
Finishing point
Shada Hotel Al Shatie
633 Hira St, Ash Shati District, 3215 Al Shatiea, Jeddah 23513 SAUDI ARABIA
INCLUDED
- Meals: 11 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 dinner
- Transport: Private vehicle, High-Speed Train, Boat, 4x4 Jeep
- Accommodation: Hotel (5 nights), Heritage Hotel (1 night), Desert Camp (3 nights), Boutique Hotel (2nts)
- Riyadh – Traditional Saudi Dinner, Airport arrival transfer, Pottery workshop, Traditional Home cooked meal with female hosts, UNESCO Site
- Riyadh - Souq Al-Zal Market visit
- Ushaiger - Heritage Village
- Buraydah - Cooking class with female chef, Date market
- Unaizah – Al Musoawkaf Traditional market
- Hail - Female only Salon visit
- Alula - Historical Old town and Al Jadidah Area, Elephant Rock (Jabal AlFil), Abeya shop, Citrus Farm Tour & Lunch, Madain Saleh (Hegra) Tour with local guide
- Dissah Valley - 4x4 Excursion and bedouin style picnic
- Madinah - City Tour & Dar Al Madinah Museum with local female guide, Sunset Saudi Picnic with female local guide, Market visit & lunch, Hijaz Railway Terminus Station
- Al Balad - UNESCO Heritage walking tour with female guide
- Jeddah - Ladies only beach, Red Sea Boat & Snorkelling trip
- All trip logistics taken care of
- Financial protection on your payments
INCLUDED
- Meals: 11 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 dinner
- Transport: Private vehicle, High-Speed Train, Boat, 4x4 Jeep
- Accommodation: Hotel (5 nights), Heritage Hotel (1 night), Desert Camp (3 nights), Boutique Hotel (2nts)
- Riyadh – Traditional Saudi Dinner, Airport arrival transfer, Pottery workshop, Traditional Home cooked meal with female hosts, UNESCO Site
- Riyadh - Souq Al-Zal Market visit
- Ushaiger - Heritage Village
- Buraydah - Cooking class with female chef, Date market
- Unaizah – Al Musoawkaf Traditional market
- Hail - Female only Salon visit
- Alula - Historical Old town and Al Jadidah Area, Elephant Rock (Jabal AlFil), Abeya shop, Citrus Farm Tour & Lunch, Madain Saleh (Hegra) Tour with local guide
- Dissah Valley - 4x4 Excursion and bedouin style picnic
- Madinah - City Tour & Dar Al Madinah Museum with local female guide, Sunset Saudi Picnic with female local guide, Market visit & lunch, Hijaz Railway Terminus Station
- Jeddah - Ladies only beach, Red Sea Boat & Snorkelling trip
- Al Balad - UNESCO Heritage walking tour with female guide
- All trip logistics taken care of
- Financial Protection on your payments
NOT INCLUDED
- International flights to Saudi Arabia
- Insurance
- Not every meal is included, please check the itinerary
- Any additional costs associated with leaving the expedition early
- Any optional activities mentioned within the itinerary are an additional cost, please ask us for more details
NOT INCLUDED
- Flights to Saudi Arabia
- Insurance
- Some meals (Please read the itinerary to learn when a meal is included)
- Any additional costs associated with leaving the expedition early
YOUR GUIDE
Your guide for this adventure will be Intrepid Travel. Did you know that we’re all just three degrees of separation away from somebody who has been on an Intrepid tour? Since 1989, Intrepid Travel have guided travelers across 100 countries worldwide.
Intrepid’s women only tours promise to take you off of the beaten path, connecting you with local women, offering total cultural immersion and a whole lot of adventure!
SAUDI ARABIA
Saudi Arabia is a land of enchanting contrasts where ancient history meets modern marvels. Imagine exploring the majestic rock-cut tombs of Mada’in Saleh, diving into the vibrant coral reefs of the Red Sea, and watching sunset in the desert of Alula—all in one trip! The bustling cities of Riyadh and Jeddah offer a blend of traditional souks and cutting-edge architecture, while the holy city of Medina provides a profound spiritual experience. Add to this the warm hospitality of the Saudi people and the rich flavors of local cuisine, and you have an experience you’ll remember for a lifetime.
Saudi Arabia is fairly new to the world of tourism. This is your opportunity to explore this up and coming destination before anybody else.
THE IMPORTANT STUFF
Yes. At Adventuress in the Wild we work with tour operators who are providing trips for anybody who identifies as a woman. We have found that women are more likely to step out of their comfort zone and try new activities when they are surrounded by other supportive women. All of the tour operators we work with believe that adventure is for every woman no matter your background, ability, body type, or orientation.
Saudi Arabia is relatively new to the world of tourism and as such there can be challenges. Some locations may have a lack of infrastructure and there may be a shortage of trained guides. Sites can close without warning and restoration work is common so flexibility and patience are key.
You may also encounter varied hotel and service standards. International tourism is still new to many so please keep an open mind.
Strict laws and customs govern Saudi Arabia and this is no different for visitors. Alcohol is banned and strict dress codes should be adhered to. The Essential Trip Information has further information.
A lot of ground is covered on this trip meaning several longer travel days and lunch will be simple and short. The journeys will be broken up by free time in key locations so you can stretch your legs and recharge.
If you would rather not share a room there is a single supplement available. This applies to each night on your trip and is subject to availability. For further information speak to your Adventuress Travel Mentor.
If you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us your airport arrival transfer is included, free of charge. Your flight details must be given to your booking agent at least 14 days before travel.
1 x 25kg piece checked-in luggage is permitted on the high-speed train from Madinah to Jeddah.
WHEN IS THE FINAL PAYMENT DATE?
This adventure can be booked with a £200 deposit. The remainder of the balance will be paid 70 days prior to departure. If booking within 70 days prior to departure then full payment will be required.
WHERE DOES THE TRIP START?
Gloria Inn Riyadh – Al Madina street Building no 300, Riyadh 11432 SAUDI ARABIA
Hotel description
In Al Deira District, the Gloria Inn is near the railway station, shopping malls, the National Museum and archaeological sites. It has fitness facilities, and a temperature-maintained indoor pool with a jacuzzi, and steam room. The hotel restaurants are open for service all day long and the rooms have ensuite bathrooms, TV, seating, and 24-hour room service as standard.
Accommodation: Hotel (5 nights), Heritage Hotel (1 night), Desert Camp (3 nights), Boutique Hotel (2nts). More details in each day’s itinerary.
Booking Transfer Instructions
Your flight details will be needed at least 14 days before departure for us to book your arrival transfer. You’ll be met outside Riyadh Airport by a representative holding an Intrepid sign.
In case of any problems with your flight or severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find the driver, please contact our local office on the number in the ‘Problems and emergency contact information’ section.
WHERE DOES THE TRIP END?
Shada Hotel Al Shatie
633 Hira St, Ash Shati District, 3215 Al Shatiea, Jeddah 23513 SAUDI ARABIA
Hotel Description
Located in a prime location near North Corniche Beach, the Shada Hotel Al Shatie also has the Red Sea Mall just 4.8 kilometres away, as well as other cultural attractions. The hotel has a bar with free Wi-Fi, currency exchange services, a fitness centre, a shared lounge, a garden, a sunbathing terrace, and an outdoor pool. All rooms are equipped with ensuite bathrooms, Air conditioning, flat-screen TV, coffee machine, and fridge.
Booking Transfer Instructions
You will be dropped at Jeddah Airport according to your flight schedule if you have booked a departure transfer, your time will be confirmed in advance with you by your leader. In case of any problems with your flight or your driver has not arrived within 30 minutes of your booking see the ‘Problems and emergency contact information’ section.
ITINERARY DISCLAIMER
Itinerary Changes
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 differ from when you first booked your trip. We advise that you review this information to have the latest updates. Due to local conditions 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.
Optional Activities
Popular activities are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn’t an exhaustive list and prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to 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, so some pre-planning is advised. When pre-booking is recommended to look for a note in the Special Information section of the itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested in the Welcome Meeting.
Where activities are considered medium or high risk, the operator works with operators whose safety and credentials they have sighted and assessed. Medium and high-risk activities not listed have not been assessed and as such the group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with these activities. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own risk.
Add on activities are not included in this trip:
- Riyadh – Kingdom Tower – USD19
- Riyadh – National museum – Free
- Riyadh – Al Masmak Fortress – Free
- Hail – Visit A’arif Fort – Free
- Hail – Jubbah Rock art and Saudi Desert Picnic (price per group up to 12) – USD400
- Hail – Souk & Flea Market – Free
- Hail – Al Mutlaq Heritage Mosque – Free
- Alula – Harra View point (transport cost per group of 4) – USD66
PASSPORTS, VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Passport
As a general rule, most countries expect that your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity remaining. Please ensure the name on your passport matches the name on your booking and airline tickets. Your passport details are required to complete your booking. Your consultant will contact you when this is required. Take a copy of the main passport pages and other important documents with you, and leave another copy at home with family or friends.
Visas & Entry Requirements
Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time, so you must check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Your consultant will also be happy to point you in the right direction with acquiring visas. Visas can take several weeks to process, so familiarise yourself with any requirements as soon as you have booked your trip to allow for processing time.
TRANSPORT
Private vehicle, High-Speed Train, Boat, 4×4 Jeep
MONEY MATTERS
Spending Money
When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget accordingly. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling.
Tipping
You may consider tipping your group leader or local representative for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference however as a guideline 4-7 USD or EUR per person (in a currency relevant to your destination), per day, can be used. Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your group leader or local representative on your trip.
Contingency Funds
Our operator reserves the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you.
Please note they are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred because of the change of itineraries. These include but are not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights.
Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). The recommended amount is listed in USD for ease of understanding however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.
MEDICAL AND HEALTH INFORMATION
General Health
You will need to be in good general health for this trip. If you are unwell, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements.
Read through the itinerary carefully and assess if this style of trip is for you. Please note that if a traveller is deemed unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, our operator reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without a refund.
We recommend you consult with your Dr regarding medical travel information and necessary vaccinations before departure. A first aid kit and personal medical requirements are also recommended as they may not be easily found locally. Check your government’s foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements if you are carrying medical supplies.
Food and dietary requirements
Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip for meals that are not included, allowing for more budgeting flexibility. As a rule, our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other’s company.
Your group leader or local representative will endeavour to cater to specific dietary requirements where possible, and vegetarianism and gluten intolerance will be catered for in most instances. There are, however some meals and activities that are fixed in advance and therefore cannot be modified to suit dietary requirements.
Please notify your booking consultant of any dietary requirements at the time of booking. For those suffering from particular food allergies, your group leader or local representative will endeavour to disclose to their fullest knowledge the main ingredients in dishes being consumed. It is, however, your responsibility to ensure that you do not ingest any foods to which you are allergic.
SAFETY
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government’s advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas in your itinerary.
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safekeeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home – you won’t need it while travelling. Many of the hotels have safety deposit boxes. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, you will have free time to explore at your leisure and indulge in personal interests. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options please note that any optional activities you undertake that are not part of your itinerary, ourselves and the operator make no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them.
Please use your judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it’s deemed necessary.
Women’s Safety
The rate of crime in Saudi Arabia is low and it is generally considered safe for female travellers to visit Saudi Arabia whether solo or in a group.
Of course, there are a few do’s and don’t’s. These include adherence to local laws, appropriate dress, especially in places of worship, and respecting cultural traditions.
A good rule of thumb is to behave and dress similarly to locals. It is also advised that you stick to well-populated areas, especially at nighttime.
Saudi Arabia’s judicial system is based on Islamic law (Shari’ah) which you may be unfamiliar with. Check your own country’s travel advisory for details, before you travel.
It’s against the law to have sexual relations or live together outside of marriage.
Unfortunately, LGBTQIA+ rights aren’t recognised in Saudi Arabia and a high degree of caution should be undertaken when travelling. Homosexuality remains illegal and carries a heavy penalty including imprisonment and deportation.
Transgender is not recognised in Saudi Arabia and you will not be able to enter Saudi Arabia if your passport shows ‘X’ in the gender field. Transgender people could also face difficulties with dress codes and access to medical care.
CLIMATE AND SEASONAL INFORMATION
The mainly desert climate in Saudi Arabia means hot and dry summers and more temperate winters.
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are considered the best seasons
to visit Saudi Arabia as the weather is milder with average temperatures of 20-30°C (68-86°F).
Winter (December-February) can be chilly in the evenings and drop to as low as 5°C (41°F) in some locations so bring warm clothes for the evening or early mornings.
Solo Travellers
The beauty of our style of travel is that it caters to travellers who are travelling solo and who want to meet and share experiences with like-minded people.
On our trips, rooming is organised on a twin-share basis and solo travellers are paired up with another traveller.
As a responsible tour operator, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. In the case that your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you.
There is also an optional single supplement available on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will be on a single-room basis.
On a small selection of itineraries, some accommodations are booked on an open-gender, multi-share basis (for example on a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam). In those instances, it will clearly be stated in our Essential Trip Information before booking and travelling.
Who is this guide for this trip?
The operator of this tour is Intrepid
Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company’s 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative.
If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank’s name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details before arriving in-country.
For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or the USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise.
KIT LIST
Pack as lightly as possible and make sure that you can carry your luggage and walk with it for short distances. Our travellers have mentioned finding that the smaller their luggage is, the more they enjoy the trip as they are not worrying about carrying heavy bags! Aim to keep your main luggage under 15kg.
We recommend that your bag has carry straps or handles so it is easy to handle when you can’t wheel it (ie. on rough surfaces or up steps).
If you are taking overnight trains or using public transport frequently then the smaller your luggage the easier it will be to store. Large suitcases may not fit at all. We also recommend a lockable bag or small padlock for your bag when travelling on public transport.
You’ll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, a camera, a swimming suit, a waterproof pouch/bag for your phone, hiking shoes and jacket etc.
Due to the diversity and breadth of our trips, our ultimate packing list should be used as a guide only and is not intended to be a complete packing list to suit every trip.
Travel documents
- Passport
- Visas if required
- Travel insurance policy
- 24 hr emergency travel insurance contact and policy number
- Flight e-tickets
- Your travel itinerary
- Photocopies of important documents
- A print out of your trip’s Essential Trip Information
- Spare passport photos
- Youth/student/seniors cards for travel discounts
- International driving licence if needed
- Diving licence if needed
- Cash/credit cards
- $500 USD contingency fund in cash
- Money belt or pouch
Luggage
On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage. Most travellers use a small, wheeled suitcase although the type of luggage most suitable will vary depending on your trip and destination. Please refer to the packing section of your Essential Trip Information for any specific luggage requirements. You will also need a daypack/bag to use during the day.
- Main luggage
- Daypack
- Padlocks & keys
Personal items
- First aid kit
- Personal medication/prescriptions
- Glasses & sunglasses
- Contact lenses and solution
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Insect repellent
- Antihistamine/insect bite cream
- Antibacterial gel/wipes
- Motion sickness tablets
- Travel vaccination certificates
- Aspirin and/or paracetamol
- Rehydration powder
- Anti-diarrhoea pills
- Toiletries
- Travel hair dryer
- Shaving equipment
- Small travel towel
- Small sewing kit and safety pins
- Consult your doctor for detailed advice on any medications
Travel accessories
- Electrical adapter for the country you are travelling to
- Camera and equipment
- Spare batteries/charger
- Local language phrase book
- Phone
- Portable games/playing cards
- Something to read
- Water bottle
- Pen/paper/diary
- Travel pillow
- Cloth/reusable shopping bags
- Torch/flashlight
- Water purification method
- Photos or postcards of your home country/family/pets to share with locals
- Binoculars
- DVT socks
Clothing
Please check your Essential Trip Information for details on appropriate clothing for your itinerary and destination. On some trips access to laundries may be limited so you may need to plan to hand wash your own clothes while on trip. For longer trips we recommend you choose clothing that is easy to wash and fast drying.
- Sun hat
- Windproof jacket
- Long-/short-sleeved shirts
- Jeans/trousers/shorts/skirts
- Socks/underwear
- Flip-flops
- Sleepwear
Cold weather
- Thermal underwear or base layers
- Warm hat
- Gloves
- Hand warmers
- Waterproof boots
- Warm socks
- Scarf
Swimming
- Swimwear
- Beach towel
- Reef shoes
- Reef-safe sunscreen
Wet weather
- Raincoat/waterproof jacket
- Umbrella
- Waterproof bags for rain protection
- Waterproof trousers
Walking or hiking
- Walking/trekking shoes
- Trekking/leech socks
- Hiking poles/walking sticks
Camping
- Inner sleep sheet
- Travel pillow
- Camping mattress
- Sleeping bag
- Head torch/lamp
Water Bottle
Please bring your own water bottle to refill along the way and use the water dispensers which are provided along the way. You will be advised whether the tap water is safe to drink in your destination, in which case you can use his to refill your water.
When bottled water is unavoidable the best option is to buy the largest available and decant it into your smaller bottle for the day. If you are walking or trekking as part of your trip you should carry at least 2L of water with you.
Travelling on a group trip
As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too.
We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group – patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone’s travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don’t keep the rest of the group waiting.
The very best trips that were operated, are those where the dynamics within the group worked well – this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip before departure.
Let us know if you would like to pay for your trip in instalments. The first instalment will always be the required deposit amount. Instalments are only available if making payments before the trip’s final payment date. The entire balance must be paid on the final payment date.
Contact us at info@adventuressinthewild.com for more information
This booking will be subject to Intrepid Travel’s Booking Conditions, and Adventuress in the Wild Booking Conditions
DATES & COST
Trip prices with this operator are dynamic and can change. Prices are updated here weekly but may have increased or decreased at time of booking, so you will be informed if this is the case. You will never be charged more than the operators price, that’s our promise.
24th – 5th December: Fully booked
15th – 26th December: £5275
12th – 23th January: Fully booked
26th – 6th February: £5465
9th – 20th February: Fully Booked
16th – 27th February: £4795
13th – 24th April: £5320
5th – 16th October: £5275
26th – 6th November: £5275
16th – 27th November: £5275
7th – 18th December: £5275
28th – 8th January: £5275
18th – 29th January: £5275
1st – 12th February: £5275
22nd – 2nd April: £5275
12th – 23th April: £5275
YOUR PERSONAL TRAVEL MENTOR
When booking with us you’ll receive your own personal Travel Mentor to help you book and prepare for your amazing adventures. We’ve helped hundreds of women get out there, and now can’t wait to share your excitement for your next trip.
WHY BOOK WITH ADVENTURESS?
Connect with a travel mentor
Receive speedy support before and during your trip with your personal travel mentor.
Pay in instalments
Can’t afford to pay all at once? Set up a payment plan for your trip. All money is secured in a PTS Trust account offering 100% financial protection.
Meet the community
Meet other like-minded souls in the Adventuress in the Wild digital community groups.
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Conquer your mountains
Ready to dive into life beyond your comfort zone? We’ve got you!
Pack your bags and get ready to meet your inner Adventuress. You’ll explore new places and try things you never dreamed possible, returning home with boosted confidence and lot of amazing stories to tell.
Life’s short, make it an adventure!
Adventure for everyone
We recognise that some of you do not feel like you are represented in the world of outdoor adventure, so we are on a mission to change that by only partnering with guides that are advocate for total inclusivity.
Let’s show the world that adventure is for everybody.
