Arabia Felix: Asir & Al Bahah

10 Days / 9 Nights from £4895/ $6364 per person

Mountainous Asir & Al Bahah in southwestern Saudi Arabia could not be more different from the rest of the Kingdom. Known as Arabia Felix (Happy Arabia) by the ancient geographers on account of its green meadows, towering mist-clad peaks, and juniper forests; this unique corner of the country stands out on account of geography as well as its traditional markets and strong historical and cultural ties with Yemen. On this privately guided tour you’ll travel the length of southwestern Saudi Arabia along the scenic spine of the Sarawat mountains between Abha and Jeddah. In doing so, the Arabia Felix tour reveals one of the least developed and most authentic regions of the Kingdom. This truly is Saudi Arabia off the beaten track. Unforgettable highlights will range from exploring Rijal Almaa, one of the finest historic villages in Arabia, to discovering the little known troglodyte settlements on remote Shada mountain. A visit to the traditional market at Moyhal will rewind the clock at least 50 years and may give you an opportunity to see some of Asir’s ‘flower men’ who wear garlands of herbs in their hair. You will also explore the magically located village of Zee Ain and drive through the forests of Al Raghadan, before the mountains peter out and you enter the vast volcanic Harrat Kishb plain. The Arabia Felix: Asir & Al Bahah tour then concludes with a hike down into the stunning Al Wahbah Crater and a walk through Jeddah’s magnificent World Heritage old quarter of Al Balad.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day	Location/Route	Overnight	Sapphire Hotels	Diamond Hotels
Day 1	Arrive Riyadh International Airport, Saudi Arabia. Meet and private transfer to your hotel.	2 nights Riyadh	Braira Qortuba Hotel	Fairmont Riyadh
Day 2	Sightseeing in Riyadh including the Masmak Fort, Souq Al Zal the Kingdom Centre and Diriyah.
Day 3	Fly to Bisha and drive south to the hanging village of Habala, Tamniah village, and Al Dalaghan park. Arrive Abha late afternoon.	2 nights Abha	Blue Inn Boutique Hotel	Abha Palace Hotel
Day 4	Visit Abha, discover the Asiri villages of Jabal Soudah including Rijal Almaa and browse through Mohyal’s traditional souqs.
Day 5	Drive north through the scenic Sarawat mountains via Al Namas to Baljurashi in Al Bahah province.	2 nights Baljurashi	National Park Hotel	National Park Hotel
Day 6	Visit Al-Mkhawat weekly market, drive up into the ‘troglodyte’ mountain of Shada Al Asfal and visit the striking heritage village of Zee Ain.
Day 7	Explore Al Bahah’s Raghadan Park and the Bin Raqoosh castle, then continue through the mountains to Al Hada and the resort of Taif.	1 night Taif	Awaliv International Hotel	Awaliv International Hotel
Day 8	Hike down to the floor of the Al Wahbah Crater, a stunning 2km wide volcanic maar crater on the edge of the Harrat Kishb, then drive to Jeddah.	2 nights Jeddah	InterContinental Jeddah	Park Hyatt Jeddah – Marina, Club & Spa
Day 9	Immerse yourself in Jeddah’s historic UNESCO World Heritage Al Balad quarter. Then stroll along the beautiful Red Sea Corniche and gaze on the world’s tallest fountain.
Day 10	Private transfer to Jeddah International Airport. Farewell to Saudi Arabia.