Saudi Arabia: Women’s Expedition

07 Aug 2024

Saudi Arabia: Women's Expedition

EYKS

Validity: 01 Jan 2024 to 31 Dec 2025

On this women-only adventure around Saudia Arabia’s dramatic landscapes and UNESCO World Heritage sites, you’ll spend 12 days learning about the country’s deep history, sampling the local cuisine and getting to know the local women. With a desire to tell their own story, they will introduce you to the world of the diverse women of Saudi Arabia. Tour a citrus farm operated by two sisters who transformed their father’s vision into a multigenerational business, enjoy a cooking demonstration and pottery workshop, get to know 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.

Comfort

Women's Expedition

Private vehicle,High-Speed Train,Boat,4x4 Jeep

2

Grand Plaza Takhasosi Hotel

Al Takhassousi, Al Mathar Ash Shamali,

Riyadh

SAUDI ARABIA

Located on the famous Takhasussi Street, Grand Plaza Takhasussi is located a 35-minute drive from King Khalid International Airport. The hotel facilitates include free Wi-Fi, a lounge/bar space, café, and restaurant. All rooms are equipped with a flat screen tv, mini bar, safe deposit box, ensuite with bathroom amenities, laundry services and a 24-hour room service.

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.

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.

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. 4. Please provide a copy of your passport at time of booking in order to to secure train tickets.

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice 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 destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips.

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines

Is Saudi Arabia safe for female travellers? It’s generally considered safe for female travellers to visit Saudi Arabia, whether solo or as part of a group as, overall, the rate of crime in Saudi Arabia is low. As with any destination, there are a few do’s and don’t’s that all travellers should follow, such as adhering to local laws, dressing appropriately in places of worship and respecting cultural traditions. Women should behave and dress in a similar way to locals and stick to well-populated areas, especially when venturing out at nighttime. Saudi Arabia’s judicial system is based on Islamic law (Shari'ah) and this may be different from what travellers’ are accustomed to in their own countries. Travellers should check their own country’s travel advisory for details, before travelling. It's against the law to have sexual relations or live together outside of marriage.

LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS IN SAUDI ARABIA 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 such as imprisonment and deportation. Additionally, being transgender is not recognised in Saudi Arabia. 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 code and access to medical care.

HIGH RISK ACTIVITIES - ALULA Alula has a number of popular high risk activities being offered to foreign and national tourists alike. The safety of our travellers and staff is our first priority. Unfortunately, to date none of these activities have passed Intrepid's minimum safety standards. As a consequence, we are not able to facilitate the booking (including transportation to) these activities. Fortunately, Alula has plenty more to offer than adventure activities and we are confident that you will have a great time exploring the area under the guidance of our knowledgeable local leaders.

PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

Tour a local, family-owned citrus farm, 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 your final day – snorkel, swim and end it all on a private women-only beach for sunset.

This trip is designed to support local women and entrepreneurs, so you’ll join a local chef for a cooking demonstration, meet with 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.

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 leaders and guides. Even the most experienced leaders are still very new to group travel. 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 a large country and we cover a lot in this trip. Be prepared for some long travel days where lunch stops will be simple and limited. Our vehicle is comfortable and we've broken these journeys up with free time in key locations to allow you to rest and recharge.

GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. 

While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you 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. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure. SAUDI ARABIA Your trip leader will endeavour to cater to specific dietary requirements where possible. Gluten intolerances and vegan diets can be challenging in some parts of Saudi Arabia. Be prepared for there to be limited choices in some locations. Please speak with your trip leader about any dietary requirements at the start of the trip so that they can assist you throughout the trip.

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 an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. 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. SAUDI ARABIA ATMs can be easily found throughout the country for cash withdrawals in the local currency, Saudi Riyal (SAR). The country has a well-developed banking system, and ATMs are widely available in most cities and towns inside banks, airports, shopping centres, and other public places. Most ATMs accept international cards such as Visa and Mastercard, but we recommend you confirm with your bank if your card will work in Saudi Arabia and inform them of your travel plans. ATM withdrawal limits may vary depending on the bank and the type of card you are using. You can also use your credit cards or Apple Pay to make payments in most of the shops, souqs and restaurants. We recommend carrying some local cash for small purchases along the way. YOUR GROUP LEADER OR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE 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 per day (in a currency relevant to your destination), 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 We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve 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 we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but 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). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

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.

SAUDIA ARABIA CLIMATE & WEATHER 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 autumn (September to November) are considered the best seasons to visit. 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.

Intrepid won't tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams or local communities. To ensure the wellbeing of everyone on the trip, decisions made by your group leader are final. Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip. Any behaviour that prevents your leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines may result in Intrepid denying your booking or removing you from the trip. If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your group leader immediately. Alternatively, you can contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact Information section of this Essential Trip Information. LOCAL LAWS Saudi Arabia welcomes tourists – as with all destinations, travellers to the country should check their own country’s travel advisory for details, before travelling. Saudi Arabia’s judicial system is based on Islamic law (Shari'ah) and this may be different from what travellers’ are accustomed to in their own countries. In general, when it comes to Saudi Arabia's laws and social rules: • It is illegal to preach or publicly practice a religion other than Islam. • Refrain from questioning religious values or public morals. • Don't criticise the country, its royal family or practicing religion in public (including on social media). • Dress modestly in public. • Alcohol is prohibited in Saudi Arabia.

Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

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

Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip group leaders or local representatives, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel. Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel SAUDIA ARABIA CLOTHING FOR WOMEN Saudi Arabia is socially conservative when it comes to the dress code for men and women. Specifically for women, it is no longer a legal requirement to cover your hair and wear an abaya (long sleeved robe), except when visiting the holy city of Madinah or visiting a place of worship. You should still dress modestly when out and about, covering your shoulders, chest and knees, and wearing loose-fitting dresses or pants. A scarf should be carried with you, to cover your hair when entering mosques and throughout your stay in the holy city of Madinah. Headscarves are not compulsory in the rest of the country. Abayas can be easily purchased during your travels and your leader will show you exactly how to wear an abaya and a head scarf in preparation for your stay in Madinah. The Red Sea cruise is on a private boat, but the crew will likely be male. For this reason, out of respect, we recommend opting for something more modest. A one piece swimsuit is suitable and you may also use a rashguard or t-shirt when snorkelling to protect from the sun. Single-use plastics are a challenge in Saudi Arabia, as in many other destinations. Many hotels and suppliers still provide small, single-use bottles of water as this is how they demonstrate hospitality and good service in local culture. We are working with our local operator and suppliers to find practical solutions, but long term change within the country will take time.

Our non-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, gives travellers more opportunities to make a positive impact in the places they visit. We have over 50 Intrepid Foundation partners across the globe addressing four key focus areas: protecting the environment, taking a stand for wildlife, addressing inequality and empowering communities. Intrepid matches all post-trip donations dollar for dollar and takes care of the admin fees – this doubles your impact and ensures every cent goes to our partners on the ground. Visit our website for more info: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/ This trip supports Education for All, who provide an opportunity for girls in remote areas of Morocco to access education and prepare for successful careers. Donations help girls in the High Atlas Mountains through secondary school, bringing a generation of women out of the cycle of illiteracy, poverty and early marriage. Intrepid will double your impact by dollar-matching post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation. To find out more or make a donation, visit: www.theintrepidfoundation.org/t/education-for-all

Some of the accommodations on your trip will have a swimming pool, but access may only be available to men and children, or only open for you to swim during particular hours.

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 prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or 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. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

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. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work 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 prior to departure. SOLO TRAVELLERS On our trips, rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender, as per the gender marker on each of their passports. We also offer an optional single supplement on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. This only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will always be on a single-room basis. On a small selection of trips some accommodation will be open-gender and multishare, such as a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam. Please review the Accommodation section of the Essential Trip Information for details about your trip. LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. If your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

ITINERARY CHANGES Our 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 therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further 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 A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites 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 at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Hotel (5 nights),Heritage Hotel (1 night),Desert Lodge (3 nights),Boutique Hotel (2nts)