Saudi Arabia; one of our highlights for Easter 2026.
From our trip to Saudi Arabia We expected archaeology (the Nabataean remains at Mada’in Salih), religious fervour (prayer time in Medina) and petrodollar-funded engineering (the KADF complex in Riyadh). Deserts too, but the excursion up Wadi Dissa far exceeded our expectations
Featured Easter trip
Discover the Islamic spirituality in the Medina mosques, marvel at the prodigious modern engineering works in Riyadh, explore the desert and the life of the Bedouins in Tabuk, and immerse yourself in history through the archaeological remains of Hegra.
A route that offers everything a visitor expects to find in Saudi Arabia, with a limited mileage that includes natural and ethnographic wonders, its gastronomy and, whenever we can, the interaction with the local population, one of the great attractions since the country opened to tourism in 2019.
What to see on a trip to Saudi Arabia?
The Hismah Desert crosses Saudi Arabia’s border to become Jordan’s popular Wadi Rum. The same landscape, with only 10% of the visitors.
The ancient Nabataean city of Hegra combines with Jabal Ikmah, Al Ula’s Old Town and the innovative Maraya auditorium, all set in spectacular desert scenery.
From modern Riyadh to spiritual Medina via historic Jeddah, we discover three key cities in Saudi Arabia’s history.
Through Jeddah’s streets
Our colleague Xavi I was in Saudi Arabia preparing for the arrival of our groups. I was traveling with Megi, whom some of you may remember as your guide in Albania. A chance encounter with Saudi tourism students in Jeddah made this trip even more interesting. Megi gave them a practical masterclass in guiding.
An Albanian friend training future Saudi guides who may accompany Spanish visitors.
An enriching exchange with interested, receptive Saudi students. Megi shared useful tips and techniques, demonstrating her experience and passion for guiding.
This moment highlights the cultural connection between Megi, an Albanian friend, and the future Saudi guides, who may one day accompany Spanish visitors in their discovery of Saudi Arabia. It is an inspiring example of how tourism can bring together different cultures and enrich both guides and travellers.
Standards and customs
Saudi Arabia’s recent opening to Western tourism involves adapting to visitors’ expectations, an interesting experience despite occasional inconveniences.
Some important customs and regulations for visitors:
- Alcohol is prohibited throughout the country.
- Women do not need to cover their heads or wear abayas, except in Medina and religious places.
- On arrival, fingerprints are taken and a retinal scan is performed.
- Most establishments close between 12:00 and 15:00 and during prayer hours.
- On Fridays, Saudi Arabia opens after 16:00 (restaurants and cafés after 14:00).
Best time to travel
Spring, ranging from March to May, is considered one of the best times to travel to Saudi Arabia. During these months, temperatures are milder and more pleasant, usually oscillating between 20 °C and 30 °C, allowing you to explore cities and natural landscapes without the extreme heat of summer or the cold of winter.
Another excellent option is to travel during the Christmas holidays, between late December and early January. At this time, the climate is also temperate and dry, ideal to travel the country comfortably and enjoy unique cultural experiences in a less crowded environment. In addition, the desert offers clear skies and starry nights that make the Saudi winter a magical moment to discover it.
Mobile phones and internet access
All accommodation and some restaurants offer Wi-Fi. Roaming can be expensive, so we recommend switching off mobile data and avoiding calls. To stay connected, buy a local data-only eSIM before travel or a local SIM on arrival, with data and international calling minutes.
Travel to Saudi Arabia
Flights with ITA Airways from Barcelona and Madrid have limited seats and are based on group rates, which offer advantageous prices and conditions.
Saudi Arabia✔️ Departure 28 MAR 2026
✔️ Price from 3750€
