Samarkand to Saudi Arabia

Samarkand

The mystical land of Saudi Arabia boasts beautiful oases, psychedelic desert sunsets, dramatic mountaintops, endless sand dunes, apart from rich culture and heritage. Saudi Arabia’s two holiest cities, Medina and Mecca are the main destinations of the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages that draw millions of Muslims every year. Riyadh, the capital is a curious combination of crumbling old and glittering new. Visit the Masmak Fort, Deera Square (where public executions take place), Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque, Red Sand Dunes, the Edge of the World, the Camel Trail and Ad Diriyah. At sunset, climb the Skybridge tower! Jeddah has the most beautiful Old Town in the Gulf. The Red Sea with great coastline and beaches is unmissable! Today, Jeddah is Saudi Arabia’s buzzing cosmopolitan hub, home to gleaming hotels and big-ticket events like the Red Sea International Film Festival. The city’s heart is still intact in Al Balad, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Abha offers spectacular mountains and colorful heritage villages, lush green hills, wild monkeys and some striking local architecture. Jizan has Yemeni-like culture and Fayfa and Absiyah, two gorgeous mountain villages. Al-Ula is a replica of Petra and Wadi Rum but without tourists. Meals in Saudi Arabia are rich, spiced, usually accompanied by rice or bread. Meat is an essential part of main meals, followed by sweet tea. Fuul (beans), Falafel, and Shawarma are diet staples, though not traditionally Saudi. This is but a taste of what awaits you in this elusive and mysterious country. You can book your flights with MakeMyTrip India.