Best Saudi Arabia Tours & Holidays

Saudi Arabia is an increasingly popular destination with a growing tourism infrastructure and strong focus on visitor safety. Our group tours are carefully planned and operated with trusted local partners, experienced guides and dedicated tour leaders who support travellers throughout the journey.

Travelling as part of a group provides structure, local insight and reassurance, allowing you to focus on experiencing the country’s culture, history and landscapes with confidence. As with any destination, travellers are advised to follow local laws and customs, which your tour leader will explain along the way.

Islam plays a central role in daily life in Saudi Arabia, and you will notice its influence throughout your journey. Daily prayer times are observed across the country, and businesses, restaurants, and services may pause briefly while prayers take place. This is a normal part of life and can occasionally result in short delays.

Visitors will hear the call to prayer throughout the day and see mosques as focal points in cities and towns. Access to mosques varies, and non-Muslims are generally not permitted to enter certain religious sites, including the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. Your tour leader will explain what is accessible and ensure visits are conducted respectfully.

Our group tours to Saudi Arabia are thoughtfully planned around religious practices, with experienced local guides and tour leaders providing context and support. Understanding the role of religion enhances the travel experience and offers valuable insight into Saudi Arabia’s culture, traditions, and way of life.

Saudi Arabia has traditionally had gender-specific customs in public spaces, which can include separate queues, seating areas, or sections in restaurants, cafés, and some attractions. These measures are part of the country’s cultural norms and are designed to respect local traditions.

For travellers on our group tours, these differences are easy to navigate. Your tour leader and local guides provide guidance and support to ensure you can enjoy all activities comfortably. Most major attractions, historic sites, and outdoor experiences are fully accessible to everyone, and gender-specific arrangements are generally straightforward and well organised.

Understanding and respecting these customs allows travellers to engage safely and confidently, while still enjoying the richness of Saudi Arabia’s history, culture, and hospitality.

In some locations, you may notice separate queues or entry points for men and women, particularly at airports, restaurants, or certain public facilities. This can occasionally mean being briefly separated from your partner or travel companions.

These arrangements are part of local customs and are usually well signposted. Your tour leader will guide the group and explain what to expect, helping the process feel straightforward and stress-free.

As with tours in Israel, Egypt, and Jordan, our Saudi Arabia group tours are structured, safe, and guided by local experts, giving you confidence while exploring a new culture.

Saudi Arabia is a conservative society, and female travellers should be aware of local customs and cultural expectations. Dressing modestly is important: shoulders, arms, and knees should be covered, and loose-fitting clothing is recommended. While women are not required to wear an abaya or headscarf in most public areas, carrying a lightweight scarf can be useful when visiting religious or more traditional locations.

On our tours, your leader provides guidance on customs and helps navigate cultural expectations, ensuring your experience is comfortable, respectful, and hassle-free.

Yes. Saudi Arabia has modest dress expectations that travellers are required to follow in public spaces. Both men and women should wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Loose-fitting, lightweight clothing is recommended, especially in warmer months.

Women are not required to wear an abaya or headscarf in most public areas, but carrying a scarf can be useful when visiting religious or more conservative sites. Your tour leader will advise on what’s appropriate each day and help ensure you’re comfortable and respectful throughout the journey.

Yes. Madinah is the second holiest city in Islam, and modest dress is strictly observed. Women are required to wear full covering clothing, including an abaya and headscarf, while in the city and when visiting areas around the Prophet’s Mosque.

This applies from the time you arrive in Madinah until you depart. Abayas and headscarves are readily available to purchase locally at affordable prices. In other destinations on the tour, dress expectations are more relaxed, though modest clothing is still recommended.

Facilities in Saudi Arabia can vary depending on location. Hotels used on our tours are well-equipped and provide modern Western-style bathrooms.

At roadside stops or in more remote areas, you may encounter squat toilets, and maintenance standards can be basic, particularly in women’s facilities. Carrying tissues, hand sanitiser, and being prepared for simpler conditions will help ensure comfort during travel days.

Independent exploration on foot can be challenging in some areas, as pavements are not always available and daytime temperatures can be very hot.

In major cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah, ride-sharing services like Uber are widely used, affordable, and safe, making them a convenient option during free time. Your tour leader can assist with advice on getting around when needed.

Saudi Arabia has a desert climate, with very hot summers and mild winters, though conditions vary slightly by region.

Summer (June–August) – Extremely hot, especially inland. In Riyadh, daytime temperatures often exceed 40°C, so sightseeing is best in the early morning or late afternoon. Coastal cities like Jeddah are also hot, with added humidity.

Autumn (September–November) – Temperatures ease to around 20–35°C, making it a comfortable time to explore cultural and historical sites across the country, including AlUla and Madinah.

Winter (December–February) – Mild and pleasant, with daytime temperatures generally between 15–25°C. Ideal for visiting Riyadh, AlUla, and other outdoor attractions. Evenings can be cool, especially in desert areas.

Spring (March–May) – Warm and dry (20–30°C), offering excellent conditions for outdoor exploration in Diriyah, AlUla, and coastal areas like Jeddah.

No. Alcohol is strictly prohibited throughout Saudi Arabia. It is not available in hotels, restaurants, shops, or airports. Importing alcohol, including carrying it in your luggage, is illegal.

On our Saudi Arabia group tours, all meals and beverages are carefully planned to comply with local rules, so you can relax and enjoy the journey without worrying about regulations. Instead of alcohol, you will experience a wide variety of traditional non-alcoholic drinks, including Arabic coffee, tea, and fresh juices, which are an important part of Saudi hospitality. Some venues offer non-alcoholic alternatives, including alcohol-free beer and mocktails.

Tap water in major cities is desalinated and treated to international standards and is considered safe to drink. However, due to taste and mineral content, most travellers prefer bottled or filtered water, which is widely available.

Tipping is not mandatory in Saudi Arabia but is appreciated for good service. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip is common. Hotel staff, drivers and guides may also be tipped as a gesture of thanks.

On our guided tours of Saudi Arabia, your tour leader can advise on appropriate tipping practices and suggested amounts.

The official currency of Saudi Arabia is the Saudi Riyal (SAR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, shopping centres and larger stores.

It’s still a good idea to carry some cash for small purchases, local markets or tipping. ATMs are widely available in cities and towns.

Yes. Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all Saudi Arabia tours. Insurance should cover medical expenses, trip cancellations, delays and lost luggage. A comprehensive policy provides peace of mind throughout your journey.

Most travellers, including Australian, New Zealand, Canada and US passport holders, require a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. Saudi Tourist eVisas are available for eligible nationalities and can be applied for online prior to travel. 

Visa requirements can change, so we recommend keeping updated via your own official government website or visit our Visa Entry Requirements page.