Excursion Al hasa oasis and caves tour at Dammam

Explore the beautiful Al Ahsa Oasis, the world’s largest self-contained oasis and an UNESCO World Heritage Site, during this scenic, full-day sightseeing excursion with lunch.

Dammam, Al Ahsa, Desert Oasis, Natural Springs, Historic Mosques & Sites, Date-Palm Groves

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately two-hour drive to Al Ahsa. The largest, self-contained oasis in the world and an UNESCO World Heritage Site, Al Ahsa has long been a gateway to the Arabian Peninsula for travellers from the east. With more than 2.5 million date-palm trees blanketing a verdant expanse, Al Ahsa is the archetype of a lush desert oasis. It features hot-and-cold natural springs, historic mosques, ancient sites dating from the Neolithic Era, date-palm groves, farmland, and sweeping panoramic views.

Scenic Drive, Downtown Al Hofuf, Photo Stops, Ibrahim Palace, Princes’ School

Upon arrival at Al Ahsa, you are welcomed with Saudi coffee, dates, and traditional pastries. Afterward, take a sightseeing drive through downtown Al Hofuf, the major urban city in the Al Ahsa Oasis. Al Hofuf is renowned as one of the largest date producers in the world, and for its old markets and palaces. Along the way, an exterior photo stop is made at the magnificent, 500-year-old Ibrahim Palace, a historical castle and fort. Leaving the palace, another exterior photo stop is made at the Princes’ School, which dates back to 1941 and is attended by the children of royals and elites.

Al-Qarah Hill, Cave Tour, Stalactites, Stalagmites, Hasawi Lunch, Folkloric Music & Dancing

Next, head to Al-Qarah Hill. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour inside the caves. Feel the temperatures drop whilst exploring their tall, narrow passageways, which measure approximately 0.93 miles (about 1.5 kilometres) in length. Along the way, marvel at the stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations. Leaving the caves, re-board your coach and proceed to a heritage restaurant for a lunch of fine Hasawi cuisine with a folkloric music and dancing performance. After lunch, re-board your coach and commence the approximately two-hour drive back to the pier.

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.86 miles-2.5 miles (about 1 to 2 kilometers), at times over uneven surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and steps at the sites visited; lifts are available. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilize a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, insect repellent, bottled water, a sweater or light jacket, and Saudi Arabian Riyals or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Please dress conservatively when going ashore; ladies to wear conservative clothes and keep their knees covered. Proper attire is required to enter holy or religious sites; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. As a rule, women should never wear anything remotely revealing (miniskirts, shorts, capris, beachwear, and sleeveless or low-cut tops), and men should always wear shirts and trousers in public. Guests must be at least 10 years old to participate on this tour; minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old. Infrastructure in Dammam may be basic, and local conditions may be challenging; coaches, guides, hotels, restaurants, equipment, and services are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other ports. Local authorities might check again your passport, as well as the border number you received at the entrance in the country during the excursion; this might require some waiting time. This tour does not include inside visits to the mosques. This tour is available during mornings only. The tour sequence may vary.