Excursion Dine like a local tour at Jeddah

Experience the unique culture and flavours of Jeddah during this immersive, half-day excursion to historic Al Balad with dinner.

Jeddah, Old Jeddah, Al Balad, Guided Walking Tour

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Al Balad, the Historic District of Jeddah. Upon arrival, begin your guided walking tour through the narrow streets of charming Al Balad, which resembles an interactive, open-air museum of sorts. Al Balad strives to preserve the history of Old Jeddah, whether in its architecture, narrow alleyways, open squares, uniquely-designed doors, Roshan windows, heritage buildings, historical houses, and/or marketplace. Your route retraces the steps of traders and pilgrims who, for centuries, filled the streets of this bustling old city.

Monuments, Heritage Buildings, Open Squares, Historic Houses

During your walking tour, you may interact with locals and pass by monuments, heritage buildings, the remnants of the Old Jeddah, and historic open squares. Al Balad is also home to more than 400 historic houses dating from 100-1,400 years old. Following your walking tour, re-board your coach and proceed to the Al Nakheel restaurant in Jeddah for an evening of local food and entertainment.

Al Nakheel Restaurant, Arabian Dinner, Hijazi Folkloric, Evening Lights

Upon arrival at the Al Nakheel restaurant, you are seated for a delicious meal of regional dishes including hummus, falafel, Arabian barbecue, and vegetable pie. Music plays a significant role in local culture, and your visit to Al Nakheel represents a wonderful opportunity to experience a local Hijazi folkloric performance whilst you dine. Following this festive evening, re-board your coach, commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier, and enjoy the night lights of Jeddah en route.

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.24 miles (about two kilometers), at times over uneven and cobblestone surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and at the sites visited. This tour is not suitable for guests with food allergies, 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, a sweater or light jacket, bottled water, and Saudi Arabian Riyals or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Please dress conservatively when going ashore; ladies always need to 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 12 years old to participate on this tour; minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old. Infrastructure in Jeddah 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 at other ports. Therefore, we urge flexibility and understanding as we visit unique, less touristic destinations. The cost of providing a tour programme  in this area is proportionately more expensive than in neighboring regions, as vehicles and guides are brought in from the whole region. This may be reflected in the prices of the tours, and we thank you for your understanding. This tour operates in the late-afternoon-early evening. This tour does not operate on religious holidays (End of Ramadan, and Eid and Pilgrims holidays). This tour does not include a shopping stop, nor inside visits to the heritage buildings or historical houses. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. The tour sequence may vary.