Saudi Arabia Travel Guide

If you’re looking for somewhere new to visit this summer, a trip to the Middle East could offer you a winning combination of hot weather and an incredibly rich cultural heritage. Here are a few choice destinations the region has to offer:

Saudi Arabia: with several centuries of deeply religious culture, Saudi Arabia is the perfect place for anyone with any interest in history. The country proudly hosts the two holiest cities in the Islamic religion, Mecca and Medina, and the former of these houses the Masjid al-Haram, the biggest mosque in existence. Although Muhammad is believed to have ascended into heaven at the site of the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, Mecca is where the prophet was born, and it is for this reason that every adult Muslim male is required to make a pilgrimage to Masjid al-Haram at some point in his life. Needless to say, a tour around the mosque is stunning, and it is truly a must-see sight.

Syria: if you’re feeling particularly adventurous and willing to stray from the beaten track a little, Syria won’t disappoint. The capital city of Damascus has a history which stretches as far back (and further than) the time of the New Testament, and as you walk down the narrow lanes or enter the city’s Grand Mosque, it really feels like you’ve stepped back several centuries, if not millennia. Nor is Damascus the country’s only attraction: the crusader castles dotted around the whole country, especially on the western Mediterranean coast, are almost completely preserved in the way they were when they were still in use.

Jordan: anyone who takes an interest in ancient civilizations has to come to Jordan, if not solely for the ruined city of Petra. The fact that the name derives from the Greek word for ‘rock’ is not surprising, as the entire city is hewn out of cliff faces and built into natural caves. Impressive structures include the treasury, the tombs, and a monastery. If you’re more interested in examining the region’s rich biblical history, though, there are plenty of walking tours that go up the River Jordan, taking you even to the supposed place of Christ’s baptism.

Of course, travelling abroad can have its problems, but worries such as organising car rental and hotel bookings are easily taken care of if you go online. As for travel cover, go with a reputable company such as AA Travel Insurance, who offer cheap travel insurance, allowing you to enjoy your break untroubled.