Specialist adventure tour operator Explore has today announced a new destination, Saudi Arabia. Its new 12-night Explore the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia tour is the latest addition to the operator's extensive programme, which includes cultural, walking, cycling and family holidays to over 120 countries worldwide.

The trip starts in Riyadh, Saudi's capital, whose contrast between its past as a desert trading post on the caravan route and reputation as the birthplace of modern Saudi Arabia means a fascinating combination of old and new. From here, drive to Jebel Fihrayn, known as the 'Edge of the World', by 4-wheel-drive to experience sunset over the desert. Discover the bustling camel market at Buraidah, the ancient Nabatean city of Hegra (Mada-in Saleh), second only in size to Petra, and the mountainous region of Al Bahah with its lush valleys, hidden villages and hairpin roads. You'll also experience the twisting alleyways and scented souks of Jeddah's UNESCO-listed old town, the 600-year-old marble village of Thee Ain, and stay overnight in a desert camp at Al'Ula on this fascinating and varied trip.

Explore's Managing Director, Michael Edwards, says “it's not every day that we're able to launch a brand new destination, so we're really excited to introduce our new Kingdom of Saudi Arabia tour. Saudi is one of the last great wildernesses to discover, and we know visitors will be blown away by just how much it has to offer. The birthplace of Islam, it has a rich cultural history, and is jam-packed with historic sites but it's also a country of surprising natural diversity, from vast desert to perhaps less-expected mountain ranges and lush, verdant valleys.”

Celebrating 40-years of operation this summer, Explore has a long history in organising adventurous holidays in the Middle East, including Jordan, Israel and Lebanon. “Explore has a strong reputation for our Middle East programme and every time we launch a new trip it is booked up quickly - we expect this trip to do the same” says Edwards. “Travel is one of the best ways to extend our understanding and appreciation of other cultures, and to foster change, and we're really proud of the exciting itinerary we've put together for Saudi Arabia.”

The 12-night Explore the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia tour costs from £3,450 per person (excluding flights; from £4,040 including flights) including accommodation (ten nights' comfortable hotels, and two night's camping in fixed tents with en suite bathrooms) with breakfast and some additional meals, all excursions and a local Explore tour leader throughout.

Explore has two departures of Explore the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia available in 2021 (8 November, 22 November) and additional dates throughout 2022. On sale now.

www.explore.co.uk/ksa 
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For more media information, interview requests or images, please contact:
Laura Dewar, laura.dewar@explore.co.uk, 07725 746 847

Notes to Editors: Explore is a global adventure travel company with nearly 40 years' experience in providing exciting and authentic travel experiences. With over 500 trips in 120 countries, Explore's expertly crafted itineraries combined with award-winning tour leaders, small group sizes and a commitment to responsible travel ensure unforgettable travel experiences in extraordinary destinations. Explore's trips are carbon neutral - all trips booked, including flights, accommodation and transport, are Gold Standard offset. Whether it's wildlife, culture, walking and trekking, a polar voyage, cycling or a family adventure you're after, Explore's trips will give you once-in-a-lifetime experiences, every day.