Southern Horizons

Early departure towrds south, passing through the cool highlands of Taif and onward to Albaha. En route, visit AlAtawlah Heritage Village, which considered one of the most important villages in the Zahran region of Al-Qura Governorate. As visiting it, you can learn about the Saudi civilization, both past and present.  Then we will explore Bin Raqoush Palace is one of the archaeological and historical palaces in al-Bahah.  It is considered one of the oldest fully serviced historical palaces and has been renovated to become a museum, a tourist center, and a venue for heritage events in the province.  Continue to Raghadan Forest, is one of Al Baha’s most iconic outdoor destinations, a mountain retreat often draped in mist and embraced by ancient juniper trees, ending our day with Raghadan  sunset views. Overnight stay in Albaha.

After breakfast we start our day by perching high above the valley floor in the historic village of Al Malad Castle, this remarkable set of twin structures, known collectively as Al Malad Castle or the Twin Fortresses, stands as one of Al Baha’s most distinctive archaeological landmarks. Then explore the white stone houses of Thee Ain Village, known as the “Marble Village”.  Thee Ain Village is a tourist heritage village dating back to the sixteenth century AD. It is surrounded by mountains on all four sides and is located in al-‎Makhwah Governorate in al-Bahah Province.  Then continue our way to Abha. Here, visit the Aseer Regional Museum, located in the city center next to the Emira Palace that was built according to Aseer architectural tradition. Aseer Regional Museum tells the long history of Abha and Aseer Province and exhibits some of the province’s traditional handicrafts, along with antiquities of Aseer Province. Continue to Almuftaha Village, a colorful hub for art and culture. It serves as a cultural center for traditional, visual, and photographic arts, as well as handicrafts and artisanal industries. Finish the day by climb up to Shamsan Castle for sunset view. Overnight in Abha.

Departure to Jazan city through the mountains. Stop at the Al-Abo Sarrah Palaces, it consists of three palaces in the middle of Al-Aziza village, built by Sheikh / Laheg bin Ahmed Abu Sarrah in 1834, were renovated in 2017 by his grandchildren. These Palaces are of historical and social depth for the Aseer province and are the largest palaces in the region.  Then ascend Jabal Souda, stands tall as the country’s highest peak, with breathtaking views over the Asir mountains, reaching an impressive elevation of 3,015 meters (9,892 feet) above sea level. Continue our way to striking heritage village of Rijal Almaa, UNESCO World Heritage village, a stunning heritage village with colorful stone houses. The historical significance of Rijal Almaa extends far beyond its architectural splendor. The village once thrived as a vital trading hub, fostering commercial routes between Yemen and the Levant through the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. After exploring, we continue to Jazan, in there, we will visit The Heritage Village, coffers a unique blend of history, culture, and artistry, making it a vibrant cultural hub. You can explore traditional houses, including the Jalabi house, which reflects the area’s mountainous architecture and agricultural heritage. Conclude with outside view of Al Dosariyah Castle, an Ottoman-era fort overlooking the Red Sea. Overnight stay in Jazan.

Depart Jazan and drive through the lush, terraced Fayfa Mountains. Winding up to the terraced farms Fayfa the jewel of Jizan Province high in the Arabian skies. With its peaks over 2 600 meters above sea level the Fayfa offers unexpected and stunning scenery over the lush mountains of this massif located just 60 kilometers from the Red Sea.  Drive through the dramatic canyon of Wadi Lajab, a famous valley located between two towering Rocky Mountains with steep slopes, then continue to Najran. Enjoy  the bustling Dagger Souq, the market is famous for selling the Janabiya, which is an Arabic dagger with inscriptions for decoration, and the people of the city use it in weddings and national occasions, as it is considered part of their traditions. Overnight stay in Najran.

Spend the morning exploring Najran, starting by visiting the Emirate Palace,  providing an idea of the architectural fabric of the mud houses in Najran, and serving as an inspiring cultural framework for visitors and tourists, and acting as a bridge of communication between generations. Then explore the Al-Aan Palace which is characterized by a traditional style that reflects the architectural identity of the region in previous periods. This is evident when one observes its exterior form and the white decorations that adorn its edges. Visiting Ra’um Castle, the castle, built from stone, still retains its distinctive features. You can climb up via a stone staircase, making it an attractive site for history enthusiasts and mountain climbers alike. Also we will discover the ruins of Al-Ukhdood, dating back thousands of years.  After lunch, we drive to Najran airport fly back to Jeddah. Ending our tour in Jeddah no hotel included, airport transfer for your flight back home included.