Excursion Corniche discovery tour at Jeddah

Explore centuries of culture and tradition in Saudi Arabia during this scenic, half-day sightseeing excursion to the Jeddah Corniche and Old Town.

Jeddah, Corniche, Coastal Road, Pavilions, Sculptures, King Fahd's Fountain, Royal State Palace

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive along the Jeddah Corniche. Located along the Red Sea, the Corniche features a coastal road, recreation areas, pavilions, large-scale civic sculptures, and King Fahd's Fountain, the tallest fountain in the world. Pass by the expansive Royal State Palace, built for King Fahd and completed in 1982. Exquisite views and photo opportunities abound during your drive along the Corniche.

Al Balad, Old Town of Jeddah, Historic Houses & Buildings

Next, head to Al Balad, the Old Town of Jeddah. An UNESCO World Heritage Site, Al Balad is home to more than 400 historic houses that have been converted into tourist attractions and museum. These charming old buildings feature unique window designs and doors, and are being preserved alongside a host of unique buildings, some of which were built utilising seashells and stones. These restorations aim to preserve the authenticity of these houses, which date back 100 years to 1,400 years. By its architecture, narrow alleyways, open squares, uniquely-designed doors, Roshan windows, and marketplace, Al Balad truly showcases Jeddah's deep history.

Home Visit, Period Designs & Furniture, Traditional Arabic Coffee & Dates, Free Time, Souk

During your visit, take a guided tour through the history of these buildings, and go inside one of them to see the interior designs, furniture, and daily life in a bygone day. Whilst in the house, you are offered a traditional Arabic coffee and dates. Following your visit, some free time is made available at a local souk in the Old Town. Here, you can browse the various stalls for traditional handicrafts, spices, clothing, souvenirs, food, and drinks at your own expense. At the conclusion of your tour, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Jeddah, Corniche, Red Sea, Coastal Road, Recreation Areas, Pavilions, Sculptures, Royal Palace, Old Town, Buildings, Historic Home Visit, Arabic Coffee & Dates

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 547 yards (about 500 meters), 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. Walking at the souk is at the discretion of each guest. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, insect repellent, bottled water, and Saudi Arabian Riyals or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Please dress conservatively when going ashore; women 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. 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; vehicles and guides are brought in from the whole region. 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. The tour sequence may vary.