Excursion Cultural jeddah tour at Jeddah

Discover the Old Town of Jeddah, its historic homes, and friendly locals during this scenic, half-day sightseeing excursion to Al Balad.

Jeddah, Al Balad, Old Jeddah, Guided Walking Tour

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to Al Balad, the Old Town of Jeddah and an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, begin your guided stroll through the 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, and/or marketplace. Your walking tour retraces the steps of traders and pilgrims who, for centuries, filled the streets of this bustling old city.

Meet Locals, Open Squares, Historic Houses, Souk, Shopping

During your walking tour, interact with locals and pass by monuments, heritage buildings and historic open squares such as Al-Mazloom, Al-Sham, Al-Yemen, and Al-Bahr Haras. Al Balad is also home to more than 400 historic houses dating from 100-1,400 years old. Along the way, visit is made to an historic house.

 Free Time, Souk, Shopping

After the house visit, some free time is made available to browse the local souk for traditional handicrafts, spices, clothing, souvenirs, and food and drinks at your own expense. At the conclusion of your visit, 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, Old Jeddah, Old Jeddah Wall, Al Balad, Open Squares, Historic Houses, Inside Visit, Meeting Locals, Souk, Shopping

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 20-30 steps at the historical houses visited. This tour is not suitable for guests with 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, bottled water, and Saudi Arabian Riyals or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Please dress conservatively when going ashore; ladies must 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. 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.