Middle East Mega Combo: Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait & Iran

DESCRIPTION

For a long time, such an exciting trip was logistically impossible. Now, with the new e-visa scheme of Saudi Arabia, doing a thorough tour of the Arabian world becomes possible! This combo allows you to visit most of the Arabic countries in one go, study their contrasts and explore their variations in culture.

The tour starts in Bahrain, where we’ll ease our way into the Arabian world by visiting its most liberal part. We will see the best of Manama, including its mosques, forts, and souqs before heading out on a road trip to see outside the capital, from its oil fields and deserts to ancient burial grounds and go-karting on the Formula 1 track.

We then head to Saudi Arabia, the neighbouring country, starting by the capital city, Riyadh, and you explore the modern centre of the KSA as well as its ancient history in and around, from the Al Masmak fort to the Edge of the World. From Riyadh you catch the train to Qassim. Saudi Arabia does not lack sand, and you will watch the sun set over the huge dunes around Qassim. Another train ride later and you will reach the ancient city of Ha’il where you will visit Jubbah town and explore the forts and mosques of this famous city. Then we’ll fly to Jeddah, and explore the stunningly beautiful, labyrinthine al Balad old town and its coral houses and souqs as well walking the famous corniche, and spend a night in the mountains around Ta’if, famous for its rose farm and its funfair. This part will end with the chance to go snorkeling in the Red Sea before we head to Kuwait!

We spend a day looking around Kuwait City, from its Andalucian influenced Grand Mosque to the very macabre War Museum – the Iraqi invasion of 1990 is very much still fresh in people’s memories. Then we grab our cars and go on a road trip outside of the city, stopping at oil refineries and desert vistas but also driving along the ‘Highway of Death’ – the road the Iraqi army used to enter Kuwait.

From Kuwait, it’ll be time to fly to Iran, the black sheep of the Middle East, which has strenuous relationships with most of its neighbours. This part takes us to all of the major sites in Tehran as well as the ancient capitals of Shiraz and Esfahan. As well as the history, this tour also offers lots of opportunities to interact with locals, and witness the visual reality of what is the Iranian Revolution. On the trip itself and through our local guides, we will be doing lots of hidden extras, not published on the itinerary, for obvious reasons, where possible we will show you every side of this unique and majestic country.

Please know that the Iran visa, for those who cannot get it on arrival (UK, Canadians, USA, Colombia and a few others countries) might create a considerable logistical challenge if you book this tour, as you will be on the road for a good while, meaning it could be hard to get your visa if the visa codes are delivered late. Get in touch with us for more information if this is your situation! We offer visa support for people of all nationalities (except for Israel) under the following deadlines: August 25th (US/British and Canadians Nationals) and September 10th (All other passports). Book early!

ITINERARY

Friday 15th October – Manama

Arrival into Manama and transfer to our centrally-located hotel
For those arriving early we can arrange camel rides or snorkelling activities for an extra charge
At 1pm we meet in the hotel lobby and head out for dinner to get to know your YPT guide and the other people in the group. We’ll be eating at Al-Abraaj which offers all manner of Middle Eastern food from Lebanese to Persian!
Bahrain is one of the only places in the region where alcohol is permitted, and we’ll go out to rub shoulders with Saudi holiday-makers and expats alike!
Today we go exploring outside Manama in our private transport
Check out the 11^th century Al Khamis Mosque and Museum
Stop by the ancient Dilmun burial mounds which go back 4000 years
Dinner half way up the King Fahd Bahrain/Saudi Causeway
After dinner we head south to the Formula 1 circuit, hopefully for some go-karting!
Visit the oil museum, the first oil well drilled on the island
In amongst the oil infrastructure we can see the Tree of Life. This tree stands unique in the desert, covered in graffiti, and the size of it makes an impressive sight in amongst the oil wells and desert, especially considering it doesn’t have an obvious water source!
Drive back to Manama
Overnight in Manama

Saturday 16th October – Manama

Our first stop is the impressive Al Fateh Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the whole world which can hold over 7000 people at the same time!
We head to the Al Fateh Corniche to check out the Bahrain National Museum. The corniche itself is a great place to walk along the seaside and take in the weekend with the Bahraini people
Visit the Abu Mahir Fort — otherwise known as the Muharraq Fort — which offers the best views over the whole of Manama
Lunch at the 1950s Haji’s Café
Explore Manama Souq
Watch the sunset from the top of the Qala’at al-Bahrain, the Bahrain Fort. Built on DIlmun settlements over 3000 years old, it was built in the 14^th century but has since been renovated. The fort is located just outside of Manama and offering stunning views of the area
Dinner in town at Bahrain Block 338
Overnight in Manama

Sunday 17th October – Riyadh

Early morning as we need to head out and catch the 09:40 flight to Riyadh! (FLIGHT NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF THE TOUR)
Free day to explore the metropolis of Riyadh at your own pace.
Meet the newcomers joining for Saudi Arabia before we head out for dinner.
Overnight in Riyadh

Monday 18^th October – Riyadh

After breakfast we head straight to Al Masmak, the clay and mud brick fort in Riyadh city centre. Probably the most iconic part of Saudi today this part of the old town played centre stage in the restoration of the House of Saud
Visit the Grand Mosque, Deira Souq and the Dukhanah and Athomairy Gate
After lunch head to the National Museum including the Al Muraba Palace and mosque
Stroll through the museum gardens and take in the atmosphere
We head to Riyadh’s highest tower and mall to see how Saudi’s spend their money
Dinner and overnight in Riyadh

Tuesday 19^th October – Riyadh and around

TRIP HIGHLIGHT Get up early to head out to the Edge of the World – a ‘window’ in the Tuwaiq Escarpment cliff face looking over an acacia valley. This place is one of Riyadh local’s most popular vacation spots and gives amazing views over the plains below
After lunch we head to where it all began at Al Diriyah, Saudi Arabia’s first capital and the original home of the royal family, now a UNESCO heritage site
Drive back to Riyadh
Dinner and overnight in Riyadh

Wednesday 20th October – Qassim

Set off for the train station and we board the 9am train to Qassim, arriving at 12 noon
Grab lunch and then we explore this historic city, renowned as one of the most conservative parts of the whole of the kingdom
Our first stop is the al Mithnab mud village. Then head to the heritage museum and a palm tree farm
At the end of the afternoon we’ll watch the sun set over an expanse of sand dunes. The locals bring their pickup truck here and drive like madmen up the dunes at breakneck speed. If you’re nice/silly enough, they might even take you for a spin!Optional extras – camel ride, quad biking or microlight flight
Drive for 300 KM in the desert to Ha’il
Dinner in the city of Ha’il
Overnight in Ha’il

Thursday 21st October – Ha’il

After breakfast we’ll explore the gorgeous town of Ha’il
Ha’il is an oasis town famous for its natural beauty and we first drive out to Joubbah town via the Sanman mountain with its 10,000-year-old rock carvings
Visit the Al Qashlah Fort and Earf Castel as well as the local souk
Dinner and overnight in Ha’il

Friday 22nd October – Jeddah

Up early for the 6:30am flight to Jeddah, the second largest city in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and a port city on the Red Sea
After we check in to our hotel we go straight out to explore Jeddah, taking in the city centre and old Jeddah – al Balad. See the old city gates and traditional markets (souqs) in this labyrinthine part of the city. This is where traders from all over Arabia and Africa live and work in a surprisingly colourful world
The most famous architecture are Jeddah’s coral houses, that still stand in various states of disrepair.
Stroll along the beach and view the ‘floating’ mosque, before a walk along the Jeddah Corniche for great views of the Red Sea
Seafood dinner in one of the cities famous seafood restaurants
Overnight in Jeddah

Saturday 23rd October – Ta’if

In the morning we drive to Ta’if, in the Mecca region and one of the oldest towns in the KSA, famous for its rose production, and the rose season will have just started
Stop at Al Katib and Kaaki House, the Bin Abbas Mosque and visit the local souq
Lunch in Ta’il
Head to the Al Gadee Factory where roses are distilled to produce rose water and oil and see the Al Koaa Mosque and Dam
Drive out to the Al Shafa mountains and visit a local rose farm
Bin Abbas Mosque and city centre souk
Overnight in Ta’if

Sunday 24th October – Jeddah/Kuwait City

Early morning drive back to Jeddah
Optional extra – snorkeling in the Red Sea!
Enjoy a late lunch in Jeddah to celebrate our time in the country.
It is time for us to head to Kuwait, we will be on the 20:15 flight arriving in Kuwait City at 22:20. (FLIGHT NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF THE TOUR)
Overnight in Kuwait City

Monday 25^th October – Kuwait City

After breakfast, we head out on a tour of Kuwait City.
Our first stop is the must-see museum of Kuwait, which is not for the faint-hearted, the War Museum which depicts the Iraqi invasion during the Gulf War
Visit Kuwait’s Grand Mosque, proper dress for women can be borrowed from the gatehouse. This huge mosque is fairly unique in the region for its Andalusian architectural influence
Lunch at the Kuwait Towers with great views of the city
After lunch we head to the traditional fish market and Dhow harbour
Visit Sadu house, where we can see a traditional Bedouin Kuwaiti house and culture and stop by the National Museum
If we have time we’ll head to the Tareq Rajab museum of Islamic art and calligraphy. This private collection is one of the best not only in the country but of the whole region and a must-see if you’re an art afficianado
Head for dinner and then watch the sunset over the Arabian Sea
Overnight in Kuwait City

Tuesday 26^th October – Road Trip

Today we grab our car and drive off to see parts of the country outside Kuwait City
We stop off at, you guessed it, an oil refinery to get some classic Kuwait oil photos
Lunch in Ahmadi
Head towards the Iraqi border on Highway 80, the road the invading armies entered Kuwait on, now known as the Highway of Death
Get some shots of the desert which makes up most of this country
Head back to Kuwait City
Our last group dinner and overnight in Kuwait City

Wednesday 27th October – Tehran

Enjoy a lay-in or explore Kuwait city some more before we head to the airport to catch our flight to Tehran, leaving at 12:10 PM and arriving at 14:30 where we are picked up and taken to our hotel.
Visit to the heart of Old Tehran to soak up the night time atmosphere, drink some local tea and people watch.
Traditional Iranian dinner of kebabs at famous restaurant Ayaran restaurant, near Ferdosi square.
Overnight in New Naderi Hotel or similar

Thursday 28th October – Tehran

Head out on our day tour of the main sights of Tehran with first stop being a visit the Mausoleum of Ayatollah Khomeini.
Head on to the Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery, expect to see a lot of locals around paying their respects
Stop at the Shah’s Monument AKA Revolution Monument for photos
Drive through Tehran past anti-US propaganda and the US embassy (possibility of actually seeing inside the embassy, something which was considered impossible only a couple of years ago!).
Explore the Erbat Museum with its heavy doses of brutality and propaganda, not for the fiant-hearted!
Shopping in the Tajrish Bazaar of Tehran and visit a nearby mosque.
Dinner at the Armenian Club. Armenians are the main ethnic Christian minority in Iran.
Overnight in New Naderi Hotel or similar

Friday 29th October – Tehran-Esfahan

Drive to Esfahan (4-5 hours) with plenty of stops for breaks and photos
Lunch in a restaurant in one of the smaller cities on the way.
Go to the famous old Khaju bridge.
Walk across bridge and mingle with locals.
Visit one of the oldest carpet shops. Explanation on a variety of Persian carpets and opportunity for a purchase. The presentation involves a show how carpets are made and explanation of 30 different styles of carpets.
Dinner in a local restaurant of the local speciality of chelo kebab
Evening visit to the 300-year-old Abbasi Hotel for traditional Iranian tea.
Overnight at the centrally located Esfahan tourist Hotel.

Saturday 30th October – Esfahan

After breakfast we head straight to the beautiful Ali Qapu Royal Palace dating from the early 17th century
Sheikh Lotfollah mosque and Ali-qapoo palace.
Explore the Naqsh-e Jahan Sqaure, the second largest public square in the world after Tian’anmen Square in Beijing!
Lunch in a traditional restaurant at the square.
Visit the Imam Mosque, famed for its traditional architecture, previously called the Shah Mosque before the revolution
Chance to change money for small crisp rial denominations. There is an official change place with good rates but they also have a stack of small denominations that they hold. (They remembered us from last time and changed some money for the group).
Visit Zurkhane gym to watch an ancient Persian sport workout, a strength building exercises done with traditional drum and bell music.
Dinner in a local restaurant
Overnight at the Tourist Hotel.

Sunday 31st October – Esfahan-Yazd

Check out of hotel for the drive to Yazd (4 hours)
We have lunch on arrival before diving straight into the amazing city of Yazd – 5000 years old and a centre of Zoroastrian culture
Visit the must-see Amir Chakhmaq complex and nearby mosque
Explore the old city and the Jame Mosque and head to Rafieian’s Old House, over 250 years old and a great example of traditional architecture in the region
Dinner of the local kebab in one of the old-fashioned Persian restaurants in the city
Overnight in Yazd

Monday 1st November – Yazd-Shiraz

After breakfast we head to the beautiful Dolat Abad Garden and the Zoroastrian Fire Temple as well as the famous Yazd Tower of Silence
Lunch in Yazd before we hit the road for the drive to Shiraz (5 hours)
On arrival we visit the citadel in the centre of the city and mingle with locals.
Free walk around or relax with tea and shisha at a tea house.
Dinner in Saray E Mehr restaurant in the middle of bazaar for traditional Di Zi dish
Overnight in Parsian hotel.

Tuesday 2nd November – Persepolis-Shiraz

Up bright and early to visit the colour stained mosque when the morning light shines through spectacularly.
Drive to Persepolis, the ancient capital of the Persian Empire during the Achemaenian era and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, burned to the ground by Alexander the Great but the ruins are one of the top sights in the whole of Iran
Lunch at traditional restaurant called “Paradise” on the way to Necropolis tombs.
Persepolis covers a vast area and we will explore the palaces, forts and treasury
Drive back to Shiraz where we will visit the botanic gardens of Shiraz.
Stop for traditional Shiraz ice cream at a famous local shop.
Visit a famous Hafeizieh Iranian poet’s park and tomb. Great opportunity to mingle with locals and take photos.
Dinner at hotel or out to a fast food joint for burgers, falafel, and sambusas
Overnight in Parsian hotel.

Wednesday 3rd November – Shiraz

End of tour with YPT able to arrange your onward travel back to Tehran (if required) or airport transfer to Shiraz International Airport where you can catch a flight to Doha, Dubai or Istanbul to connect back home.

GALLERY