6 Days. 3n JEDDAH 5* (BB) | 2n TAIF 5* (BB)

About the destination: Jeddah is located on the Red Sea in the west of Saudi Arabia. It's the second largest city and a major commercial hub in the country. Jeddah is the main gateway to Mecca, the holiest city in Islam, which all able-bodied Muslims are obliged to visit at least once in their lifetime. It's also a gateway to Medina, the second holiest place in Islam. The city that never sleeps won't let you sleep with all the variety it offers. To explore Jeddah, you'll need to sail its wild coasts, visit the luxurious Corniche, savour popular seafood dishes, enjoy majestic palaces, and historical and archaeological landmarks. The Khuzam Palace is a landmark that showcases the beauty of modern architecture. It was named Khuzam after all the lavender (Khuzama in Arabic) that surrounds it. The construction of the palace began in 1928 and was completed in 1932. It's the first building to be constructed using cement and iron in Jeddah. King Abdulaziz ordered its construction during his stay at the Nassif House for a period of time. Today, Khuzam Palace is one of the most important museums in Saudi Arabia. Tahaliyah Street is one of the most prestigious and vital main streets in Jeddah. It's a commercial hub of shopping centres due to the many brand name shopping centres lining its sides, as well as the finest restaurants, multiple shopping centres and lavish offices, not to mention its beauty and strategic location, divided into two sections.

About the destination: Situated 1700m above sea level, Taif can seem like a breath of fresh air in summer, and compared to humid Jeddah it truly is. Its gentle, temperate climate is its biggest attraction. Watch for wild baboons along the mountain roadside on the way into the city from Jeddah. Taif is family friendly, with over 3000 garden parks scattered throughout the city and outlying areas; in the evening the parks are packed with families spreading out a full supper on blankets. Some bring sheesha, filling the night air with a sweet, smoky aroma. Taif is not known for its restaurants, so buying everything you need at a market and settling down for a picnic is a wonderful alternative. The city is particularly popular among visitors for its roses and fruit – particularly honey-sweet figs, grapes, prickly pears and pomegranates. In summer Taif becomes the Kingdom’s unofficial capital when the king relocates here.