Day 1 : Al Wahbah Crater

Drive to A wonderful, and still relatively unknown place in the heart of Saudi Arabia.

In western Saudi Arabia is a natural wonder that intel recently was pretty unknown to the outside world.

Al Wahbah Crater, also Maqlaʿ Ṭamiyyah  is a volcanic crater, which is about 350 Km away from Jeddah, on the western edge of the Harrat Kishb basalt plateau in the Hejazi region of Saudi Arabia. The Harrat Kishb plateau  contains many volcanic cones. The bottom of the crater is covered with white sodium phosphate crystals.

Measuring 4km wide and 250-meters deep, the sprawling Al Wahba crater is one of Saudi Arabia’s most dramatic natural wonders: a vast hollow with an opaque lake at its heart.

The crater was once thought to have been formed by a meteorite crashing to earth, but research by geologists in the 1960s revealed Al Wahbah to be a maar crater. These shallow hollows are caused by volcanic eruptions that occur when groundwater comes into contact with hot lava.

Locals, however, have their own legend of Al Wahbah’s creation. According to the tale, the area once held two mountains: Tamia and Cotton. One night, after a flash of lightning illuminated Cotton’s beauty, Tamia fell in love with him and vowed to uproot herself to be closer to her beloved. But before she could reach him, her mountain-cousin Shelman became jealous and shot her with an arrow, sending her crashing to the ground. The crater was formed by her fall.

When you go please make sure that you took enough food especially the water. There is no supermarket or shops near to this.

Drive back to Taif. Arrival and transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in Taif. 4 stars hotel- if you would like 5 stars or luxury category let us know.
 

Day 2 : Taif City Tour

Pick you up from your hotel in Taif. Start the tour with Shubra Palace.

The palace is the most stunning vestige of old Taif, with latticework windows and balconies and interior marble from Carrara. King Abdul Aziz used to stay here and the palace was later the residence of King Faisal.

A unique amalgamation of Arabic and Romanian architecture. It is impressive worth photographing.

It is located on the northern side of Taif city center, and overlooks Shubra Street which is one of the most important pivotal streets in the city of Taif, Ali bin Abdullah bin Aoun Pasha has ordered the establishment of the Shubra Palace in 1905 AD.

(you can be visited only from outside as there are some renovation works now)You will visit this as it offers enough photographic angles and its historical for this region.

Then will take you to Al Rudaf Park.Its a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature!There are music fountains, grasses, small rock mountains, and many play grounds for children. Its a very nice park and place but its for family only.

Then visit old Souq in Taif city. Souq Okaz is a former largest and best known open air market in the Islamic world, nowadays hosts thousands of tourists from around the world. The tradition of poetry recital competitions, arts& crafts exhibitions remain in the Souq today. In addition to that, you may want to explore ancient footprints of the market, flower orchids in Taif .

Then go to the oldest and best shopping mall in Taif, Taif’s Heart Mall.Its an exciting place, where you and your family can shop, play, eat, and have splendid time

Then visit Al Shafa mountain and Al Hada mountain,It’s considered as one of the most beautiful and important mountain roads in the region. It connects Taif city with the other regions on the west and north.  It acquires enchanting and attractive views.

Nice drive up Al Shafa mountain is the highest mountain in the area of the town.Its also know as Jabal Dakkā.

      
 

You will walk and climb up Shafa mountain. It’s a difficult walk / climb, the views are fantastic and well worth the effort The higher up in the mountains you feel the gentle cool air. Amazed about so many different plants and trees, herbs and fruit bushes growing everywhere. It’s rich on natural resources as honey, rose gardens, herbs and so much more.

A cable car at extra ticket journey up to the Al-Hada Mountain starts down in Al-Kurr Village and takes visitors all the way up to the mountaintop, where an upscale restaurant and hotel are located.

Then travel in comfort back to your hotel in Jeddah.

Taif has so much to see, feel, eat and buy so if you have time and want to add more to your itinerary – just let us know what you are interested in and we will arrange it for you at the cost price – no profit to us.
 

Notes:
It is necessary that you wear flat, closed and very comfortable shoes whilst taking this tour.

We are very flexible, if someone wants to change the itinerary a little or add more sites.

Drive back to Jeddah.

Includes:

• English speaking Tour leader/Driver
• Pick up & drop off service in your Jeddah hotel.
• 1 Night in Taif hotel 4 stars – if you would like other category let us know.
• Entrance fees
• All Service charges and taxes
• Transfers

Excludes:

• Any extras
• Tipping

info :

How tall is Al Shafa mountain?

At the top of Al-Shafa Mountain over 2500 m. above sea level, you will enjoy the natural stunning scenery of the white fog embracing the tall Sarawat Mountain peaks with its emitting aroma of juniper trees.
 

What is Taif city famous for?

scented roses
Taif is famous for producing citrus fruits such as grapes, berries, pomegranates and figs. It is also famous for scented roses, which are produced in more than 700 farms. In addition, the city is filled with historical monuments, markets, popular squares, unique gardens and cultural places.