Day Trip to Taif

Over the Hada Mountains above Mecca and on the eastern slopes of the Al-Sarawat mountains, lies The City of Taif, the cool and green Summer Capital located in the western part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. People come here for the weather (much cooler than Jeddah in the summer months), beautiful scenery and the town’s relaxed atmosphere.

 Driving along the winding roads to escape the steamy heat of Jeddah or entering from the east away from the dry desert clime of the Najd, visitors to Taif are greeted by a fresh, cool breeze as they ascend to the city. Set in a hollow between granite hills rising from the eastern slope of the Hejaz in the southwest region of the Kingdom, this city is a magnet that draws visitors from across Saudi Arabia.

 In this day trip will pass by the highlight of this city , by first passing by the old palaces which was built by the elite. These palaces are now abandoned and not well maintained but still preserve its original design which will give an idea how these palaces look like back in the 1920s 

The first one is built by Mohammed Bin Abdul Wahed in 1897, this historic building features a mix of Hejazi and Roman architecture with Islamic flourishes. Last occupied as a residence in 1968, it has been home to Taif's top officials, including King Faisal, when he served as a viceroy of the Hejaz region. The building is now closed and in desperate need of restoration.

 We will pass by two more palaces which each one has its unique story, it will give you an idea about the history of this region including the famous Shobra House which is a city’s museum occupies a beautiful house built in 1905 on the orders of Sharif Ali Pasha. 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.

 Up next, we will visit one of the local farms to rest and have a nice local lunch outdoor and drink tea. We will have the chance to try one of the local cuisines of this region which it's called “ Seleq” that is rice mix with milk boiled and served with lamb !

 Will visit one of the local farms known to plant and produce Rose. Taif has the right weather to grow roses and it has a dedicated season to celebrate its production. You will have the chance to learn about the origins which goes back to the Ottoman rule in this region when they brought the seeds with them, and you will learn more about how they process it and extract the oil that used in perfumes 

At this time will do a quick visit to nearby mountain area named “ Al Hada” where the landscape and scenery are different and cloudy due to its altitude. We will stop at few vintage point and enjoy the scenery but beware as baboons might join you ! we will pass by the small fruit venders in this area and see different fruit produced in this area including the unique fruit called “Barshomi” which you will have the to try it

 On our way back to Taif , we will pass by the old Souq or market. It’s the old part of the town , small market offers different types of merchandise including an old bakery which will let you try some treats and enjoy a quick walk before we call it a day and head to Jeddah