Saudi Arabia opened its doors to travellers only a few years ago and remains an exotic, mysterious destination for most people. But Saudi is now welcoming tourists keen to experience this country for themselves. We’re actually going to begin in neighbouring Abu Dhabi with its Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum and intriguing falcon hospital.

We then fly to Riyadh with its World Heritage old quarter, exotic souk and contrasting skyscrapers. On leaving the city we visit possibly the largest camel market in the world; the mysterious Hutaymah Crater; and the World Heritage sites of Jubbah with its prehistoric petroglyphs and the spectacular ruins of Hegra, which, like Petra in Jordan, was created by the mysterious Nabatean people.

We will have lunch in the holy city of Medina with a view over the Prophet’s mosque, take the fast train between Medina and Jeddah, where we will explore the World Heritage historic quarter of Al Baland, see the world’s tallest fountain and have dinner with a Saudi family. Great Gardens of Southern England: A tour of some of the world’s most renowned garden