Saudi Arabia’s Hejaz region rewards curious travelers with contrasts: the cool, rose-scented highlands of Taif and the Red Sea breeze of Jeddah. This 7-day itinerary weaves mountain panoramas with seaside sunsets, plus markets, parks, and lively dining—all friendly for families and easy on a mid-range budget.

Taif (often called the “City of Roses”) sits on the Sarawat Mountains above Mecca, prized since antiquity for its mild summer climate and fragrant damask-rose harvest. Jeddah, the country’s historic port, pairs a UNESCO-listed old town with a modern waterfront and some of the best food in the Kingdom.

Expect warm hospitality, alcohol-free nightlife built around cafés, parks, and festivals, and generous portions of classics like kabsa and saleeg. Dress modestly, plan breaks around prayer times, and use rideshares or pre-booked transfers to simplify logistics between cities.

Jeddah

Jeddah has welcomed traders and pilgrims for centuries. Wander Al-Balad’s coral-stone houses and latticed rawasheen, then grab a gelato by the Red Sea as the world’s tallest fountain shoots skyward. The city’s café culture hums late into the night—ideal for families after the heat fades.

• Top sights: Al-Balad (Nassif House exterior and lanes), Jeddah Waterfront/Corniche, King Fahd Fountain (best after dusk), open-air Sculpture Museum, Red Sea Mall for kid-friendly arcades.
• Where to stay (mid-range and family-minded): Search options on Hotels.com – Jeddah or browse apartments on VRBO – Jeddah. Look near the Waterfront, Al-Balad, or Al-Madinah Road for easy sightseeing.
• How to get here: Fly into Jeddah (JED). Compare fares on Trip.com Flights and Kiwi.com.
• Food to try: Hejazi saleeg (creamy rice with roasted chicken), Red Sea grilled fish, mutabbaq, and Saudi coffee with dates.

Taif

Perched at roughly 1,800 meters, Taif trades desert heat for mountain breezes, hairpin roads, and sunset overlooks. In spring, rose farms distill liquid perfume; year-round, family parks, markets, and scenic drives make it a restful base.

• Top sights: Al-Hada mountain road, Al-Shafa viewpoints, Al Rudaf Park’s granite formations and nightly light shows (in season), Taif Central Market, and seasonal rose distilleries.
• Where to stay: Browse family rooms and suites on Hotels.com – Taif or homier stays on VRBO – Taif. Areas around Al-Hada and city center are convenient.
• Getting from Jeddah to Taif: It’s about 2–2.5 hours by road via the scenic Al-Hada route. Families often pre-book a private car; expect roughly $120–$180 per vehicle. Consider this transfer: Jeddah To Taif One Way or Return Trip Transfer.

Day 1: Arrive in Jeddah – Corniche Sunsets and Fountain Night

Afternoon: Land at JED and check in near the Waterfront for an easy first evening. For a pick-me-up, try Brew92 (specialty roaster) or Medd Café for pour-overs and pastries. Stretch your legs on the Jeddah Waterfront promenade—playgrounds and bike paths make it easy for kids to burn energy.

Evening: Watch King Fahd Fountain after dusk; mist drifts across the Corniche and the 300+ meter jet glows under lights. Dinner nearby: Byblos (elegant Lebanese mezze and grills), Section-B (local burger favorite with house sauces), or Albaik (beloved fried chicken—budget-friendly and quick for tired travelers).

Where to stay: Compare family rooms on Hotels.com – Jeddah or apartments on VRBO – Jeddah.

Day 2: Historic Al-Balad and Family-Friendly Foodie Finds

Morning: Explore Al-Balad’s narrow lanes, coral-stone houses, and handsome wooden rawasheen. Pop into spice stalls for hibiscus, cardamom, and frankincense, and try breakfast at a traditional spot serving tamees (hot bread) with fava-bean foul and honey.

Afternoon: Seek air-con and entertainment at Red Sea Mall or Mall of Arabia; both offer play zones and plenty of lunch options. For a regional favorite, taste saleeg (creamy rice with butter and roasted chicken) at a Hejazi restaurant or go light with shawarma wraps and fresh juices.

Evening: Return to the Waterfront sculpture park for golden-hour photos. Dinner choices: Al Qalzam (grilled hamour and prawns in a lagoon-side setting), Papaya (tropical garden ambiance, broad menu that suits kids). Families interested in live shows should check local listings—Jeddah’s event calendar often includes weekend concerts and performances at venues like City Walk or Jeddah Superdome (seasonal).

Day 3: Scenic Transfer to Taif + Intro to the “City of Roses”

Morning: Depart Jeddah by private car; the ascent to Taif via Al-Hada weaves through dramatic switchbacks with sweeping views (2–2.5 hours). Consider this door-to-door option for stress-free travel: Jeddah To Taif One Way or Return Trip Transfer.

Afternoon: Settle into your hotel, then get oriented with a guided overview: Taif City Tour covers key viewpoints, markets, and heritage highlights—great for families to learn the lay of the land in a few hours.

Evening: Picnic or stroll in Al Rudaf Park among hulking granite boulders and choreographed light displays (in season). Dinner ideas: Albaik for a quick win with kids; Tazaj for charcoal-grilled chicken with warm flatbread; or a mandi house for slow-cooked rice and lamb. Cap the night with rose ice cream or saffron milk from a local sweets shop.

Where to stay: Compare hotels on Hotels.com – Taif or browse family villas on VRBO – Taif.

Day 4: Panoramic Peaks and Rose Farms

Morning–Afternoon: Devote the day to mountain vistas and Taif’s signature blooms on Discover Taif Panoramic Peaks Rose Farms and Historic Al-Balad. You’ll ascend Al-Hada for sweeping views and visit rose farms (harvest and distillation typically springtime, but many sites welcome visitors year-round to explain the process). Families love the fragrant workshops and photo stops.

Evening: Back in town, try a Hejazi dinner: saleeg with roasted chicken, lentil soup, and fresh tabbouleh. For dessert, look for kunafa with rose syrup—a nod to Taif’s floral heritage. If energy remains, wander the Taif Boulevard dining promenade for a mellow, café-centered nightlife feel.

Day 5: Family Adventure to Al Wahbah Crater (Full Day)

Set out early for Al Wahbah Crater Full day tour From Taif, a striking volcanic crater ringed by black lava fields and a white mineral pan. Driving times are long, but scenery and the geology lesson are unforgettable—bring hats, sunscreen, and 3–4 liters of water per person; guides plan rest stops and shaded breaks.

Return in the late afternoon. Celebrate with a casual dinner: grilled chicken platters, hummus, and fattoush work well after a big day. Parents can unwind with cardamom coffee while kids pick a favorite baklava from the sweets counter.

Day 6: Taif at Your Pace – Viewpoints, Parks, and Local Bites

Morning: Easy breakfast at a local café (Barn’s for Saudi-roasted coffee and date cake). Drive to Al-Shafa for cooler air and cliffside viewpoints; roadside stalls often sell strawberries and honey in season—great souvenirs.

Afternoon: Browse Taif Central Market for spices, rosewater, and scarves. If you prefer a guided mountain day instead, consider a private outing focused on peaks and overlooks (ask your hotel to arrange a driver who’s comfortable with the mountain roads). Lunch tip: share a family-sized kabsa platter with grilled lamb or chicken.

Evening: Park time for the kids at Al Rudaf or Saiysad National Park, then a low-key dinner—shawarma wraps, fresh juices, and hot bread straight from the oven. Night owls can enjoy a dessert café; locals linger late over saffron milk, gelato, and cheesecake.

Day 7: Return to Jeddah and Fly Out

Morning: After a leisurely breakfast, transfer back to Jeddah (2–2.5 hours). If you prefer an arranged car, this option runs in the reverse direction as well: Taif City to Jeddah City Private Transfer.

Afternoon: If time allows before your flight, squeeze in a Corniche walk and a seafood lunch (grilled prawn platters or sayadieh rice with fish). Then head to the airport. Compare flight options on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.

Evening: Departure day. If you’re staying overnight due to flight schedules, book near the Waterfront for one last fountain view and an easy morning airport run—use Hotels.com – Jeddah.

Budget Notes and Practical Tips

• Costs (family of 4, mid-range): Meals $25–$60; private intercity transfer $120–$180; day tours $60–$180+ per adult depending on inclusions; parks and promenades are typically free.
• Transport: Rideshares and pre-booked drivers are easiest; car seats are recommended for kids. There is no direct train between Jeddah and Taif.
• Dress & etiquette: Modest clothing is standard; many venues pause activities at prayer times. Alcohol is not served; nightlife centers on cafés, malls, parks, and seasonal concerts.

Optional: Direct to Taif by air — If you’re connecting within Saudi Arabia, Taif (TIF) has domestic flights; compare fares on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Pre-book an airport transfer if arriving at TIF: Private Transfer from Taif (TIF) Airport.

Where to sleep, summarized: For the coast, compare stays on Hotels.com – Jeddah or VRBO – Jeddah; in the mountains, check Hotels.com – Taif or VRBO – Taif.

Included Viator experiences in this itinerary (aligned to your interests):

• Jeddah To Taif One Way or Return Trip Transfer
• Taif City Tour
• Discover Taif Panoramic Peaks Rose Farms... (day-long scenic and foodie experience)
• Al Wahbah Crater Full day tour From Taif

Across a week, you’ll taste Hejazi classics by the Red Sea, wind up a legendary mountain road to the cool air of Taif, breathe in rose-scented workshops, and stand at the rim of a volcanic crater. It’s an easy-to-love blend of family-friendly sightseeing, gentle nightlife, and memorable, unique activities—at a comfortable mid-range budget.