Salam! Welcome to Riyadh – the birthplace of modern Saudi Arabia. Once a walled, mud-brick way along desert trading routes, this capital is now a contemporary metropolis with more than 4000 mosques, shopping centres, palaces, museums and traditional souks. When you arrive at Riyadh International Airport, an Intrepid representative will meet you and take you to your hotel, ready for your adventure to begin at 6 pm with a welcome meeting. Get to know your local leader – women are making significant contributions to the tourism sector here and represent around 30% of the workforce – over a traditional meal in a heritage restaurant. Saudi Arabian cuisine blends traditional Arabian and Middle Eastern flavours with influences from Africa and South Asia. You’ll sample local breads, fresh salads, sambosas (a triangle pastry often filled with beef, onions and spices), taheena and kabsa (a mixed rice dish).