Luxury Adventure in Saudi Arabia Tour

Welcome to Saudi Arabia!

The journey begins in Riyadh, a showcase for modern Saudi Arabia. Once a walled, mud-brick way station along desert trading routes, the capital is now a hyper-contemporary metropolis boasting world-class dining and fabulous hotels as well as traditional souks, public parks and more.

The Four Seasons is ideally located at Kingdom Center, a modern, 99-story skyscraper that was once the tallest building in Saudi Arabia. The luxurious Four Seasons occupies ten floors of the building, with each spacious guest room seamlessly fusing modern amenities with nods to classic Saudi Arabian design.

After freshening up, take the high-speed lift to the 99th floor to the Sky Bridge. Located 300 meters above the city, the curved, enclosed walkway offers spectacular views across the Riyadh skyline and beyond.

For those who arrive early, we recommend an optional trip to The Edge of the World, a stunning cliff on the outskirts of Riyadh.

Overnight at Four Seasons Riyadh at Kingdom Center, Riyadh

Distances and journey time:
Riyadh airport - Riyadh city center (35 km): 45 mins

Spend a full day exploring the wonders of Riyadh with your local guide, gaining deeper insight into the culture and history of this remarkable city.

The day begins with a look at Riyadh's past, starting at Al Masmak Fortress in the heart of the old town. A large clay and mud-brick citadel that witnessed the birth of a kingdom, the 150-year-old edifice stands as a reminder of Saudi’s storied past.

Continue to Souq al-Zel and Souq Bisht, two traditional marketplaces selling local wares such as hand-made carpets, antiques, perfumes and more. These vibrant markets are the perfect place to purchase an abaya, the traditional Saudi Arabian dress, if you wish to wear one during your travels.

Continue your guided Riyadh discovery with a visit to the historic Murabba Palace and the National Museum of Saudi Arabia where the Kingdom’s past and present are explored through a collection of insightful exhibits.

Then, cross the city to King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), the modern heart of business for Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region. Tucked amid the skyscrapers and office buildings is the KAFD Grand Mosque, an architectural marvel of tessellated stone. After admiring this unique building, continue to The Line Experience, a series of informative displays about the visionary purpose-built city that is planned as part of the NEOM project.

The last stop on today’s Riyadh exploration is Ad Diriyah, the birthplace of the first Saudi state. This UNESCO World Heritage site features well-preserved buildings dating back to 1744, providing a unique opportunity to learn about traditional architecture techniques used to counter the desert heat.

Wrap up the day with an indulgent dinner at one of the top restaurants of the Bujairi Terrace.

Overnight at Four Seasons Riyadh at Kingdom Center, Riyadh

Bid farewell to the capital and continue your Saudi Arabian journey with a domestic flight to Tabuk. Tabuk is the gateway to Saudi Arabia’s northwest and a historic resting point for pilgrims from Jordan and Egypt en route to Mecca and Medina.

Head north, to Wadi Disah. Loosely translated as the Valley of the Palm Trees, Wadi Disah is one of Saudi Arabia’s most spectacular natural attractions. The beautiful valley is characterized by mountain forms and tall rocky columns in various colors, as well as freshwater springs which create a real oasis feeling. Due to the presence of fresh water, the site has been inhabited for centuries and is well known for its dates and mango.

Your 4x4 takes you on an off road adventure through the lush vegetation and through the stream winding its way between the towering walls. There are several archaeological sites such as facades of Nabataean tombs, and the remains of walls containing Nabataean and Arabic writings in Kufic script. For those fancying a stroll, step out and walk for a bit, enjoy the birds singing and once it's enough, the jeep is soon with you. Stop at a mango and date farm to learn all about agriculture in this arid climate.

A short transfer to a secluded corner of the valley leads to a private desert camp, set up just for you! Recline on takwa, the Saudi picnic seats, and carpets while the campfire creates a warm glow. A traditional bbq dinner is prepared under the star-filled night sky and your guide will explain to you how these stars help desert travelers navigate and share a good story or two over freshly brewed arabic coffee.

When it is time to sleep, cozy Bedouin tents await for an unforgettable night under the stars. Bedouins traditionally sleep in tents to be able to follow their herds, which go after the rains that fall scattered across the desert. Your tent has a proper bed and other required comforts for a good night sleep. Bathroom facilities are shared.

Overnight in a private tent in Wadi Disah.

Distances and journey time:
Tabuk - Wadi Disah (260 km): 3 hrs including the off road section

See the sun appear from behind the mountains while a fresh local breakfast is prepared around the fire. Next, like true Bedouin, break up camp and move on.

The destination today is AlUla, home to Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated deep in the desert, the draw to AlUla is its remarkable natural rock formations and canyons, extensive and varied pre-Arabic rock art, and immaculately preserved tombs built more than 2,000 years ago by the Nabataeans, and for most travelers the biggest highlight of their Saudi adventure. It's a vast area with many highlights. To appreciate this, let’s first climb up to the Harrat Viewpoint before diving into all the history around. The road snakes up sharply, away from the red rocks and onto a black and seemingly endless plateau. Discover the viewpoint towering over the old city and let your guide put things into perspective.

When the sun starts to set it is the right time for a pilgrimage to Elephant Rock. Set in golden desert sands and climbing into the blue Arabian skies, the rock (also known as Jabal Alfil) is one of AlUla’s most impressive geological marvels.

In AlUla, you’ll be staying at the luxurious Banyan Tree Hotel. The property’s elegant tented villas meld traditional design elements with modern amenities and boast spectacular views of the surrounding Ashar Valley.

Overnight at Banyan Tree Hotel, AlUla

Distances and journey time:
Wadi Disah - AlUla (270 km): 3 hrs 30 mins

Spend today exploring the many wonders of AlUla with your local guide.

Start with a visit to the Nabataean site of Hegra, which was the southern capital of the Nabataean kingdom, dating back to the first century BC. Today, visitors follow their rawee, or storyteller, to explore several of the more than 100 well-preserved monumental tombs, most with elaborate facades carved from rock formations scattered around the desert.

Continue onward to one of AlUla’s modern marvels: Maraya. Hidden in the exclusive Ashar Valley, this multi-purpose center for the arts is the world’s largest mirrored building and is the perfect, surrealistic backdrop for artsy pictures. Maraya, meaning mirror or reflection in Arabic, celebrates AlUla's historic role as a crossroads of cultures and is the centerpiece of the region's growing modern cultural scene.

Next, head for the green zone that is AlUla oasis and a cup of coffee amid the beautiful date farms. Take a stroll where lush palm trees sway and the smell of citrus fills the fresh air, adding to the oasis-feeling that AlUla still retains. Follow the winding, shaded Oasis Heritage Trail through the orange grove, hear birds and imagine how the nomads of the past found water and refuge from the desert here.

Exit the lush oasis at AlJadeeda, an area known also as ‘Art City’ which has a colorful vibe with street art and exhibits spread along the pedestrian streets. Continue to AlUla Old Town for a stroll around this charismatic neighborhood. Once the crossroads of the Silk Road and the Incense Route, the Old Town today is an enchanting mix of ancient alleys, trendy restaurants and upmarket souvenirs shops.

Overnight at Banyan Tree Hotel, AlUla

Distances and journey time:
AlUla - Hegra (20 km): 20 mins
Hegra - AlUla Historic Town (20 km): 25 mins

An exclusive experience awaits, whether it's for sharing with your loved ones or fellow travelers. These hot air balloon experiences promise to satisfy wanderlust, offering breathtaking views of the UNESCO heritage site of Hegra, Elephant Rock, and monumental rock formations.

Embark on a magical journey with a pick up from the hotel to the enchanting take-off site, where a steaming cup of coffee welcomes you. Watch in awe as vibrant balloons gracefully come to life, filling the night sky with anticipation. Feel the exhilaration as flames dance and the balloon gently rises from the ground. In a matter of seconds, the wonder of the sunrise unfolds against a stunning backdrop. Floating over canyons and tombs, insights into AlUla's rich history unfold. After the flight, bask in the glow of this unique adventure, ready to script its magic into the pages of your cherished memory book.

Enjoy your remaining afternoon at leisure. Enjoy the facilities of the hotel or continue your exploration of AlUla’s landscapes with an optional activity: to name a few; see the sandstone mountains from above in a helicopter, hop on a mountain bike and venture off the beaten path into desert dunes or climb the valley’s edge to better soak in AlUla’s expansive vistas.

Relax before heading out for a special dinner at Maraya Social. Located on the rooftop of the spectacular Maraya Hall building, and owned by Michelin chef Jaso Atherton, this is one of Saudi Arabia’s best restaurants.

Overnight at Banyan Tree Hotel, AlUla

Bid farewell to AlUla this morning, traveling through the desert and mountains along an ancient pilgrimage route to Medina, one of the two holiest cities of Islam. Rather than sand dunes, today’s journey passes through a volcanic area with black lava stone and mountain vistas.

Medina is centered around Al Masjid an Nabawi. Also known as the Prophet's Mosque, this massive 10-minaret mosque can accommodate 1 million people. Soak in views of the mosque while enjoying lunch at a local restaurant in Medina.

After lunch, board one of Saudi Arabia’s state-of-the-art high-speed trains for a 2-hour journey to Jeddah. Located on the Red Sea coast, Jeddah is a commercial hub with the second busiest seaport in the Middle East. Jeddah is one of the most liberal cities in Saudi Arabia and is a popular tourist destination, offering the beauty of ancient architecture mixed with the latest luxuries. It is also the principal gateway to the holy city of Mecca and sees over a million pilgrims a year passing through on their way to perform the Hajj.

Celebrate your arrival with sunset drinks on Jeddah’s attractive corniche. Sitting on a carpet with comfortable takwa, observe scenes of local life along the bustling waterfront. As the sun sets, the call for prayer sounds and King Fahd’s Fountain, the world's tallest fountain at 312-meters, comes to life. Enjoy this impressive display before continuing to your hotel to check-in.

While in Jeddah, you’ll be staying at Shangri-La Hotel. Located on the corniche, the Shangri La has arguably the best views in town along with floor-to-ceiling windows in each room complimented by fabulous service, innovative dining options and an indulgent spa.

Overnight at Shangri-La Hotel, Jeddah

Distances and journey time:
Medina - Jeddah (420km): 2hrs by high-speed train
Jeddah train station - Jeddah city center (20km): 25 mins

Explore the wonders of Jeddah today, from the sea to the shore.

The day begins with a private speedboat trip on the Red Sea. Enjoy the fresh sea breeze and views of the coast as you travel away from shore and through the blue waters of the Red Sea. Jump into the shallow waters to enjoy snorkeling amid the colorful corals, exotic fish and other underwater wonders. The water temperature is pleasant year-round, never dipping below 70°F, and the sea’s high salinity is purported to be good for your health.

A freshly prepared seafood barbeque is served at midday before returning to dry land in Jeddah.

Spend the afternoon exploring Al Balad, Jeddah’s atmospheric old town. The UNESCO World Heritage site is a treasure trove of architectural wonders, with merchant houses and other buildings constructed of coral-stone and featuring roshan, traditional wooden window shades. As you walk through the winding streets, your guide will take you back in time with stories of Al Balad’s past, when it was a bustling trading center.

This evening, indulge in another amazing dinner of Saudi cuisine and seafood at a modern and trendy restaurant.

Overnight at Shangri-La Hotel, Jeddah

Round out your Saudi Arabian adventure with a luxurious two-night stay amid the desert. Take a short flight from Jeddah to the Red Sea Airport before transferring onwards to the Six Senses Southern Dunes.

Nestled amidst the serene desert landscape, this sanctuary of tranquility at Six Senses Southern Dunes provides unrivaled views of the desert, promising an oasis of serenity and rejuvenation.

Overnight at Six Senses Southern Dunes.

(If you aspire to embrace the seamless union of luxury and the sea, you have the option to select from exquisite resorts nestled along the seaside or on islands surrounded by a vibrant coral reef. These havens are committed to preserving a diverse ecosystem. Feel free to reach out to us for more information.)

Distances and journey time:
Red Sea airport - Hotel (74 km): 60 mins

Savor a day at leisure at Six Senses. The day unfolds at your pace, perhaps opting to lounge by the infinity pool, indulge in spa treatment or simply relax on the terrace of your room.

Overnight at Six Senses Southern Dunes.

Your Saudi Arabia journey comes to an end today. After a relaxing morning at Six Senses, transfer to the Red Sea AIrport for your onward flight.

Distances and journey time:
Hotel - Red Sea airport (74 km): 60 mins