Surprising Saudi Arabia Tour

One of the wealthiest cities in the world, Riyadh is 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 with the best hotels and restaurants in the country. Its organized grid layout is lined with more than 4,000 mosques, numerous busy shopping centers and traditional souks, public parks, and a diverse set of communities and neighborhoods. On this first day in the Kingdom, you will check the pulse of the city by taking the high-speed lift to the 99th floor of the iconic Kingdom Center for access to Riyadh’s best urban panorama. Suspended 300 meters above the city, the tower’s curved Sky Bridge offers spectacular views across the Riyadh skyline and beyond.

For those who arrive early, why not consider an optional trip outside town to the stunning The Edge of the World.

Overnight in Riyadh.

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

Discover the wealth of contrasts that distinguish Riyadh. Historical highlights here include Masmak Fort, Souq al Zel, and cultural centers such as the National Museum and the Murabba palace. And of course Ad Diriya, once the heart and start of the Kingdom. Whilst making your way across the city you will note the contrast between these local marketplaces and the city’s sparkling highrise.

Let’s begin with some pointers toward Saudi’s charismatic past. You’ll find 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. Justice Square is another reminder of the past. Modern Saudi shop in supermarkets but a few old market areas remain, like Souq al Zel and Souq Bisht, two of the most characteristic traditional marketplaces in town. This is the perfect place to purchase an Abaya for use during your travels. Naturally, as a foreigner the use of an Abaya is completely voluntary.

You’ll learn more about Saudi history at beautiful Murabba palace and at the modern National Museum of Saudi Arabia.

Across town and pointing high into the sky as a symbol for power is KAFD, or King Abdullah Financial District, the strikingly modern heart of business of the Kingdom and more and more the wider Gulf region. Have a look at the mosque in an equally bold design before traveling further into the future visiting The Line Experience. This stunning complex of halls explains how The Line, the future main city in NEOM is being built and how life inside will be for its 9 million inhabitants

From the future to the past, it is time to explore Ad Diriyah, the birthplace of the first Saudi state called At-Turaif which ruled between 1744 and 1818. The UNESCO World Heritage site has just been restored to its former glory and is poised to become a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s tourism offerings. Discover more about the architecture and heritage at the site. Find out how the mud-brick houses were built; how homes were cooled during the hot summer days; and how people lived without electricity and creature comforts.

Enjoy a great dinner at one of the top quality restaurants of the Bujairi Terrace to complete what was just day one!

Overnight in Riyadh.

This morning you leave the capital by air for Tabuk, the gateway to Saudi Arabia’s northwest, and for centuries a resting point for Jordanian and Egyptian pilgrims on their way to Mecca and Medina.

Life moves slowly here as you will feel wandering along the main street, checking out the ‘smach’ shops (Saudi headwear for men) and the all-purpose stores selling anything a bedouin needs in the desert. The small fort sits at the top of the street and houses a museum. The distinct Ottoman architecture is a testament to the city’s position as the gateway to Saudi and the Arab world. To prove this, explore one of the best-preserved railway stations in Saudi Arabia. Hijaz Railway Station was built almost a century ago to take Muslim pilgrims from Damascus to the holy cities of Makkah and Medina but ended in ruins less than two decades after its start. This iconic attraction allows you to admire refurbished buildings that offer various Ottoman relics at this historical monument.

If you're exploring alternative activities for a more active and exciting afternoon, consider the following optional half-day program. Overnight in Tabuk.

Enjoy a leisurely morning with some free time before we embark on our journey to explore the wonders of the north. Head south, into the arid desert and mountains of NEOM. Along the way, get a glimpse of the work being done on The Line Giga Project, to prove that what you learned in Riyadh is for real.

Reach Wadi Disah, one of Saudi Arabia’s most spectacular natural attractions. Loosely translated as the Valley of the Palm Trees, the beautiful valley is characterized by mountain forms and tall rocky columns in various colors, and a freshwater spring which creates a real oasis feeling. Hop in a 4x4 for an off road adventure into the wadi itself. For those fancying a stroll, step out and walk for a bit, enjoy the birds singing and once it's enough, the jeep soon catches up with you.

Continue to Disah village and settle in on a fruit farm where more will be learned about agriculture in this arid climate. When the daylight fades, jump in a local 4x4 for a short transfer to a secluded corner of the valley to reach a private, tented camp, set up just for you! Recline on takwa, the Saudi picnic seat, while the campfire creates a warm glow. A traditional bbq dinner is served 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 (215 km): 3 hrs 15 mins

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 Hegra 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.

When the afternoon light starts to turn golden it is the right time for a pilgrimage to Elephant Rock. Set in 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.

Overnight in AlUla.

Distances and journey time:
Wadi Disah - AlUla (270 km): 3 hrs 30 mins
AlUla - Jabal AlFil (Elephant Rock) (5 km): 10 mins

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. You’ll start the day with a visit to the Nabataean site of Hegra, which was the southern capital of the Nabataean kingdom, dating back to the first century BCE. 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.

Next, head for the green zone that is AlUla oasis, why not enjoy a cup of coffee at The Pink Camel, situated beautifully amid the date farms. Take a stroll where lush palm trees sway gently 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 art exhibits spread out in its walking streets. Continue exploring AlUla historic city, often called ‘the Old Town,’ a charismatic place that once sat at the crossroads of the Silk Road and the Incense Route, and that rewards a leisurely stroll. Recent renovations have turned it into a magical mix of ancient alleys and trendy restaurants and upmarket souvenirs shops.

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 or hot air balloon (in season), hop on a mountain bike and venture off the beaten path into desert dunes or climb the valley’s edge to better soak in Al Ula’s expansive vistas.

Overnight in AlUla.

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

Todays journey goes through the desert and mountains to Medina along an ancient pilgrimage route passing the oasis of Khaybar. Don’t expect only sand dunes, this is a volcanic area with black lava stone and mountain vistas and rich in historical significance. Before the rise of Islam in the 7th century, the Khaybar region was inhabited by Arabian Jewish tribes. In 628 AD, Muslims under the leadership of Prophet Muhammad took over the city during the Battle of Khaybar. Visit the remains of the mud city situated in a steep wadi or valley, with its several fortresses towering over thousands of green palm trees. The area has been recently reopened after renovations.

One of the two holiest cities in Islam (the other is Mecca), Medina is centered around Al Masjid an Nabawi, a 10-minaret giant that can accommodate 1 million people also known as the Prophet’s Mosque. Join the throngs of pilgrims in the heart of the city, it is hard to describe the vibe. Non-muslims are welcome to enjoy exterior views of the mosque from the edge of the square.When the sun sinks it is a great time to visit Mount Uhud, a major pilgrimage site and viewpoint across the Holy City.

Overnight in Medina.

Distances and journey time:
AlUla - Khaybar (225 km): 2 hrs 25 mins
Khaybar - Medina (175 km): 2 hrs

There’s much more to Medina than its primary holy site. Guests will get the chance to visit the terminus station of the Hijaz or Ottoman railway, which once brought pilgrims to Medina from as far away as Damascus in Syria. Guests will round out their time in Medina with some browsing time at the city’s central market. Saudis are known for having a sweet tooth and the stalls at this bustling souk are ideal snaffling territory for goodies such as ma’amoul (butter cookies stuffed with pistachios, walnuts, almonds, or dates), luqaimat (hot, crispy dumplings drizzled in honey) and kunafa (a kind of sweet cheese pie made with semolina pastry and rose water syrup).

After lunch overlooking Al Masjid an Nabawi, it's time to board one of Saudi Arabia’s state-of-the-art high-speed trains to make the short (under 2 hours) hop to the coastal city of Jeddah. Celebrate your arrival with drinks on the city’s attractive corniche. Spread out your carpet and your ‘takwa’, the smart Saudi picnic seat. Join the locals when the sun sets, the call for prayer sounds and the world's tallest fountain comes to life in front of the beachwalk.

Overnight in Jeddah

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

Jeddah is a commercial hub sitting to the west along the Red Sea with the second busiest seaport in the Middle East. It’s the principal gateway to Mecca, the holiest city in Islam, and sees over a million pilgrims a year on their way to perform the Hajj. Despite this, Jeddah is perceived to be the most liberal city in Saudi Arabia and is a popular tourist destination, offering the beauty of ancient architecture mixed with the latest luxuries.

Experience the Red Sea! Hop on a private speedboat to enjoy the sea and sun. Snorkeling gear is packed to discover the wealth of underwater life the region is famous for. Different types of colorful coral, old sorts of exotic fish; snorkeling along the coral sites will impress. These shallow waters make it fun for all levels. The temperatures of the water are at least 21C and the high salinity is beneficial for your health. Top off the trip with a seafood barbeque, skillfully prepared by your skipper.

Find out that things are equally convivial on dry land in the atmospheric old town, Al Balad, which achieved UNESCO World Heritage status in 2014. Its traditional multi storey buildings and merchant houses are an architectural treasure trove. It is a dive back in time with the buzz of trading, pilgrims shopping and the occasional tourist mixed in. The roshan or wooden window covers are the ancient way to create shade and cool in this hot and humid climate, and they make these alleys especially picturesque. Have your guide take you out for one final taste of Saudi cuisine before you can say ‘hay maa al-salama, goodbye, until next time.’

Overnight in Jeddah

At leisure until you check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport

Distances and journey time:
Jeddah - Jeddah airport (25km): 30 mins