North-Eastern Explorer

📍 Riyadh - Edge of the World (100 km): 1.5hrs Edge of the World - Shaqra (150 km): 2hrs

The north-eastern exploration begins mid afternoon with a journey to the Edge of the World. Leaving the glittering skyscrapers and bustling streets of Riyadh behind, it’s time to experience the first of Saudi’s many wild and rugged landscapes. 

The smooth highway from the capital ends at the valley of Sha’ib Khaimah, where a 4x4 navigates the final stretch of dusty road, leading to the trails of the Tuwaiq escarpment. A knowledgeable guide selects the ideal path for breathtaking views from the towering 300-meter cliffs. Panoramic vistas unfold as the sun sets into the hazy horizon, accompanied by a light Bedouin-style picnic dinner. The journey continues onward, avoiding a return to Riyadh.

Overnight in Shaqra.

Inclusions:

🍗 Dinner

📍 Shaqra -Buraydah (200 km): 3hrs

The little-visited town of Shaqra is an ancient town made entirely from mud. Here, and in the neighboring town of Ushaiger, explore the ruins of the mud village, enter a renovated mud house, and learn all about the people who lived here with a visit to a family-run museum.

Continuing the journey through time, the backroads provide a scenic route to the next destination, Buraydah. By avoiding the highway, the landscape evokes imagery of the countless camels and traders who traversed these deserts over centuries. Stretching endlessly, the arid dunes conceal an intriguing secret—this region serves as a vital center for food production. Approaching the market town of Buraydah, the circular fields showcase the remarkable ingenuity of desert agriculture in Saudi Arabia.

Stop at Onaizah, one of the twin capitals of the Qassim region alongside Buraydah, to visit a local heritage museum and souq. Conclude the day with a short drive to the hotel in Buraydah for the night.

Overnight in Buraydah.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Buraydah - Hail (260km): 2 hrs by high-speed train

Buraydah is with Onaizah the twin-capital of Qassim province, also known as the ‘food basket’ of Saudi Arabia. Where better to understand this than at the first stop, a local wet market. Watch as the buyers and sellers do business by auctioning from the back of their trucks. Then, wander through what is probably the largest date market in the world. In season, the  stalls are piled high with tropical fruits and vegetables and, if the time is right, don’t miss the opportunity to sample Qassim’s famously succulent dates. Even outside the season, the scale of this market is enough to realize that Saudi Arabia is not just about oil.

Not only this, the city is hosting the world's largest camel market too. This bustling marketplace comes alive each morning, excluding Fridays and holidays, as countless Arabian camels exchange hands. These camels, known for their distinctive single hump, hold a special place in Saudi Arabian culture, prized for their suitability for riding and as a source of flavorful meat. Moreover, they have gained further significance in recent times, becoming prominent participants in the thrilling sport of camel racing. 

Swap four wheels for the local train to Hail, with magnificent views over the rocky desert landscape. Hail was an ancient Arab capital, and the hilltop A’arif Fort speaks of the city’s prominence in this desert region. From the top of the fort to the center of the city, your next stop on the historic circuit of Hail is the Al Qishlah compound. Built with the same red mud as A’arif, the 8m high walls of this huge fort palace show the power of the local rulers.

Overnight in Hail.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Hail- Sakaka (390 km): 4 hrs

An hour's journey north of Hail leads into the Al Nafud desert and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jubbah. Emerging from the windswept desert plains, the rocks at Jubbah display some of the finest Neolithic rock inscriptions in the Arab world. These detailed carvings, depicting people, animals, and scenes of daily life—from agriculture to warfare—remain remarkably visible despite their creation over 9,000 years ago. A guided tour highlights some of the best-preserved examples, offering a glimpse into ancient life.

The journey to Sakaka continues deeper into the Al Nafud desert, where an expanse of red sand dunes stretches endlessly, replacing any trace of civilization. 

In Sakaka, look back across the dunes and the entire Al Jouf region from the hilltop fort of Zaabel Castle. From this vantage point, the red sands of Al Nafud contrast with verdant olive plantations and the city streets of Sakaka: a view that is distinctly Saudi.

Overnight in Sakaka.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Sakaka - Tabuk (460 km): 5 hrs

Spend the morning outside of Sakaka, with a trip to Al Rajajil, Saudi’s very own ‘stone-henge’. These towering sandstone columns are the site of an ancient burial ground with fascinating traditions dating back to the 6th century BC. 

Move on to the 1st century AD and explore the impressive Marid Castle. This military fortress sits above the ancient city of Dumah Al Jandal, 620m above sea level, a position that allowed it to remain unbreachable for centuries. Get to its highest point for more panoramic views over Al Jouf. 

After a traditional lunch of Hashi, camel meat and rice, continue the journey west towards the city of Tabuk. Arrive in time for a stroll through the streets at sunset. The distinct Ottoman architecture is a testament to the city’s position as the gateway to Saudi and the Arab world.

Overnight in Tabuk.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

After breakfast the program ends.

Time in Tabuk can be enjoyed before departing to the next destination. From Tabuk, additional trips can include a visit to the oasis of Al-Disah, the striking red rock formations of AlUla, or the wonders of NEOM.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast