Riyadh Essentials

📍 Riyadh airport - Riyadh city center (35 km): 45 mins

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, explore the city from above with a visit to the iconic Al Faisaliah Tower. Its distinctive design and observation deck provide breathtaking views of Riyadh’s sprawling skyline and surrounding landscapes. 

Then join the young Riyadh crowd for a walk around the Boulevard City, an enormous theme-park-like space that showcases how far Saudi Arabia has come opening up in just a few years. 

Overnight in Riyadh.

Inclusions:

Today begins with some pointers toward Saudi’s charismatic past. 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 shops 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. Learn more about Saudi history at beautiful Murabba palace and at the modern National Museum of Saudi Arabia.

After lunch at a traditional restaurant, 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. Explore the mosque's striking design, followed by a coffee break in the financial district.

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.  

Overnight in Riyadh.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Riyadh - Jebel Fihrayn (Edge of the World) (100 km): 1 hr 30 min each way

Embark on a half-day desert adventure to the Red Sand Dunes near Riyadh, Renowned for its stunning red sands with towering dunes, this location offers a non-touristy haven near the capital. Transfer from the hotel to the base camp, where the desert exploration begins. Get the adrenaline pumping with an array of activities on the sand, including a desert safari, dune bashing, sand surfing and a short hike in the dunes. Following these thrilling experiences, take a rest at a scenic desert camp. Refuel with a tasty lunch while surrounded by the desert landscapes. The program concludes with a return trip to Riyadh, leaving behind the captivating beauty of the Red Sand Dunes.

In the afternoon, trade Riyadh's glittering skyscrapers and bustling streets for one of the country’s more wild and rugged landscapes, and head out to Jebel Fihrayn, more famously known as “The Edge of the World”. It got its nickname from the uninterrupted view of the horizon it offers atop its 300-meter-high cliffs, which overlook the plateau below. 

While taking a brief stroll, watch for signs of a once-thriving marine habitat in the now-deserted area. Then, settle on the carpet and taqwa for a prime view of the sky blending into the barren earth. Freshly brewed Arabic coffee, tea, and picnic-style snacks will be served before returning to the hotel after sunset. 

Overnight in Riyadh.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Riyadh city center - Riyadh airport (35 km): 45 mins

Before departing, enjoy a special home-cooked lunch with a local Saudi family. Each of our host families has their own story and offers a unique twist on the dining experience, but each meal is delivered with genuine Saudi Arabian hospitality. Upon arrival at the host’s home, a traditional welcome of Saudi coffee and dates will be served while introductions are made. Afterwards, women will continue into the house with the female family members while men will remain in the visitors room or garden, depending on the weather. Although the degree of English proficiency varies, each host family will be able to convey their warm welcome to guests and answer questions about work, family and daily life in Saudi. 

Once acquainted, a home-cooked meal is served, with dishes vary upon season and family recipes. Normally ladies eat with the ladies but, if preferred, it is perfectly acceptable for visiting ladies to dine alongside the men. After eating, experience another layer of local culture by dressing in traditional attire and partaking in a game of Carrom, also known as Kairam, a popular tabletop game enjoyed by Saudis. Following this enriching and immersive local experience, bid farewell to the hosts and transfer to the airport for onward flight back home.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch