Surprising Saudi

📍 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, 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.

Optional Program for a great half-day by 4x4 to the stunning Edge of the World

Leave the city center 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 plain below. Go for a stroll along the edge before you get cozy on your carpet and takwa, the Saudi picnic seat, for a prime view of the sky as it seems to melt into the barren earth. Enjoy freshly brewed arabic coffee, tea and picnic-style snacks before returning to the hotel in Riyadh.

Time: 14:00 - 18:00
Distances and journey time:
Riyadh - Jebel Fihrayn (Edge of the World) (100 km): 1 hr 30 min each way

Overnight in Riyadh. 

Inclusions:

Let’s begin 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 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. 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.

Enjoy a great dinner at one of the top quality restaurants of the Bujairi Terrace!

Overnight in Riyadh.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

This morning 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. Upon arrival, meet a local guide and savor lunch at a traditional Saudi cuisine restaurant. 

Life moves slowly here and feels wandering along the main street, checking out the small fort that 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.

For those seeking alternative options, consider activities that provide a more active and thrilling afternoon, consider the following optional half-day program.

Optional Program for a hidden Hisma Tour by 4x4 

Experience the vast beauty of Hisma desert through off-road driving and scenic hikes. Navigate red sand dunes and wide valleys, explore narrow canyons, and traverse impressive rock formations that showcase the region's wild landscapes. Conclude the adventure with a memorable dinner at the camp before returning to the hotel.

Time: 13:00 - 20:00
Distances and journey time:
Tabuk - Hisma (125 km): 1 hr 30 mins (incl. off road)

Overnight in Tabuk.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Tabuk - Wadi Disah (215 km): 3 hrs 15 mins

A leisurely morning allows for free time before the journey to explore the wonders of the Tabuk region begins. Traveling southward, the route winds through arid deserts and rugged mountains, revealing the captivating landscape.

Upon arrival in Wadi Disah, visit a local farm where a delicious lunch will be served under the fruit trees.  While there, learn more about agriculture in this arid climate and the region’s history.

After lunch, climb into a 4x4 for an off-road adventure. Loosely translated as the Valley of the Palm Trees, Wadi Disah is one of Saudi Arabia’s most spectacular natural attractions, characterised by mountain forms and tall rocky columns in various colours. Wadi Disah is also home to freshwater springs which create a real oasis feeling. With a skilled driver behind the wheel, pass through lush vegetation and alongside a stream winding its way between the towering rock walls. Stop at any time to take a closer look, take photos or to enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

As daylight fades, embark on a short 4x4 transfer to a secluded desert corner where a private setting awaits. Relax on takwa, traditional Saudi picnic seats, as a warm campfire illuminates the evening. Enjoy a flavorful BBQ dinner under a sky filled with stars, with the guide sharing navigation tips based on the constellations and recounting captivating desert tales over freshly brewed Arabic coffee.

After dinner, return to the farm for Bedouin camping. Cozy Bedouin tents, equipped with proper beds and shared bathroom facilities, offer a comfortable night’s rest, reflecting the traditional nomadic lifestyle.

Overnight in a Bedouin tent in Wadi Disah.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Wadi Disah - AlUla (270 km): 3 hrs 30 mins AlUla - Jabal AlFil (Elephant Rock) (5 km): 10 mins

See the sun appear from behind the mountains while a fresh local breakfast is prepared around the fire.

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. Upon arrival, enjoy a delightful lunch at a local restaurant followed by hotel check-in.

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.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 AlUla - Hegra (20 km): 20 mins Hegra - AlUla Historic Town (20 km): 25 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. 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 and enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant, 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.

Overnight in AlUla. 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 AlUla - Khaybar (225 km): 2 hrs 25 mins Khaybar - Medina (175 km): 2 hrs

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. 

Then visit the Museum of the Prophet's Biography and Islamic Civilization, where explore exhibits that showcase the life of Prophet Muhammad and the rich history of Islamic civilization through detailed artefacts and multimedia displays. Conclude the day at Mount Uhud, a major pilgrimage site and viewpoint across the Holy City.

Overnight in Medina.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

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

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.

After lunch at a nearby restaurant offering a partial view of the Prophet’s Mosque, 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 arrival with drinks along the city’s picturesque corniche. A carpet and a takwa, the traditional Saudi picnic seat, provide comfort while soaking in the atmosphere. As the sun sets and the call to prayer resonates, witness the world’s tallest fountain illuminate the evening by the beachwalk.

Overnight in Jeddah

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

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. 

End the journey with a seafood farewell dinner, savoring fresh local flavors and bidding a heartfelt "hay maa al-salama"—goodbye, until next time.

Overnight in Jeddah

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Jeddah - Jeddah airport (25km): 30 mins

Leisure time until hotel check-out, followed by transfer to the airport.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast