The Beauty of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia

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

It is recommend to arrive before sunset to avoid traffic congestion
 
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 organised grid layout is lined with more than 4,000 mosques, numerous busy shopping centres and traditional souks, public parks, and a diverse set of communities and neighbourhoods.

Recognized as the holiest month for Muslims, Ramadan in Saudi Arabia holds immense importance. The significance of Ramadan adds a unique charm to the city, as daytime tranquillity transforms into lively energy immediately after sunset.

Evening program runs from 6 PM until 12 AM

This evening begins with the first experience of iftar – the meal to break the Ramadan fast post-sunset. Traditional iftar gatherings, often hosted by mosques and community centres, provide a wonderful opportunity to absorb the essence of Ramadan, with many offering complimentary iftar meals.

After this very local experience, begin sightseeing with a focus on Saudi’s charismatic past. Visit Al Masmak Fortress, a large clay and mud-brick citadel in the heart of the old city 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. 

Continue to Riyadh’s Souq al Zel and Souq Bisht, two of the most atmospheric, traditional marketplaces in town. These markets sell an array of local products, including abaya, the traditional Saudi Arabian outfit.  

Dive deeper into Saudi Arabia's rich history with visits to the beautiful Murabba Palace and the National Museum.

Overnight in Riyadh.
 

Inclusions:

🍗 Dinner

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

To accommodate the late night Ramadan activities, this morning is at leisure to rest and recharge.  

Excursion begin at 11 AM until 10 PM

Around 11.00, head out for a true adventure:  a 4x4 ride to the stunning ‘Edge of the World’.

Leave Riyadh's city centre by 4x4, watching the views change from modern urban streets to dramatic desert landscapes and head out to Jebel Fihrayn, more commonly known as ‘The Edge of the World’. It got its nickname from the uninterrupted view of the horizon it offers atop its 300-metre-high cliffs, which overlook the plain below. Take a stroll along the edge, enjoying the prime view of the sky as it seems to melt into the barren earth. Enjoy freshly brewed arabic coffee, tea and snacks before returning to Riyadh.

Back in the city centre, continue to KAFD, or King Abdullah Financial District, the strikingly modern heart of business of the Kingdom and more and more the wider Gulf region. Follow the call of prayer and have a look at the mosque in an equally bold design during its prayer time, bustling with a vibrant crowd.

From the future to the past, visit 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.

Indulge in the enchanting ambiance of Ramadan Tents at Bujairi Terrace. Throughout the month, numerous hotels and restaurants in Saudi Arabia create special Ramadan tents, providing a distinctive dining affair enriched with traditional cuisine, music, and entertainment. Delight in a superb dinner at one of Bujairi Terrace's premier restaurants. Then, join the young Riyadh crowd for a walk around the Boulevard, an enormous theme-park-like area that showcases how far Saudi Arabia has come opening up in just a few years. 

Overnight in Riyadh.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

Enjoy a morning at leisure to recover from the night adventures. 

In the early afternoon, board a flight from the capital to Tabuk.  Tabuk is 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.

Evening excursion begin at 6 PM until 10 PM

After checking in at the hotel, step out during the enchanting sunset for a leisurely stroll along Tabuk’s main street. Coming from the vibrant modernity of Riyadh, Tabuk feels much more traditional. Explore the iftar tents that grace the city during Ramadan, witnessing the joyous gatherings of people breaking their fast. Traditionally, the fast is broken with dates, dried apricots, and refreshing juices before the evening prayer.

Continue walking through Tabuk's main streets, where stalls sell smach (traditional headwear) and other local items. Admire Tabuk's distinct Ottoman architecture, including a small fort that sits at the top of the street and houses a museum and Hijaz Railway Station. This well-preserved landmark 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.

Overnight in Tabuk.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Distances and journey time: Tabuk - Wadi Disah (260 km): 3 hrs Wadi Disah - AlUla (270 km): 3 hrs 30 mins AlUla - Jabal AlFil (Elephant Rock) (5 km): 10 mins

Transfer with sightseeings begin at 9 AM until 7 PM

Hop in a 4x4 and head south to 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 characterised by mountain forms and tall rocky columns in various colours, 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. 

The adventure then turns off-road, passing through lush vegetation and alongside a stream winding its way between the towering rock walls. MIdway through the ride, hop out of the 4x4 to explore a section of the valley on foot. There are several archaeological sites such as facades of Nabataean tombs, and the remains of walls containing Nabataean and Arabic writings in Kufic script. Return to the 4x4 and continue to a farm for a packed lunch under the fruit trees. 

Next stop: 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 travellers the biggest highlight of their Saudi adventure. 

Arriving in AlUla before sunset leaves ample scope 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. It is interesting to see how the AlUla local government gave the natural site an arty vibe with their design make-over.

Overnight in AlUla.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 AlUla - Hegra (20 km): 20 mins Hegra - AlUla Historic Town (20 km): 25 mins

Morning excursion begins at 9 AM until 12 PM

Today, celebrate Ramadan amidst AlUla’s breathtaking natural beauty, profound cultural heritage and enchanting ancient sites.

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. Join a rawee, a local  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.

Afternoon excursion begin at 4.30 PM until 10 PM

After a midday break, head out for the green zone that is AlUla oasis. 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 colourful 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 special decorations for Ramadan have turned it into a magical mix of ancient alleys and trendy restaurants and upmarket souvenirs shops. 

Indulge in an exceptional iftar experience this evening. Be immersed in the vibrant cultural traditions of Ramadan with AlJadeeda and Old Town in AlUla as a backdrop, an experience that is sure to create lasting memories.

Overnight in AlUla. 
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

📍 AlUla - Medina (350 km): 3,5hrs

The morning is at leisure. Enjoy the facilities of the hotel or continue your exploration of AlUla’s landscapes with an optional activity such as hot air balloon flight or bike ride (subject to availability).

Touring program continues at 1 PM until 9 PM

This afternoon travel through the desert and mountains to Medina along an ancient pilgrimage route. Don’t expect sand dunes- this is a volcanic area with black lava stone and mountain vistas and rich in historical significance. 

One of the two holiest cities in Islam (the other is Mecca), Medina is centred around Al Masjid an Nabawi. Also known as the Prophet’s Mosque, the sprawling, 10-minaret mosque can accommodate 1 million people. 

During Ramadan, a certain calm and positivity descends over the streets of Madinah, full of mosque-goers who heartily exchange congratulatory wishes or Dua with each other. The Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah is the most visited religious site during the month of Ramadan. Every year, during Ramadan, the citizens decorate the mosque and equip it with essential supplies. They passionately cook and serve meals to fellow Muslims and prepare Iftar tables in the mosque. 

Join the throngs of pilgrims in the heart of the city. Non-muslims are welcome to enjoy exterior views of the mosque from the edge of the square. During Iftar, the area outside of the mosque is divided into two segments, one for men and the other for women. 

When the sun sinks it is a great time to soak in view of giant iftar tables set up inside the Prophet’s Mosque from a restaurant overlooking the mosque. Indulge in a special Ramadan dinner menu, followed by some leisurely browsing at the city's central market. Saudis are known for having a sweet tooth and the stalls at this bustling souk are bursting with sweet treats such as ma’amoul (butter cookies stuffed with pistachios, walnuts, almonds or dates), luqaimat (hot, crispy dumplings drizzled in honey) and kunafa (a sweet cheese pie made with semolina pastry and rose water syrup).

Overnight in Medina.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

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

Relax at your hotel this morning. For those seeking a new experience, consider waking up before sunrise to partake in Suhoor – the pre-fast meal before the day begins. Engage in traditional activities and celebrate into the early morning hours during Ramadan.

In the early afternoon, it's time to board one of Saudi Arabia’s state-of-the-art high-speed trains to make the short journey (under 2 hours) to the coastal city of Jeddah. 

Situated on the Red Sea coast, Jeddah is a commercial hub with the second busiest seaport in the Middle East. As a gateway to Mecca ,Jeddah 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.

Evening program continues at 5 PM until 10 PM

Upon arrival, head out to the city’s attractive corniche. Enjoy a refreshing drink and some people watching while sitting on a 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.

Proceed to the distinctive Al Rahmah Mosque, a landmark of Jeddah. Contributed in 1985, the site is commonly referred to as the Floating Mosque, as it rests on the water's surface, with its bases anchored beneath the sea.
Continue with a leisurely stroll around the west end of the Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina, witnessing the highlight of Ramadan celebrations featuring lights, music and performances. Conclude the day with dinner at an upscale restaurant, offering breathtaking views of the sea, sky and the luxurious boats docked in the marina.

Overnight in Jeddah
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

Snorkelling program begin at 9 AM until 2 PM

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

Evening program continues at 6 PM until 10 PM

After time to freshen up, head out to enjoy a special Ramadan evening in Jeddah’s atmospheric old town.  

Head to Al Balad, which obtained UNESCO World Heritage status in 2014. The traditional, multi-storey buildings and merchant houses are an architectural treasure trove. It is a step back in time with the buzz of trading, pilgrims shopping and the occasional tourist mixed in. 

During Ramadan, Al Balad is more active with traditional events and stalls known as "Bastat," offering a variety of Ramadan dishes and a mix of traditional and fun games. Vendors dress in traditional Jeddah attire and sing Shabi songs from Saudi heritage, providing visitors with an authentic taste of local food and traditional customs. Exploring this vibrant atmosphere and indulging in shopping there promises an experience unlike any other.

Enjoy one last meal of Saudi cuisine before saying ‘hay maa al-salama, goodbye, until next time.’

Overnight in Jeddah
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

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

This morning is free until transferring to the airport for onward travels.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast