Trails of Arabia

📍 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.

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

📍 Tabuk - Hisma (125 km): 1 hr 30 mins (incl. off road) Walking: up to 2 hours (approx. 5 km) Elevation: + 130 m / - 131 m

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. 

After lunch, go deep into the Hisma desert, joining a local guide for an off-road adventure. Travel from Tabuk to NEOM, the name recently given to the northwest corner of Saudi Arabia. Quite possibly the most scenic part of the region is the Hisma desert, sometimes called Bajda or Hesmi. It is uninhabited and boasts wild scenery of yellow-red sands and towering rocks. 

After the one-hour drive from Tabuk, the adventure begins. The driver switches the car into 4x4 mode and veers off road into the desert sands, with the skilled driver navigating over dunes and through deep sand pits. During the drive stop to explore on foot, taking short hikes through deep canyons and cliffs and enjoying the beauty of the desert landscapes.

At the end of the adventure, enjoy a delightful dinner at the camp and return to Tabuk.

Overnight in Tabuk.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Tabuk - Wadi Disah (130 km): 1 hr 30 mins Walking: up to 3 hours (approx. 10 km) Elevation: + 532 m / - 664 m Wadi Disah - AlUla (260 km): 3 hrs 30 mins

After breakfast, the journey continues southward through a striking landscape of desert expanses and rugged mountain ranges.

Upon reaching the entrance of Wadi Disah, the day’s adventure begins with a scenic hike through the heart of the valley. Known as the Valley of the Palm Trees, Wadi Disah is one of Saudi Arabia’s most remarkable natural wonders featuring towering sandstone cliffs, colorful rock formations, and freshwater springs that sustain dense vegetation along the valley floor.

The route follows a trail from one end of the canyon to the other, offering a gradual immersion into the changing scenery where dramatic rock spires rise overhead and natural pools reflect the shifting light. Along the way, there are opportunities to pause for observation, photography, and quiet appreciation of the tranquil surroundings.

At the end of the hike, a short drive leads to a nearby mango farm. Lunch is served beneath the shade of fruit trees, with a view into the agricultural practices that thrive in this arid region. Following lunch, the journey proceeds toward AlUla, arriving in the late afternoon.

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 Walking: up to 1.5 hours (approx. 3 km) (including water breaks and photo time) Elevation: + 22 m / - 6 m

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 before starting the afternoon trek.  

The trek begins with a 3 km walk along the Oasis Heritage Trail, passing through shaded paths lined with palm trees, citrus orchards, and small farms. Traditional irrigation systems and mudbrick structures reflect the area's agricultural history. The trail continues into AlJadeeda, AlUla’s art district, where walking streets feature murals, installations, and small galleries.

The walk ends at AlUla Old Town, a restored historic settlement with narrow alleys, traditional buildings, and small shops. Once a key stop on ancient trade routes, the town today blends preserved heritage with modern cafés and boutiques.

Overnight in AlUla. 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 AlUla - Madakel (45 km): 1 hour Walking: up to 4 hours (approx. 8 km) Elevation: + 135 m / - 62 m

After breakfast, depart early for the Sharaan Nature Reserve to begin a full-day hiking experience in Madakel Canyon. The guided trek follows a narrow canyon route shaped by wind and water over centuries.

The 4-hour hike involves navigating tight passages, scrambling over natural rock formations, and walking along uneven terrain. With steep canyon walls on either side, the landscape offers both geological interest and physical challenge. Short rest stops are included throughout the hike, with opportunities to observe the area's distinct desert vegetation and rock features. The hike concludes by early afternoon followed by return transfer and time to rest.

Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Enjoy the facilities of the hotel or dip in the sparkling pool before getting out for farewell dinner to AlUla at one of its modern marvels: Maraya. Explore Maraya, the iconic mirrored landmark in Ashar Valley. Admire its stunning reflective façade of 9,740 glass panels and discover the cutting-edge design behind this world-class venue. Step onto the stage, tour its vast spaces, and experience the fusion of art, technology, and nature in this architectural masterpiece.

After the photo break at sunset, savour a special dinner at Maraya Social. Located on the rooftop of the spectacular Maraya Hall building, and owned by Michelin chef Jaso Atherton, this is one of Saudi Arabia’s best restaurants.

Overnight in AlUla.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

📍 AlUla - Medina (350 km): 3,5hrs Medina - Jeddah (420km): 2hrs by high-speed train Jeddah train station - Jeddah city center (20km): 25 mins

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 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.

In the afternoon, 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, 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.

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.

Spend the late afternoon exploring 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

Enjoy leisure time at the hotel until check-out, followed by a transfer to the airport. For those with late evening flights, the day can be extended with an optional Red Sea water adventure, a refreshing way to wrap up the journey with sun, sea, and a final taste of coastal beauty.

Optional: Red Sea boat trip and snorkeling and swimming (Half Day)

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.

Time: 09:00 - 13:00

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast