Discover Saudi Arabia

Riyadh is one of the most prosperous cities in the world and a reflection of modern Saudi Arabia. What once was a walled stopover along the trade routes through the desert is now the capital of a hyper-modern metropolis with the best hotels and restaurants in the country. In the city, you will find more than 4,000 mosques, numerous luxury shopping malls, traditional souks, and beautiful public parks.

On this first day in Riyadh, you will immediately experience the grandeur of this city. With the incredibly fast elevator of the iconic Kingdom Center, you will quickly reach the 99th floor. Here, you have access to the best view of Riyadh via the Sky Bridge, which is located 300 meters above the ground. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views over the skyline and the surrounding city. An experience not to be missed when you are in Riyadh.

During your welcome dinner, you will get to know the delicious traditional Saudi cuisine.

You have 2 overnight stays in Riyadh. Stay: Narcissus Hotel

Discover the richness of contrasts that characterize Riyadh. As you move through the city, you will notice the differences between these local markets and the impressive skyscrapers of the city.

You will start the day with a visit to the Diriyah area. This is the birthplace of the first Saudi state, called At-Turaif, which was ruled between 1744 and 1818. The traditional buildings made of sun-dried mud bricks and authentic alleyways have recently been restored to their former glory. Diriyah is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the heart of the old city, you will find Al Masmak Fortress. This large mud and clay brick citadel is one of the remnants of the kingdom’s origins and an important reminder of Saudi Arabia’s glorious past. You will have lunch here at a local restaurant.

Towards the end of the day, you will visit Souq al Zel and Souq Bisht. These are two of the most characteristic and traditional markets the city is rich in, and they offer a unique atmospheric setting for Arab trade. This is also the perfect place to purchase, for example, an Abaya for your trip. Of course, wearing an Abaya as a tourist is not mandatory. Complete your Riyadh experience by strolling through one of the city parks or across the squares, which come alive with social activities once the sun sets. You will then return to your hotel by transfer. Here, you can choose to stay at the hotel for dinner or dine at one of the many other restaurants in the city.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Riyadh Airport and fly for 2.5 hours to the desert city of Al Ula. Al Ula is proud to be the first UNESCO World Heritage site in Saudi Arabia. This destination lies deep in the desert in the northwest of the country. Do not expect only sand dunes; this is a volcanic area with black lava stones, mountainous landscapes, and a rich historical significance.

Upon arrival at your hotel, you will first visit the historic center of Al Ula. Also known as 'the Old Town,' this is a picturesque place that once stood at the crossroads of the Silk Road and the Incense Route. Recently carried-out renovations have transformed it into a beautiful blend of old alleyways, trendy restaurants, and souvenir shops. Lunch will be served again at a local restaurant.

Beyond the old town, in the area of the wadi and valley, lie numerous farms where swaying palm trees fill the air with the scent of citrus fruits. This contributes to the ultimate oasis feeling that Al Ula still preserves.

Follow the winding and shaded path through the orange orchard. Here, you can imagine how the nomads of the past found water and sought refuge from the searing desert heat.

Towards sunset, you will have the opportunity to quietly enjoy one of the most breathtaking sights of the region: Elephant Rock. This iconic rock formation is also known as Jabal Alfil and is a geological wonder in the heart of the golden desert, under a deep blue Arabian sky. As the sun slowly sets and the warm glow of the setting sun bathes the surroundings in a golden light, Elephant Rock takes on an enchanting appearance. The rock majestically rises from the sand, with its distinctive shape reminiscent of an elephant. It is only a 10-minute drive to your accommodation.

You will have 2 overnight stays in Al Ula. Stay: Habitas AlUla

You wake up in the desert and after breakfast, your discovery journey truly begins. The allure of Al Ula lies in its remarkable natural rock formations and canyons, extensive and diverse pre-Arabic rock art, and perfectly preserved tombs built over 2,000 years ago by the Nabataeans. You start the day with a visit to the nearby Hegra. Hegra is the southern capital of the Nabataean kingdom dating back to the first century BC. Today, visitors follow their 'rawee', also known as the storyteller, to explore the various over 100 well-preserved monumental tombs. Most are carved from rock formations and scattered across the desert.

You continue your journey to Al Jadeedah, also known as the art city. With its vibrant atmosphere, street art, and exhibitions spread across the walkable streets, you will enjoy a wonderful stroll with plenty of options for a drink on a terrace, overlooking the impressive cliffs.

Return to your hotel where you can relax by the pool for the rest of the afternoon or make use of one of the other facilities.

No trip to Saudi Arabia is complete without a 4x4 safari in the desert. Your skilled driver will take you to the impressive cliffs surrounding Al Ula. You start the day at a high vantage point at the Harrat viewpoint. The road winds steeply upward, away from the red sandstone and onto an endlessly seeming black plateau. Enjoy the panoramic view from the lookout high above the ancient city and the millions of date palms below in the valley.

Descending back down, you discover well-preserved examples of the famous 'rock art' dating back to the Kingdom of Dadan. In the Al Ula valleys, thousands of inscriptions are found in Aramaic, Dadanitic, Thamudic, and Nabataean. It is easy to recognize animal shapes such as camels and ostriches, the latter now extinct in the Middle East. You continue your journey through the desert, surrounded by spectacularly shaped rock formations.

The Saudis are closely connected to the desert. You will experience this during your Bedouin-inspired picnic lunch with traditional Saudi and other Middle Eastern delicacies amidst a desert camp. Here, you will experience authentic Arab hospitality.

Via an ancient pilgrimage route through the desert and mountains, you will reach Medina in about 3.5 hours.

Medina is, after Mecca, one of the holiest cities in Islam. In Medina, the focus is on Al Masjid an Nabawi, also known as the Prophet's Mosque. This was built by the Prophet himself and is also the place where he is buried. Non-Muslims are welcome to view the outside of the mosque from the edge of the square. Admire the enormous structure with 10 minarets that can accommodate one million people. The atmosphere of devotion there is very special.

As the sun sets, it is an ideal moment to visit Mount Uhud. This is a historically significant pilgrimage site and also a stunning viewpoint over the Holy City.

You will have 1 overnight stay in Medina. Accommodation: Sofitel Shad Shad Al Medinah

Medina has much more to offer than just visiting a holy site. You will have the opportunity to visit the final station of the Hejaz or Ottoman railway. This railway once transported pilgrims to Medina from Damascus in Syria.

Conclude your visit to Medina with some free time to wander around the city's central market. The local population is known for their preference for sweets. So, if you have a sweet tooth, you can indulge in this lively souk. It is the perfect place to taste treats such as ma'amoul (butter cookies filled with pistachios, walnuts, almonds, or dates), luqaimat (hot, crispy dumplings drizzled with honey), and kunafa (a type of sweet cheese cake made from semolina dough and rose water syrup).

After lunch, you will board Saudi Arabia's state-of-the-art high-speed train for the short (less than 2 hours) crossing to the coastal city of Jeddah.

Jeddah is a commercial hub located along the Red Sea to the west, with the second busiest port in the Middle East. It is the main gateway to Mecca, the holiest city in Islam, and welcomes over a million pilgrims each year on their way to perform Hajj. Despite this, Jeddah is considered the most liberal city in Saudi Arabia and is a popular tourist destination, blending the beauty of ancient architecture with the latest luxury amenities.

Enjoy a drink at sunset along the attractive corniche, the seaside promenade on the Red Sea. Walk through the open-air museum and admire the interesting artworks before, just like the locals, spreading out your carpet and your 'takwa,' the clever Saudi picnic chair. Join the residents of Jeddah when the sun sets, the call to prayer sounds, and the world's tallest fountain comes to life along the waterfront. Transfer to your hotel, where you can dine, or of course, choose from one of the many restaurants in Jeddah.

You will have 2 overnight stays in Jeddah. Accommodation: Shirvan Hotel

You start the day with a hearty breakfast before visiting the impressive Tayebat Museum with your guide. The museum is housed in a historic building consisting of several rooms that perfectly mimic the traditional architecture of Al Balad. Through its multiple floors full of exhibitions, the museum offers a living history lesson about the founding of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and the broader Arabian Peninsula.

Because Jeddah is located on the Red Sea, you can enjoy excellent seafood here, unlike in other parts of the country. The central fish market is the hotspot where buyers and sellers come together. Squid, shrimp, lobster, and a wide variety of fish, some of which are unique to the Red Sea, are all fresh and available. Follow your guide and select the fish you want for lunch, which will then be prepared at a restaurant right in the middle of the market. The central fish market is also a popular lunch spot for the local residents of Jeddah.

The old district of Al Balad in Jeddah is a unique place that takes you back in time. With its characteristic and authentic buildings, narrow cobbled streets, and historic merchant houses, Al Balad has a special atmosphere. The roshan, or wooden window coverings, is the old way to create shade and coolness in this hot and humid climate. This makes these alleys picturesque. In Al Balad, traders, pilgrims shopping, and a few tourists come together. In 2014, UNESCO recognized Al Balad as a World Heritage site, confirming the historical value and beauty of this neighborhood worldwide.

Let your guide take you once more for a final introduction to Saudi cuisine before you can say 'ma al salama,' until next time.

OPTIONAL PROGRAM

For those who prefer a half-day of snorkeling and swimming: Experience the Red Sea! Board a private yacht to enjoy the sea, the sun, and the underwater world of Saudi Arabia. Snorkeling gear is packed to explore the wealth of marine life this region is famous for. What you might encounter ranges from hawksbill turtles to coral groupers, eels, and even reef sharks. Snorkeling along the coral reefs is breathtaking. The water temperature is ideal at a minimum of 21°C, and the high salt content is beneficial for your health. Conclude the trip with a fish barbecue expertly prepared by your skipper.

Depending on your return flight, a transfer to the airport, and the end of a remarkable journey through a fascinating Arab country.