Jeddah & Al Ula

Jeddah is a commercial hub located west of the Red Sea, 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 where the beauty of ancient architecture blends with the latest luxury amenities.

Celebrate your arrival in the kingdom with drinks at sunset along the attractive corniche, the seaside promenade on the Red Sea. Stroll 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 as the sun sets, the call to prayer echoes, and the world's tallest fountain comes to life. Complete your first day in Saudi Arabia with a modern-style welcome dinner that perfectly matches the fast pace of Jeddah's development.

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

You start the day with a delicious breakfast followed by a visit to the impressive Tayebat Museum with your guide. The museum is housed in a historic building consisting of multiple rooms that perfectly emulate the traditional architecture of Al Balad. Through its floors filled with exhibitions, the museum offers a lively history lesson about the founding of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and the broader Arabian Peninsula.

Located on the Red Sea, Jeddah offers countless opportunities to try the most delicious seafood dishes. This is in contrast to 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 found only in the Red Sea, are all available fresh here. Follow your guide and select the fish you desire for lunch, which will then be prepared in 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.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Today is dedicated to following the 'footsteps' of the Prophet Mohammed to the Holy City of Medina.

His early followers made this journey on foot and by camel. Today, pilgrims travel by the high-speed Haramain train over Saudi Arabia's ultra-modern rail system. This makes the journey to Medina, one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in Islam, less than 2 hours.

Medina, along with Mecca, is one of the most sacred cities in Islam. The city revolves around Al Masjid an Nabawi, also known as the Prophet's Mosque. It was built by the Prophet himself and is also the place where he is buried. Non-Muslims are welcome to admire the exterior of the mosque, with its 10 minarets, from the edge of the square. It can accommodate up to 1 million people. The atmosphere of devotion here is truly special.

You will also dine today at a local restaurant before your 4WD is ready to take you on a 3.5-hour drive to the oasis city of Al Ula. Al Ula is proud to be Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage site. This destination lies deep in the desert in the northwest of the country. Expect not only sand dunes but also a volcanic landscape with black lava stones, mountain scenery, and rich historical significance.

Arriving in Al Ula for sunset offers you the opportunity to quietly enjoy one of the most breathtaking sights of the region: Elephant Rock. This iconic rock formation is known as Jabal Alfil and is a geological wonder in the heart of the golden desert, beneath 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 resembling an elephant. It is only a 10-minute drive to your accommodation.

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

You wake up in the desert and after breakfast, your exploration 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 that were built over 2,000 years ago by the Nabateans. You start the day with a visit to the nearby Hegra. Hegra is the southern capital of the Nabatean 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 feature facades carved from rock formations and are scattered across the desert. Lunch is again at a local restaurant. Beyond the old city, 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 grove. Imagine how nomads of the past found water here and sought refuge from the sealing heat of 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 walking streets, this is a fantastic place for a stroll, offering countless options for a drink on a terrace while the sun changes the colors of the imposing cliffs around you.

Finally, you head to the historic center of Al Ula itself. Also known as 'the old town,' this is a picturesque place that once sat at the crossroads of the Silk Road and the Incense Route. Recent renovations have transformed Al Ula into a beautiful mix of old alleys with trendy restaurants and charming souvenir shops. You return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

No trip to Saudi Arabia is complete without a 4x4 safari into the desert. Your skilled driver will take you to the impressive cliffs surrounding Al Ula. You start the day at a high altitude 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 high above the ancient city and the millions of palm trees below in the valley.

On the way back to the valley, you will see many well-preserved examples of the famous 'rock art' dating back to the Kingdom of Dadan. In the Al Ula valleys, thousands of inscriptions in Aramaic, Dadanitic, Thalmudic, and Nabatean have been found that you can view. You can easily recognize the animal shapes of camels and ostriches. The latter is now extinct in the Middle East. You continue your journey through the desert, surrounded by spectacularly shaped rock formations.

The local people have a close connection to the desert. You will experience this during the Bedouin-inspired picnic lunch with traditional Saudi and other Middle Eastern delicacies amidst a desert camp. Here, you will experience true Arab hospitality.

Transfer to the airport for your evening flight of 1.5 hours to Jeddah. Afterwards, you will be transferred to your hotel in Jeddah.

Depending on your return flight, you will have a transfer to the airport. This marks the end of a remarkable journey through a country that was closed to Western tourists until 2019.