6 DAYS JEWELS OF SAUDI ARABIA
Jeddah, Al Ula
History & Culture, Off the Beaten
Newly opened to tourism at the end of 2019, Saudi Arabia still preserves some of the world’s most pristine landscapes, offering hospitality from warm-hearted locals and attracting only a fraction of the tourists found elsewhere.
This journey introduces you to the three prominent gems of Saudi Arabia: Jeddah, Medina, and Al Ula. Explore the atmospheric streets of Jeddah and the sacred pilgrim city of Medina, and conclude your trip in the captivating Al Ula, where you can delve into the history of the impressive Nabatean civilisation predating the birth of Islam.
Transfer: Airport to Hotel with Sightseeing
You would be met and transferred to your accommodation for the night. Enjoy sightseeing along the way before reaching your accommodation.
Life of the Local Jeddawis
Start at Tayebat Museum, offering interesting collections of real-size examples of Saudi and Jeddahwi building styles, everyday tools, utensils, arts, as well as insights into the two holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
Continue to the Central Fish Market where you can observe local vendors selling squid, shrimp, lobster and fish native to the Red Sea. Follow the flow of the market as you observe locals choose their picks, have them weighed and cleaned before getting them prepared in a restaurant within the market.
Conclude your day with a leisure sojourn along Jeddah’s picturesque corniche, followed by a ‘soft picnic’ experience with soft drinks and local snacks as you admire the world’s tallest fountain by the waterfront.
Optional: Red Sea Snorkelling with Seafood BBQ Lunch
Hop on a speedboat into the famous Red Sea for opportunities to discover the underwater life brimming with exotic fishes gliding across colorful corals, followed by a seafood BBQ lunch.
Historic Jeddah
Immerse in the atmospheric Jeddah old town of Al Balad, which achieved a UNESCO World Heritage status in 2014. Once serving as a major stop along the Indian Ocean trade routes channelling goods into the holy city of Mecca, the streets of Al Balad buzzes with traders and pilgrims amidst multi-storey merchant houses with wooden roshan windows.
Train Transfer: Jeddah – Medina
Once upon a time, the early followers of the prophet Mohammed would undertake the legendary trail from Jeddah to Medina on foot and by camel. Today, we follow the pilgrims’ trail with the state-of-the-art high-speed train into the holy city of Medina, taking approximately just 2 hours.
Holy City of Medina
Together with Mecca, Medina is two of the holiest sites in the religion of Islam. For a primer on its timeless history, you will start at the International Fair & Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization.
Thereafter, you will marvel at the exterior views of the Prophet’s Mosque from the edge of the square. Speak to one of our friendly Travel Specialists to arrange lunch with a panoramic view of the mosque.
Transfer: Medina – Al Ula
After your sightseeing in Medina, you will be transferred by road from Medina to Al Ula for approximately 3.5 hours.
Elephant Rock with Optional Michelin-esque Dinner
Set in golden desert sands, the Elephant Rock is one of the most iconic geological marvels of Al Ula. Continue to Ashar Valley, home of the world’s largest mirror-clad building Maraya.
Enjoy optional sunset rooftop dining at Maraya Social by Jason Atherton, the renowned chef and proprietor of Michelin-starred establishments worldwide. Indulge in a medley of sharing plates and exquisite mocktails crafted from the finest seasonal ingredients showcasing a fusion of Mediterranean, Arabian and British flavours amidst the breathtaking vistas of Ashar Valley.
Hegra with a Local Storyteller (Join-In with Private Landrover)
Join our rawee (local storyteller) as you explore the immaculately preserved tomb of Mada’in Salih, which today numbers over 100 tombs carved from rock formations around the Al Ula desert. Uncover insights behind the ancient Nabataean kingdom and the legendary Incense Trade Route as you explore this UNESCO site.
Oasis Heritage & Art Trails of Al Ula
Stroll along the quaint palm trees and date farms of Al Ula Oasis, followed by a cup of coffee as you breathe in the fresh air with a tinge of citrus at The Pink Camel. Follow the Oasis Heritage Trail through the orange grove and learn how the nomads of the past found water and refuge from the desert here.
After exploring Al Jadeeda’s colorful street arts and exhibits, we continue to the Old Town of Al Ula with its charismatic mix of ancient alleys and trendy restaurants.
Optional: Sunrise Ballooning Over Hegra
Experience a magical morning in Al Ula as you soar above the sky on a hot air balloon for a bird’s eye view of the UNESCO-listed Hegra.
Ancient Whispers through the Footprints of Time
After immersing in the panoramic beauty of Al Ula city from the elevated Harrat Uwayrid viewpoint, we unravel the ancient legacies of the Lihyanite and Dadanite civilizations at Dadan, as well as ancient inscriptions and petroglyphs adorning the stunning desert canyon walls of Jabal Ikmah.
Fireside Dinner Under the Stars (Join-In)
Far from the city lights, the wide open desert of Al Ula with its rocky outcrops make for an idyllic place for stargazing. Our expert will guide you through the constellations as well as a fireside dinner under the stars. You will depart at 5.30pm and end at 10.30pm.
Transfer: Hotel to Airport
The rest of the day is free at leisure until your flight time. You would be met and transferred to the airport for your onward journey.
We are happy to arrange extension to other parts of Saudi Arabia, Middle East or any destination of your choice. Speak to one of our friendly Travel Specialists for more information.
Sheraton Jeddah Hotel • Shaden Resort
Rosewood Jeddah • Banyan Tree AlUla
Kindly call us at (852) 2885 2181 if you require any immediate assistance.
Personal Particulars
GET STARTED WITH YOUR PERSONALISED UNIQUE JOURNEY
Call us at (852) 2885 2181 or email us at enquiry@intriqjourney.com to start planning for a holiday that is completely tailored to your preferences.
Contact Us