9 DAYS UNVEILING THE MYSTIQUE OF SAUDI ARABIA

You would be met and transferred to your accommodation for the night. Enjoy sightseeing along the way before reaching your accommodation.

Once a humble desert trading post, Riyadh has evolved into a hyper-contemporary metropolis with its avant-garde architecture. Today’s journey begins with an exciting ascent to the 99th floor of the iconic Kingdom Center into the Sky Bridge, offering unparalleled vistas of Riyadh’s dynamic skyline.

Step back in time at Ad Diriyah, the historic birthplace of the first Saudi state, At-Turaif. This UNESCO site dates back to 1744 and is recently restored to its former splendor. Delve into the intricacies of mud-brick construction, uncover the secrets of ancient cooling techniques, and marvel at the ingenuity of bygone eras, offering a captivating glimpse into Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage.

If you would like, we can arrange optional dinner at the Bujairi Terrace to conclude the day.

The Birthing of Riyadh’s Renaissance

Delve deeper into Riyadh’s charismatic heritage. Standing proud at the heart of the old town is Al Masmak Fortress, a witness to the birth of the Saudi kingdom. Traverse the quaint streets of Justice Square, where mud-brick houses whisper tales of days gone by. Unravel Saudi’s illustrious past at Murabba Palace and the captivating National Museum of Saudi Arabia.

If time permits, we will visit the vibrant Souq al Zel and Souq Bisht to rub shoulders with the locals as you browse their traditional wares or abayas.

Transfer: Hotel to Airport

You would be met and transferred to the airport for your onward journey.

Flight: Riyadh – Abha

Transfer: Airport to Hotel

You would be met and transferred to your accommodation for the night.

Optional: Morning Hike in Jabal Sawda

Enjoy a three-hour hike alongside juniper trees and postcard-perfect mountain views, descending through a mountainside trail with fantastic valley sceneries. This is a moderate hike on a rocky trail with an elevation gain 29 metres and a descent of 752 metres.

Heritage Trails in the High Mountains

After visiting the Fatima Museum of Aseeri Women to uncover insights into the Aseeri natural painting techniques, traditional designs and home decorations, your drive continues into the towering Jabal Sawda, believed to be the highest mountain in Saudi Arabia.

Uncover the unique local traditions, architectures and heritages in Abha and the wider Asir region. Visit the alluring Rijal Alma with its watchtowers and mud houses which resembles the vernacular design one can find across the border in Yemen. Hop onboard a scenic cable car ride to the fascinating “hanging village” of Habala.

Marvel at the hall of Shada Archaeological Palace, which houses over 14,000 artefacts and 83 modern paintings bearing the signatures of Saudi princes and personalities.

Transfer: Hotel to Airport

You would be met and transferred to the airport for your onward journey.

Flight: Abha – Jeddah

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 choosing their picks, and having 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 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 one of two 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 Land Rover)

Join our rawee (local storyteller) as you explore the immaculately preserved tomb of Mada’in Saleh, 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, along with a fireside dinner under the stars. You will depart at 5.30pm and end at 10.30pm.

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.