10 DAYS UNCOVER THE SECRETS OF SAUDI ARABIA

Transfer: Airport to Hotel

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation for the night.

The Birthplace of Saudi Arabia

This morning, explore Ad Diriyah, the birthplace of At-Turaif, the first Saudi state, which ruled between 1744 and 1818. The UNESCO World Heritage site has been restored to its former glory, and is poised to take its place as a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s tourism offerings. Here, marvel at stunning examples of traditional Najdi mudbrick architecture, including the Salwa palace and small museums. 

Flight: Riyadh – Abha 

After lunch, head to the airport for your flight to Abha.

SV 1675 | 1605 – 1755 (1h 50min)

Transfer: Airport to Hotel

Upon arrival in Abha, you will be transferred to your accommodation for the night. 

Asir’s Landscapes & Architecture

After breakfast, starting from the city of Abha, drive out to Jabal Sawda, a towering peak believed to be the highest in Saudi Arabia. 

Continue your journey to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Rija Alma, and take a walk through the streets for an up-close look at the traditional architecture of mud houses and watchtowers, while learning about the ingenious construction techniques used to protect the structures from seasonal rains.

Artistry of Asir

Delve into the heritage of Asir at the Fatima Museum of Asir Women, an enthralling exploration of traditional design, home decor and the natural painting techniques unique to Asir. 

Conclude the day by exploring Al Muftaha Art Village, which embodies Asir’s artistic spirit through a series of small art galleries filled with works by local and regional artists and photographers. 

The Hanging Village

After breakfast, we drive about 1 hour to the 400 year old “hanging village” of Habala, dramatically located 300m down a steep cliff, where you will hop onboard a scenic cable car ride for an enthralling overview of the village. 

Flight: Abha – Jeddah 

After lunch, head to the airport for your flight to the bride of the red sea, Jeddah.

SV 1651 | 1630 – 1755* (1h 25min)

*Flight schedule is subject to change

Transfer: Airport to Hotel

Upon arrival in Jeddah, you will be transferred to your accommodation for the night, situated on the new Jeddah Waterfront along the shores of the Red Sea. 

Jeddah, the “bride of the Red Sea”, is a historic city that for centuries has been a travel hub serving Muslim pilgrims en route to Mecca. 

Jeddawi Heritage

Your journey begins from the Tayebat Museum, a landmark building built in the traditional Hijazi (Western Saudi Arabian) architectural style, that houses a vast and eclectic collection of ethnographic items.

Next, head out to the distinctive Al Rahmah Mosque, a notable landmark in Jeddah commonly dubbed the Floating Mosque due to its resting position appearing to float on the water’s surface. 

Historic Jeddah

After lunch, enjoy a curated walking tour to the city’s UNESCO World Heritage listed Old Town of Al Balad, founded in the 7th century. On passing through the Mecca Gate into Al Balad, take in the incense-scented air of the bustling souqs and multi-story houses built of coral stone with their distinctive “roshan” wooden windows, art galleries and historic mosques, including the Shafi Masjid – the oldest in Jeddah. 

This evening, the city comes to life with Islamic calls to prayer, and the world’s tallest fountain dances by the beachwalk as you enjoy dinner with a view. 

Flight: Jeddah – Al Ula

Today, you’ll leave your hotel early in the morning for your flight to Al Ula. 

SV 1630 | 0940 – 1110* (1h 30min)

*Flight schedule is subject to change

Art Trails of Al Ula

After a hearty lunch upon your arrival in Al Ula, take a stroll down Al Jadeeda, also known as “art city”. Explore Al Jadeeda’s colorful street arts and exhibits, before continuing to the Old Town of Al Ula with its charismatic mix of ancient alleys, mud brick houses and trendy restaurants.

As the sun nears the horizon, the day’s sightseeing will conclude at Elephant Rock, where you will sit back to enjoy the sight of Al Ula’s most famous rock formations. 

Hegra with a Local Storyteller 

Join our rawee (local storyteller) as you explore the immaculately preserved tomb of Hegra (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

Head for the green zone that is Al Ula oasis, and stroll along the quaint palm trees. After lunch amidst the date farms, follow the Oasis Heritage Trail through the orange grove and learn how the nomads of the past found water and refuge from the desert. 

Tucked within the scenic heart of Al Ula’s oasis lies Daimumah, a living testament to sustainable agriculture. Wander through its shaded palm groves and fragrant botanical gardens, following picturesque pathways that weave past ancient mud brick dwellings and ingenious irrigation systems. 

Ancient Whispers through the Footprints of Time

We journey back in time to Dadan, the ancient Kingfom of the Lihyanite and Dadanite civilisations. See the famous Lion Tombs, chiselled into the cliff face, as well as ancient inscriptions and petroglyphs adorning the stunning desert canyon walls of Jabal Ikmah.

Next, set off in 4WD vehicles to explore the Saudi desert surrounding Al Ula, and settle down for a delectable Bedouin-style sheltered picnic lunch in the desert, encompassing a traditional range of Saudi and other Middle Eastern delicacies before immersing in the panoramic beauty of Al Ula city from the elevated Harrat Uwayrid viewpoint. 

Closer to sunset, visit the giant mirrored cube that is the Maraya Concert Hall. View this spectacular 500-seat venue that reflects the surrounding desertscape, and is the largest mirror-clad building in the world. 

Transfer: Al Ula – Medina

Wave goodbye to Al Ula, and travel through the desert and mountains (approx. 3.5 hours) to Medina, one of the two holiest cities in Islam, and a key destination for Muslim pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah. 

Holy City of Medina

A highlight of your Medina experience will be lunch at a hotel with a view of the exterior of the vast Masjid al-Nawabi (The Prophet’s Mosque), where the tombs of Prophet Muhammad and his daughter Fatima, and the first caliph Abu Bakr are to be found. 

For a primer on Medina’s timeless history, you will start at the International Fair & Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilisation.

As the sun sets, visit Mt Uhud, a major pilgrimage landmark and viewpoint across the Holy City. 

On your last morning, viist the terminus station of the Hijaz or Ottoman railway, which once brought pilgrims to Medina from as far away as Damascus in Syria.

You will then be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.