An Introduction to Saudi Arabia

Starting from between £5100 to £6250 per person for 8 days depending on the season of travel, advance booking time and the accommodation and activities chosen

Itinerary Highlights

Experience Saudi Arabian culture and cuisine in Riyadh, the capital
Explore Tabuk’s Hisma Desert
Spot local wildlife in Al-Ula's Sharaan Nature Reserve
Discover the rich history of the ancient city of Hegra

Occupying most of the Arabian Peninsula, Saudi Arabia forms a major part of the Middle East region. Until now, it has seldom been explored by Western travellers. On this eight-day trip, discover Saudi’s incredible cities, archaeological sites and natural wonders, immerse yourself in the country's culture and meet friendly locals along the way.

Your trip begins in Riyadh, the country’s capital. This vibrant city blends historic architecture, markets and souqs with modern touches, showcasing the past and the future of this cultural hub. Next, travel to Tabuk to marvel at its vast ochre cliffs and ancient fortress, before heading to Al-Ula, where you’ll visit Hegra, an archaeological site that offers a glimpse into ancient Nabataean civilisation. Finally, visit Jeddah, a former fishing village transformed into a major port city, to enjoy a taste of sand and sea before you (reluctantly) head home.

Al Ula - Saudi Arabia © Alixe Lay

Tabuk - Saudi Arabia © Alain Capestan

Riyadh - Saudi Arabia © Saudi Tourism Authority

Al Ula - Saudi Arabia © Saudi Tourism Authority

Al Ula - Saudi Arabia © Alain Capestan

Jeddah - Saudi Arabia © Saudi Tourism Authority

Jeddah - Saudi Arabia © Alain Capestan

The Edge of the World - Riyadh - Saudi Arabia © Saudi Tourism Authority

Itinerary

100% customisable for you

Your introduction to Saudi Arabia starts today, so head to the airport, whizz through security and chill out in the airport lounge before boarding your seven-hour flight to Riyadh.

Once you touch down, you’ll be transferred to the Olaya district in the traditional centre of Riyadh, where you’ll spend the next two nights. It’ll be evening by the time you arrive, so unpack your bags and flop into bed, ready to explore the city tomorrow.

Rise and shine for your first full day in Riyadh. This morning, we’ve arranged for you to explore the city with a knowledgeable expat guide. On a tour tailored to your interests, learn about local life as you stroll along historic streets, enjoy authentic tea and chat about Riyadh’s history and culture – you’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for the city.

Come evening, delve into Saudi cuisine with two private chefs. As they prepare your meal in front of you, they’ll explain the evolution of Saudi cooking, which fuses Middle Eastern and Indian influences to create delicious dishes. Once you’ve finished feasting, the chefs will note down the recipes used so you can enjoy a taste of Saudi Arabia at home.

This morning, take a transfer to the airport for your two-hour flight to Tabuk, a city in the northwest. Once you land, drop your bags at your centrally-located hotel before heading back out for a day of desert exploration.

Located around an hour’s drive from central Tabuk, the Hisma Desert is affectionately known as the ‘Wadi Rum of Saudi Arabia’ due to its Jordan-esque rock formations. Hisma is home to hundreds of rock carvings and inscriptions, ranging from the pre-Islamic and caravan trade eras to the first decades of Islam. Spend the day exploring the sprawling sand in a comfortable 4x4, before settling down around a desert campfire for a tasty dinner.

This morning, say goodbye to Tabuk and hello to Al-Ula, where you’ll be spending the next three nights. Load your bags into your new hire car (which we’ll have delivered to your hotel) and drive for almost 200 miles, admiring the rocky desert landscapes as you go.

Set in western Saudi Arabia, Al-Ula is nestled along the southern edge of the ancient Nabataean kingdom. As a result, the city is home to historic sites dating back millennia, including cemeteries, sanctuaries and hydraulic installations.

If you’re all tuckered out after the drive, spend the rest of the evening relaxing in your hotel. Still got some energy? We recommend heading to Jebel Al-Fil, or Elephant Rock, for sunset. This aptly named rock was weathered over millions of years into the shape of an elephant, and now stands proud in the desert at 170ft tall. Settle in for the evening and watch the setting sun cast a silhouette over the desert – there’s nothing quite like it.

After a delicious Arabian breakfast in your hotel, it’s time to explore Al-Ula’s Sharaan Nature Reserve. With its rocky canyons, wind-sculpted stone arches and steep ravines, this desert paradise is truly a sight to behold.

You’ll be picked up by a local ranger and set off in a comfortable 4x4 to explore this spectacular natural landscape. As you travel along Sharaan’s sandy stretches, keep your eyes peeled for sleek wolves, gangly ostriches and pretty gazelles. If you’re lucky, you might also run into an Arabian leopard, a critically endangered species that has only recently been introduced to Al-Ula following lengthy conservation efforts.

Put on your history hats this morning and prepare to explore Hegra, an ancient Nabataean city carved entirely of rock. Nicknamed the ‘Petra of Saudi Arabia’ for its sandstone tombs, Hegra was the first Saudi site to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

After being picked up from your hotel in a 4x4, you'll travel between the fascinating facades, impressive tombs and well-preserved cave drawings. Your guide will fill you in on the history of Hegra, once a major stop on the incense trade route.

The rest of the day is yours for the taking. Fancy soaking in the scenery? Set off on the Heritage Oasis Trail in Al-Ula Oasis, a four-mile hiking trail that takes you past groves of date palms, or up the adrenaline factor with a hot air balloon flight over the lush landscape. If you’d rather stay in the city, explore the maze of narrow streets and rows of earthen houses in Al-Ula's old town.

After three exciting days in Al-Ula, it’s time to drive to the airport, return your trusty hire car and hop aboard a short one-hour flight to Jeddah, your final destination. Once you touch down, you’ll be privately transferred to your hotel.

It’s up to you how to spend your final day in Saudi Arabia. Knackered after a jam-packed week? Simply relax at your hotel, enjoy the sun and sample some authentic Arabian cuisine – you’ve earned it.

If you fancy one last adventure, we can arrange a private walking tour of Al-Balad, Jeddah’s historic district. Alongside your knowledgeable guide, stroll through the picturesque alleys and snap pictures of the rainbow-coloured shutters and wooden mashrabiya. Pop into the local shops for incense or spices, before heading to the souq for some traditional Saudi goods. That’s all your gifts sorted…

After a week of history and culture, it’s sadly time to say goodbye to Saudi Arabia. After one last check that your bags are packed, you’ll be privately transferred to Jeddah airport, where you can relax in the lounge before boarding your seven-hour flight home. Arrive back in the UK armed with gifts and a newfound appreciation for this incredible country.

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN BEDOUIN CULTURE

The Bedouin people – nomadic, desert-dwelling Arab tribes – have left a lasting mark on Saudi Arabian culture. On this private tour, you’ll be taken on a journey into the desert to learn more about this rich heritage. Along the way, sample traditional Saudi cuisine and visit a camel farm – what better way to delve into the country’s history?

CATCH THE SUNSET AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD

Set around 30 miles from Riyadh is ‘the Edge of the World’, a breathtaking cliff at the end of the Tuwaiq mountain range. Head out of the city to watch the sunset over the desert sand and ochre cliffs, perfectly complemented by delicious local coffee and dates.

EXPLORE JEDDAH’S HISTORIC DISTRICT

Once a major stop on the ancient Incense Route, Jeddah transformed from a small fishing village to a major port city in the seventh century, establishing itself as a buzzing cultural hub. On this tour, head out with a local guide to explore Jeddah’s historic district, Al Balad. Along the way, wander along picturesque passageways, stopping at local souqs and shops to browse vibrant textiles and aromatic spices.

WITH A FEW EXTRA DAYS: DISCOVER MEDINA, THE HOLY CITY

At the heart of Medina lies the elegant Al-Masjid an-Nawabi, or the Prophet’s Mosque. This important Islamic pilgrimage site features a striking green dome set above the tombs of the Prophet Muhammad and other early Islamic leaders. Although the mosque’s interior is reserved for Muslims, you can view it from the outside, and also visit Dar Al Madina Museum, which features archaeological collections, galleries and historic images detailing Medina’s rich past. If you fancy tacking on another night, explore the surrounding area, including the breathtaking Mount Uhud.

Why visit Saudi Arabia with Original Travel ?

Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.

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