Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
An Introduction to Saudi Arabia Sacred Lands and Nabataean Sites
Saudi Arabia – Riyadh – Tabuk – AlUla – Jeddah
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 future of this cultural hub. After cavorting around the city, travel to the vast ochre cliffs and ancient fortresses of Tabuk, in the north.
Next up, head to AlUla, where you’ll visit Hegra, an archaeological site that offers a glimpse into ancient Nabataean civilisation. Then, round out your sun-soaked sojourn in Jeddah, a former fishing village that has been transformed into a major port city. Time to enjoy that classic combo of sand and sea before you (reluctantly) head home.
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
Rise and shine – your introduction to Saudi Arabia starts today. Head to the airport, whizz through security and chill out in the lounge before boarding your seven-hour flight to Riyadh.
After landing, hop in a car for your private transfer to 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, seek out a tasty meal and flop into bed, ready to explore the city tomorrow.
Wake up bright and early for your first full day in Riyadh. This morning, embark on a private tour of the city with a local guide. Everything can be tailored to your interests, so don’t hesitate to let curiosity lead the way...
Learn about local life as you stroll along storied streets, enjoy authentic tea and chat about Riyadh’s history and culture. If you fancy an adventure further afield, you could also head to Diriyah, the first Saudi capital.
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, check out and load up the car to transfer to the airport and board a 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.
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 in a comfortable 4x4 before settling down around a desert campfire for a tasty dinner. It doesn’t come much better than this.
This morning, say goodbye to Tabuk and hello to AlUla (pronounced Al-yuh-luh), where you’ll be spending the next three nights. Load your bags into the hire car waiting outside your hotel and drive three hours through the desert, admiring the lunar-like landscapes as you go.
Set in western Saudi Arabia, AlUla is nestled along the southern edge of the ancient Nabataean kingdom. As a result, it’s home to sites dating back over a millennium, including cemeteries, sanctuaries and hydraulic installations.
If you’re worn out after the drive, spend the rest of the evening relaxing in your hotel. But if you’re raring to go, visit Jebel Al-Fil (more evocatively known as Elephant Rock) for sunset. This aptly named rock has weathered into the shape of an elephant and stands at 170ft tall. Settle in here to watch the sun set over the desert – there’s nothing quite like it.
After a delicious Arabian breakfast in your hotel this morning, it’s time to explore AlUla’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 wolves, ostriches and gazelles. If you’re lucky, you might even run into an Arabian leopard, a critically endangered species recently introduced to AlUla following lengthy conservation efforts.
Return to your hotel in the city this afternoon to indulge in some downtime. Then, freshen up and head out in search of a decadent dinner.
Put on your history hats this morning to explore Hegra, an ancient Nabataean city carved entirely of rock. Nicknamed the ‘Petra of Saudi Arabia’, it was the first Saudi site to earn UNESCO status. What a claim to fame.
Set off in a 4x4 to travel between fascinating facades, tombs and cave drawings. Along the way, your guide will explain the history of Hegra, once a major stop on the incense trade route.
The rest of the day is yours for the taking. If you fancy soaking in the scenery, take the Heritage Oasis Trail, a four-mile hiking route that weaves through date palms. But if you’re looking to up the ante, climb in a hot air balloon to fly over the landscape instead.
Those who’d prefer to stay in the city should explore the maze of narrow streets and rows of earthen houses in AlUla's old town. It’s quite the charmer.
After three exciting days in AlUla, 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. If you’re knackered after a jam-packed week, you could simply relax at your hotel, enjoying the sun and sampling some authentic Arabian cuisine.
But if you fancy one last outing, pop into the local shops for incense or spices, before heading to the souq for some traditional Saudi goods. That’ll be all your souvenir shopping 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.
You’ll arrive back in the UK by late afternoon, just in time to use those recipes you picked up to craft a delicious dinner. Yum.
Suggestions
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
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 their 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 out of 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. 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 visit the Dar Al Madina Museum, which details 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.
Enquire nowA few of the benefits of travelling with us to Saudi Arabia
- Our local Concierges
- The Original Travel app
- Destination Dossier
- 24-hour helpline
- Expert guides
- 100% carbon absorption
