Sensational Saudi Arabia

Arrive at King Khalid International Airport. On arrival at Riyadh, you will be transferred to your hotel in Riyadh. Riyadh’s blend of medieval and millennial makes for a beguiling cultural union, one where Arabia’s first roots can be traced, and where its bold future can be envisioned. The city’s fascinating, centuries-old history can be found within its atmospheric souqs, compelling museums,3 and ancient architecture, but it’s also a modern metropolis, with glittering high-rises and a burgeoning contemporary art scene. Evening you have free time to explore Riyadh Boulevard (on your own), which is a prominent area in the heart of Riyadh, famous for its shopping malls, restaurants, cafes, recreational areas, and possibly cultural attractions.

Enjoy Breakfast at your Hotel. We proceed into old Riyadh, starting in the downtown area, visiting the traditional Dirah Souq (famous for buying antique carpets and other useful Saudi heritage antiques). The walk is infused with the aromas of sandalwood fragrance and other scents of the Orient. The Souq is known for men’s clothing, and it is entertaining to watch the auction, which takes place every Friday. After this, we visit the Masmak Fort, which is just walking distance from the Old Souq and whose importance is linked to the creation of the 3rd Saudi Kingdom, the modern one we live in. The fortified palace was built during the reign of Abdullah bin Rashid in the year 1895 A.D. to serve as a military garrison for the army of Abdullah bin Rashid. His Majesty King Abdulaziz, the father of today’s nation, captured the fort in 1902, marking the beginning of the reconquest of Arabia by the House of Saud. From there, we will head to the famous Kingdom Tower and its Sky Bridge to see Riyadh from a panoramic viewpoint nearly 300 meters above the city.

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, we head to Ad Diriyah to experience the essence of Saudi Heritage. Known for its traditional mud-brick architecture, Ad Diriyah is home to revitalized Al Bujairi, a pedestrianized maze of winding alleyways with cafes and craft shops. Cultural sites include the Diriyah Museum, a former palace with exhibits on Saudi history, and the restored Al-Zawihra Mosque. A river lined with date palms runs through Wadi Hanifah valley, a popular spot for waterside picnics, strolling, and cycling. Later in the day, we visit Six Flags Theme Park. Six Flags Qiddiya City spans 320,000 m², offering thrilling rides and immersive attractions. Combining high-energy adventures with serene escapes, it caters to all. From heart-pounding roller coasters to family-friendly rides, each themed environment promises unforgettable moments in a vibrant, awe-inspiring setting.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel & transfer to King Khalid International Airport for flight (on own) to AlUla. Upon arriving, transfer to your hotel.

Pick up at your hotel. We will start our exploration of AlUla, the mysterious city, with a visit to Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the largest preserved site of the Nabataean civilization south of Petra. Home to more than 110 tombs carved from giant rock formations, this ancient site is open for visitors to explore and learn about the culture, traditions, and history of its people. Next, we proceed to AlUla Oasis Trail, which takes you through the AlUla Oasis, which is a unique blend of date palms, lush vegetation, and tranquil streams—creating an oasis of life in the midst of the desert. As you walk along the trail, you’ll encounter an array of greenery, including date palm groves, ancient farming terraces, and natural springs that have provided water to the people of AlUla for centuries. Later, we do a photo stop at Maraya. Holding a Guinness World Records title, Maraya’s state-of-the-art structure is covered in 9,740 mirrored panels. As sunlight dances across its surface, the building merges seamlessly with the desert like a mirage, embodying a perfect union of modernity and nature.

Embark on a historic journey in AlUla and uncover the ancient sites of Dadan and Jabal Ikmah. These two heritage sites are significant archaeological marvels that captivate the world even now. Explore the over 2,000-year-old tombs of Dadan, skillfully etched into red rock cliffs. These tombs, a testament to an era long past, offer a glimpse into the lives and artistry of ancient civilisations. Later in the evening, we visit AlUla Old Town, a crossroads of civilisations and an oasis city on incense-trading routes. People have inhabited AlUla for thousands of years. By preserving its rich heritage and continuing to flourish as a rural tourist destination, it has been awarded Best Tourism Village by the United Nations World Tourism Organization. Today, AlUla Old Town Village encompasses its ancient Old Town, the lush Oasis, and the Al Jadidah Arts District. Al Jadidah is AlUla’s new cultural and creative hub. This district is dedicated to promoting contemporary art and cultural experiences, blending the old with the new in a vibrant way. The district features galleries, art installations, and creative spaces that highlight local, regional, and international artists. The arts district hosts a variety of cultural events and festivals, including performances, art exhibitions, and workshops. It’s a great place for art lovers to immerse themselves in both the heritage of the area and the innovative, modern artistic expressions being showcased.

Early Morning, enjoy an (optional) Hot Air Balloon Adventure in AlUla. A Hot Air Balloon ride in AlUla is one of the most exhilarating and picturesque experiences you can have in the region. It offers an unmatched perspective of AlUla’s dramatic landscape, with its vast desert plains, rocky outcrops, and ancient heritage sites visible from above. After breakfast, we transfer to AlUla Airport for a flight (on our own) to Jeddah. On arrival, we transfer you to your hotel in Jeddah. The rest of the day is free at leisure.

Breakfast at the hotel. We will start our tour by visiting the Old Jeddah. Our guide will tell you the amazing stories about Jeddah and its surroundings. We will enjoy a wonderful walk in Al-Balad, the old part of the city. This walking tour of the old Town will take you along all the lesser-known must-see local spots: Old Market hidden gems, Old Jeddah hidden galleries, and local Jeddah food only for locals. While visiting Al-Balad, Unesco Heritage site, visitors will be taken to see Beit Nassif (exterior), one of the prominent renovated structures in the old city, which dates back to the mid 1800’s. The five-story building provides a rare opportunity for visitors to experience the blend of traditional architecture with modernity. We will also see the Baghdadi house. We will also visit the Old Gold Market in Gabel Street and the Ukhsh Mosque. We will end our tour driving towards the Jeddah Corniche, which is the 30 km coastal resort area of the city of Jeddah.

After breakfast, our local representative will drop you off at King Abdul Aziz International Airport. We hope you enjoyed your time in this beautiful kingdom, and we look forward to welcoming you once again in the future.