HIGLIGHT SAUDI ARABIA

Day 1 : Arrival at Riyadh Airport

Meet & Assist upon arrival at Riyadh Airport transfer from the airport to your Hotel.

Day 2 : Full day Riyadh

Souq Al Zel :

Set in the historic enclave of Diriyah, Souq Al Zel is a vibrant market that features a labyrinth of shops that feature clothing, carpets, antiques, incense and perfumes.
The market's history can be traced back to as early as 1901. Visitors can enjoy open-air live antique auctions on Fridays and Saturdays.

Murabba Historical Palace :

The first building to be erected outside the walls of the old city, Murabba Historical Palace is one of the most famous and historic buildings in Riyadh. The restored former palace is now an acclaimed museum, home to a grand library, art gallery, cultural exhibit and large garden.

The National Museum :

which opened in Riyadh in 1999 to celebrate the centenary of Saudi unification, was the result of an international design competition. The primary custodian of the Saudi national heritage and culture, the Museum is a place of learning and discovery, designed to sing out with quiet excitement and inspiration, to kindle pride in the Arab heritage and reverence for Islam. This national Landmark is composed of eight galleries telling the complete story of Arabian History from the creation of the universe to our modern era.

Diriyah :

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 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.

Back to Hotel for overnight.

Day 3 : Riyadh – Ushaygar - Buraydah (400 kms)

The day begins with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a journey to Ushaiger, one of the oldest settlements in the region renowned for its stunning traditional Najdi architecture. continue the route through Mithnab and Al-Ghat villages to reach Buraydah, the capital of the Al-Qassim region in Saudi Arabia.

Buraydah, located on the edge of the Wadi Al-Rummah, experiences a typical desert climate with hot summers, cold winters, and low humidity. Agriculture, particularly the production of traditional oasis products like dates, lemons, and oranges, remains vital to the economy. Visitors are attracted to the region's fine traditional mudbrick architecture, with places like the beautifully restored Souq Musawkaf in Unaizah showcasing its cultural charm.

Exploring further, Al-Mithnab and Al-Khabra offer examples of traditional fortified villages, while AlBukayriyah boasts vast blackberry cultivation in the desert alongside historic castles amidst date palms. The Al Bassam Heritage House in Unaizah, built in 1955 using traditional Najdi techniques, offers visitors a glimpse into ancestral heritage and history through its 30 rooms, showcasing ancient crafts, traditional foods, folk tales, and poems.

Overnight stay in Buraydah.

Day 4 : Buraydah – Hail (350 kms)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. This morning, we will explore the camel market in buraidah. Every morning at 6 AM, the outskirts of buraidah host the world's largest camel market, where thousands of camels, along with goats and sheep, are bought and sold, along with saddles and other accessories. The atmosphere can be bustling, but visiting the market offers a truly unique saudi experience.

After visiting the camel market, we will depart qassim and head towards the village of fayd to visit the hutaymah crater, a historic site along the old caravan routes. Our journey continues to Hail, where we will drive towards the Aja rosy mountains (Jabal Aja) to admire the scenery. Upon reaching Hail, we will check-in to our accommodation.

Back to the hotel for overnight.

(Meal – breakfast only)

Day 5 : Hail – Jubbah – AlUla

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. This morning marks the beginning of our journey to Jubbah, situated on the shores of an ancient lake. The region boasts several archaeological sites dating back to the Middle Paleolithic period, with evidence of human settlements discovered around the perimeter of the Paleolake. Jubbah is encircled by expansive sandstone formations adorned with ancient petroglyphs and inscriptions.

Jubbah flourished during past humid phases, transforming the arid Arabian Peninsula into a savannah reminiscent of Africa's current landscape. During the last humid period, spanning from the 10th to the 6th millennium BCE, African monsoon rains nourished rivers and lakes, fostering abundant wildlife. While desertification commenced around the 6th millennium BCE, some individuals immortalized the region's biodiversity through carvings of aurochs, cheetahs, lions, and more, etched onto sandstone outcrops like Jebel Umm Sanman.

Both Jubbah and Shuwaymis, another prominent carving site in Hail Province, were designated UNESCO World Heritage sites in 2015 for their extensive petroglyph panels and diverse inscriptions. The region between Hail and AlUla promises unparalleled desert experiences.

On our journey, we will traverse the renowned Nefud Al Kabir desert, known as the "great extent of sand dunes." Stretching 290 kilometers long and 225 kilometers wide, with a total area of 103,600 square kilometers, it is a breathtaking natural wonder. By early evening, we will arrive and check-in at our exquisitely situated permanent desert camp, serving as our accommodation for the night.
Overnight stay will be in AlUla.

Meal – breakfast only

Day 6 : AlUla

Dadan and Ikmah :

Dadan is located in Al Ula, Saudi Arabia, and dates back to the late 9th-century. Dadan was the capital of the Dadan and Lihyan kingdoms and features inscriptions and several tombs. Visitors may also enjoy discovering agricultural, defence and water-management innovations. Date palms grown as crops can still be seen today.

Jabal Ikmah is situated in Al Ula, Saudi Arabia, and features many various inscriptions. This open-air type library includes inscriptions of multiple languages from Aramaic, Minaic, Nabataean, Thamudic to Dadanitic. Dating back to the 1st-century BC, visitors may catch a glimpse into daily life via these inscriptions and rock art.

Maraya :

Maraya is an architectural wonder that has quickly reached icon status. Upon approaching this magnificent mirrored structure in AlUla’s Ashar Valley you may feel your eyes are deceiving you as Maraya seems to disappear into the surrounding sandstone cliffs before swiftly reappearing. A multi-purpose venue for concerts, events and conferences, Maraya — meaning ‘mirror’ in Arabic — is the largest mirrored building in the world and is a piece of art in itself.

Elephant Rock :

Witness the awe-inspiring Elephant Rock, a geological marvel that captivates whether viewed during the day or at night. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky comes alive with colors while the majestic elephant rock takes on a striking red hue. Capture the perfect photograph or linger for latenight stargazing. Surrounding this iconic landmark, discover sunken seating areas perfect for families or groups of friends. Indulge in a mouthwatering burger at SALT or enjoy your favorite warm beverages at Elephant Rock Café by Key. As the night progresses, gather around a crackling fire pit to stay cozy.

Overnight in AlUla.

Meal – Breakfast

Day 7 : AlUla – Madain Saleh – Jeddah

Start your day off right with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Today marks the beginning of our adventure.

Hegra (Madain Saleh) :

The first UNESCO World Heritage site in Saudi Arabia. Formerly known as Al-Hijr or Hegra in Greek, Madain Saleh was a pivotal city in the Nabatean Kingdom, flourishing from the 2nd century BCE until the Roman conquest in 106 CE due to its strategic location along the caravan trade route. It stands as the second richest Nabatean city, boasting 94 intricately adorned funeral monuments that highlight the exceptional architectural prowess of the Nabatean craftsmen. Our guided tour will delve into the mysteries of its tombs, ancient inscriptions, stone structures, and more.

Old Town Tour :

Explore AlUla Old Town nestled in the narrowest part of the AlUla Valley. Positioned on a gentle rise, the town is overlooked by the Musa bin Nusayr Castle, a fortress dating back to the 10th century. With around 900 residences, 400 shops, and 5 town squares, AlUla's Old Town still retains remnants of its original stone and mudbrick structures from centuries past. This historic town is one of only three remaining Islamic cities worldwide.

Oasis Trail :

With its lush palm-shaded paths and picture-perfect setting, the Oasis encapsulates the beauty and heritage of AlUla. Meandering through it is the Heritage Oasis Trail, which you can stroll along and soak up the serenity and natural splendor of this special spot at your leisure.

Meal – breakfast only

Day 8 : AlUla – Al Madinah – Jeddah

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at the hotel before departing from AlUla to Al Madinah.

Embark on a half-day visit to Medina, one of the three holiest cities in Islam. Medina holds profound significance for Muslims as it was the haven where Prophet Muhammad (SAW) sought refuge following his exile from Makkah. Originally named Yathrib, Medina has a rich history dating back to the 6th century BCE when it was an oasis city. Muslims hold a deep connection to this city because it was where the Prophet resided, engaged in pivotal battles, erected his renowned mosque, and eventually found his final resting place. The city is centered around the Prophet's Mosque and various other monuments that draw pilgrims from across the globe.

Throughout the day, we will pass by notable landmarks in Al Madinah Province, including AlMasjid al-Nabawi, Jannatul Baqi, the Grave of Hamzah, Al Noor Mall, Rashed Mall, Dar Al Madinah Museum, Al-Madina Museum, Masjid Al Ghamamah, and Abu Bakar Masjid.

A journey that will take approximately four hours. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel for overnight stay in Jeddah.

Meal – breakfast only

Day 9 : Full Day – Jeddah

Explore Jeddah All Day

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, then set out to discover the vibrant city of Jeddah.

Since the 7th century CE, Jeddah has served as a pivotal port along the Indian Ocean trade routes, facilitating the transport of goods to Mecca. It also historically served as the main entry point for Muslim pilgrims arriving by sea to visit Mecca.

In the afternoon, our exploration begins with a visit to Old Jeddah, known as Al-Balad, which earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 2014. This guided walking tour of the ancient district will lead you through its winding alleyways, shaded by graceful tower houses constructed from coral stone and adorned with intricate wooden structures known as Roshan. Many of these houses date back to the late 19th century, with some boasting a history of over 400 years.

During our time in Al-Balad, we'll visit Bait Nassif, a meticulously restored mansion dating back to the mid-1800s, as well as the Old Market and the historic Mosque.

We'll conclude our tour with a drive along the Jeddah Corniche, a picturesque 30-kilometer coastal stretch renowned for its recreational facilities and stunning views of the Red Sea. Along the way, we'll pass by the Al Rahmah Mosque, also known as the floating mosque due to its unique construction above the water. The Corniche boasts a scenic coastal road, numerous leisure areas, striking pavilions, and impressive civic sculptures, including King Fahd's Fountain, the tallest fountain in the world.

Retire for the night in Jeddah, reflecting on the day's unforgettable discoveries.

Meal – breakfast only

Day 10 : Departure

Breakfast at your hotel, head to the airport for departure.

End of our services.