Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia

Day 1: Arrival in Jeddah

Arrival transfer to hotel.

Day 2: Jeddah

Full day tour. We start with a four hour walking tour of the Historic Al Balad District, situated on the eastern shore of the Red Sea. Visit the colorful bustling Bangalah Fish Market. Experience lunch at the fish market’s on-site restaurant. You can enjoy the fresh catch as you prefer.

Continue exploring the port and cornice

Day 3: Fly to Abha

We visit Muftaha Village (artists’ colony) and traditional markets/art galleries.

Day 4: Abha

Visiting Mount Souda, Khamis Mushayt, and Hamsan Village. We first stop at the top of Mount Souda, located in the Hejaz Mountains; then continue to Khamis Mushayt. Continue to Al Hamsan Traditional Village.

Day 5: Fly to Al Ula

Al Ulla is located in the Wadi Al-Qura, a valley oriented north-south between the lava fields of the Harrat 'Uwayrid, and the sandstone massif of the Jibal Ath-Thumayid.

Day 6: Al Ula

We visit the Lion Tombs of Dadan. Following this visit we continue to Jabal Ikmah (mountain). Our day ends with a stroll through the outdoor Old Town Market featuring local artisans, entrepreneurs, handicraft stores, local specialty foods, cafes and more.

Day 7: Al Ula - Hegra (Madain Saleh)

We depart for a 3 hour exploration of the immense archaeological site of Hegra/Maiden Saleh. Afterwards, we visit the Hijaz Railway #21. Dinner at a local restaurant. Return to the hotel.

Day 8: Drive to Hail

Hail has been the gateway to the desert. From the city you can see the Aarif citadel on a mountain. Visit the Earif Fort and the Qashlah Fort, which can only be viewed from the outside

Al Jawf

Day 9: Hail – Jubbah – Sakaka

We drive to the UNESCO World Heritage site Jubbah, which features some of the best rock-art in Saudi Arabia.

Then visit Jubbah Naif Palace Museum. Afterwards, drive to the town of Dumat Al Jandal, which dates to the 10th century B.C.

Visit the sites and onward to Sakaka, one of the longest-inhabited places on the Arabian Peninsula.

Day 10: Buraydah - Hail

Depart at 800 am to visit Buraydah’s lively camel market located just a short distance outside modern-day Buraydah. Return to the city and enjoy a visit to the Dates Market. Afterwards visit Al Mudaifar Mosque. Also visit the 11th century Al-Shenana Tower.

Day 11: Ushaiger - Riyadh

Drive to Riyadh in route visit Ushaiger and en-route we visit Al Musaugef Museum. We visit the Al Salem Museum then a walking tour through Ushaiqer Heritage Village. Lunch at a local restaurant and continue three hours to Riyadh. Arrive Riyadh dinner at local restaurant and transfer to the hotel

Day 12: Riyadh

A full day tour. Visit The Saudi National Museum, The King Abdul Aziz Historical Center (including Murabba Palace and Al Masmak Fortress), Sky Bridge in Kingdom Center and Dira Souq.

Day 13: Riyadh - Al Hafuf

Early departure by road to Al Ahsa/Al Hafuf, (3 hr drive). Visit the Al Qara caves, consisting of calcareous sandstone, and sedimentary rock of clay and lime. Continue to the Ottoman Turkish Fort (see outside only)17th Century AD and the mosque it houses within its walls built in 1571 A.D. Onward to the traditional Qysaryyah Souq, the most popular market. Then dinner at local restaurant.

Day 14: Al Hafuf - Dammam

This morning drive approx. 1 hr 45 minutes to Dammam, the oil hub of Saudi Arabia. Visit King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture located in Dhahran, en-route. We also visit the museum of Dammam or one of the other private museums. Transfer to hotel. Evening at leisure.

Day 15: Depart

Transfer to the airport for the flight home.

Trip Length

15 days
Begins in Jeddah and ends in Riyadh. Or continue onto our Gulf States tour.

Dates

February 14-27 & October 31-November 13, 2023

Land Cost

2023: $8850. Price based on group size 6-12 participants.
Single Supplement: $1320
Plus flights within the tour (estimate): $335

Accommodations

4- 5* Hotels or best available 3-4* in smaller towns.

Group Size

Maximum 12 guests

Included Meals

All Breakfasts, 13 Lunches

Duration

15 days

Reading List

Saudi Arabia Reading List

Trip Preparations

Saudi Arabia E-Visa Information