Saudi Arabia
Riyadh | Ha’il | Jubba | Al-Ula | Mada’in Saleh | Medina | Jeddah
Our Discovery Saudi Arabia tour embodies the most magical cultural highlights, and Riyadh is where the story of Saudi Arabia began. This is an ideal point from which to begin your exploration of the Kingdom. Characterized by gleaming skyscrapers and multi-lane highways, the Saudi capital sprawls across the Najdi plain and has a very modern face; but it is also home to history, museums, art and culture.
Cradled by the rugged mountains of the Jabal Shammar, visit Ha’il, dominated by the restored 17th century A’arif Castle, a mudbrick citadel that sits atop a strategic hill that can be seen for miles around. The Discovery Saudi Arabia journey continues to Al-Ula, an area which will reveal one of Saudi Arabia’s most exceptional heritage sites. This oasis of great natural beauty is surrounded by wondrous terracotta-hued mountains. Your journey to Al-Ula is followed by a visit to Medina, the second most holy city in the Islamic world. Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter Medina’s central Haram area, where the main places of pilgrimage are located; but you can pass by sites such as Al Madinah Province, Al Masjid an Nabawi, Jannatul Baqi and many more.
The last stop for the Discovery Saudi Arabia tour is Jeddah, commonly known as the “bride of the Red Sea”, as it has for centuries been a gateway for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. For the western visitor, the highlight of any visit to Jeddah is exploring Al Balad – the city’s old quarter founded in the 7th century. On entering this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you are immediately taken by Al Balad’s unique architecture of towering houses built of coral stone with their distinctive latticed rawsheen balconies. Then, winding your way through an evocative rabbit warren of narrow lanes, you’ll be immersed in history as you explore the incense-infused souqs, traditional houses, and antique mosques, including the Shafi Masjid – the oldest in Jeddah. There is nothing quite like it in Saudi Arabia! For a taste of the modern city, take a stroll along Jeddah’s beautiful seafront promenade and admire the city’s iconic King Fadh Fountain – the tallest in the world.
Tour Length: 9 days, 8 nights
Group of 10 Land rate: From $5,295 per person.
Discovery Saudi Arabia Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – 2 Riyadh
On arrival at King Khaled International Airport, you will be met by a Great Safaris Guide who will assist you to the vehicle for the private transfer to your city hotel.
Your explorations begin with a full day tour of the city. Highlights includes a visit to Riyadh National Museum, Murabba Palace and Masmak Fort. The day concludes with a visit to Dira Souq Traditional Saudi market and the famous landmarks of Riyadh, the Kingdom Tower and the Faisaliah Tower, both great architectural achievements.
Day 3 Riyadh to Ha’il by train
Depart for Riyadh’s railway station and board the train for Ha’il with lunch on board. On arrival at Ha’il train station, you will be warmly greeted by a Great Safaris representative followed by a transfer to your reserved hotel.
Spend the afternoon visiting A’Arif Fort and the nearby heritage museum, followed by a walk to the traditional market where local delicacies are found. Pass by the Ha’il Regional Museum. Return to the hotel, to unwind and unpack and enjoy dinner.
Day 4 Ha’il to Jubbah (4X4) to Al-Ula
Today start the journey to Jubbah, which lies on an ancient lake. Whilst traveling, you will be mesmerized by the region between Ha’il and Al-Ula, which offers some of the best desert experience in the world. Pass through the famous desert of Nefud Al Kabir, which literally means the “great extent of sand dunes” and enjoy lunch on route. Continue to the famous Al-Ula area, arriving in the early evening at this beautifully-located permanent desert resort.
Day 5 Al-Ula
Following breakfast, explore Al-Ula, an ancient oasis in the desert valley, visiting two ancient carving sites in Al-Ula and passing by the ancient city of Dedan. Touring continues to the Old city of Al-Ula, which, at the beginning of the Islamic era, became an important staging post along the pilgrimage route to Mecca. Visit the ancient sites of Ekma and Abu ‘Aoud, where the people of the oasis wrote texts in ancient scripts. Finish this special day on top of the Harrat Al-Uwayrid for an amazing viewpoint of the oasis of Al-Ula. Return to you resort after a day’s touring.
Day 6 Al-Ula to Mada’in Saleh to Medina
Today’s journey begins with a visit to the famous Hegra (Mada’in Saleh) which is the first site of Saudi Arabia to be listed as an UNESCO World Heritage site. Following lunch head towards Jibal Al-Rukkab and Leopard trail and visit Jebel Al-Fil to spend some time next to the “Elephant rock”. After an informative day of touring, a 3-hour drive takes you to the holy city of Medina.
Day 7 Medina to Jeddah
After breakfast, depart on a morning half day Medina visit. Pass-by well-known sites in Al Madinah Province such as Al Masjid an Nabawi, Jannatul Baqi, Grave of Hamzah, Dar Al Madinah Museum, Al-Madina Museum, Masjid Al Ghamamah and Abu Bakar Masjed. Enjoy lunch in the city before continuing with a 4-hour drive to Jeddah.
Day 8 Jeddah
Following breakfast, start today’s touring by visiting the Old Jeddah called Al-Balad which was listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Bait Nassif (outside), one of the prominent renovated houses of the old city which dates to the mid-1800s, the Old Market and the old Mosque. End the days touring by driving to Jeddah Corniche, which is a 30 km coastal resort area in the city of Jeddah. There will be photo opportunities at King Fahd’s Fountain, the highest fountain in the world.
Day 9 Depart Jeddah
The final day of your Discovery Saudi Arabia journey ends with a leisurely breakfast before transferring to Jeddah International airport for your departure flight.
