Saudi Arabia Highlights

A secretive kingdom, Saudi Arabia is without doubt one of travel’s last frontiers and a land full of wonders – a showcase of both ancient and modern ingenuity, and abundant in natural beauty, with its mountainous landscapes, sculpted sand dunes and enviable location beside the Red Sea. On this trip we aim to show you the highlights of this misunderstood country, revealing a charming land that until recently, has been almost impossible to access. We start in the vibrant city of Riyadh, a juxtaposition of bright new developments and old Arabian heritage, before visiting the old mud brick villages at Ushaiger and desert dunes of Al Nafud. From here we fly to the ghost town of Al Ula, the gateway to Madain Saleh, built by the same civilisation responsible for Jordan’s Petra. We spend our time here discovering the natural landscapes and exquisite rock carved tombs, learning about the ancient history of a people long gone from this land. From Al Ula we fly south to Jeddah, our final stop on this journey. This is perhaps the country’s most atmospheric city, with its Ottoman heritage, traditional architecture and winding alleys which we explore on foot. Despite its often-negative reputation, Saudi is a surprisingly hospitable country to visit, and for the curious traveller, a delight to experience.

Highlights

Explore Jeddah’s historic quarter
Visit the Nabataean city of Madain Saleh
Stay in the vibrant city of Riyadh
Visit the mud brick village of Ushaiger

Itinerary

Day 1 – Riyadh

Arrive in Riyadh and transfer to the hotel. Depending on when you arrive there may be time to explore the city. Overnight in Riyadh.

Day 2 – Riyadh

Spend today exploring Riyadh. We visit the Murraba Palace, built by King Abdul Aziz in the traditional style as a home for his family, as well as the historic Masmak fortress, one of the oldest buildings in the city. As well as this we will visit the Dira souq, specialising in copper and brass as well as old Bedouin jewellery, and if time allows, the Rajhi Mosque. Overnight in Riyadh.

Day 3 – Ushaiger – Al Nafud

Drive to the well-preserved mud brick village of Ushaiger, with its approximately 400 houses and 25 mosques lining a maze of paths amidst the palm trees and orchards. Later head out to explore the desert dunes of Al Nafud, then return to Riyadh for the night. Overnight in Riyadh.

Day 4 – Al Ula

Fly to Al Ula, with its superbly preserved historic buildings. This is the gateway to Madain Saleh but is well worth exploring on its own. Upon arrival we visit its main sites including the ‘lion tomb’ and Ikmah Mountain with its ancient inscriptions, followed by a walk through the old town. Overnight in Al Ula.

Day 5 – Madain Saleh

Head to the site of Madain Saleh – perhaps the highlight of this trip. We spend time exploring its numerous tombs and chambers hewn into the rocks, a remnant of the Nabataean civilisation which once ruled this part of Arabia. We also visit the famous ‘elephant rock’, before returning to Al Ula for the night. Overnight in Al Ula.

Day 6 – Al Ula – Jeddah

Fly to south to Jeddah and transfer to the hotel. Later we head out to see the King Fahd Fountain, a 30-year-old monument with spectacular displays in the middle of the Red Sea. Overnight in Jeddah.

Day 7 – Jeddah

Spend today exploring Jeddah. This morning visit some of the old Ottoman houses, constructed from coral and wood, for a sense of the history of this Red Sea city, built on the wealth of ancient trade routes. We also explore the fish market and have time to stroll along the cornice with the locals. Overnight in Jeddah.

Day 8 – Jeddah

Transfer to the airport for departure.

Please note that government restrictions may sometimes force us to make amendments to this itinerary, and you should be prepared for a degree of flexibility. The Saudi authorities can be rather arbitrary in making sudden closures of sites and we cannot always guarantee that all sites can be visited. You should also be aware that some sites, like forts and mosques, can generally only be viewed from the outside.

Optional Pre or Post Tour Bahrain Extension

Day 1 – Bahrain

Arrive in Bahrain and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free. Overnight Golden Tulip Hotel or similar.

Day 2 – Bahrain

Spend today exploring the island of Bahrain. We head south to see the vast site of A’Ali, home to numerous burial mounds dating back 4000 years, then take a closer look at the burial chambers of Saar. We also stop at the fort at Riffa and the remains of the temple of Barbar, before returning to the capital Manama and exploring its lively souq, and the impressive Bahrain Fort, overlooking the ocean. Overnight Golden Tulip Hotel or similar. (B)

Day 3 – Bahrain

This morning visit the National Museum to give a bit more of an insight into the history and traditions of the island. We then drive to the island of Muharraq, home to a beautifully restored historic quarter which gives an idea of what much of the country would have looked like before the discovery of oil. After a visit to a nearby shipyard which builds traditional dhows, the afternoon is free to relax or explore. Overnight Golden Tulip Hotel or similar. (B)

Day 4 – Bahrain

Transfer to the airport for departure. (B)

Please note: this extension can be modified to fit your flights – for example if you are flying into Bahrain early in the morning of Day 1, excursions can start on that day rather than waiting until Day 2. Similarly, you could fly out in the afternoon / evening of Day 3 rather than have a third night in Bahrain.

Optional Pre or Post Tour Qatar Extension

Day 1 – Doha

Arrive in Doha and transfer to your hotel. Overnight Best Western Hotel or similar. (B)

Day 2 – Doha

After breakfast we explore the city. The contrast between history and modernity, old and new is very apparent in this fast growing metropolis. We visit the National Museum of Qatar, as well as Doha’s historical quarter at the Souq Waqif Heritage Market with its extensive wares including an array of spices and herbs, textiles and art. We then head to Doha’s modern landmarks, from the Corniche at the waterfront to the West Bay District with its towering skyscrapers including Doha Tower and the government buildings, as well as the cultural village of Katara with its mosques, amphitheatre and sculptures. Overnight Best Western Hotel or similar. (B)

Day 3 – Desert Safari

After breakfast we head south, venturing into the desert to drive through the dunes to the inland sea of Khor al Adaid, close to the border with Saudi Arabia. Return to Doha and the afternoon is free. Overnight Best Western Hotel or similar. (B)

Day 4 – Doha

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (]

What’s included?

Airport transfers
Accommodation
Guides
Meals
Entrance fees

What’s not included?

Visas
International flights
Travel insurance

Important Note :

We accept all methods of secure payment: Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, direct bank transfer.

Kindly note that the hotel rating in Saudi is not the same as in USA or Europe, so Luxury or Ultimate Luxury hotel options are always recommended.

Accommodation Plan (A) 5 stars:

Riyadh: (Shaza Riyadh // Rosh Rayhaan by Rotana // Four Points By Sheraton Riyadh Khaldia)
Jeddah:(Prime Hotel – Jeddah, Al Hamra // Radisson Blu Hotel, Jeddah Al Salam // Sheraton Jeddah Hotel // Mövenpick Hotel Tahlia Jeddah )

	3 Stars	4 Stars	5 Stars
Price per person in DBL or TRPL Room	3200$	3700$	4200$
Solo traveler	5120$	5920$	6720$
Christmas & Easter – DBL or TRPL Room	3840$	4440$	5040$
Christmas & Easter – Solo traveler	6145$	7100$	8065$

Accommodation Plan (B) Luxury:

Riyadh: (Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya // Hilton Riyadh Hotel & Residences)
Jeddah: (Jeddah Hilton // Elaf Jeddah Hotel – Red Sea Mall )

	All year round	Christmas and Easter
price per person in dbl room	5800$	6960$
Solo traveler	9280$	11135$

Accommodation Plan (c) Ultimate Luxury:

Riyadh: (Al Faisaliah Hotel // Burj Rafal Hotel Riyadh // Marriott Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter // Narcissus Hotel and SPA Riyadh )
Jeddah: (Park Hyatt Jeddah – Marina, Club and Spa // Rosewood Jeddah )

	All year round	Christmas and Easter
price per person in dbl room	6600$	7920$
Solo traveler	10560$	12675$

Travel Insurance – from AIG
Secure your trip and give yourself greater peace of mind with the Travel Insurance program proposed by AIG for you. For more info visit www.aig.com
One week 50$ per person
More than one week 75 $ per person.

Saudi Sim Card
if you plan to get a Saudi sim card we would advise you to get it at the airport when you arrive. as it will be much easier to buy it from the airport other than anywhere else as they request more documents if you decide to buy it later from anywhere else.

Our Tour Leader/Driver
We don’t only choose qualified and professional Tour leader/ Drivers but also choose those who are friendly, with a sense of humor who are committed to offering a superior level of service so you can enjoy your time with them.

How To dress
Both men and women are asked to dress modestly in public, avoiding tight-fitting clothing. Women should cover shoulders and knees in public.

Your passport
You should keep your passport with you during any tour you will be making in Saudi Arabia. don’t leave it in your hotel room as some times they request to see your passport or visa.

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