Saudi Arabia Heritage & Desert Adventure – 8 Days
Overview:
Take an amazing 8-day trip through the wide deserts and historical heritage of Saudi Arabia. Discover the UNESCO-listed Diriyah, the magnificent AlUla rock formations, the Edge of the World, and Riyadh’s contemporary wonders. This tour gives you a thorough understanding of Saudi Arabia’s rich legacy and natural beauties by providing the ideal balance of cultural exploration, breathtaking landscapes, and historical treasures.
Itinerary Summary
| Day | Location | Highlights |
| 1 | Riyadh | Arrival, city tour |
| 2 | Riyadh | Diriyah and National Museum |
| 3 | AlUla | Fly to AlUla, explore rock formations |
| 4 | AlUla | Hegra UNESCO site and Elephant Rock |
| 5 | Medina | Visit Medina’s historic sites |
| 6 | Jeddah | Fly to Jeddah, Old Town visit |
| 7 | Riyadh | Return to Riyadh, Edge of the World |
| 8 | Departure | Transfer to airport |
Itinerary
- Arrival: Arrive in Riyadh, the bustling capital of Saudi Arabia. You will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
- Afternoon: Begin your exploration of Riyadh with a visit to Al-Masmak Fortress, an iconic symbol of the city’s history. Continue to Kingdom Centre Tower for panoramic views of the city skyline.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional Saudi dinner at a local restaurant, where you can taste dishes like Kabsa and Jareesh.
- Morning: Start your day with a visit to Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will discover the Al-Diriyah ruins and the historic At-Turaif District, which served as the original capital of the Saudi dynasty.
- Afternoon: Explore the National Museum of Saudi Arabia, which showcases Saudi culture, history, and the Kingdom’s journey from ancient times to the present.
- Evening: Relax at a local café or enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant, sampling Mandi (a spiced rice and meat dish) and Mutabbaq (a stuffed savory pastry).
- Morning: Take a short flight to AlUla, one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in Saudi Arabia (approximately 1-1.5 hours by flight).
- Afternoon: Visit the AlUla Heritage Site, home to incredible rock formations and ancient ruins, including Madain Saleh, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This city, carved into the sandstone cliffs, was the former capital of the Nabataean Kingdom.
- Evening: Enjoy a dinner under the stars in a desert camp, where you can experience traditional Saudi cuisine and live entertainment.
- Morning: Continue your exploration of AlUla’s rock formations, including Jabal Ikmah, which is known for its petroglyphs and inscriptions. Visit Elephant Rock, a massive rock formation that resembles an elephant and is one of AlUla’s most iconic sights.
- Afternoon: Visit the AlUla Old Town, a historical town filled with traditional mud-brick houses and narrow alleys, offering a glimpse into the region’s past.
- Evening: Dinner in AlUla featuring local delicacies, followed by a relaxing evening stargazing in the desert.
- Morning: Depart for the Edge of the World (approximately 3-4 hours by road), a stunning cliff formation that offers dramatic views of the surrounding desert landscape and valleys.
- Afternoon: Explore the Edge of the World, which is part of the Tuwaiq Mountains. Take a hike to the top of the cliffs for breathtaking panoramic views over the desert and surrounding valleys.
- Evening: Return to AlUla for dinner, where you can unwind and enjoy local dishes in a peaceful setting.
- Morning: Embark on a desert adventure by 4x4, exploring the vast Saudi desert landscapes and discovering the beauty of the vast sand dunes. Experience a camel ride through the desert, giving you a glimpse into the traditional nomadic lifestyle of the region.
- Afternoon: Visit AlUla’s Al-Khuraymat (ancient rock engravings) or enjoy a nature walk in the desert to learn about local flora and fauna.
- Evening: Enjoy a desert barbecue dinner under the stars with a cultural performance of traditional Saudi music and dance.
- Morning: Travel back to Riyadh (approximately 6 hours by road or 1-hour flight).
- Afternoon: Once in Riyadh, visit the Riyadh Souq for shopping. Here, you can find traditional Saudi handicrafts, spices, jewelry, and clothing. Explore King Abdulaziz Historical Center, an open-air museum showcasing the history and culture of Saudi Arabia.
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a high-end restaurant, offering a fusion of traditional Saudi and modern Arabian cuisine, and reflect on the highlights of your journey.
- Morning: After breakfast, transfer to King Khalid International Airport for your departure.
- End of Tour: Depart Saudi Arabia, taking with you unforgettable memories of the Kingdom’s heritage, desert landscapes, and ancient wonders.
Inclusions
- Domestic flights (Riyadh-AlUla, AlUla-Jeddah).
- 7 nights’ accommodation in 4-star hotels and desert camps.
- Private transport and English-speaking guide.
- Entrance fees and meals.
Exclusions
- International flights.
- Travel insurance and visa fees.
- Personal expenses and tips.
