As a destination that opened its doors to tourism in 2019, Saudi Arabia is often regarded as the final frontier for adventurous explorers. With its status as the birthplace of Islam and its historical significance as a crossroads for pilgrims and traders over the centuries, the Kingdom offers a wealth of rich culture, diverse heritage, and warm hospitality. Visitors can immerse themselves in the country's countless historically important sites, many of which are situated in landscapes of awe-inspiring beauty. From exploring ancient Silk Road villages to marveling at the modern wonders of Riyadh, discovering lush date farm oases in the heart of the desert, visiting the magnificent mosque in the holy city of Medina, exploring Jeddah's atmospheric old town, to experiencing the splendors of Al Ula with its pre-Arabic rock art and impeccably preserved tombs nestled among remarkable natural rock formations and canyons — Saudi Arabia beckons as an ideal destination for those seeking adventure and cultural immersion.
Three moments you’ll never forget
While visiting the majestic Jebel Fihrayn, also known as "The Edge of the World," marvel at the extraordinary geological wonders of Saudi Arabia. This breathtaking natural formation offers a mesmerizing vista that showcases the sheer beauty and awe-inspiring landscapes that will leave you spellbound
As you stand before Masjid an Nabawi mosque, you will be in the presence of the burial place of Prophet Muhammad. Take in the majestic architecture, immerse yourself in the tranquility of the courtyards, and allow the serene atmosphere to envelop you in this profoundly sacred place of worship.
Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere as you wander through the historic streets of Old Town Jeddah. Explore the labyrinthine alleys lined with intricately designed traditional houses, marvel at the beautiful coral architecture, and soak in the vibrant blend of colors, scents, and sounds that embody the rich cultural heritage of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Day 1
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Upon your arrival in Riyadh, you will be transferred to the Joudyan Hotel, where you can unwind and settle in for the evening. Enjoy dinner at the hotel and spend a comfortable night, ready to embark on your adventures in Riyadh the following day.
Day 2 & 3
Riyadh
Begin with a bird’s-eye view of the city from the Kingdom Center. Suspended over 900 feet above the city, the tower’s curved Sky Bridge offers spectacular views across the Riyadh skyline and beyond. Returning to ground level, explore Al Masmak Fortress, located in the heart of the old town. Learn more about Saudi history at Murabba Palace and the fantastic National Museum of Saudi Arabia. The afternoon takes us to Souq al Zel and Souq Bisht, two of the most atmospheric traditional marketplaces in Riyadh. Feel the pulse of Riyadh by mingling with locals in one of the many city squares that come alive as the sun sets. Enjoy a festive welcome dinner of traditional Saudi cuisine.
The next day visit Ad Diriyah, the birthplace of the first Saudi state (At-Turaif), which ruled from 1744 to 1818. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has recently been restored to its former glory. Find out how the mud-brick houses were built and cooled during the hot summer days. After lunch at a local restaurant, leave the city center and head out to Jebel Fihrayn, more famously known as “The Edge of the World.” Atop its 900-foot high cliffs, we have an uninterrupted view of the horizon while we get comfy on our Arabic carpet to watch the sunset.
Day 4
Riyadh / Buraydah
Today we travel through one of Saudi’s many wild and rugged landscapes. The plateau on which the capital sits ends abruptly, allowing a panoramic view over the ancient sea bed below. Take a short walk and consider the camel trains that used this ancient route on their caravan treks. Continue over the desert plain to the town of Ushaiger. Here, visit the ruins of an ancient mud village and visit a family-run museum to dig deeper into the town's history. Then journey through time by taking the backroads to Buraydah. The dry desert dunes, as far as the eye can see, also hide a secret: this is one of the most important agricultural regions for the area.
Day 5
Buraydah / Hail
Buraydah and Onaiza are the twin-capitals of Qassim province, also known as the ‘food basket’ of Saudi Arabia. Today we begin at a local wet market to watch as locals do business, auctioning goods from the back of their trucks. Wander through what is probably the largest date market in the world. Later, board the local train to Hail, an ancient capital. Our train offers magnificent views over the rocky desert landscape. After visiting the hilltop fort of A’arif, continue to the Al Qishlah compound where the towering palace walls show the power of the local rulers.
Day 6
Hail / Al Ula
After breakfast, take a short drive through the Al Nafud desert to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jubbah. Rising from the windswept plains, these desert rocks feature some of the Arab world’s finest Neolithic rock inscriptions. The detailed drawings of people, animals, and daily activities are as visible today as they were when they were created over 9,000 years ago. In Al Ula we’ll find more remarkable natural rock formations and canyons, extensive and varied pre-Arabic rock art, and immaculately preserved tombs built more than 2,000 years ago by the Nabataeans. At sunset visit Jabel Al Fil, or Elephant Rock, a geological marvel set in golden desert sands and framed by blue Arabian skies.
Day 7, 8 & 9
Al Ula
Spend three full days exploring the stunning region of Al Ula. We begin at the ruins of Dadan, the former capital of the Lihyanite and Dadanite Kingdoms which ruled Arabia’s northwest over 2,500 years ago. Help decipher the meaning of rock inscriptions found at Jabal Ikma, where the highest concentration of inscriptions are found. After lunch, board 4x4 vehicles to explore the desert, climbing up a steep road onto a seemingly endless plateau to the Harrat Viewpoint, towering over the old city.
The next day, visit the Nabataean site of Hegra. Once the southern capital of the Nabataean kingdom, it dates back to the first century BCE. Explore several of the more than 100 well-preserved monumental tombs carved from rock formations scattered around the desert. After lunch, head to Al Ula’s historic city, often called the ‘Old Town’; a charismatic place that once sat at the crossroads of the Silk Road and the Incense Route.
Our final day in Al Ula begins with a 4x4 excursion into the desert where we’ll relax for a delicious Bedouin-style picnic lunch, encompassing a range of traditional Middle Eastern delicacies. Return to the hotel and enjoy an afternoon at leisure or continue your exploration of Al Ula’s landscapes with a selection of optional activities.
Day 10
Al Ula / Medina
Travel through the desert and mountains along an ancient pilgrimage route to Medina, passing the oasis of Khaybar. Visit the remains of the mud city, situated in a steep valley where several fortresses tower over thousands of green palm trees. In the afternoon, arrive in Medina, one of the two holiest cities in Islam (the other is Mecca). Medina is centered around Al Masjid an Nabawi, a 10-minaret mosque that can accommodate one million people. Join the throngs of pilgrims in the heart of the city where all are welcome to enjoy exterior views of the mosque from the edge of the square. As the sun sets, visit Mount Uhud, a pilgrimage site with magnificent views across the Holy City.
Day 11
Medina / Jeddah
Today we’ll have the chance to visit the terminus station of the Hijaz, or Ottoman railway, which once brought pilgrims to Medina from as far away as Damascus. There will then be time to browse the central market where we’ll find traditional snacks such as ma’amoul, luqaimat, and kunafa. Board a state-of-the-art high-speed train to make the short hop to the coastal city of Jeddah. Join locals as evening descends and the call to prayer sounds, while the tallest fountain in the world erupts.
Day 12
Jeddah
Set on the Red Sea, Jeddah is the second busiest seaport in the Middle East. It’s the principal gateway to Mecca and sees over a million pilgrims a year. Jeddah is also the most liberal city in Saudi Arabia and offers the beauty of ancient architecture mixed with modern luxuries. Today we embark on a private Red Sea cruise to enjoy the sea and sun. Don snorkeling gear if you wish, to discover the vast underwater wonders the region is famous for. From hawksbill turtles to lionfish, and eels to reef sharks, snorkeling along the coral reef is sure to impress. Next, we’ll visit the old town, Al Balad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its ancient multi-story buildings feature traditional roshan and wooden window covers, making these alleys especially picturesque.
Day 13
Jeddah / Depart
Board your independent homeward flight, or continue on an optional post extension, visiting the mountains of Saudi Arabia.
Trip details
January 29 – February 10, 2025
Departure
The trip starts in Riyadh and ends in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
“It is increasingly clear that one of the routes out of Africa for our human ancestors was through what we now know as Saudi Arabia. The Arabian Peninsula has for centuries been difficult to penetrate for western scientists and visitors. Only recently have the barriers become more relaxed. As a result, archaeological investigations have indeed revealed the importance of this region, and Saudi Arabia in particular, to furthering our understanding of early human migration and dispersal. Together with its pre-Islamic cultures that once lived here, and being the birthplace of Islam, Saudi Arabia offers a unique opportunity to explore the secrets of the past.”
— shirley campbell
More Detail
PRICING
Per Person: $11,490
For a single room, add: $3,490
Extension PRICING
Per Person: $3,290
For a single room, add: $490
Deposit
Per Person: $1,500
Group Size
12 travelers
What’s Included
12 nights accommodations
All meals including non alcoholic drinks
All excursions, transportation, and local guides
Taxes and permits
Gratuities
Arrival and departure transfers
Ready to Go?
Save your spot on our expedition by booking now.
January 29 – February 10, 2025
