Country
Saudi Arabia
Duration
8 Days/7 Nights
Travel Type
Private Tour
Riyadh – Live the modern life to its fullest
In the ever-growing and flourishing city of Riyadh, you will discover the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, along with its historical treasures hidden in the old palaces that witnessed the founding of the kingdom. It is a destination for tourists from all over the globe who wish to discover a world of shopping, entertainment and business. The malls offer the most exciting shopping experience, and the sand dunes combined with the brightest stars in the sky present the most magical experience in nature. It is an environment full of a natural variety and unique characteristics that are intriguing for explorers. On the other side of the bustling city, you can enjoy a variety of experiences in luxurious restaurants that offer their special services, and their elaborate international dishes. Simultaneously, the local Riyadh restaurants will tempt you with their authentic flavors and blend of spices originating from Saudi culture. Everyone is happy in the city of Riyadh where the biggest cultural events are always celebrated. Endless entertainment destinations are always emerging, for the city’s visitors to have intriguing and renewing experiences.
Jeddah – A seaside city filled with beauty
When you visit Jeddah, you will have the opportunity to witness a rich heritage celebrated by UNESCO. From “Historical Jeddah” to the antique designs of balconies, stone walkways and ancient sidewalks, this destination unearths secrets that have inspired artists, writers and visitors alike for hundreds of years. Here, you will have a chance to see magnificent sunsets shimmering off the divine Red Sea shores as well as having magical diving experiences featuring colorful coral reefs. Whether on land or under the sea, you won’t soon forget Jeddah’s many year-round splendors.
AlUla – Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site
There are few places in the world where you can still feel like a true explorer charting the unknown. In many historic destinations, the illusion of discovery is promptly shattered by a jungle of selfie sticks. But in AlUla, which is home to Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, deep in the desert in the northwestern region of the country, you might still be able to play out your fantasy of being an intrepid archaeologist for a day. Despite all the makings of a bucket list-topping global destination — ancient tombs that remain as the legacy of 7,000 years of human civilisation, stunning natural rock formations and canyons, a plethora of adventure sports options and cutting-edge art installations — AlUla remains largely off the global tourism radar, giving you plenty of space and time for reflection with the monumentality of its beautiful desert landscapes.
Al-Madinah – The first Islamic Capital
Historically known as Yathrib, Madinah was established in the 6th century BC and is the first Islamic Capital and one of the most important places of the revelation of the Prophet (PBUH). He immigrated to Yathrib in 622 AD and built Al Masjid an Nabawi – the 2nd holiest place on earth for Muslims – where his grave lies after he lived his last days there. Madinah is rich with Islamic heritage and includes the Quba Mosque which is the 1st mosque built in Islam, and tens of other historical mosques and eternal ruins. Yathrib gained its importance a long time ago because of its geographical location, as it lies on the road for Hajj and trade, and has a unique land, with mountains, plains, oases, and gold, silver and copper mines.
Madinah receives millions of Muslims longing to visit it from all around the world, as it is an important religious destination. The Prophet’s sanctuary is restricted for Muslims only, whereas the rest of Madinah welcomes Muslims and non-Muslims to explore its historical heritage and observe its culture and museums, and enjoy its gardens and entertainment destinations.
The city of Hail – Surrounded and full of history
Nestled between Mount Shammer to the north and Mount Salma to the south, the city of Hail was once the capital of all the Arabian Desert and home to legends like Hatim Al Tai, the Arabian poet whose altruism earned him spots in stories like “One Thousand and One Nights” (also known as “Arabian Nights”). Today it’s the capital of the north-central region of Saudi Arabia bearing the same name and a popular stop during the pilgrimage to Makkah. The city of Hail is also known for hosting international events, including a Desert Festival celebrating the area’s culture and the Hail International Rally, where rally cars, quads and motorcycles race through the Nafud Desert and through Hail, Baqaa, Al Ghazalah and the village of Umm Al Qulban. If you’re seeking a dose of history, culture and adventure, set your sights on Hail.
Inclusions
7-night accommodation in 4* and 5* hotels
10 meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
Arrival and departure transfers
Activities as per itinerary
Tickets and entry fees
Local English-speaking guides at sites in Jeddah, Medinah, Hail and Al Ula
Tabuk excursion to wade dessa with SUV and lunch
1 Domestic flight – economy class – Hail to Riyadh
Private transportation by SUV/Sedan for 4 and 2 pax with English-speaking driver
Exclusions
International airfare – Gratuities to guides, drivers, and hotel staff – City tax and visa fees when applicable – Travel insurances – Optional excursions – Meals other than mentioned in the inclusions – Personal expenses – Beverages
1
DAY 1 ARRIVAL AND PICK UP
Today, we will be welcoming you at Jeddah airport as our guide will be waiting for you holding a sign with 88 destinations on it. Check in at your hotel and rest of the day is free.
Accommodation : Jeddah for 2 nights
2
DAY 2 CITY TOUR
JEDDAH - CITY TOUR
Today, we will start our tour in the morning with The Tayebat Museum for a fascinating look into Jeddah’s long and cosmopolitan past, take an informative tour of the Tayebat Museum for a superbly curated representation of the city’s 2,500-year history. Located in the Al Faisaliyah district, the museum is housed in a multiroom complex that re-creates the traditional Hijazi architecture of the old city, with bay windows overlaid with intricate wooden lattice work and ornate coral masonry.
With several floors of in-depth exhibits, the museum offers a living history lesson on the foundation of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and the wider Arabian Peninsula. There is also an entire floor dedicated to the city’s rich Islamic heritage.
Before we move to the next tour we will have lunch in one of the local nice restaurants here in Jeddah that serves the famous traditional dishes, after our lunch we will visit around the city and make short stops in the most famous monuments like the world tallest flag pole, the world tallest fountain and the open air museum, then we will go towards the beach to see the floating mosque and Jeddah waterfront to enjoy a walk on the beach, this is our last stop before we start our tour in Jeddah Historical city Al Balad.
Today, we will start our tour in the morning with The Tayebat Museum for a fascinating look into Jeddah’s long and cosmopolitan past, take an informative tour of the Tayebat Museum for a superbly curated representation of the city’s 2,500-year history. Located in the Al Faisaliyah district, the museum is housed in a multiroom complex that re-creates the traditional Hijazi architecture of the old city, with bay windows overlaid with intricate wooden lattice work and ornate coral masonry.
With several floors of in-depth exhibits, the museum offers a living history lesson on the foundation of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and the wider Arabian Peninsula. There is also an entire floor dedicated to the city’s rich Islamic heritage.
Before we move to the next tour we will have lunch in one of the local nice restaurants here in Jeddah that serves the famous traditional dishes, after our lunch we will visit around the city and make short stops in the most famous monuments like the world tallest flag pole, the world tallest fountain and the open air museum, then we will go towards the beach to see the floating mosque and Jeddah waterfront to enjoy a walk on the beach, this is our last stop before we start our tour in Jeddah Historical city Al Balad.
AL BALAD TOUR (JEDDAH HISTORICAL CITY)
We will explore and understand the country through its diverse and rich culture of food and people.
We will start our tour in Al Balad as local call it which means “the town” as reference to the base of Jeddah. Al-Balad was founded in the 7th century and historically served as the center of Jeddah. Al-Balad’s defensive walls were torn down in the 1940s. In the 1970s and 1980s, when Jeddah began to become wealthier due to the oil boom, many Jeddawis moved north, away from Al Balad. Al Balad is registered as a world heritage UNISCO site and since then the old buildings with its unique window designs and doors are being preserved along with its unique buildings which some have been built using sea shells and stones. The old buildings once housed the famous Jeddah families and hosted the founder the late King Abdulaziz when he first arrived in Jeddah. Our tour will go through the history of these building including going inside one of the buildings to see the interior designs, furniture, and life back then, we will also explain the historical importance of some sites and locations while we wonder around the narrow streets to explain how merchants used to sell their goods and how pilgrims used to get their supplies of cloth and food before they head to Makkah through the Makkah Gate in Al Balad.
The old Mosques are another tourist attraction where some were founded over 300 years ago and still functional as a mosque. The main attraction of this tour is the food and snacks of Al Balad where we will pass by some famous vendors known to offer the best local snacks such as the local drink made of bread “Sobia” and the old bakery which its famous for its fresh bread. Another local snack is fresh chickpeas and pickles “Balilah”. We will stop to rest in one of the local open-air coffee shops and try the famous local tea mixed with milk and herbs. Then we will visit the center of Al Balad to see the first hotel built in Jeddah influenced by Italian architecture then pass by the first school built in Saudi. We will also visit one of the art houses and museum offering its unique local art collection and antiques.
Meals : Breakfast
3
DAY 3 DRIVE TO MADINAH AND CITY TOUR
DRIVE TO MADINAH - CITY TOUR - OVERNIGHT IN MADINAH
Today, we drive to Madinah for 4 hours. Once we arrive will do a quick tour to see Madinah by visiting the Grand Mosque from the outside where we can walk around and experience the great architecture and spiritual feeling of the place which is the place where Prophet Mohammed lived. We will have free time there then we continue walking to “Tabaka souq” which is about a 12 min walk offering local food such as sea food, kebab, and other options, we will enjoy lunch in one of the open-air restaurants.
Next, we will go to Mount Uhud, it is the largest mountain in Medina and a major pilgrimage site, Mount Uhud commemorates the famous battle between Muslim and Meccan forces in 625 CE. Climb a small hill to observe the site of the battlefield, and see the burial places of the Prophet Muhammad’s 50 companions who perished, most notably his uncle Hamza. A mosque also stands on site. The mount rises 1,077 m (3,533 ft).
We will end the tour in Quba Street which connect two Mosques, the grand Mosque and Quba Mosque which both have significant importance in islamic history in which the first was the house that prophet Mohammed lived and eventually was buried. The second was the first Mosque ever built. We will visit the Quba Mosque our last stop before we go to the hotel and stay overnight.
Today, we drive to Madinah for 4 hours. Once we arrive will do a quick tour to see Madinah by visiting the Grand Mosque from the outside where we can walk around and experience the great architecture and spiritual feeling of the place which is the place where Prophet Mohammed lived. We will have free time there then we continue walking to “Tabaka souq” which is about a 12 min walk offering local food such as sea food, kebab, and other options, we will enjoy lunch in one of the open-air restaurants.
Next, we will go to Mount Uhud, it is the largest mountain in Medina and a major pilgrimage site, Mount Uhud commemorates the famous battle between Muslim and Meccan forces in 625 CE. Climb a small hill to observe the site of the battlefield, and see the burial places of the Prophet Muhammad’s 50 companions who perished, most notably his uncle Hamza. A mosque also stands on site. The mount rises 1,077 m (3,533 ft).
We will end the tour in Quba Street which connect two Mosques, the grand Mosque and Quba Mosque which both have significant importance in islamic history in which the first was the house that prophet Mohammed lived and eventually was buried. The second was the first Mosque ever built. We will visit the Quba Mosque our last stop before we go to the hotel and stay overnight.
OR WE CAN DRIVE TO YANBU
Instead of Madinah, we can drive 3 hours to Yanbu for a full day snorkeling and diving with a supplement cost of $ 80 USD per person and overnight in Yanbu where you can also enjoy sea food in the old town. The next day, we will drive to Al Ula.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Madinah for 1 night
4
DAY 4 AL ULA TOUR
MADAIN SALEH - DEDAN - ELEPHANT ROCK
Today we will do 2 guided tours then end the tour with visiting the elephant rock to relax
Today we will do 2 guided tours then end the tour with visiting the elephant rock to relax
TOUR 1: HEGRA TOUR (THE TOMB) AND HEJAZ RAILWAY
The importance of Madain Saleh is ostensibly displayed by its 111 monumental tombs, among which 94 were decorated with majestic facades on the sandstone massifs of the area, especially the Jibal Ithlib. The smallest tomb is barely 2,7 meters tall but the biggest reaches an impressive 21,5 meters. Madain Saleh was the second largest city of the Nabatean kingdom whose capital was Petra (in today’s Jordan) where the Nabatean people created more than 600 tombs. What most people don’t know that there are many other fascinating archeological sites attest to the thousands of years of human occupation of the area, thanks to the underground water available for millennia. Don’t worry we will show you everything you need to see!
We will visit the Hejaz Railway, In the early 19th century CE the Ottomans built a railway station at Madain Saleh that was along the Hejaz Railway linking Damascus to the holy city of Makkah. You will have the chance to see the triclinium (or diwan in Arabic) that were once dedicated to banquets and rituals. They are composed of three benches where people used to seat while musicians were playing. At least six of them were found in Madain Saleh with the names of the owners.
TOUR 2: DEDAN, is also of great interest, not only for the extent of the remains of this ancient oasis city that once thrived there, but also because its history is much older than the neighboring Madain Saleh. The most famous oasis of the 1st millennium BCE is the oasis of Dedan, where excavations on extensive archeological sites have revealed the existence of large fortified cities. These kingdoms developed their own culture including a specific language and alphabet, that resulted in a mix of Arabian traditions and strong influences from the surrounding empires.
ELEPHANT ROCK
Before we head to our last stop, we will pass by the Elephant Rock, also known as Jabal AlFil, one of AlUla’s many geological marvels. This is a seating area with a nice coffee to relax and enjoy the scenery. Best time to visit is usually at 4 to 5 PM with the sunset.
Please note that Hegra and Dedan/Ikma mountain are guided tours by bus and last each 2 to 3 hours max. These tours are done by Al Ula Tourism Board which is a third party and as such sometimes the inclusions of these tours or timeline may be changed by the operator.
Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation : Al Ula for 2 nights
5
DAY 5 DESSA VALLEY DAY TRIP
WADI DISSA WITH LUNCH
Our trip is going to be to Wadi Al Dissa, As we reach the valley we will have our lunch there where our team will be preparing for you traditional delicious food. After lunch we will take you on a walking tour inside this gorgeous valley and explore Wadi Dissah which is a 15-kilometer-long canyon running through the Jebel Qaraqir, a sandstone massif lying about 80 kilometers south of the city of Tabuk.
This natural wonder was for a long time a well-kept secret among explorers, before the road leading to the nearby city of Dissah was built and satellite images were available to the public, which made it quite difficult to find and reach. Let us tell you a little bit about this valley before we start our hike so you prepare yourself and to get astonished! The first striking feature of this wadi is its dimensions: at the eastern entrance of the canyon the side cliffs are already higher than 100 meters, but at the western entrance the gap between the bottom of the wadi and the tallest cliffs reaches as high as 500 meters! It is there, from the massive rocky peaks, standing on both sides of the canyon, that one can admire the most dramatic scenery of this magical place.
The second and most unexpected amazing feature of Wadi Qaraqir is a water stream that runs through the western part of the canyon towards the city of Dissah. While you are exploring Wadi Qaraqir from the eastern entrance, you will find abundant palm trees growing naturally along the wadi bed. But once half-way through the canyon underground water tops up all year long. As a result, lush vegetation made of 3 meters high grass, numerous palm trees and bushes, flourishes in between the majestic cliffs of the canyon! We head back to Tabuk but with a final stop on our way to have the last look on one of the beautiful view points and then will drive back to Al Ula.
Our trip is going to be to Wadi Al Dissa, As we reach the valley we will have our lunch there where our team will be preparing for you traditional delicious food. After lunch we will take you on a walking tour inside this gorgeous valley and explore Wadi Dissah which is a 15-kilometer-long canyon running through the Jebel Qaraqir, a sandstone massif lying about 80 kilometers south of the city of Tabuk.
This natural wonder was for a long time a well-kept secret among explorers, before the road leading to the nearby city of Dissah was built and satellite images were available to the public, which made it quite difficult to find and reach. Let us tell you a little bit about this valley before we start our hike so you prepare yourself and to get astonished! The first striking feature of this wadi is its dimensions: at the eastern entrance of the canyon the side cliffs are already higher than 100 meters, but at the western entrance the gap between the bottom of the wadi and the tallest cliffs reaches as high as 500 meters! It is there, from the massive rocky peaks, standing on both sides of the canyon, that one can admire the most dramatic scenery of this magical place.
The second and most unexpected amazing feature of Wadi Qaraqir is a water stream that runs through the western part of the canyon towards the city of Dissah. While you are exploring Wadi Qaraqir from the eastern entrance, you will find abundant palm trees growing naturally along the wadi bed. But once half-way through the canyon underground water tops up all year long. As a result, lush vegetation made of 3 meters high grass, numerous palm trees and bushes, flourishes in between the majestic cliffs of the canyon! We head back to Tabuk but with a final stop on our way to have the last look on one of the beautiful view points and then will drive back to Al Ula.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
6
DAY 6 DRIVE TO HAIL - JUBA ART ROCK
Next, we will drive for about 4 hours to Hail.
Hail is located in the north center of the country, is a land where the dream landscapes of Arabia are the theatre of the 1001 Nights.
Once we arrive, we start our trip right away heading to Jubbah which is 1 hour 20 min from Hail
We will be visiting Jubbah, this worldwide famous site contains some of the oldest and most outstanding carvings of the Arabian Peninsula. It was recognized in 2015 as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Jubbah is host of the two most emblematic carvings in Saudi Arabia. The first one is a character dominating another smaller one. Locals say that it is the representation of an ancient king handing out justice.
The second one is a chariot pulled by two horses which for decades was the only known example but similar ones were later found in Hail and Tabuk Provinces.
As surprising as it sounds the people trading frankincense, spices, and other precious goods coming from southern Arabian Peninsula did cross regularly the 350 km of sand dunes between these two main trade cities. The numerous so-called Thamudic inscriptions (more than 5000) testify of this intense frequentation by travellers.
After our tour in Jubbah, we will visit Airef Fort on top of Hill which has a history in Hail.
Overnight in Hail.
Hail is located in the north center of the country, is a land where the dream landscapes of Arabia are the theatre of the 1001 Nights.
Once we arrive, we start our trip right away heading to Jubbah which is 1 hour 20 min from Hail
We will be visiting Jubbah, this worldwide famous site contains some of the oldest and most outstanding carvings of the Arabian Peninsula. It was recognized in 2015 as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Jubbah is host of the two most emblematic carvings in Saudi Arabia. The first one is a character dominating another smaller one. Locals say that it is the representation of an ancient king handing out justice.
The second one is a chariot pulled by two horses which for decades was the only known example but similar ones were later found in Hail and Tabuk Provinces.
As surprising as it sounds the people trading frankincense, spices, and other precious goods coming from southern Arabian Peninsula did cross regularly the 350 km of sand dunes between these two main trade cities. The numerous so-called Thamudic inscriptions (more than 5000) testify of this intense frequentation by travellers.
After our tour in Jubbah, we will visit Airef Fort on top of Hill which has a history in Hail.
Overnight in Hail.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Hail for 1 night
7
DAY 7 EARLY MORNING FLIGHT AND TOUR OF RIYADH
RIYADH CITY TOUR - AL MASMAK - NATIONAL MUSEUM
First visit is Ad Diriyah, northwest of the city and the original capital of the first Saudi state is a must-see. Its Al Turaif quarter, a carefully restored mud-brick district that was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, offers a glimpse into the country’s extraordinary heritage.
Please note that this site is closed for development and the visit will be from the outside.
We will start our day with a historical brief about the capital of Saudi, in the National Museum you will be discovering Saudi Arabia’s rich past, an amazing journey that will bring you along thousands of kilometers around the whole Kingdom. An easier way to have an insight of Saudi Arabia’s rich History is to visit the King Abdulaziz Historical Center in Riyadh where artifacts from all periods are exhibited and with explanations about their historical significance.
After lunch, we will go to check out the view of the sunset from the Kingdom Centre which is a 99-story, 302.3 m skyscraper. When completed in 2002, it overtook the 267-meter Faisaliyah Tower as the tallest tower in Saudi Arabia. It has since been surpassed and is now the fifth-tallest skyscraper in the country, it is the world’s third-tallest building with a hole after the Shanghai World Financial Center.
Then we will be heading for lunch in one of the famous traditional restaurants at Qaria Najdya.
After our historical brief we will visit the Al Masmak Fortress, surrounded by sand, this squat fortification was built around 1865 and is like a scene out of the movies: a big fortress representing an empire. It was the site of a daring 1902 raid by Ibn Saud, during which a spear was hurled at the main entrance door with such force that the head is still lodged in the doorway. Highlights among the exhibits include maps and fascinating photographs of Saudi Arabia dating from 1912 to 1937, in galleries converted from diwans (living rooms). The roofs are covered with painted palm-tree, ceramic and ethel wood and exude an old-world charm that evokes an Arabian painting. Inside, the information panels and short, chest-thumping films on the storming of the fortress and the ‘reunification’ of Saudi Arabia are reverential towards the Al Sauds but worth watching nonetheless.
In the same area and only at a walking distance we will visit the Souq Al-Zal which is one of the oldest traditional markets.
First visit is Ad Diriyah, northwest of the city and the original capital of the first Saudi state is a must-see. Its Al Turaif quarter, a carefully restored mud-brick district that was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, offers a glimpse into the country’s extraordinary heritage.
Please note that this site is closed for development and the visit will be from the outside.
We will start our day with a historical brief about the capital of Saudi, in the National Museum you will be discovering Saudi Arabia’s rich past, an amazing journey that will bring you along thousands of kilometers around the whole Kingdom. An easier way to have an insight of Saudi Arabia’s rich History is to visit the King Abdulaziz Historical Center in Riyadh where artifacts from all periods are exhibited and with explanations about their historical significance.
After lunch, we will go to check out the view of the sunset from the Kingdom Centre which is a 99-story, 302.3 m skyscraper. When completed in 2002, it overtook the 267-meter Faisaliyah Tower as the tallest tower in Saudi Arabia. It has since been surpassed and is now the fifth-tallest skyscraper in the country, it is the world’s third-tallest building with a hole after the Shanghai World Financial Center.
Then we will be heading for lunch in one of the famous traditional restaurants at Qaria Najdya.
After our historical brief we will visit the Al Masmak Fortress, surrounded by sand, this squat fortification was built around 1865 and is like a scene out of the movies: a big fortress representing an empire. It was the site of a daring 1902 raid by Ibn Saud, during which a spear was hurled at the main entrance door with such force that the head is still lodged in the doorway. Highlights among the exhibits include maps and fascinating photographs of Saudi Arabia dating from 1912 to 1937, in galleries converted from diwans (living rooms). The roofs are covered with painted palm-tree, ceramic and ethel wood and exude an old-world charm that evokes an Arabian painting. Inside, the information panels and short, chest-thumping films on the storming of the fortress and the ‘reunification’ of Saudi Arabia are reverential towards the Al Sauds but worth watching nonetheless.
In the same area and only at a walking distance we will visit the Souq Al-Zal which is one of the oldest traditional markets.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Riyadh for 1 night
8
DAY 8 DEPARTURE
Day at leisure.
Meals : Breakfast
HOTEL OPTIONS OR SIMILAR
Jeddah
Hyatt House 4*
Madinah
Madinah Marriott Hotel 4*
Al Ula
Sahary AlUla Resort (Desert resort/camp accommodation)
Hail
Millennium Hotel 5*
Riyadh
Centro Waha 4*
|
Rates in CA$, per person, starting from |
Land Package |
| Daily departures until December 20th, 2023 | Double occupancy |
| 2 pax | 7685 |
| 4 pax | 5799 |
| Single occupation supplement (with minimum 2 pax traveling) | +925 |
This tour is available with a minimum of 2 people traveling.
**Prices in this document are for information only; they were issued at press time, for the current year. Please note that due to exchange rates and temporary promotions, they can increase or decrease at any time. Contact your travel agent for the price and promotion of the moment The prices indicated exclude the contribution to the Customer Compensation Fund of $3.50 per $1,000 of tourism product or service purchased from a travel agent in Quebec.
