7D6N Dreams of Saudi Arabia

After visa and immigration formalities our representative will meet and escort the guests to their air-conditioned vehicle for the transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Riyadh.

Breakfast at the hotel. We begin our tour of mystic Riyadh with a visit to the National Museum. A centre of learning and discovery, the museum offers a comprehensive overview of Arabian civilization – from prehistory to the modern era. We then proceed to the nearby Murabba Palace (outside visit only, as it is under renovation), one of the city’s historic landmarks. Lunch on your own. In the afternoon, we continue with a visit to Masmak Fort and its museum, which highlights the Al-Saud family’s conquest of Arabia. The fort was built in 1895 during the reign of Abdullah bin Rashid to serve as a military garrison. In 1902, King Abdulaziz, founder of modern Saudi Arabia, captured the fort – marking the birth of the Third Saudi State. To end the day, we’ll pass by Kingdom Tower and Al Faisaliah Tower before returning to the hotel. Dinner and overnight in Riyadh.

Breakfast at your hotel and check-out. This morning, we depart for Ha’il, a drive of approximately 6 hours. We expect to arrive just in time for lunch (on your own). Known for its warm hospitality, Ha’il has long been considered the cultural home of Saudi Arabia’s poets and writers. Interestingly, many early European explorers – including Charles Doughty, Lady Blunt, Charles Huber, and Julius Euting – passed through Ha’il in the 19th century. Upon arrival, we check in. Since we’ll arrive in the early afternoon, we’ll visit A’Arif Fort and a nearby heritage museum. Later, we’ll explore the traditional market, where you can discover local delicacies. If time permitted, we’ll also pass by the Ha’il Regional Museum to admire its collection. Dinner and overnight in Ha’il.

This morning, we begin our journey to Jubbah, located on an ancient lake. Several archaeological sites of human settlement have been discovered around the margin of this paleolake. These drawings remain visible today on several sandstone outcrops, such as Jebel Umm Sanman. Another significant carving site in Ha’il Province – Shuwaymis, were listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites in 2015 for their numerous petroglyphs and rich inscriptions. The region between Ha’il and Al-Ula offers some of the best desert experiences in the world. On our way, we pass through the famous Nefud Al Kabir Desert, which means the “Great Extent of Sand Dunes.” It spans 290 kilometers in length, 225 kilometers in width, and covers an area of 103,600 square kilometers. Lunch at leisure. We continue our journey to the famous Al-Ula area. Upon arrival, we will visit Jebel Al-Fil, also known as the “Elephant Rock.” In the early evening, we check in to our beautifully located hotel, where we’ll stay overnight. Dinner and overnight in Al-Ula.

Today, we begin our journey with a visit to the famous Hegra (Madain Saleh), the first Saudi site to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is the second richest Nabatean city for its monumental tombs, with 94 decorated funeral monuments, showcasing some of the most vibrant and well-preserved architectural feats of Nabatean builders. Lunch on your own. After lunch, we will continue our journey towards the city of Medina, departing around 4 PM for a drive of approximately 3½ to 4 hours. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. Dinner and overnight in Medina

Breakfast at your hotel and check-out. This morning, we will visit the holy city of Medina. In the city center, the vast Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (Prophet’s Mosque) is a major Islamic pilgrimage site. Its striking Green Dome rises above the tombs of Prophet Muhammad and early Islamic leaders Abu Bakr and Umar. The Masjid al-Qiblatain (Qiblatain Mosque) is known as the site where the Prophet Muhammad received the command to change the direction of prayer to Mecca. We will visit the outskirts of the city only, excluding the holy pilgrimage areas, and conclude the day with a short walk near Mount Uhud. We will also visit the Dar Al Madina Museum, which tells the story of Islam and the biography of the Prophet. Lunch at leisure. We then depart for Jeddah, where we will arrive after a 5-hour drive. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. Dinner and overnight in Jeddah.

We will begin our tour by passing through Jeddah Corniche, a 30 km coastal resort area of the city. The corniche features a coastal road, recreational areas, pavilions, and King Fahd’s Fountain (which usually operates after 6 pm), the highest fountain in the world. Immerse yourself in the city’s rich heritage at the Tayyebat Museum, which offers a fascinating look at Jeddah’s long and cosmopolitan past. This superbly curated museum provides a glimpse into the city’s 2,500-year history. Next, enjoy a wonderful walk through Al-Balad, the old part of the city. This walking tour will take you to hidden gems in the Old Market and uncover the hidden galleries of Old Jeddah. Lunch at leisure. Depending on your flight time, we will transfer you to Jeddah airport for your final departure.