Architecture and art tour Saudi Arabia

Day 1 | The old and new by metro

Riyadh is a city where rich cultural heritage and modern ambitions go hand in hand. The city has transformed from a walled mud-brick trading post into a modern metropolis, with a diverse architectural landscape, vibrant shopping malls, traditional souks and public parks.

Start your day with a ride on the recently opened Riyadh Metro from a nearby station, an example of sustainable public transportation.

The first stop is the Al Faisaliah Tower, a modern architectural masterpiece with a golden sphere at the top that offers panoramic views of the city. Its unique facade and structural design are particularly interesting. Nearby is the 302-meter-high Kingdom Tower. The futuristic and iconic building is simply unmissable and visible from all corners of the city of Riyadh.

After this, you will visit the National Museum and the Murabba Palace. The National Museum displays the history and culture of Saudi Arabia, with architecture that shows a modern interpretation of traditional forms. The Murabba Palace, a historic building, provides insight into the architectural styles of the kingdom in the past.

The subway ride ends at the Qasr Al Hokm station, an architectural highlight that combines modern functionality with regional aesthetics. You will visit the Masmak Fort, a traditional Najdi structure made of clay and mud bricks that played a crucial role in the foundation of modern Saudi Arabia. This 150-year-old historic fort recalls the kingdom's glorious past and symbolizes the unification under King Abdulaziz.

The tour ends with a visit to Souq al Zal market and Souq Bisht, two of the city's most characteristic traditional markets. Enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant before being brought back to the hotel for a well-deserved night's rest.

Day 2 | Architectural wonders and modern art

The day begins with a visit to the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD). This district's subway station, itself an architectural marvel, embodies modern design principles and ingenious engineering. The KAFD Grand Mosque, within the district, is a fine example of contemporary Islamic architecture.

Next, the trip heads to the JAX District, Riyadh's creative hotspot. This area, with its industrial-chic architecture, provides the backdrop for artists, designers and various exhibitions. The architecture - characterized by reused industrial spaces - offers a unique aesthetic.

After this, you will visit the Contemporary Art Biennale. The Contemporary Art Biennale is an international stage and celebration of contemporary art, featuring artists from around the world.

From future to past: we dive into Ad Diriyah, the cradle of the first Saudi state, At-Turaif, which ruled between 1744 and 1818. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has recently been restored to its former glory and is becoming a cornerstone of the kingdom's tourist offerings. Discover how the mud houses were built, how people braved the summer heat, and what life was like without electricity and modern conveniences.

The day ends with dinner at Bujairi Terrace, where the culinary experience is enriched by the surrounding architecture and views of historic Diriyah.

Day 3 | From Elephant Rock to AlUla's Old Town

In the morning, fly from Riyadh to AlUla, home of Hegra, Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. The afternoon is the perfect time to visit the Elephant Rock. This imposing rock formation, anchored in the desert sands and reaching for the blue Arabian sky, is one of AlUla's most impressive geological wonders.

When you visit AlUla during the period January 15 to February 28, 2026, a visit to Desert X will be included in the program. Desert X is a beautiful exhibit with the rugged nature of AlUla as its backdrop.

The day ends with a visit/dinner in the historic Old Town - a maze of more than 900 mud houses, a historic mosque and ancient souks that provide insight into traditional Najdi architecture and AlUla's past as a trading hub. Recent renovations have made this city an enchanting mix of centuries-old alleys, excellent restaurants and quaint souvenir stores.

Day 4 | In the footsteps of the Nabataeans

AlUla's magic lies in its remarkable rock formations and valleys, extensive pre-Arabic petroglyphs, and the perfectly preserved tombs built by the Nabataeans more than 2,000 years ago.

Start the day with a visit to Hegra, the southern capital of the 1st century B.C. Nabatean kingdom. Today, "rawis" (storytellers) lead visitors past more than 100 beautifully preserved monumental tombs. The detailed carved facades show the craftsmanship and architectural ingenuity of this ancient civilization.

Then we will visit the green lung of AlUla: the oasis. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant amid date palms, where the rustling of the palms and the smell of citrus fruits add to the oasis atmosphere.

Then follow the shady Oasis Heritage Trail through the orange grove, listen to bird calls and imagine how nomads once found water and shelter here.

The day concludes at the Maraya Concert Hall, the iconic mirrored structure in the Ashar Valley. Admire the breathtaking facade with 9,740 glass panels and witness the impressive design of this magnificent building. Enter the stage, explore the vast spaces, and experience the unique combination of art, technology and nature in this architectural masterpiece.

For dinner, dine at Maraya Social on the roof of the Maraya Concert Hall. This versatile gourmet concept with stunning views of the rock-strewn gorges of the Ashar Valley is not to be missed.

Day 5 & 6 | Travel to and stay in Shebara

On Day 5, you will be taken to the port of Turtle Bay in about 4 hours, from where you will travel by boat in about 45 minutes to Shebara.

Located in the pristine Al Wajh Lagoon, Shebara has secured a spot on TIME Magazine's prestigious list, The World's Greatest Places of 2025.. Floating above the turquoise waters of the Red Sea, this exclusive luxury resort features 73 overwater and beach villas, resembling a pearl necklace.

Shebara is a secluded oasis for travelers seeking the perfect combination of luxury, privacy and sustainability. Shebara invites you to immerse yourself in natural, breathtaking surroundings while enjoying unparalleled service and sustainable design.

Day 7 | Madinah and the Masjid an-Nabawi

A private transfer will take you to Madinah in about 5 hours. Madinah is one of Islam's two holiest cities (next to Makkah) and its main highlight is the Masjid an-Nabawi (Mosque of the Prophet). This mosque with ten minarets can accommodate one million worshippers. The architecture combines traditional Islamic motifs with modern techniques, such as the immense retractable umbrella system that provides shade to the huge courtyards. Join the flow of pilgrims in the heart of the city - the atmosphere is indescribable. Non-Muslims can admire the mosque from the edge of the square.

Then visit the Museum of the Prophet's Biography and Islamic Civilization, where you will discover the life of Prophet Muhammad and the history of Islamic civilization through artifacts and multimedia presentations.

End the day at Mount Uhud, an important site within Islam as also a viewpoint over the Holy City.

Day 8 | The world's tallest skyscraper and the boulevard

You will have a chance to see the terminus of the Hedjaz Railway (aka Ottoman Railway), which once carried pilgrims from Damascus (Syria) to Madinah.

Then travel by state-of-the-art high-speed train from Madinah to Jeddah in 2 hours. Upon arrival, we will view the Jeddah Tower from a distance. This future world's tallest skyscraper will house a luxury hotel, residences, offices and, at 682-meters, the world's highest observation deck.

In the late afternoon, you will make your way to the Corniche. A walk along the Corniche reveals sculptures by famous artists such as Henry Moore and Joan Miró, which blend harmoniously into the cityscape.

During sunset, enjoy a traditional picnic by the sea. The evening ends with a view of the King Fahd Fountain - the world's tallest (312 meters) - whose illuminated jets of water dance above the Red Sea.

Day 9 | Architectural heritage and vibrant art scene

Today we explore Jeddah's architectural heritage and vibrant art scene, where historic monuments and modern creativity converge.

Our exploration begins at the Tayebat Museum, an architectural jewel in traditional Hidjaz style with ornate wooden balconies and coral stone facades. Inside, exhibits showcase the history of Islamic art, Arab heritage and the development of regional architecture.

Next, you'll visit Hayy Jameel, a cultural hub with exhibitions, artist studios and the country's first independent cinema - a mirror of Jeddah's dynamic creative evolution. Then visit the House of Islamic Art, a boutique gallery of sophisticated Islamic calligraphy, rare manuscripts and geometric patterns, highlighting the profound influence of Islamic aesthetics on architecture.

A visit to the Digital Art Museum (TeamLab Borderless) adds a futuristic touch: light, movement and digital projections create immersive, ever-changing art worlds.

The day and also the trip will end in Al-Balad, Jeddah's UNESCO World Heritage Site. In its narrow alleys, view centuries-old Roshan houses, restored merchant houses and visit lively markets, where architecture and street life come together in a timeless atmosphere.

Your taste buds won't be short of anything either during a farewell dinner full of fresh seafood, sampling local flavors and reminiscing about an unforgettable trip - while saying "maa al-salama": goodbye, until next time.