Group Tour Saudi Arabia

World city of Riyadh, magical AlUla and Hegra, the holy city of Madinah and authentic Jeddah

About this group tour Saudi Arabia

Experience the magic of Saudi Arabia during this nine-day group tour full of highlights. From bustling Riyadh to the historic treasures of AlUla and Hegra, this trip immerses you in the rich culture, breathtaking nature and exceptional hospitality of the locals. Visit the cradle of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh, follow in the footsteps of the Nabataeans in Hegra, admire the rituals in the holy city of Medina and experience the unparalleled beauty of the Red Sea. Your taste buds will also be in for a treat. End your trip with a stroll through the enchanting alleys of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Al-Balad and return home with unforgettable stories and lasting memories.

Highlights

Diriyah, the cradle of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh
Hegra, the Daimumah Oasis and Elephant Rock in AlUla
The rich underwater world of the Red Sea

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Scroll on to discover the complete itinerary, accommodations and more!

Day 1 | Arrival in Riyadh

An Arab welcome awaits you upon your arrival in Riyadh. You will be taken by private transfer to the hotel. In the evening, you will gather as a group to get acquainted over a delicious dinner.

Day 2 | Riyadh in all its glory

After a full breakfast, we begin the day with a visit to the National Museum. The museum offers a wealth of ancient artifacts and exhibits that take you on a journey through the history of Saudi Arabia. Right next door the discovery continues with a wander around in Murabba Palace, a royal palace and home of former King Abdulaziz Al Saud who moved there with his family in 1939.

After this we make our way to the Masmak Fort, an imposing citadel and symbol of the origins of modern Saudi Arabia. Today, the restored building serves as a museum where historical artifacts, photographs and maps from the early 20th century are on display.

Next, we visit the Souq al-Zal, a vibrant authentic market where smells, colors and sounds prevail. It is the perfect place to purchase a unique souvenir that showcases the kingdom's rich cultural heritage. A memory for life.

A spiritual experience awaits you the largest mosque of Riyadh that opened since 2004 and is named after a well-known Saudi business man. Here, both Muslim and non-Muslim guests are welcome to learn a bit more about the religion.

For dinner, we join a Saudi family who will introduce you at length to the hafawah, or in other words Arabian hospitality. Your taste buds won't be short of anything either.

We end the day with a visit to Riyadh Boulevard, where the city's modern flair merges with traditional charms. Here you can soak up the local atmosphere and immerse yourself in Riyadh's vibrant nightlife.

Day 3 | Architecture, nature and culture in optima forma

The morning begins with a visit to the striking King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), the financial heart of the city that reflects Riyadh's modernity and ambition. Here you can marvel at the skyscrapers and futuristic designs that adorn the skyline.

After visiting KAFD, the adventure really begins as we visit the impressive Edge of the World, a natural wonder that will take your breath away with its dramatic cliffs, panoramic views and pristine beauty. Edge of the World is one of Saudi Arabia's best kept secrets.

After this impressive nature experience, we return to Riyadh where we visit Diriyah, the former capital of the first Saudi Empire and the cradle of Saudi Arabia. Here you can wander the narrow streets of the old city and feel the grandeur of the past as you explore the palaces and historic buildings. You will learn more about Saudi history at At-Turaif, a UNESCO Heritage site since 2010 and see the light projections on the Salwa Palace – the largest standing structure in the citadel.

With Diriyah in the background, we ended an unforgettable day with a delicious dinner.

Day 4 | The Harrat viewpoint, the Elephant Rock and AlUla city

In the morning we fly from Riyadh to AlUla, which is blessed with numerous vantage points that offer views of the beautiful landscape. The Harrat viewpoint is considered the most beautiful. Stand on what feels like the edge of the world, overlooking deep canyons, the lush green oasis and the most amazing rock formations as far as the eye can see.

After this, we will take the 4WDs into the desert for an off-road adventure that will introduce you to the rugged landscape. Today's lunch has a Bedouin touch, the rest remains a surprise.

Elephant Rock is the next highlight not to be missed on the program. It is an insane rock formation eroded by wind and water that impresses. Lean back and watch as the golden light of the setting sun seems to bring the fifty-meter-high sandstone beast to life.

After this natural highlight, you will visit the old town of AlUla, where time seems to have stood still. Here you can wander on your own through the maze of historic alleys and hundreds of houses built of mud brick. This is AlUla's Old Town, whose winding paths are steeped in memories dating back nearly a century. Be enchanted by the town's authentic charm as the sun slowly sets. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner before being returned to the hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Day 5 | Hegra, the Daimumah Oasis and the Maraya Concert Hall

Today is all about archaeological treasures and breathtaking landscapes. With ancient Landrovers, we will visit Hegra, the ancient Nabatean city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will be immersed in the rich history of the region as you explore the ancient ruins, admire the beautiful inscriptions and feel the magic of the past come alive.

Next, we make our way to the enchanting Daimumah Oasis. Scenic paths wind through shade-covered palm groves, fragrant botanical gardens and open fields. Admire ancient mud dwellings and ancient qanats (irrigation canals), along with the crops that local farmers sustainably grow here.

For lunch, we slide into the best restaurant in the oasis. Overlooking the lush fields of the oasis, the menu is inspired by the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. Enjoy a light, lemony pasta, or a delicious lamb sandwich. Add the perfectly poached egg to your avocado toast, or try one of their fresh-baked croissants.

The day will conclude with a visit and dinner at the Maraya Concert Hall, a symbol of modernity, cultural evolution and Saudi Arabia's growing ambitions as a travel destination. The building's most striking feature is its giant mirrored exterior, which reflects the surrounding natural beauty and creates the illusion that the hall almost completely blends into its surroundings.

Day 6 | Balloon ride over historic AlUla

Experience the enchanting canyons, lush blankets of green oases and carved tombs of AlUla, stretching from the air as far as the eye can see. From 1,200-meter heights, enjoy panoramic views of historic sites that have fascinated travelers for millennia and will continue to do so for a long time to come. AlUla offers an abundance of ancient and traditional charm with over 200,000 years of history. There is no better way to truly take in all its glory than with a balloon ride during sunrise.

After the balloon ride, we will be taken back to the hotel after which you can spend the rest of the day as you wish.

Day 7 | Visit to the heart of Islam

In the morning, a transfer will take us to Madinah in 4 hours. Madinah, located in western Saudi Arabia, is visited by millions of pilgrims each year. The Prophet's Mosque is the literal and figurative highlight - the colossal building seats one million worshippers and is the beating heart of Madinah. Upon arrival, we will have lunch with a magnificent view of the mosque and will most likely see tens of thousands of Muslims practicing their faith. Jessica will explain here a bit more about the mosque, its significance and there is opportunity to ask questions. After lunch we admire the mosque from a distance as well and visit the modern museum.

Then we will travel by high-speed train from Madinah to Jeddah where we will arrive in the early evening.

To end the day on a relaxing note, we take a stroll along the Corniche. It is a beautiful place with lushly landscaped walkways and bike paths, where people love to stroll, run and cycle. The Corniche is where Saudis gather to enjoy the sunset or picknick. An ideal place to start the conversation with the Saudi and thus learn more about the mysterious Saudi Arabia. At the end of the walk, we will join you for a well-deserved dinner.

Day 8 | The Red Sea and Al-Balad

Today we take you to the water for a snorkeling excursion in the Red Sea, where you will be immersed in the enchanting underwater world. The Red Sea is also one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. Swim past colorful corals, spot exotic fish and be amazed by the stunning biodiversity of this marine paradise. Lunch will be served on the boat.

At the end of the day, we explore the enchanting alleys of the Al-Balad neighborhood while walking. Al-Balad, the old city of Jeddah, is a historic maze where Thousand and One Nights fairy tales seem to become reality. A real must visit in Jeddah. Stroll through the souks and narrow alleys of Al-Balad and be blown away by the many impressions.

The day will end with dinner in the Al-Balad neighborhood.

Day 9 | A memory for life

Sadly, it is time to say goodbye to the enchanting city of Jeddah. With a suitcase full of memories, you will return home.

Included:

Warm welcome by Jessica at Riyadh Airport
Travel program as described including national flights, transportation and transfers
Hold and carry-on luggage
Entrance fees of named attractions
All overnight stays in good quality 4* and 5* hotels
Dutch-speaking tour guide (Jessica)
Breakfast 8x - Lunch 6x - Dinner 6x
Visa Saudi Arabia
Very comprehensive up-to-date travel information before departure
Most beautiful map of Saudi Arabia
All taxes and surcharges
Compulsory contribution SGR and Calamity Fund (€7,50)