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Saudi Arabia Highlights Tour

On this tour, you'll explore the cosmopolitan city of Riyadh, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra, the holy city of Medina, Jeddah, and the Red Sea
Saudi Arabia Highlights Tour

Introduction to the Saudi Arabia Highlights Tour

During this tour of Saudi Arabia’s highlights, you’ll discover the most beautiful and important sights of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

In Riyadh, you’ll visit Diriyah, the cradle of Saudi Arabia, among other places. You’ll then travel north, where you’ll follow in the footsteps of the ancient Nabataeans. You’ll explore the fully renovated Old City of AlUla and visit the Maraya Concert Hall, the world’s largest mirrored building.

Next, you’ll visit Medina, where you’ll view the Masjid an-Nabawi—also known as the Prophet’s Mosque—from a distance.

The high-speed train will take you to Jeddah in just two hours. There, you’ll discover the rich underwater world of the Red Sea during a snorkeling excursion. You’ll also enjoy a pleasant stroll along the Corniche, Jeddah’s famous boulevard. A visit to Al Balad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must on this trip through Saudi Arabia.

What makes this tour of Saudi Arabia unique?

  • The cosmopolitan city of Riyadh in all its glory
  • In the Footsteps of the Nabataeans in Hegra
  • Al-Balad, the most beautiful neighborhood in Saudi Arabia
  • The Rich Biodiversity of the Red Sea

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Saoediarabie.nl is a member of the ANVR, SGR, and the emergency fund. Here, we’ll tell you more about our guarantees and the benefits this offers you when you book this Saudi Arabia Highlights tour with us.

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Scroll down to discover the full itinerary, accommodations and more!

Day-to-day

Saudi Arabia Highlights Tour

A Warm Welcome to Riyadh

Upon your arrival in Riyadh, the modern and impressive capital of Saudi Arabia, you will receive a warm welcome in keeping with the centuries-old tradition of Arab hospitality. A comfortable private transfer will then take you to your carefully selected hotel, where you can relax after your journey.

Saudi Arabia Highlights Tour

Day 2 | Discover the highlights of Riyadh and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Diriyah

After a leisurely start to the day, you’ll explore Riyadh’s most impressive sights with an expert guide. You’ll visit the historic Masmak Fort, the cradle of modern Saudi Arabia, and admire the futuristic architecture of the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD). Next, you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the iconic Kingdom Tower. The absolute highlight is a visit to the spectacular Edge of the World, where imposing cliffs, sweeping vistas, and the silence of the desert combine to create an unforgettable experience.

In the evening, you’ll visit Diriyah, the former capital of the First Saudi Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site considered the birthplace of Saudi Arabia. Stroll through the charming mud-brick streets, explore centuries-old palaces, and learn more about the kingdom’s rich history. After the impressive 3D light show at Salwa Palace, round out this special day with an excellent dinner at one of the charming restaurants around Diriyah—a perfect end to a day filled with culture, history, modern architecture, and spectacular natural beauty.

Saudi Arabia Highlights Tour

Day 3 | Flight to Tabuk and overnight stay in the spectacular Wadi Disah

After a relaxing morning, you’ll fly to Tabuk, the gateway to the impressive northwest of Saudi Arabia. Upon arrival, you’ll travel to the breathtaking Wadi Disah, one of the country’s most beautiful natural areas. This spectacular desert valley is known for its towering sandstone rock formations, vast canyons, and green oases with swaying date palms. The unique landscape is reminiscent of a combination of the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley and is one of the absolute highlights of a tour through Saudi Arabia.

Upon arrival at a charming farmhouse, you’ll enjoy a traditional barbecue, after which the evening will be all about the magic of the Arabian desert. Under a clear starry sky, your guide will tell you about the constellations, the ancient Bedouin culture, and life in the desert, while you enjoy freshly brewed Arabic coffee. You’ll spend the night in a simple but comfortable tent with beds, lighting, and electricity. The shared restroom facilities are basic, but the unique setting among the date palms and imposing rock formations makes this overnight stay an authentic and unforgettable desert experience.

Saudi Arabia Highlights Tour

Day 4 | To AlUla: spectacular viewpoints, the Elephant Rock, and the historic old city

After a beautiful drive through the desert landscape, you’ll arrive in AlUla, one of Saudi Arabia’s most extraordinary destinations. You can spend the afternoon at your leisure or relax in your unique accommodations. Later, you’ll visit the impressive Harrat Viewpoint, which offers a panoramic view of AlUla’s green oasis, deep canyons, and vast sandstone rock formations. Next, you’ll admire the iconic Elephant Rock, an impressive natural wonder that offers a magical sight, especially at sunset, when the warm light turns the gigantic rock formation golden.

The day concludes in the charming Old City of AlUla, where narrow alleys, traditional mud-brick houses, and ancient trade routes bring the rich past of this historic oasis city to life. During a stroll, you’ll discover the authentic atmosphere and cultural history of AlUla, after which you’ll enjoy an excellent dinner in the Old City. This combination of spectacular nature, cultural heritage, and hospitality makes AlUla one of the absolute highlights of a tour through Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia Highlights Tour

Hegra, the AlUla Oasis, and the iconic Maraya Concert Hall

Today, you’ll discover the world-famous highlights of AlUla, where history, nature, and architecture converge. Traveling by vintage Land Rover, you’ll explore the impressive Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and the ancient city of the Nabataeans. Amid the monumental rock-cut tombs and ancient inscriptions, you’ll experience the rich history of one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the Middle East. Next, you’ll stroll through the lush AlUla Oasis, where date palms, historic irrigation canals, traditional mud-brick houses, and fertile fields form a stunning contrast to the surrounding desert landscape. During lunch, you’ll enjoy fresh local produce at a unique location in the heart of the oasis.

At the end of the day, you’ll visit the spectacular Maraya Concert Hall, the world’s largest mirrored building and an architectural icon that blends seamlessly into the landscape of AlUla. Here, you’ll experience the modern side of Saudi Arabia, where culture, design, and gastronomy come together. The day concludes in style with a refined dinner on Maraya’s rooftop terrace, where you’ll enjoy a culinary highlight and panoramic views of AlUla’s impressive desert.

Saudi Arabia Highlights Tour

Optional excursion – hot-air balloon ride

You’ll wake up early for a breathtaking hot-air balloon ride over historic AlUla. You’ll be picked up in the lobby at 5:00 a.m. and dropped off there again around 8:30–9:00 a.m. Experience AlUla’s enchanting canyons, lush green oases, and carved tombs, which stretch as far as the eye can see from the air.

From an altitude of 1,200 meters, 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’s no better way to truly take in all its glory than with a hot-air balloon ride at sunrise.

The rest of the day can be filled as you wish.

Saudi Arabia Highlights Tour

Day 7 | Medina and Jeddah: Islamic Heritage and Comfortable Travel by High-Speed Train

Today, you’ll travel by private transfer to Medina, one of Islam’s holiest cities and a destination of exceptional religious and historical significance. Accompanied by an expert guide, you’ll explore the main attractions, including the impressive Mosque of the Prophet, which you’ll admire from the outside since the sacred grounds are accessible only to Muslims. You’ll also visit Mount Uhud, an important historical site, and the Modern Museum, where you’ll learn more about the development and rich history of Medina.

After your visit, you’ll head to the train station for a comfortable ride on the modern high-speed train to Jeddah. During this fast connection between the two major cities on the west coast, you’ll experience a different side of Saudi Arabia: modern, efficient, and well-connected. You’ll arrive in Jeddah in the early evening, where the final chapter of your tour of Saudi Arabia begins.

Saudi Arabia Highlights Tour

Day 8 | Snorkeling in the Red Sea and Exploring Historic Jeddah

The day begins with a snorkeling excursion on the Red Sea, where you’ll discover Saudi Arabia’s colorful underwater world in crystal-clear waters. Surrounded by tropical fish, impressive coral reefs, and clear blue water, you’ll enjoy a relaxing morning, including a light lunch on board. After returning to the hotel, you’ll have time to relax before setting out to explore the cultural highlights of Jeddah.

Later in the day, you’ll visit the charming Jeddah Corniche, the lively promenade along the Red Sea where locals gather to walk, bike, and enjoy the sunset. Next, you’ll explore the historic Al-Balad, Jeddah’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through the narrow alleys, colorful souks, and traditional houses with their characteristic wooden balconies, and visit the historic Nassif House, where you’ll learn more about the city’s history. This combination of nature, culture, and heritage makes Jeddah one of the most diverse destinations on a tour of Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia Highlights Tour

Day 9 | A trip full of "wow" moments

Unfortunately, it’s already time to say goodbye to enchanting Saudi Arabia. With a suitcase full of memories, you’ll head back home. A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return flight.

Included:

  • International flight. We can book this flight for you based on your preferences
  • Travel program as described including national flights in Economy Class (including checked and carry-on luggage) and private transfers
  • Stay in 4-star hotels on a half-board basis (upgrade available)
  • Entrance fees if applicable
  • Saudi Arabia visa (€ 95 pp)
  • E-book Saudi Arabia
  • Most beautiful map of Saudi Arabia (€15)
  • All taxes and surcharges
  • 24-7 assistance from Jessica and Gábor during the trip
  • Mandatory contribution SGR and Calamities Fund (€7.50)

Not included:

  • Vaccinations
  • Travel and/or cancellation insurance
  • Meals and beverages not mentioned
  • Personal expenses such as tips
  • Other items not mentioned

Staying in exceptional hotels

The hotels where you stay have been carefully selected by us. Also, the hotels are often beautiful and/or conveniently located: overlooking the Red Sea, among the rock formation of AlUla or at a central and lively spot in Riyadh. We have also included the sustainability aspect in the choice of hotels.
Saudi Arabia Highlights Tour

Joudyan (4*) - Riyadh

Saudi Arabia Highlights Tour

Cloud 7 (4*) - AlUla

Saudi Arabia Highlights Tour

Centro Salama (4*) - Djedda

Saudi Arabia Highlights Tour
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