Day
1
The tour begins at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia’s commercial capital and the main gateway to Mecca, the holiest city in Islam. Its historic center, Al-Balad (The Town), once served as a major trading port along the Indian Ocean trade routes and today its distinctive architecture has seen it inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Characterised by imposing tower houses and coral stone buildings, the old center of the city encapsulates the rich mix of influences and traditions that once flourished along these trade routes and reflects a style and tradition essentially lost now outside Saudi Arabia.
Overnight in Jeddah hotel.
- Arrival to Jeddah
Day
2
This morning we will start our discovery of The Kingdom by exploring the port city of Jeddah. The local motto in Arabic is “Jeddah Ghair” meaning “Jeddah is different” and today we find out why. The city boasts the largest seaport on the Red Sea, plus a ‘floating’ mosque sculpting an iridescent silhouette along the water's edge. Jeddah is considered the commercial capital of Saudi Arabia and hides many a unique historic treasure inside its contemporary walls. Today we maneuver through the streets taking in the modern elements such as the artsy waterfront Corniche Walk and the contrasting old city, souqs and traditional bazaars.
Overnight in Jeddah hotel.
- Jeddah
Day
3
Leaving Jeddah behind, we will skirt around the famous holy city of Mecca and stop at the mountain village of Al Hada on our way to Taif. The village of Al Hada exhibits some outstanding examples of traditional Hejazi architecture backdropped by breath-taking views of the surrounding mountain range. From here we continue to Taif, known as the “City of Roses”, aptly arriving to tour a local rose factory to learn about production in the region. We will also stop at some notable historic buildings such as the Shubra Palace and will complete the day with a stroll through Taif’s bustling Souq in the city center.
Overnight in Taif hotel.
- Jeddah - Taif
Day
4
This morning we set off early driving through the open desert to the spectacular Al Wahba Crater, a dramatic volcano formation with a salt field at its center.
Here there is the option to circumnavigate part of the crater or you may opt for the more challenging steep climb down
to the basin and then back up again (approx. 2.5hrs return).
After our exploration we will enjoy a much-needed picnic lunch at the crater’s edge taking in this awesome natural wonder. In the afternoon we make our way to the outskirts of the holy city of Medina and conclude the day with a short hike up Mount Uhud to enjoy the sunset over the city.
Please note that access to the center of Medina is restricted to Muslims.
Overnight in Medina hotel.
- Taif – Wahba Crater - Medina
Day
5
Today we travel north following the route of the historic Hejaz Railway, stopping at the abandoned Buwayr and Muduraj train stations both of which offer an eerie reminder of a turbulent and bloody past.
The aftermath of the First World War's Arab Revolt can still be seen in the discarded dusty locomotives along this unfinished railway and on our journey north the story of Lawrence of Arabia gradually comes to life.
On arrival in the remote desert town of AlUla we visit the ruins of the Old Town, climb up to the castle, then check-in at our beautifully located permanent desert camp, our base for the next two nights.
Overnight in AlUla camp.
- Medina – AlUla
Day
6
After breakfast we explore the ancient Lihyanite ruins located at the nearby oasis of Dadan, then later meander through the impressive natural rock formations and man-made monoliths scattered in the area.
The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the first UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Saudi Kingdom, the monolith of Hegra, also known as Hegra or the ‘southern Petra’.
Later we enjoy a desert sunset and return to our camp for the night.
- Hegra
Day
7
This morning we say farewell to our desert camp at Al Ula and propel once more through arid desert to the great oasis of Tayma. One of the oldest settlements in the entirety of the Arabian Peninsula with evidence of a human settlement dating back some 90,000 years.
Tayma features one of the oldest and greatest wells in the Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia, the Haddaj Well.
An excellent museum is located onsite displaying an array of artifacts and antiquities unearthed by archaeologists over many years of study in the area.
The former township and trading post of Tayma holds considerable geological and historical significance for the Kingdom.
This evening we arrive and check-in to our hotel in Hail.
Overnight in Hail hotel.
- AlUla – Tayma - Hail
Day
8
A short distance north-west of Hail we find the UNESCO World
Heritage site, Jubbah. This world-famous site features some of the best rock-art in Saudi Arabia.
Strewn across the scorched rocks of Jabal Umm Sinman are thousands of intricate rock carvings, some of which are thought to be over 10,000 years old.
Subjects etched into the sandstone include man, cattle, ibex, horse, ostrich and lion all of which are impressively well preserved on their rock canvas.
On returning to Hail we board a train operated by Saudi Arabian
Railways to Buraydah and then transfer to our hotel for the evening.
Please note that train schedules are subject to change and if necessary, we will drive to Buraydah.
Overnight in Buraydah hotel.
- Hail – Jubbah – Buraydah (Train)
Day
9
Today we need to start early to make the most of a truly unique Saudi experience. Buraydah’s lively camel market is located just a short distance outside modern-day Buraydah but the experience may feel like stepping into a distant era of times gone by. This is the world’s largest camel market where thousands of camels, goats and sheep are traded every day and this morning is sure to be a feast for the senses.
We head back into the city to stroll through the mouthwatering date market to pick some tasty treats before driving towards the capital city of Riyadh.
In route we will visit the heritage village of Ushaiqer, one of the oldest settlements in the region which boasts some stunning traditional Najd architecture and considered one of the most attractive places in the country. In the afternoon we hike to the “Edge of the World” for the sunset atop these aptly named desert cliffs after which we make our way back to the city for dinner.
Overnight in Riyadh hotel.
- Buraydah – Edge of the world - Riyadh
Day
10
After breakfast Start your day exploring the country's capital. visiting The National Museum of Saudi Arabia. Established in 1999, It is part of the King Abdul-Aziz Historical Centre in Riyadh. driving on Makkah Road towards old Camel Caravan Trail, where one can enjoy walk on old camel tracks which is always very fascinating. Continue to Masmak Fort, enjoy a step back in time and explore Saudi Arabia’s roots. A short documentary also re-enacts the capture of the fortress by King Abdul Aziz, whose spearhead you can still see embedded in its wooden gate. visit Murraba palace, among the most important palaces built by King Abdul-Aziz. this Palace was to accommodate his family, it was built on the local traditional Najid style by using local building material only. Dira Souq is famous for its variety of old copper and brass objects including silver daggers, silver Bedouins Jewelry and dresses. While entering from the main access point, visitors always smell sandal wood fragrance. Dira Souq is a great place to purchase antique carpets and other useful Saudi heritage antiques.
Overnight in Riyadh hotel.
- Riyadh
Day
11
Breakfast in the morning and transfer to Airport for Departure.
- Riyadh - Departure
