Highlights of Saudi Arabia

Arrive in Saudi Arabia’s buzzing capital to a warm A&K welcome from your tour coordinator and transfer by private vehicle to your luxury hotel. Once a walled, mud-brick waystation along desert trading routes, Riyadh is now one of the wealthiest capitals in the world, a powerhouse that is embracing modernity at a rapid pace.

After settling in, discover the contemporary King Abdullah Financial District which has been architecturally designed with state-of-the-art sustainable infrastructure purpose-built to resist the heat. See modern Riyadh with a visit to the Kingdom Tower Observation deck to look out upon the vast skyline as the sunsets and the lights take over.

Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh

Today you’ll explore the outskirts of Riyadh where the capital once lay. Visit UNESCO World Heritage-listed Diriyyah set in a wadi valley. The mud-brick walls once hid a prosperous desert city that was the heart of Saudi Arabia’s culture and commerce. Follow your guide through the At-Turaif district, the ruins of which have been the subject of a painstaking restoration process. Wander through the old town to admire its once-splendid palace, houses and marketplace, before continuing to Musmak Fort, built during the reign of Abdullah bin Rashid in 1895 AD. Next stop, Dirah Souq, an interesting market famed for colourful textiles.

Take a pause for your first delicious taste of authentic Saudi fare at Najd Village.

This afternoon, discover the National Museum with your expert guide, a UNESCO World Heritage site composed of eight galleries exploring Arabian history from creation to modernity. Continue to Murabba Palace, built by King Abdul Aziz in 1937. A family dwelling, the palace was constructed from local materials and is composed of several smaller palaces, and the Royal Diwan.

This evening is at leisure.

Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh | Meals: BL

Transfer to Riyadh Airport for your domestic flight to AlUla.

Discover spectacular AlUla, the jewel in Saudi Arabia’s crown. AlUla is an active archaeology site of extraordinary human and natural heritage — quickly rising to fame as the ‘second Petra’. Historically located on the Incense Route, this vast land of desert cliff formations is now an open-air museum of tombs, outcrops, dwellings and monuments that hold 200,000 years of unexplored human history. As this area has only recently opened to tourists, you’ll be one of the first to discover it.

This afternoon begins your visit to AlUla by visiting Elephant Rock one of AlUla’s many geological marvels. The ‘trunk’ and ‘body’ of this monolithic red sandstone beast were shaped by natural forces over millions of years of wind & water erosion. Relax and watch the colour of the rock change as the sun sets with a snack and delicious mocktail.

This evening, sit back and enjoy the award-winning desert oasis at your leisure.

Habitas Resort, AlUla | Meals: B

Spend the day exploring the wonders of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hegra, Dadan and Jabal Ikmah.

Hegra is Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site with 110 remarkably well-preserved tombs. The southernmost settlement of the Nabataean Kingdom, the city was known as ‘Al Hijr’ during ancient times and was once a stopover on the incense trade route. The site spreads over 2000 square metres, with an abundance of relics and rock-cut tombs. Discover the Nabatean Well, Qasr Al Bint, Diwan Tomb and Al Farid Palace, as well as the preserved railway station.

Stop at a local restaurant for a delicious fresh lunch.

Visit the city of Dadan which was built meticulously from stone and sits astride the valley’s oasis, before witnessing the sun reflect off the 9,740 mirrored panels at Maraya. This beautiful piece of art is set in the desert canyon of Ashar Valley and is designed to blend into the surrounding landscape like a mirage. It has been the setting for spectacular concerts of international acclaim.

This afternoon you may choose from a range of options. Embark on an exhilarating helicopter ride over the surrounding landscape taking in breath-taking aerial views of AlUla (Additional Cost). Visit Harrat to enjoy a memorable view at the edge of the earth with panoramic views. Visit the Old Town with nearly 900 houses, 400 shops and five town squares. The old town of AlUla still contains remnants of some of the original stone and mudbricks constructed thousands of years ago.

This evening is yours to enjoy your resort at leisure or have dinner whilst visiting Old Town (Additional Cost).

Habitas AlUla | Meals: BL

Spend a whole day at leisure enjoying your Habitas resort. The grounds were inspired by contemporary ‘desert art’ and there are several installations sprinkled through the surrounding rock formations ripe for exploration.

Enjoy time to relax and reflect by the pool looking out onto the incredible surrounds. You may also like to indulge in the wellness centre with numerous ayurvedic treatments. Thuraya Wellness offers a peaceful lounge space with an alchemy bar, spa treatment rooms, a fitness centre, an outdoor wellness agora, and a yoga studio (additional cost).

Habitas AlUla | Meals: B

Today you’ll fly to the captivating port city of Jeddah. Over the coming days you’ll admire the city's World Heritage architecture, bustling souq and laid-back coastline, and savour world-class cuisine.

Settle into your luxury accommodation on the shores of the Red Sea; expect floor-to-ceiling windows looking over the ocean.

The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Shangri-La, Jeddah| Meals: B

Wander along Jeddah’s beautiful coastal Corniche where you can admire an extraordinary array of modern sculptures ranging from traditional Arabic designs to the abstract and monumental. Afterwards, gaze upon the ‘floating mosque’ which appears to drift on the water's surface shimmering in the sunlight. Pause to take in the spectacular views over the Red Sea, before discover King Fahd’s Fountain — the tallest in the world, shooting saltwater from the Red Sea 300 metres into the air.

This afternoon, explore and discover the Abdul Raouf Khalil Museum and then follow your guide on a tour of Jeddah’s UNESCO-listed traditional architecture. Visit some of the old Ottoman houses, constructed from coral and reinforced with wooden beams, including Nasif House, which was built in the 1850’s by the distinguished Nasif Family, influential traders.

Shangri-La, Jeddah| Meals: B

Today your Saudi Arabian adventure comes to an end. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Meals: B