Saudi Arabia & Jordan Explorer

Arrive in Saudi Arabia’s buzzing capital to a warm A&K welcome and transfer by private vehicle to your luxury hotel. Riyadh is one of the wealthiest capitals in the world, a powerhouse that is embracing modernity at a rapid pace.

After settling in, discover the state-of-the-art Financial District which has been sustainably designed to resist the desert heat. Visit the Kingdom Tower Observation deck to look out upon the vast skyline as the sun sets and the lights take over.

Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh

Today you’ll explore the expansive ruins of UNESCO World Heritage site Diriyyah, set in a wadi (dry riverbed) of orchards and farms. The birthplace of Saudi Arabia, the mud-brick walls once hid a prosperous desert city. Follow your guide through the At-Turaif ruins, wander through the old town to admire its once-splendid palace, discover a web of mud houses and marketplaces, and continue to Musmak Fort — the epic site of the Battle of Riyadh. End the morning at the vibrant Dirah Souq, before pausing for your first taste of delicious Saudi fare.

This afternoon, discover the UNESCO-designated National Museum with your expert historian, where you’ll journey though the long arc of Arabian history. Continue to Murabba Palace, a living museum that tells the fascinating story of King Abdulaziz Al Saud. Your evening is at leisure.

Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh | Meals: BL

Fly into the Arabian Desert to AlUla and transfer to your hotel. The jewel in Saudi Arabia’s crown, AlUla is an active archaeology site of extraordinary human heritage, and you’ll be one of the first to discover it. Spend three days exploring an open-air museum of red sandstone cliffs, ancient rock art, tombs, outcrops, dwellings and monuments that date back to the 6th century BC.

Later, visit Elephant Rock one of AlUla’s many geological marvels. The ‘trunk’ and ‘body’ of this monolithic beast were shaped by natural forces over millions of years of wind and water erosion. Witness the colour of the rock change as the sun sets with a scenic sundowner of juice or tea. This evening, sit back and enjoy the award-winning desert oasis at your leisure.

Habitas Resort, AlUla | Meals: B

Further afield, discover the wonders of Hegra. The Nabataean settlement is home to 110 remarkably well-preserved relics and rock-cut tombs spread over 2,000 square metres. Discover the Well, Qasr Al Bint, Diwan Tomb and Al Farid Palace, as well as the preserved railway station, which was once an historic stop along the incense trade route. Stop at a local restaurant for a delicious Saudi lunch.

This afternoon, visit Harrat to enjoy a panoramic view over the entire landscape of AlUla. Finish the day with an exhilarating helicopter ride taking in breath-taking aerial views (additional cost).

Habitas AlUla | Meals: BL

Spend the day exploring the wonders of World Heritage-listed Jabal Ikmah and Dadan. Jabal Ikmah has been described as a huge open-air library, home to the highest concentration of rock inscriptions in AlUla. Continue to the stone-cut city of Dadan which sits astride the valley’s oasis, featuring over ten tombs — many of which you can explore inside — carved into red-rock cliffs. Set your eyes upon the ‘Lion Tombs’, guarded by seated lion sculptures said to have protected the dead.

Pause for lunch at the Pink Camel restaurant offering scenic views of the wadi, before witnessing the sun reflect off 9,740 mirrored panels at the Maraya art installation — the setting for spectacular concerts of international acclaim. This evening, explore the Old Town, home to the ruins of nearly 900 houses, 400 shops and five town squares constructed thousands of years ago.

Habitas AlUla | Meals: BL

Today, journey overland to Tabuk, where you’ll stop for lunch before continuing to the Deise Valley, one of the most fertile landscapes in Saudi Arabia. The valley lies 400 metres above sea level surrounded by huge sandstone cliffs. Discover gushing rivers, forested mountains, and vertiginous date palms, and keep your eyes peeled for camels roaming the riverbeds and local farmers herding their goats. Settle into your accommodation and prepare for your adventure into Jordan.

Grand Millennium Hotel | Meals: BLD

Cross the border and journey to Wadi Rum, the epic location of some of Hollywood’s greatest films, from Dune and Lawrence of Arabia to Star Wars. A cavernous ocean of ochre dunes and sandstone sculptures, Wadi Rum forms the largest dry valley in Jordan, and is about the size of New York city. Once inside the desert, take an atmospheric ride to your luxury camp on a 4x4 Bedouin truck. This evening, enjoy sundowners and authentic cuisine as the sun sets over the red-rock wilderness. If the sky is clear, prepare for a night of magic stargazing at your luxury Bedouin camp.

Hayat Desert Camp | Meals: BD

This morning, experience the desert landscape of Wadi Rum like the Bedouin have been doing for centuries, on foot. Rise early, to absorb the full magnitude and serenity of this movie-set landscape, learning the ways of the Bedouin nomads.

This afternoon, drive to Little Petra, home to a number of notable tombs, high gorges and carved facades, with magnificent views over the mountainous landscape. Like Petra, the site here dates all the way back to the first century and may have been a suburb of the larger city where the merchants lived. Continue on to your hotel in Petra, with your evening at leisure.

H Hotel | Meals: B

Don your walking shoes and set out for a full day exploring the ‘Rose-Red City’, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Once the capital of the ancient Nabataeans, the entire city was carved into red sandstone rock some 2,000 years ago. Enter through the sinewy helix of the Siq — a naturally occurring geological rift — to uncover a vast site full of dwellings, baths, temples, tombs and markets. To think that this entire city lay undiscovered until just 200 years ago is unbelievable. Discover the famed Treasury, the Roman Theatre, the Corinthian and Palace Tombs, and the Roman Road. Later climb the 1,200 steps to the summit of the imposing monastery and take in the awe-inspiring views.

H Hotel | Meals: B

No visit to Jordan would be complete without driving the famous King's Highway, an ancient trade route used by civilisations for over 5000 years. Winding its way through the desert, it offers rare glimpses into day-to-day rural life. You’ll pass through numerous small villages and settlements, and witness some of the country’s most beautiful scenery.

Enroute to Amman, visit the imposing Crusader castle of Kerak, where the fates of kings and nations were decided for centuries. Discover a dark maze of stone-vaulted halls and endless passageways, and gain insight into the architectural and military prowess of the Crusaders. Further north explore the Christian town and church of Madaba famous for its mosaic map depicting the holy land, Jerusalem. Continue to Mt Nebo where there’s time to admire magnificent views of the Jordan Valley. It is from this vantage point that Moses is said to have gazed down on the Promised Land. Arrive at Amman, with your evening at leisure.

St Regis Amman | Meals: BL

Journey to the ancient city of Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world. Make your way past the ruined structures through the Oval Forum and its still-standing columns, explore the iconic temple of Artemis, the long colonnaded street with its original stone paving, and the monumental Hadrian’s Arch, built to celebrate a visit by the emperor himself.

This afternoon, wander through the National Archaeological Museum to learn about Jordan during prehistoric times. Rest your feet in the 6,000 seat Roman Amphitheatre, and then stroll through Darat al Funun Arts Centre, where you’ll encounter contemporary artists at work.

St Regis Amman | Meals: BL

Bid farewell to Jordan and transfer to the airport for your onward journey.

Meals: B