SAUDI ARABIA EXPLORER RIYADH, ALULA AND JEDDAH – 8 DAYS

Day 1: Arrival to Riyadh

       
 

Your tour leader/driver will be waiting you. They will be holding a sign of SaudiArabiaTours , You do not need to look for them – they will be waiting for you and will find you.

From the moment your tour starts, your tour leader will give you full attention. Once in the car, He will talk to you about all the things on the way as well as other aspects of your tour that will interest you.
You will be transferred by an A/C car to your hotel. Overnight in Riyadh.

 

Day 2: Riyadh Historical Tour

      
 

Breakfast. Start your tour visiting the National Museum of Saudi Arabia which has been established in 1419 as a significant part of the king Abdulaziz historical center in Riyadh. Very impressive and important museum about the entire Saudi history, Saudi royal family, the kingdom formation, and everything regarding the political context. you will be led to numerous antiques, manuscripts, and documents that are all chronologically organized. It includes eight main halls: Hall of Man and the Universe, Arab Kingdoms, Pre-Islamic Era, Prophet’s Mission, First Saudi State, Unification of the Kingdom Hall & Hall of Hajj, and Two Holy Mosques.

The museum includes interesting examples of Arabian and Islamic art as well as architecture.  The masterpieces include Prehistoric Elephant Skeleton, huge meteor found in the Empty Quarter in Saudi Arabia desert, Rock Grafitti from the Hejaz region backdate to pre Islamic era, Copy of rosetta stone, an example of Madaian Salah Rock-cut tombs.

Then enjoy the National museum park walks through the outdoor gardens one of the best gardens you will visit in Saudi Arabia. King Abdulaziz’s historical park is an open area that you can enjoy with your family. Then proceed to the Hall of King Abdulaziz where there is a showroom of old cars that were used by the king.

Then we will move to the next visit to Murraba palace is among the most important palace built by King Abdulaziz. This Palace was to accommodate his family. It was built in the local traditional Najid style by using local building materials only. enjoy amazing photos here inside Murraba palace.

Highly recommended (Optional) Saudi Lunch at Najd traditional Saudi top restaurant. The restaurant offers a convenient place rich in history and heritage and rich in delicious traditional Saudi meals. An ideal choice to enjoy the most delicious Saudi cuisine in a distinctive atmosphere that reflects the heritage and life of the beautiful past, with sittings inspired by the ancient past of Saudis.

Then you will visit Riyadh’s Souk Al-Zal, a shopping trip through time. The market can trace its history back to 1901, to the beginning of modern Saudi Arabia. It sits within a stone’s throw of the Masmak fortress – the site where, in 1902, a young Ibn Saud and a small band of his most trusted soldiers crept up after dawn prayers, rushed the gate, captured the governor, and announced the return of the Al Saud family.

A treasure trove of traditional Eastern artifacts, the souk is one of the major tourist attractions in Riyadh. The word ‘zal’ means ‘carpet’ or ‘floor rug’, referring to the patterned textiles so central to Middle Eastern imagery.

 

Then visit the Al Masmak, Enjoy and step back in time and explore Saudi Arabia’s roots. Fascinating exhibitions on display show maps and photographs of Saudi Arabia, alongside a range of historical artifacts, artworks and audiovisual attractions. 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.

Then you will visit Kingdom Tower or Mamlaka Tower the tallest building in the city which is located on the commercial strip in the Oalya district in Riyadh. This is the most famous tower in Riyadh. The shopping mall has lots of facilities and cafes to visit. Sky bridge Al Mamlaka at extra ticket a nice observation bridge where you can get magnificent panoramic view of the city. It has a number of restaurants and shops.
Then make a photo stop at The Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Mosque, which is a large local mosque, the architectural style is similar to that of Middle Eastern countries. 

 

 

Day 3: Edge of The World Tour

     
 

Breakfast. Start your tour with the Second Edge of the World is an exciting excursion from Riyadh. Drive Tuwaiq mountain, While standing on the cliffs, you’ll spot dried rivers weaving across the land, and see camels moving far below. These camels and their herders are following a well-trodden path, as an ancient caravan route once passed within its shadow. You can enjoy walking on old camel tracks which are always very fascinating.

(Optional) your tour leader can recommend for you a lovely restaurant to have your Lunch.

Travel in comfort back to your hotel.

Overnight in Riyadh

Day 4: Fly to Al Ula – Madain Saleh Tour

      
 

Breakfast. Transfer to Riyadh airport to take your flight to Al Ula.

Start your tour visiting the Hegra, also known as Madain Saleh, or Al-Ḥijr is an archaeological site located in the area of AlUla within Al Madinah Region in the Hejaz, Saudi Arabia. A majority of the remains date from the Nabatean kingdom. The site constitutes the kingdom’s southernmost and largest settlement after Petra, it’s capital.

The Archaeological Site of Al-Hijr (Madain Saleh) is the first World Heritage property to be inscribed in Saudi Arabia. Formerly known as Hegra it is the largest conserved site of the civilization of the Nabataeans south of Petra in Jordan. It features well-preserved monumental tombs with decorated facades dating from the 1st century BC to the 1st century AD. The site also features some 50 inscriptions of the pre-Nabataean period and some cave drawings. Al-Hijr bears a unique testimony to Nabataean civilization. With its 111 monumental tombs, 94 of which are decorated, and water wells, the site is an outstanding example of the Nabataeans’ architectural accomplishment and hydraulic expertise.

Then we will move to the next visit to Hijaz Railway Station (some times it’s closed for renovation without advance notice) AlUla has long been a place of journey, travel and exploration; Hijaz Railway station construction began in 1900, reaching Madinah in 1908 and opening in Damascus in 1913. As a result of World War I, the railway’s full 1,300 planned kilometres were never completed.

The site dates back to the Nabataean civilisation and is spectacular. Its is a Unesco World Heritage site the first in Saudi Arabia. its holds remain of Hijaz railway from Istanbul from Makkah- Madina that build by the Ottoman empire and destroyed in world war one.

Then enjoy Elephant Rock, This spectacular rock formation resembles an elephant with its trunk touching the ground, is one of AlUla’s geomorphological wonders became one of AlUla iconic landmarks.

Elephant Rock, also known as Jabal AlFil, one of AlUla’s many geological marvels.

Note: sightseeing tours on Herga will be shared with a local tour guide and a small local group.

Travel in comfort back to your hotel, 

Overnight in Al Ula.

Day 5: Al Ula Old Town Market Tour

       
 

Breakfast, Take a tour through AlUla Old Town, where pilgrims, travellers and permanent settlers congregated through the ages. Today, you can explore the maze of adobe buildings that remain and enjoy views of AlUla Castle, dating back to the 10th century.

AlUla has been a place of creative inspiration for millennia where the beauty of this oasis, the majestic landscape and cross-cultural exchanges have inspired artists and poets across civilisations.

The live immersion show “Path of Poets” recreated the celebrated poet Jamil bin Muammar alongside other characters brought to life, sharing the story of Buthaina in this specially created show of creative storytelling.

Explore Old Market Street in AlUla Old Town and shop a variety of retail stores featuring local artisans, entrepreneurs, cafes and more. 

Cultural activations, handicraft stores, local speciality foods to name a few, are featured for guests to discover and learn more about the wonders of AlUla.

Overnight in Al Ula.

Day6: Free Day

Breakfast, Free Day.

 

Day7: Flight to Jeddah – Jeddah Historical Tour

Breakfast. Transfer to Al Ula airport to take your flight to Jeddah. 

Start your tour to visit Jeddah’s historical downtown area (Al-Balad) which is the historical area well known as the “Old Town”, where many of the oldest families used to live and work. It boasts of old buildings, a traditional souk and many restaurants, where visitors get to walk amid the old streets and experience the traditional landscape of the old town.

When you are in historical Jeddah we will take you back to the old era of Saudi Arabia,  all your senses will be in action. You will hear and learn amazing stories about Jeddah and ride and walk through secret doors, Enjoy a wonderful walking Al-Balad.

This history tour of Old Town will take you along all the less known must-see local spots: Beit Nassif, Makkah gate for a photo stop,  Historical Jeddah north gate stop for a photo, other historical houses provide a rare opportunity for you to experience the blend of traditional architecture with modernity Old Market hidden gems, Old Jeddah hidden galleries and Local Jeddah food shops only for locals no tourists know about it.

Then you will visit Al Shafi Mosque, The oldest mosque in Jeddah.
 

      

Then you will visit Al Tayebat International City Museum, It’s a maze of different rooms covering Saudi history, architecture, interior decoration, Islamic art from Saudi and other Islamic countries. The museum itself is a great place for photos.

Its four-floor collection has displays ranging from pre-Islamic artifacts, exquisite Islamic manuscripts, old coins and weaponry to stunning furniture, pottery and traditional Saudi dress. Replicas of home interiors from every region are also featured. Exhibits are accompanied by excellent information panels, as well as dioramas of the Kingdom’s provinces.

nd the tour by enjoying a ride along The New Jeddah Corniche is the 30 km coastal resort area of the city of Jeddah. Located along the Red Sea, the corniche features the coastal road, recreation areas, pavilions and large-scale civic sculptures for all to enjoy and take pictures.

 

Day8: Departure

Transfer you to the airport and assist you at the airport through final departure formalities.

Includes:

• 3 Nights hotel accommodation in Riyadh on bed and breakfast basis.
• 3 Nights hotel accommodation in Al Ula on bed and breakfast basis.
• 1 Nights hotel accommodation in Jeddah on bed and breakfast basis.
• All your tours and excursions are with an A/C vehicle.
• The service of meet and assist at all your destinations.
• English speaking tour leader/driver.
• All your visits include entrance fees.
• Our prices include all taxes and services

Excludes :

• Visa Entry for Saudi Arabia. (We can provide you with your visa upon arrival at your request).
• International Flights.
• Domestic flights
• Tipping.
• Any Optional tours.
• Drinks during meals.

Important Note :

We accept all methods of secure payment: Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, direct bank transfer.

Kindly note that the hotel rating in Saudi is not the same as in USA or Europe, so Luxury or Ultimate Luxury hotel options are always recommended.


 

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Is Edge of the World Riyadh worth it?

The view at the Edge is amazing and the sunset unforgettable. The best place in Saudi. Beautiful landcsape, mountains, and good place for picnic and sunset. The Edge of the World – The site earned its nickname because from atop the escarpment, you have an uninterrupted view of the horizon.

Is Edge of the World still open?

Edge of the World (currently closed)

Edge of the World is the perfect destination of mountain climbing and hiking lovers. Discover the breathtaking off-cliff spectacular views.

How to visit Madain Saleh?

Mada'in Saleh is located about 3 hrs north of Medinah near the town of Al-Ula. There is a regional airport in Al-Ula as well if you can find good flights into and out of that airport. Flights can be a bit more expensive flying directly into Al-Ula. I would recommend a guide and a tour company for doing Mada'in Saleh.