Saudi Arabia Unveiled

Begin the day with a visit to Al Masmak Fortress, a clay and mud-brick citadel built in the late 19th century. Located in the heart of Riyadh’s old town, this fortified structure played a pivotal role in the 1902 recapture of Riyadh by King Abdulaziz, a moment that marked the rise of modern Saudi Arabia. Nearby, Justice Square adds further context to the area’s civic history. As you explore the surrounding district on foot, note the abandoned mud houses still standing, stark reminders of how recently this part of the city was inhabited.

Travel onwards to Ad Diriyah, the original capital of the first Saudi state and home to At-Turaif, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historically significant district, which ruled from 1744 to 1818, has been carefully restored to reflect its architectural and cultural heritage. Learn about the construction techniques used to build mud-brick homes, how residents kept cool in summer, and how daily life functioned without modern conveniences.

Lunch today is served inside a traditional mud house in Diriyah. Hosted by a local, this immersive experience offers a taste of Saudi hospitality. Enjoy regional dishes, stories and conversation, shared in a setting that reflects the simplicity and warmth of traditional life.

Return to central Riyadh this afternoon to explore the National Museum of Saudi Arabia. This thoughtfully curated institution presents a chronological journey through the region’s natural history, pre-Islamic civilisations, Islamic heritage and the unification of the Kingdom.

Nearby, visit Murabba Palace, built in the 1930s as King Abdulaziz’s royal residence and seat of government. The palace reflects a transition in Saudi architecture, combining traditional Najdi elements with early modern adaptations such as electric lighting and motor vehicles.

Conclude the day at Souq Al Zel and Souq Bisht, two of Riyadh’s most atmospheric markets. These traditional souqs remain important centres for trade, offering everything from spices and incense to antiques and traditional garments. This is also an ideal place to purchase an abaya, should you wish to wear one during your travels. For foreign visitors, wearing an abaya is entirely optional. (B,L)

Overnight – Joudyan Hotel by Elaf or similar

Depart Riyadh this morning, checking out of your hotel and heading northwest towards Ushaiger, one of the oldest mud villages in the region. This well-preserved settlement offers a glimpse into traditional Najdi architecture and pre-oil era life in central Arabia. Walk through its narrow, shaded alleyways and explore a privately run heritage museum housed in a former family home, rich with artefacts and personal stories passed down through generations.

Continue on to Buraydah, the capital of Al Qassim Province. Known as the agricultural heartland of Saudi Arabia, this market town plays a key role in the country’s date production. Visit the Buraydah Heritage Museum where traditional exhibits meet technology, offering an immersive virtual reality experience that reconstructs the region’s past in vivid detail. (B,L) 

Overnight – Buraydah Golden Tulip or similar

Start your day in Buraydah and Onaiza, the twin capitals of Qassim Province, known as the  ‘food basket’ of Saudi Arabia. Your first stop is a local wet market, where traders auction their goods directly from the backs of their trucks. Experience the lively atmosphere as buyers and sellers engage in fast-paced negotiations. Next, wander through what is likely the world’s largest date market. During the harvest season, stalls overflow with tropical fruits and vegetables, and this is the perfect opportunity to sample Qassim’s famously succulent dates. Even outside the season, the sheer scale of this market highlights the region’s agricultural significance—proving that Saudi Arabia is not just about oil.

Leaving the road behind, swap four wheels for a train journey to Hail (2hrs, 260km). Upon arrival, step back in time as you explore this once-great Arab capital. Your first stop is A’arif Fort, perched atop a hill overlooking the city. This centuries-old fortress speaks to Hail’s importance in desert trade and governance. Then, continue your historical journey at Al Qishlah, an impressive mud-brick fortress-palace with 8-metre-high walls that once symbolised the strength and power of local rulers. (B,L)

Overnight – Hail Holiday Villa or similar

This morning, journey an hour north of Hail into the vast Al Nafud Desert to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jubbah (125km, 1.5hrs). Rising from the windswept plains, these desert rocks are home to some of the Arab World’s finest Neolithic rock inscriptions. The intricate carvings of people, animals, and daily life remain remarkably clear, even after 9,000 years. Follow your knowledgeable guide as they take you on a fascinating tour of the best-preserved rock art, offering insight into the lives of those who once thrived in this harsh environment. Continuing west, pass through the Sharaan Nature Reserve, a sprawling 1,500-square-kilometre sanctuary where conservation efforts have helped native species flourish. Keep an eye out for ostriches and Idmi gazelles grazing among the dry desert grasses, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the elusive Arabian wolf.

Arriving in Al Ula (500km, 5.5hrs), a destination as rich in history as it is in natural beauty, you’ll quickly understand why this region is a highlight of any trip to Saudi Arabia. With its stunning rock formations, deep canyons, and ancient rock art, Al Ula is a treasure trove of cultural heritage.

Before settling in for the evening, enjoy a sunset visit to Jabal Al Fil (Elephant Rock). Towering from the golden desert sands, this striking geological marvel resembles an enormous elephant reaching toward the blue Arabian sky—an unforgettable sight to end the day. (B,L)

Overnight – Shaden Resort or similar

You’ll begin your day with a visit to the remarkable Nabataean site of Hegra, the southern capital of the Nabataean kingdom, dating back to the first century BCE. With your own jeep and a personal ‘rawee’ (storyteller) guiding the way, you’ll explore several of the more than 100 well-preserved monumental tombs, each featuring intricate facades carved into striking rock formations scattered across the desert.

Later, head to Al Ula’s historic city, a fascinating place that once thrived at the crossroads of the Silk Road and the Incense Route. A leisurely sunset stroll here reveals a beautifully restored maze of ancient alleys, now lined with trendy restaurants and charming souvenir shops, blending history with modern elegance. Just a short walk away, the ‘new city’ offers a vibrant contrast, with colourful street art and outdoor exhibits creating a lively atmosphere. Enjoy an afternoon wander through its pedestrian-friendly streets, stopping for a refreshing drink on a terrace while soaking in the breathtaking transformation of the surrounding cliffs as the sun begins to set. (B,L)

Overnight – Shaden Resort or similar

No trip to Saudi Arabia is complete without a 4×4 excursion into the desert. And we start this day with an unforgettable sortie around the towering cliffs that surround Al Ula. Following the ups and downs of the morning four-wheel safari, settle down in the middle of the desert for a delicious Bedouin-style, sheltered picnic lunch, encompassing a traditional range of Saudi and other Middle Eastern delicacies. As true navigators of the deserts, we set up camp with protection from the sun and the finest of Arabian hospitality awaits.

Enjoy your remaining afternoon at leisure. Enjoy the facilities of the hotel or continue your exploration of Al Ula’s landscapes with an optional activity: to name a few; see the sandstone mountains from above in a helicopter or hot air balloon, hop on a mountain bike and venture off the beaten path into desert dunes or climb the valley’s edge to better soak in Al Ula’s expansive vistas. (B,L)

Overnight – Shaden Resort or similar

Today you will travel through the desert and mountains to Medina along an ancient pilgrimage route passing the oasis of Khaybar (225km, 2hrs). Don’t expect a desert filled with sand dunes; this is an area with black lava stone and mountain vistas and is rich in historical significance. Before the rise of Islam in the 7th century, this area was inhabited by Arabian Jewish tribes. In 628 AD, Muslims under the leadership of Prophet Muhammad took over the city during the Battle of Khaybar. Visit the remains of the mud city situated in a wadi or valley, with its fortress towering above it. The area has been recently reopened after renovations.

One of the two holiest cities in Islam (the other is Mecca), Medina (175km, 2hrs) is centred around Al Masjid an Nabawi, a 10-minaret giant that can accommodate 1 million people also known as the Prophet’s Mosque. For a primer on the amazing history of the destination, you will visit the Dar Al Medina Museum (closed on Friday), a private collection that documents the city’s history and heritage.

Next, join the throngs of pilgrims in the heart of the city, it is hard to describe the vibe. Non-muslims are welcome to enjoy exterior views of the mosque from the edge of the square. When the sun sinks it is a great time to visit Mount Uhud, a major pilgrimage site and viewpoint across the Holy City. (B,L)

Overnight – Medina Millennium or similar

There’s much more to Medina beyond its sacred landmarks. Begin your day with a visit to the historic terminus of the Hijaz, or Ottoman railway, which once transported pilgrims from as far as Damascus to Medina. This relic of the early 20th century is a fascinating glimpse into the past, highlighting the region’s long-standing role as a hub for religious travellers.

Before departing Medina, enjoy some time browsing the city’s central market, where the lively souk offers an array of traditional Saudi sweets. With a well-known love for indulgent treats, Saudis have perfected delicacies such as ma’amoul (butter cookies filled with pistachios, walnuts, almonds, or dates), luqaimat (hot, crispy dumplings drizzled with honey), and kunafa (a sweet cheese pie with semolina pastry and rose water syrup). Be sure to sample a few before continuing your journey.

After lunch, board one of Saudi Arabia’s state-of-the-art high-speed trains for the short (420km, 2hr) journey to the coastal city of Jeddah. Upon arrival, celebrate with sunset drinks on Jeddah’s stunning corniche. Settle in with a traditional takwa (smart Saudi picnic seat) and watch as the city comes alive. As the sun sets and the call to prayer echoes through the air, marvel at the sight of the King Fahd Fountain, the world’s tallest, soaring into the sky against the backdrop of the Red Sea.(B,L)

Overnight – Shada Shate’a Boutique Hotel or similar

Jeddah is a commercial hub sitting to the west along the Red Sea with the second busiest seaport in the Middle East. It’s the principal gateway to Mecca, the holiest city in Islam, and sees over a million pilgrims a year on their way to perform the Hajj. Despite this, Jeddah is perceived to be the most liberal city in Saudi Arabia and is a popular destination, offering the beauty of ancient architecture mixed with the latest luxuries.

Experience the Red Sea! Hop on a private cruise to enjoy the sea and sun. Snorkelling gear is packed to discover the wealth of underwater life the region is famous for. From Hawksbill turtles to lionfish, eels and even reef sharks, snorkelling along the coral sites will impress. The temperatures of the water are at least 21C and the high salinity is beneficial for your health. Top off your day with a seafood barbeque, skilfully prepared by your skipper.

Find out that things are equally convivial on dry land in the atmospheric old town, Al Balad, which achieved UNESCO World Heritage status in 2014. Its traditional multi storey buildings and merchant houses are an architectural treasure trove. It is a dive back in time with the buzz of trading, pilgrims shopping and the occasional tourist mixed in. The roshan or wooden window covers are the ancient way to create shade and cool in this hot and humid climate, and they make these alleys especially picturesque. (B,L,D)

Overnight – Shada Shate’a Boutique Hotel or similar

So liberal is the atmosphere in Jeddah that it can be easy to forget about its proximity to Mecca. The holiest city in Islam is just under 100 kilometres from Jeddah and the millions of pilgrims who flock to Saudi Arabia from around the world to perform the Hajj generally ply this route on their way to the city’s sacred Kaaba. Mecca is off-limits to non-Muslims, but a glimpse of the city from a distance is sure to make an indelible impact on travellers of every creed or religious denomination. From the flat desert landscapes that surround Mecca, the road begins to rise as it passes by the holy city en route to Taif: the final destination for the day (185km, 2.5hrs).

This elevation marks the transition between the coastal plain and the Sarawat Mountains, which start around here and extend all the way down to the Gulf of Aden in the south, running along the entire western coast of Yemen. The steep hairpin bends that curve sharply into the mountainside offer some spectacular vistas, while the monkeys that cavort by the roadside provide additional company on the journey. Taif itself makes for a satisfying conclusion to the road trip.

Known as the “City of Roses”, it is famous for its cool temperatures and for the fragrant flowers that grow in the city and its surrounding mountain valleys. The city has abundant natural beauty and is also known for the cultivation of grapes, figs, pomegranates, and honey. (B,L)

Overnight – Taif Hotel or similar

Fill your lungs with cool, clear mountain air during an epic road trip along the spine of the Sarawat range. In fact, there are few more spectacular journeys than the one between Taif and Al Bahah (220km, 2hrs 45m) on the entire Arabian Peninsula. Visual manna comes thick and fast on the route. It includes imposing looking ruined watch towers standing proud on rugged escarpments, tranquil mountain settlements where the pace and rituals of life have remained unchanged through centuries and cultivated terraces that give lie to perceptions of Saudi Arabia as a barren and unforgiving landscape. There are opportunities to stop and explore these tableaus on the way to Al Bahah.

Al Bahah itself is another of Saudi Arabia’s highlights. The city, the capital of Al Bahah region, enjoys a pleasant climate at around 2200 metres above sea level and is surrounded by more than forty forests, including Raghdan, Al-Zareeb and Baidan. The views all around the city are spectacular. Some of the best vistas can be enjoyed from Raghdan park, which overlooks a deep wadi gorge. Near Al Bahah, the village of Thee Ain — accessed via a curving road that hugs the cliffside — is one the region’s best preserved and hosts a fascinating visitors’ centre which offers insight to local life. Wander the steep alleyways, peek into the stone houses and look for the local tea seller, hiding in the shade under the trees next to the village spring. (B)

Overnight – Al Baha or similar

The journey south along the mountain range continues to wow as it meanders towards the Yemen border. Especially the route between Al Baha and Abha (160km, 3hrs), the capital of the Asir region, is a multi-faceted feast of mountain wonders so take your time and enjoy it over two days. At the start of the trip, the scenery is relatively gentle with watchtowers and heritage villages left and right of the road. A highlight of this section is a crescent-shaped settlement perched precariously at the edge of a cliff. The locals work hard to ensure the preservation of their village in its challenging location and it’s fascinating to hear their tales over cups of sugary mint tea.

Dress modestly in these parts, not many foreigners make it here, so your tea hosts might invite you for a tour of their home. Sturdily built for protection against both winter cold and summer heat, these stone houses are very different from the mudbrick mostly used in Saudi Arabia. Overnight in the simple roadside town of Beni Sabr. There is nothing more to do here than trying the freshly baked ‘khops’ or bread and a ‘mikato’ coffee. Hear the call for sunset prayer ring out and see the pile of shoes grow at the mosque entrance. Bengali and Pakistani workers join the Saudi mountain men in prayer. All together, Islam at its best. (B,L)

Overnight – Beni Sabr Hotel or similar  

Further south, the scenery gets more rugged as the mountains get higher, culminating in the peak of Jabal Sawda: the highest summit in Saudi Arabia. Before reaching Abha (180km, 4hrs), you will encounter traditional Asiri houses along with an impressive mosque and equally notable views at the village of Olayyan. With a network of alleys and its setting against the hillside it is sure to impress.

The local ‘museum’ takes you back in time, showing the tools and trades of its inhabitants of the past. In the larger town of Namas, explore the fort-like ruler’s house that is now a museum, strategically situated along the main road. Imagine the traders pass, paying their tolls, adding to the wealth of the rulers. A picnic lunch can be enjoyed in an airy park with a view into the deep valley outside town. End the day by exploring Abha, a fascinating city surrounded by tall, imposing mountains. (B,L)

Overnight – Abha hotel or similar

Abha and the wider Asir region are ripe for exploration. And the focus is on Asiri culture with local traditions, architecture, and heritage to the fore as we uncover the area that surrounds Abha. At Rijal Alma (60km, 1hr) architecture spans mud houses and watchtowers. These buildings are shielded from seasonal rains by an ingenious system that involves lines of big round boulders that protect their foundations. Enjoy a refreshing drink under a shady tree at the village café. Another fascinating local settlement is the “hanging village” of Habala (60km, 1hr), which clings to a cliff, an effective tool in deterring potential invaders over the centuries. It is only accessible via a cable car that runs sporadically, but the views of the village hanging on to its precarious spot are a highlight of the region. After delving more into the heritage of Asir at the Fatima Museum of Aseeri Women—a fascinating overview of traditional design, home decoration and Asir natural painting techniques — the final road trip element of the Saudi mountain discovery is perhaps its most impressive. Pass by towering Jabal Sawda, widely believed to be the highest in Saudi Arabia, before descending a hairpin road down the slopes of the mountain to Rijal Alma. En route, there’s the chance to stop and discover a fascinating collection of around 60 multi storey traditional stone houses that hug the slopes. (B)

Overnight – Abha hotel or similar

Before departing, take some more time to explore Abha. It’s a fascinating city with plenty to offer. Stretch the legs at the city’s Art Street, a picturesque walkway lined with magnificent purple jacaranda trees. It’s a place where artists from all over the country catch up to share their creativity. The street is decorated with colourful pieces or art and there are numerous cafes and restaurants offering gourmet Saudi and international food. The culture of the city can also be absorbed by observing its intricately designed houses. These large, fortress-like houses are designed vertically, which helps heat escape and trap the cool air.

You will be transferred to the airport to meet your international flight. (B)