There are many different types of travel in the world. You can backpack your way around the globe on a shoestring budget if that’s your preference, but some people like to travel in a little more luxury. Stunning Saudi Arabia is one of the best places to take a more comfortable trip and experience some real elegance.
While this Middle Eastern country is known as a desert region, it is also littered with opulent cities, historical highlights and breathtaking scenery. So, you’ll definitely get to experience a great deal of the country’s history when you travel Saudi Arabia, but in a country that Euromonitor reports as being home to 117,000 millionaires, there’s no shortage of luxury to enjoy, too.
Let’s look at some of the ways to travel Saudi Arabia in style.
Riyadh is right in the centre of the Arabian Desert and is also the capital of Saudi Arabia. What many people don’t know, however, is that Riyadh is one of the wealthiest cities in the world. It’s also a super-modern metropolis, teeming with over 4,000 mosques and a litany of shopping centres, parks, traditional souks, and a diverse population.
Riyadh is also a great place to experience a delightful array of Saudi Arabian food, as there are dining options all over the city. When you need a restaurant in Saudi Arabia, you certainly don’t need to look far, and Riyadh is the perfect example of modern and traditional food coming together.
You’re also spoiled for choice when you need a Saudi Arabia hotel. You’ll find something for every budget, from hostels to breathtaking luxury skyscrapers. It’s important to note that Riyadh isn’t all modern buildings and entertainment. There’s a deep history in the region that should certainly be explored.
There’s no shortage of historical landmarks to check out, including cultural centres such as the National Museum and the Murabba Palace. Weave your way through the city’s marketplaces and seek out some of the beautifully preserved mud-brick architecture from the past.
One of the highlights for all guests travelling to Saudi Arabia is a visit to the Kingdom Centre. At one stage the country’s tallest tower, the Kingdom Centre is 99 storeys of dining, shopping, entertainment, offices, hotels and more. But the real treat for visitors is right at the top, 99 floors above the ground.
It’s here you’ll find the iconic Sky Bridge suspended more than 300 metres above the ground.
After taking the high-speed lift to the top, you’ll be able to look out over the Riyadh skyline and beyond, taking in the impressive cityscape below.
While not quite as glittering as the ultra-modern streets of Riyadh, AlUla offers a unique type of luxury travel you won’t find just anywhere. Firstly, the region is defined by its natural beauty, especially around the ancient Nabataean Kingdom area. With beautiful rock formations, canyons and golden desert sands, there is plenty to explore.
Discover the history of the Nabataean Kingdom, explore ancient tombs and rock art, and even be guided through the area by a ‘rawee’, or storyteller. There are plenty of luxury hotels and resorts in the area too, catering to your every need after a busy day of taking in the breathtaking surroundings.
Another must-see on a trip to AlUla is the historic city of AlUla itself. This city was once at the crossroads of the Silk Road and Incense Routes and is a terrific place to explore. Nearby, the ‘new city’ is a different vibe altogether. Much of the history is still preserved, however it has been melded with modern conveniences and architecture. The result is a mix of ancient alleyways and modern street art.
You’ll also find some amazing modern restaurants, although without the overt glamour of Riyadh. But remember, travelling in luxury isn’t all about expensive hotels. It’s about life-changing experiences, too. Enjoying a drink in the new city of AlUla while the sun bounces off the surrounding cliffs is an experience to cherish.
Most people associate Saudi Arabia with the desert, but let’s not forget that the country also has many coastal regions. One of the most popular and perhaps the most liberal cities in Saudi Arabia is Jeddah, along the Red Sea. It’s the country’s second busiest seaport, partly due to tourism but mostly because it’s the gateway to Mecca, Islam’s most holy city.
Jeddah itself is modernised but still maintains its historical charm. For those who enjoy indoor luxuries, experience a relaxing Saudi Arabia spa or explore some of the bustling marketplaces. However, if you prefer the outdoors, you simply have to check out the Red Sea. You can take cruises there, go snorkelling, or just float in the high-salinity water, which is thought to have therapeutic and relaxation benefits.
As you can see, there’s a lot more to Saudi Arabia than the desert. As one of the world’s wealthiest countries, you can enjoy plenty of luxury as you travel Saudi Arabia. To find out more about our incredible Saudi Arabia experiences, contact the team at Crooked Compass today.
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This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
Our Signature Tours are the cornerstone of the Crooked Compass journey: meticulously designed small-group itineraries that balance authenticity, comfort, and ease. These are destinations where travel can be complex—from navigating evolving logistics to reaching places far from the usual tourist path—yet our expertise ensures your experience feels smooth, effortless, and deeply rewarding.
From the moment you arrive, every detail is handled with care. You’re welcomed personally on arrival and met for a private transfer to your accommodation, where you’ll join the rest of your group. Your guide will walk you through an orientation, helping you understand the rhythm of the journey ahead and settling you in with clear, practical insights from the very start.
Accommodation is selected for both comfort and character, reflecting the richness of its locality through thoughtful design, creative ingenuity, and a genuine sense of place. Whether it’s a boutique property, a sustainable lodge or a homestay, each choice is made to connect you meaningfully with the destination.
Cultural integration sits at the heart of our approach. Every itinerary is crafted with respect for local communities, aligning sensitively with their values and protecting the authenticity of their culture. Through this, travellers experience a deeper connection —stories shared firsthand, traditions encountered in their true context, and moments that shift perspectives long after returning home.
With a maximum of 12 travellers and our most trusted local partners, you explore with confidence, guided by teams who combine deep regional knowledge with an intuitive understanding of Western traveller expectations. Through the powerful medium of storytelling, our journeys inspire personal reflection and spark genuine emotion, turning travel into something transformative.
For travellers seeking even more flexibility or personalisation, our Tours By Design journeys are crafted with the same care — mindfully designed around your interests for a more tailored experience.
Why travellers love our Signature Tours:
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Our Founders Tours are rare, one-of-a-kind journeys personally hosted by Crooked Compass founder, Lisa Pagotto. Designed for the traveller who seeks more than just adventure, these exclusive small-group expeditions uncover places few have ever seen – experiences not featured in our regular collection, chosen for their depth, beauty, and story.
Each itinerary is hand-crafted by Lisa to offer meaningful connection and unique access built through years of trust and collaboration with local communities. Travelling alongside her gives you an unparalleled perspective into the world of ethical exploration – from the behind-the-scenes partnerships that shape our journeys, to the human stories that inspire them.
With an intimate group size and seamless support from our expert team, a Founders Tour is less a trip, and more a masterclass in discovery.
Why travellers love Founders Tours:
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Set sail on a rare journey across remote islands, wild coastlines, and untouched ecosystems aboard a small, luxury expedition vessel. Travelling by sea unlocks access to places few travellers ever reach – from isolated villages and pristine reefs to dramatic landscapes that can’t be accessed by land – while each evening, you return to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin.
These voyages blend adventure with refinement. Expert-led excursions bring you face-to-face with raw nature and vibrant cultures, while exceptional onboard dining, service, and comfort allow time to unwind and reflect.
To complete your experience, Crooked Compass can seamlessly craft pre- or post-cruise land extensions, ensuring your journey flows effortlessly from sea to shore.
Why travellers love our Expedition Cruises:
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Our Tours by Design experiences are private journeys curated exclusively for you by the Crooked Compass team. Whether you’re drawn to one of our existing itineraries, wish to adapt a small-group tour for private travel, or want to design something entirely new, we’ll craft a journey that reflects your pace, passions, and sense of discovery.
Why pay for inclusions that don’t fit? With Tours by Design, every detail is intentional – from the destinations and experiences to your style of travel and choice of accommodation. Each itinerary is hand-built through our deep local partnerships and expertise, ensuring authenticity, comfort, and connection in every moment.
Why travellers love Tours by Design:
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Our Partner Tours are carefully chosen group journeys operated by our long-standing, in-country partners — experts who share our values of authenticity, cultural respect, and meaningful connection. These departures, averaging between 17 and 22 travellers, are designed and delivered by our partners, while Crooked Compass manages your booking and provides full support from start to finish.
Enjoy the reassurance of booking through an Australian-based company, delivering our same personalised service and attention to detail you expect from Crooked Compass. We take care of the logistics, so you can focus on what matters most – the journey itself.
Why travellers love our Partner Tours:
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