Best of Saudi Arabia: Desert Kingdoms (Riyadh, Alula & Jeddah) 8D7N, Private Tour

Arrive at King Khaled Airport for a short private transfer to your hotel conveniently located in the heart of Riyadh city.

Spend time unwinding in your opulent oasis with a refreshing dip in the pool or rejuvenate in the sauna and steam rooms. For those in search for some exploration can stroll on the popular Olya Street surrounded by shopping districts or explore close by Kingdom Centre, the second tallest skyscraper in the country and the world’s third tallest building with a hole. The hotel is also adjacent to the vibrant “Tahlia” street famed for its array of restaurants and major shops.

Come evening, be treated to your first taste of traditional cuisine with a welcome dinner at Al Najdiah Traditional Restaurant.

Savour a flavoursome breakfast at your hotel before your journey to Masmak fortress. Be taken back to the beginning of the 3rd Saudi State founded by HRH King Abulaziz right after he won the attack on the Masmak fortress.

Come midday, awaken your senses a the bustling Al Zal traditional flee market and Dira souk, a treasure trove of traditional Eastern artefacts. Be treated to a fine dining lunch at Spazio offering breathtaking panoramic vires of Riyadh skyline on the sky high 77th floor of the Kingdom Tower. Your cultural immersion continues with a visit to the National Museum as you tap into the insight of the Arabian Peninsula.

Retreat back at the hotel with time to relax before an indulging dinner affair at the local Takya Restaurant. Tantalise your tastebuds with culinary traditional delights from kabsah, jareesh, sleeg, kabuli rice, mento, fig salad, as well as delicious desserts.

Enjoy breakfast before a transfer to the airport where you’ll fly to Hail City. Upon arrival, a private transfer takes you to your 5 star retreat. Relax by the outdoor or indoor pools, laze by the picturesque terrace or rejuvenate at the sauna.

Come late afternoon, explore the historical and cultural city with a stop at 300-year-old fort at Aarif Castle. Climb the hill to admire the classical Hail mud architecture and appreciate the stunning 360-degree views across the city.

Continue to Qushlah Palace which sits in the heart of Hail’s Old Town. Constructed during the 1930s as military quarters for King Abdul Aziz's forces, marvel at the mud palace featuring two floors, walls towering at a height of 8.5 meters, and eight vigilant watchtowers. Cap off today’s cultural adventure with a visit to a local handcraft market before dinner at a traditional restaurant at Althurathi.

Indulge in a wholesome breakfast before an early start to the spectacular UNESCO Heritage Site of Jubbah. Marvel at an ancient stone carving site dating back almost 10,000 years ago in a desert landscape. The forebears of present-day Arab communities have etched evidence of their journeys onto countless petroglyphs and rock inscriptions. Jabal al-Manjor and Raat constitute the stony cliffs of a wadi that is presently veiled by sand. These formations exhibit a multitude of depictions portraying both human and animal forms.

After, gain insight in a private museum of a historical guest house representing the villager life before a thrilling desert 4WD safari and sand dune bash in in Al Food Al Kabeer. Admire the serene desert landscape and keep eyes peeled for unique flora and fauna. Along the way, be treated to a small picnic entertained by rubabah traditional music and savour Arabic coffee and tea.

Journey back to the hotel with evening at your leisure.

An early breakfast see’s you beginning your day’s adventure with a journey to the fascinating city of Alula, where you’ll be taken back in time and trace a distant past.

Transfer to your luxury oasis in the middle of the desert at Habitas Alula, nestled within an ancient oasis in the desert canyons of the Ashar Valley, find yourself surrounded by sandstone cliffs and palm groves. Unwind in your spacious ensuite villa., laze by the picturesque pool, admire the desert art installations onsite or simply absorb the peaceful views from the deck lounge.

Come late afternoon, venture to Al Jadidah, a hub of restaurants and cafes, a perfect opportunity for lunch at your own leisure. Next, indulge in the inviting and fashionable sunken seating at Elephant Rock. Relax and relish the sight of AlUla's renowned geological wonder, Elephant Rock, as it majestically towers above you.

By evening, marvel at a stargazing moonlit night experience at AlUla. Trade your screen time for a venture into the outdoors with this extraordinary opportunity as you brace yourself to be astounded by the cosmos. Embark on a journey to the secluded expanse of Gharameel, nestle in comfortably, and recline as you marvel at a sky adorned with stars, you might even catch a glimpse of shooting stars. During nights of a full moon, you'll embark on a brief stroll to appreciate the surrounding landscapes before settling in to behold the nighttime heavens. However, on darker nights, the focus of the tour will exclusively shift to stars and constellations. As you submerge yourself in the embrace of nature, a delectable grilled dinner will be prepared for you to relish around a crackling campfire. This, without a doubt, will be a night etched into your memory.

Savour a delightful breakfast before venturing to Winter Park, your hub for enjoying all that AlUla has to offer this season before embarking to the first UNESCO World Heritage Site to be inscribed in Saudi Arabia at Hegra. Marvel at more than 100 well-preserved monumental tombs remain, most with elaborate facades carved from rock formations that are scattered throughout this immense desert landscape.

Enjoy lunch at your leisure before a journey through time at Dadan, the ancient Kingdom of the Lihyanite and Dadanite civilisations. Marvel at Jabal Ikmah situated in a stunning desert canyon and a mountain near to the ancient city of Dadan, where you'll be fascinated by a huge open-air library. Explore the ruins of inscriptions, rock art and petroglyphs set in a stunning desert canyon.

Transfer back to your oasis at Habitas AlUlu making a quick stop at Harret Uwayrith for spectacular views beforehand.

This evening is at your leisure as you spend time unwinding in the luxuries of your retreat.

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before your journey to Medina. Arrive midday where you’ll embark on a city adventure visiting the historical mountain of Jabal Uhod where Prophet Mohamad had his first battle.

Savour lunch at your own leisure before exploring the fascinating Hijaz Rail Station, a legacy of the pilgrim’s road. The Hejaz railway encompassed a slender-gauge railway system that traversed from Damascus to Medina, coursing through the Hejaz region within the contemporary boundaries of Saudi Arabia. Continue to Dar Al Medina Museum, the first and biggest museum that specialized in the history of Almadinah and its deep heritage and Islam History.

Come late afternoon, arrive at Haramin Train Station for a scenic express train ride to Jeddah City. Be transferred to your charming boutique hotel located in the Hamra neighborhood on the Corniche Road and directly opposite King Fahd’s Fountain. Unwind in the outdoor pool, pamper in the hot tub and sauna or simply take in the views from the terrace.

Enjoy dinner at your own leisure this evening with fine dining experiences offered at the hotel. Alternatively, take a lovely short stroll to Jeddah Corniche where an array of restaurants awaits.

Savour a final breakfast before exploring the energetic local fish market and onwards to the fascinating UNESCO Site of historical Jeddah city. Venture on a cultural walk taking in sight including Old Jeddah, a former walled city of traditional houses with wooden balconies, marvel at mosques and meander through bustling bazaars in quaint narrow alleyways.

Continue your cultural journey to Al Rahman Floating Mosque, the most prominent mosques and the local landmarks in Jeddah. Marvel at its location on the northern tip of Jeddah's waterfront and covers a massive area of 2,400 square metres.

Enjoy lunch at your leisure before uncovering The Abdel Raouf Private Museum where you’ll gain insight into Jeddah culture and other civilisations. Cap off your journey admiring King Fahad Mountain before a relaxing walking adventure at the serene Jeddah Corniche overlooking the sea, a perfect time to reflect on your incredible trip. Your journey ends with a transfer to Jeddah Airport for your onward travels.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.