8 Day Ultimate Saudi Arabia Experience

Begin your Saudi Arabian tour at UNESCO-listed Diriyah, the historic cradle of the first Saudi state nestled on Riyadh's outskirts. This magnificent mud-brick complex, once a flourishing center of trade and culture, served as the nation's capital in 1745 and remains the ancestral home of the royal family. Stroll through the atmospheric ruins of palaces, merchant homes, and the ancient marketplace that testify to its glorious past.

Your cultural immersion continues at the formidable Masmak Fortress, an 1895 landmark in Riyadh's historic quarter that played a pivotal role in Saudi unification. Nearby, lose yourself in the vibrant Dirah Souq, where generations of traders have sold exquisite silks, handwoven pashminas, and traditional textiles - perfect for souvenir hunting before lunch.

The afternoon unveils Saudi Arabia's rich narrative at the National Museum's eight world-class galleries. This architectural masterpiece takes you on an immersive journey from prehistoric Arabia through the birth of Islam to modern nationhood. Conclude at Murabba Palace, King Abdul Aziz's 1937 residential complex showcasing traditional Najdi architecture, where royal history comes alive through its multiple palaces and administrative buildings.

Overnight: Riyadh.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Visits: Diriyyah, Masmak Fort, Dirah Souq, the National Museum, Murabba Palace.

Following an early breakfast at your Riyadh hotel, you'll be transferred to King Khalid International Airport for your morning flight to AlUla (flight duration approximately 1.5 hours). Upon arrival at AlUla's newly developed regional airport, meet your specialized archaeological guide who will accompany you throughout this immersive exploration of Hegra (Madain Saleh), Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Your afternoon begins at the Hegra Visitor Center, where an orientation film and detailed scale models provide crucial context about the Nabataean civilization that flourished here from the 1st century BCE to the 2nd century CE. Board your 4x4 vehicle for the short drive to the archaeological site, where over 100 remarkably preserved tombs await discovery.
The tour focuses on four key areas:
Qasr Al-Farid (The Lonely Castle)
Marvel at this iconic, unfinished tomb that stands in majestic isolation. Your guide will explain the unique construction techniques, demonstrating how Nabataean craftsmen carved downward from the rock's summit and the significance of the tomb's distinctive facade featuring four pilasters and a crow-step design.
Jabal Al-Ahmar (The Red Mountain)
Explore this concentration of 18 tombs notable for their reddish sandstone and exceptional preservation. Examine intricate inscriptions in Aramaic and early Arabic scripts that reveal the names and social status of those interred within. Special attention is given to Tomb 76, featuring a beautifully carved eagle symbolizing the soul's journey.
Jabal Al-Banat (Mountain of the Daughters)
This remarkable group of over 30 tombs provides fascinating insights into Nabataean gender roles. Notice the distinctive smaller tomb entrances and decorative elements suggesting these were burial places for elite women. The guide will point out rare Thamudic inscriptions describing familial relationships.
Diwan & Jabal Ithlib
Enter the Nabataeans' spiritual heart, where a natural rock corridor (similar to Petra's Siq) leads to their ceremonial meeting space. See the carved niches that once held religious icons and the unique "Diwan" bench seating area where leaders gathered.

Overnight: Al Ula.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Visits: Nabatean Well, Qasr Al Bint, Diwan Tomb, Al Farid Palace, Harrat Uairedh.

Your guide will meet you at the hotel for a full-day exploration of AlUla's archaeological treasures. Begin at Jabal Ikmah, an extraordinary "open-air library" filled with thousands of ancient inscriptions in various languages. Continue to the ruins of Dadan, the 9th-century BCE capital, where you'll see the famous Lion Tombs carved into red sandstone cliffs.

After lunch, discover AlUla Old Town's traditional mudbrick architecture before strolling through lush date palm groves in the oasis. The day culminates with sunset at Elephant Rock, AlUla's iconic natural sandstone formation. Return to your hotel for the evening.

Overnight: Al Ula.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Visits: Dadan, Jabal Ikmah, The Lion Tombs, Elephant Rock.

Bid farewell to AlUla as you transfer to the airport for your flight to Jeddah, where you'll have the evening free to unwind and enjoy the coastal ambiance of this vibrant city.

Overnight: Jeddah.
Meals: Breakfast.

Morning pickup from your Jeddah hotel to board the high-speed train to Madinah (2-hour trip, max. speed 300 km/h). Upon arrival, your private guide will take you to the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet's Biography, Qiba Street (connecting the Holy Mosque and Qiba Mosque), and Souq Taiba.

Have lunch in a local restaurant. Access to the Mosques is not allowed for Non-Muslims, but they can see it from outside.

Board the train for the trip back to Jeddah. Arrive at the Jeddah train station with a private transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay in Jeddah.

Overnight: Jeddah.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Visits: International Fair, Museum of the Prophet's Biography and Islamic Civilization, the Holy Mosque, Qiba Mosque, Prophet Mohamed Mosque.

Begin your day at the Tayebat Museum, a privately owned four-floor treasure showcasing pre-Islamic artifacts, Islamic manuscripts, ancient coins, weaponry, pottery, traditional Saudi attire, and exquisite furniture.

Next, visit the Jeddah Open Museum, featuring stunning outdoor sculptures along the picturesque Corniche—a perfect spot for photos and picnics. Nearby, admire the iconic Floating Mosque, seemingly drifting on the Red Sea’s shimmering waters.

Marvel at King Fahd’s Fountain, the world’s tallest fountain, propelling Red Sea water 300 meters high at speeds over 300 km/h.

Then, explore Al-Balad (Old Town), a UNESCO-listed district with historic coral houses. Visit Nasif House, a 19th-century architectural gem built by Jeddah’s influential trading family.

Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Jeddah.

Overnight: Jeddah
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Visits: Tayebat Museum, Jeddah Open Museum, Floating Mosque, King Fahd's Fountain.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight, taking with you unforgettable memories of Saudi Arabia's cultural and historical treasures.

Meals: Breakfast