Saudi Arabia Discovery
Saudi Arabia Small Group Tour
Tour Overview
Saudi Arabia opened its doors to tourism in late 2019 and now welcomes intrepid visitors to its vast land. And oh how there is much to discover; the capital Riyadh and the coastal city of Jeddah on the Red Sea are where any discovery of the country starts or ends; the country’s first capital Diriyah built in traditional mud architecture has been fully restored and is integral to any visit to Riyadh; the natural beauty of its deserts with high dunes and rock formations and of course the Nabatean site of Mada’in Saleh (Al Hegra) – a sister city to Petra in Jordan - and which was a major trading hub on the caravan routes across the Arabian Peninsula, Dedan and the rock art of Jubbah. The Hejaz Railway, forever made famous by Lawrence of Arabia, runs across the country to Medina and several of the stations have been restored and can be visited. When one thinks desert, one thinks camels; the itinerary will take you through the Al Nefud Al Kebir desert toward Sakaka. The country was strategically positioned on the trading routes across the Arabian Peninsula and pilgrims' routes having been running crisscross through the country for centuries, all leading to Mecca and Medina in the southwestern part of the country, leaving us today archaeological sites to visit and marvel at.
Join us on this voyage of discovery and unearth the secrets of Saudi Arabia, for so long just a tantalising wanderlust, but now very much a travellers reality.
Tour Highlights
• Visit Diriyah, the first capital and now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Discover the oasis of Tayma, located on the incense trading route across the Arabian Peninsula
• Explore Jeddah and its old city, Al Balad, which was founded in the 7th Century, and now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Visit Medina, the second holiest city in Islam
• Travel to the Red Sea coast with its atmospheric small towns and ports
Tour Rating
To help our travellers choose the right tour for them we have applied a grading system of 1 to 5. Tours with a fitness level of 1 will generally be suitable for all ages and will not be particularly strenuous, whereas tours with a fitness level of 5 are likely to be physically challenging. To find out more please contact our well-travelled team who will often have first-hand experience of the destination.
Fitness
2/5
Unexplored
3/5
Culture
4/5
History
5/5
Wildlife
2/5
Tour Pace
3/5
Map + Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Arrival in Riyadh (Overall driving time today is approx. 30-45 min)
Arrive in Riyadh and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your time of arrival, there may be time to explore the city at leisure. No meals or guided services are provided today. Overnight at Centro Olaya by Rotana, or similar.
Day 2: Riyadh
This morning, we take in old Riyadh at the King Abdul Aziz Historical Area with the national museum and the Murabba Palace. Continue to Masmak Fortress, which was converted into a museum in the 1990’s. In modern Riyadh Al Faisaliah and Kingdom Towers tower above the city. A view from one of the towers offers a panorama across the whole city. This afternoon visit the old walled city of Al Dir'iyah, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site (optional visit). The city was the first capital of the Saudi kingdom in the 18th century and abandoned after the siege of the Ottomans in the 19th century. A new capital was then built, which was Riyadh. Overnight at Centro Olaya by Rotana, or similar. (B)
Day 3: Riyadh – Buraidah (Overall driving time today is approx. 4.5 hours)
Departing Riyadh we travel to Ushayqer Heritage Village, a mud village dating back around 1,000 years. It has been impressively restored and allows a glimpse into Saudi Arabia’s ancient lifestyle. Ushayqir was an important point on the pilgrimage route to Mecca. Continue to Buraidah. Overnight at Best Western Plus Hotel, or similar. (B)
Day 4: Buraidah – Ha’il (Overall driving time today is approx. 3 hours)
Early this morning, visit the camel market followed by a visit to a date farm outside of Buraidah. Drive to Ha’il. The city was an important trading centre for the traditional camel caravans until the construction of the Hejaz Railway. Visit Al-Qashalal fortress and Al ‘Arif Fort, built with mud and clay, on the top of a hill providing a nice view over the city. Overnight at Aronani Hotel, or similar. (B)
Day 5: Ha’il – Jubbah – Sakaka (Overall driving time today is approx. 1.5 hours)
Departure towards Jubbah, UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its impressive rock carvings that are believed to date back to 5500 BC. The rock engravings feature a variety of animals, such as elephants, buffalo and then from a later period camels and other domesticated animals. Continue to Sakaka. Overnight at Raoum Inn, or similar. (B)
Day 6: Sakaka – Rajajil Columns – Dawmat Al Jandal - Tabuk (Overall driving time today is approx. 6.5 hours)
Our first stop today is Rajajil, an ancient burial site. The standing stones are monoliths, some over 3 metres tall. Continue to Dawmat Al Jandal, which was an important point on the trading routes of Arabia, because of the presence of water. This afternoon, visit the fortress of Marid, which lies on a hill above the oasis, which is dotted with ancient villages. Through the Nefud Al Kebir desert, the large sand desert with its hilly dunes and bush vegetation, presenting itself in different colours, to Tabuk. Upon arrival, time permitting, visit the old Hejaz railway station in Tabuk which houses the Tabuk provincial museum, holding artefacts of the past but also a glimpse into the future with the plans of Neom City, a new city under construction on the Red Sea. Overnight at OYO 358 Garden View Hotel, or similar. (B)
Day 7: Tabuk – Excursion by 4WD to Al Shuwaq and Wadi Disah OR, Excursion to Jebel Al Lawz – Wadi Damm – Jebel Hisma
Your guide today will choose one of two possible excursions showcasing superb Arabian scenery. The first option is a 4WD excursion to Al Shuwaq and Wadi Disah, also known as Wadi Qaraqir. Wadi Disah is one of the most famous valleys in the kingdom. The valley is surrounded by red mountains and contains a wide variety of trees and plants. Al Shuwaq is wide canyon, locally also nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the Saudi Arabia. The second option is a full day excursion to Jebel Al Lawz, Wadi Damm and Jebel Hisma. Jebel Al Lawz, The Almond Mountain in Arabic, dominates the landscape and offers great views over the surrounding areas from a viewpoint at about 2000 m. The mountain can be covered in snow during wintertime. Wadi Damm and Jebel Hisma are the extension of Wadi Rum in Saudi Arabia. The desert, dotted with rock formations, offers a great sight and exploration. Return to Tabuk. Overnight at OYO 358 Garden View Hotel, or similar. (B, Picnic Lunch)
Day 8: Tabuk – Tayma – Al’ Ula (Overall driving time today is approx. 5 hours)
Drive through the desert to the oasis of Tayma, located on the incense trading route. Tayma is one of the oldest settlements in Saudi Arabia where human activity dates back an incredible 90,000 years. Visit the museum and Haddaj Well, which dates back to 6th century BC and noted as an archaeological masterpiece. The well has a diameter of over 15 metres and had a number of pulleys attached to it that were operated by numerous camels to extract the water. The water was then directed to farmlands via small canals. Nowadays, the well still provides water for irrigation, albeit via a more modern system. Continue to Al Ula. Upon arrival, time permitting visit Al ‘Ula old town. Overnight at Sahary Resort Al Ula, or similar. (BD)
Day 9: Al’ Ula - Excursion to Dedan and Mada’in Saleh (Overall driving distance today is approx. 100 kms)
Visit Elephant Rock and continue to Mada’in Saleh (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the second city of the Nabateans after Petra in Jordan, on the caravan route between Mecca and Petra. The structure of the city has influences from Mesopotamia, Egypt as well as Greek-Roman. The remains of the city include over 90 tombs that were carved out in the rocks. Mada’in Saleh lost its importance on the caravan routes, once the naval route to Yemen had been established by the Romans. Only 4% of the biblical site of Dedan has been excavated, but the organised structure of the city is clearly visible and the inscriptions found document the political and societal organisation of the kingdom. Back to Al ‘Ula for overnight. Overnight at Sahary Resort Al Ula, or similar. (BLD)
Day 10: Al’ Ula – Medina (Overall driving time today is approx. 3.5 hours)
Depart this morning towards Medina. Travel partly via the old Hejaz Railway, originally built by the Ottomans to reduce the travel time for pilgrims from Damascus to Mecca, but the line was never finished beyond Medina. The construction of the line was a controversial project with the Arabs suspecting the Ottomans of using the transportation of pilgrims as a pretext for more political and military purposes. The railway was forever made famous by TE Lawrence by his attacks and sabotage during WWI. Several stations can be visited today, among them the station of Al ‘Ula, which was the last one where fresh water could be taken before reaching Medina. Upon arrival in Medina, walk through the city. Later this afternoon, drive to Mt Uhud for wonderful views over the city of Medina. Overnight at Delights Inn, or similar. (B)
Day 11: Medina – Hafir Kishb (Al Wahba Crater) - Ta’if (Overall driving time today is approx. 5.5 hours)
Departure to Al Wahba Crater, northeast of Ta’if. The crater is 250m deep and 2km wide. Descend down into the crater or if you prefer just walk a part of the rim. Picnic lunch. Continue to Ta’if. We end the day with a visit through the busy and atmospheric souk where you can haggle for a bargain. Overnight at Tulip Inn, or similar. (B)
Day 12: Ta’if – Jeddah
Ta’if is known for its beautiful rose plantations. The rose that is grown here, is used in all kinds of perfumes and is celebrated during the Rose festival each spring. Ta’if is a popular summer resort, with its cooler climate and mountainous area. Visit Shubra Palace, the city’s museum, and a beautiful 20th century house. Continue towards Jeddah, driving around Mecca. The winding road leads via Al Hada, with its hairpin bends and spectacular views. Overnight at Centro Shaheen by Rotana, or similar. (B)
Day 13: Jeddah
This morning visit Al Balad, the old and historic part of Jeddah, which is registered as UNESCO World Heritage Site; with its narrow lanes and merchant houses, Naseef House and Souq Al Alawi. Later in the afternoon, we head over to the coastal road, the Corniche, that is lined with sculptures over a length of 30 kms. Visit (from the outside) to Fatima-Al-Zahra Mosque, which is built in the sea and is nicknamed the Floating Mosque. Farewell dinner in Jeddah. Overnight at Centro Shaheen by Rotana, or similar. (BD)
Day 14: Jeddah – Departure from Saudi Arabia (Overall driving time today is approx. 30-45 min)
The day is at leisure until your transfer to the airport and your onward flight. End of services. (B)
Tour Inclusions
Arrival and departure transfers
Overland transport throughout with professional driver
All accommodation
Services of English-speaking guide / tour leader
Meals as listed
B – Breakfast
L – Lunch
D – Dinner
Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
Feedback from our Travellers
Foreign Office Travel Warnings
Before booking your tour, please familiarise yourself with the country specific information provided by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) - www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. This includes important information such as latest immigration requirements, and details of any travel advisories.
We constantly monitor the advice posted by the FCDO. In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At the time of writing the FCDO does not advise against travel to the areas of Saudi Arabia that we visit on this tour.
It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens. Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their respective government.
Visa Information
At the time of writing British, US and Australian nationals require a visa for a tourist visit to Saudi Arabia. For further details please visit the applicable website shown below.
British Nationals - www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
US Nationals - travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html
Australian Nationals - www.smartraveller.gov.au
Other nationals should check the latest requirements with the authorities in their home country, or with the destination’s nearest embassy or consulate.
Should you require any documentation to support a visa application, such as a letter of invitation, upon request this will be provided by Undiscovered Destinations after receipt of your balance payment.
As it is the travellers’ responsibility to ensure that they meet all entry requirements it is essential that you check the rules and any other conditions at the time of booking and again when making your balance payment. In addition, we would strongly advise that you make a final check around two weeks before your arrival. This is important as requirements can change at short notice. Undiscovered Destinations, when possible, will provide guidance about entry rules, but in the first instance please contact the relevant authorities, including the applicable embassy or consulate for assistance.
Passports
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, valid for at least six months after the date of return to your country.
We strongly advise that your passport contains a minimum of two blank pages, as this may be a requirement of the local immigration authorities. In addition, certain countries will stipulate that the two blank pages are opposite each other. If you are unable to meet these requirements, you may be refused boarding by your airline or denied entry by the immigration authorities.
For specific information about the requirements for your destination please check with the country’s embassy or consulate. Alternatively, UK citizens can visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
Vaccinations & Protection
As with travel to most parts of the Middle East, we strongly recommend that you contact your doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information, advice, and the necessary vaccinations. For a visit of less than one month you maybe advised to have immunisations against the following: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Meningitis. The use of a DEET-containing insect repellent may also be recommended.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in your home country can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of booking with Undiscovered Destinations that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses (including cover for Covid-19 conditions) and emergency repatriation to your home country and be valid for the entire duration of your holiday.
Local Conditions
When travelling to our destinations, many of which are underdeveloped and untouristed by mainstream tourism, a good deal of patience and a sense of humour is an important attribute. This will help you to cope with problems such as ageing or poor infrastructure and when maintenance may not be as high as we would always like.
The choice of appropriate accommodation in some towns and cities (particularly the smaller places) can be limited, and standards of both service and maintenance can be less than polished. Guides and other service providers in some of our destinations do not always have the decades of collective practice and experience that their counterparts in more developed countries can draw upon. Although we will always try and resolve any issues as quickly as possible, on occasions there may be some shortcomings which no matter how hard we try will be unavoidable.
Essential Info
