Middle East

Saudi Arabia: Trade Routes, Tradition & Transformation

Photo credit: Douglas Grimes

Duration

14 Days

Price

From $9,895

Trip Type

Small Group

Group Size

Max 16

Activity Level

1 2 3 4 5

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Red Sands, Religion & Rock Art

Overview

Now is the time to visit Saudi Arabia. The kingdom is in the midst of a transformation, as it launches a major initiative to open up its traditionally isolated society to the outside world. The result is a “sweet spot” moment, when you can see the country’s one-of-a-kind sights as they start to become accessible, ahead of the anticipated tourism boom.

This tour takes you to Saudi Arabia’s most high-profile destinations, including the dynamic cities of Riyadh, Medina, and Jeddah, the monumental ancient tombs of Hegra, and the cliffs of Jubbah, decorated with thousands of astonishingly beautiful prehistoric petroglyphs. It also ventures beyond the main attractions to explore fascinating, sometimes surprising facets of the country. You’ll traverse historic trade routes that have helped define the culture of the peninsula from its earliest days; discover medieval towns that showcase regional architecture; shop at traditional markets that remain central to daily life; visit niche museums devoted to distinctive features of Arab society; and take in a diverse landscape that includes towering canyons and scenic shorelines as well as vast, majestic desert.

Travels to: Saudi Arabia

Nabataean tombs in Al Ula, Saudi Arabia. Photo credit: Saudi Arabia Tourism

Map

Itinerary

Days 1-3: Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Ushaiger, Buraydah
Begin the journey in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital and primary business hub. A welcome dinner introduces you to Saudi cuisine on the first evening, and the next day you’ll explore the highlights of the city, including the National Museum, Masmak Fortress, and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Al Turaif District. From Riyadh head overland to Buraydah, stopping off to learn about traditional Najdi architecture at the heritage village of Ushaiger along the way. In Buraydah visit the local women’s market.

HIGHLIGHTS
- Wander the exhibits of the National Museum, a beautifully designed, modern facility that is the primary repository of the Saudi national heritage and culture
- Explore the ruins of the Al Turaif District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the original seat of the power of the Al Saud dynasty
- Learn about Najdi architecture in Ushaiger, often cited as Saudi Arabia’s most beautiful village, where labyrinthine walkways wind amongst traditional mud buildings
- Sample the ubiquitous national sweet of Saudi Arabia, dates, right at their source near the date palm plantations of Buraydah
Days 4-7: Fayd, Hail, Jubbah, Tabuk, Neom
Before heading off to Hail, visit the spectacular camel market, where thousands of camels, goats, and sheep are haggled over. Stop off to view the massive citadel and surrounding archaeological sites at Fayd, once an important stop on the pilgrimage route from Baghdad to Mecca. Stop off to see Hutaymah Crater, a geological mystery. In Hail gaze down at the city and surrounding plains from the ramparts of A’arif Fort, which has guarded over area for over 400 years. From Hail you’ll also take a day trip to the prehistoric petroglyphs at nearby Jubbah. These well-preserved examples of ancient rock art, now on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, bear testament to time when the Arabian Peninsula had a much wetter climate.

Departing Hail you’ll pass through some of the Arabian Peninsula’s most picturesque desert, Al Nufud Al Kabir. Red dunes and craggy outcrops of rock dominate the landscape. Just past the western edge of the dune field lies the archaeological site and oasis of Tayma, inhabited since the Bronze Age and the site of significant archaeological finds. From Tabuk you’ll head down to the Red Sea coast to learn more about the planned future “smart city” of NEOM.

HIGHLIGHTS
- Take in the sights, sounds, and smells(!) of the expansive livestock market in Buraydah, where thousands of camels, goats, and sheep are on offer
- Meander through the ruins and museum at Fayd, learning about the history of the oasis as an important stop for pilgrims midway between Baghdad and Mecca
- Gaze down at Hail from the mudbrick and stone ramparts of A’arif Fort, built in stages starting over 400 years ago
- Imagine what the Saudi desert looked like during the Neolithic period, when the UNESCO-listed petroglyphs at Jubbah were first carved in rocks surrounding what was then a lake
- Appreciate the vastness of Saudi Arabia as you pass through the starkly beautiful Al Nufud Al Kabir Desert
- Marvel at the plans for the future, at the site of the high-tech “smart city” of NEOM
Days 8-10: Al Ula
Heading south to Al Ula, stop first at Saudi Arabia’s answer to the Grand Canyon, Wadi Al Disah. Beautiful scenery abounds: rock formations jut up from the valley, waterfalls plummet down cliff-faces, and camel herds stroll through a canyon floor that transitions from desert red to lush green. Al Ula itself is arguably Saudi Arabia’s most spectacular destination. The area is rich in history, archaeological wonders, and mesmerizing scenery. Over the course of two days, you’ll visit the main sites and beyond. A focus point is Hegra, where rock-hewn Nabataean tombs rival (or perhaps surpass) the beauty of those at Petra. Elephant Rock, an immense massif reminiscent of an elephant, is among the natural marvels of the area.

HIGHLIGHTS
- Contrast the red rock walls of grandiose Wadi Al Disah with the lush greenery of the papyrus and date palm-covered canyon floor
- Be astounded by the intensely beautiful Nabataean tombs at Hegra, a UNESCO World-Heritage Site rivalling the similar site at Petra
- Study the ancient graffiti, rock carvings and petroglyphs in myriad extinct and obscure languages, that cover the rock walls at Jebel Ikmah
- Ponder how ancient Dadanite and Lihyanite architects managed to carve tombs and sculptures into a cliff face 150 feet above ground at Dadan
- Take in the spectacular natural scenery at the Harrat Al Uwayrid lava fields and at the iconic Elephant Rock
Days 11-14: Medina, Jeddah
From Al Ula drive south to the holy city of Medina, a major Islamic pilgrimage site. The heart of the city is open only to Muslims, but the spectacle of the place is tangible everywhere. You’ll be able to view the towering minarets of massive Masjid Al Nabawi (the Prophet’s Mosque), which houses the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad, from a nearby square. It is a beautiful sight, particularly at night when the mosque is aglow in light. You’ll also visit Mount Uhud, which provides an overview of the region and was the site of the Battle of Uhud, a critical event in Islamic history.

The Saudi Arabia tour comes to a close in the port city of Jeddah, which you’ll reach by high-speed train from Medina. Jeddah is Saudi Arabia’s second largest city and the largest port on the Red Sea, making it a cosmopolitan place. Sights here include the exceptional Taybet Museum, the UNESCO-listed old town area of Al Balad, and the pedestrian-friendly Jeddah Cornice, which is lined with palm trees and dotted with fountains.

HIGHLIGHTS
- Watch the sun set over the holy city of Medina from stop Mount Uhud
- Appreciate the sanctity and beauty of the Masjid Al Nabawi, one of Islam’s most important pilgrimage sites, from nearby square
- Wander the alleyways of Jeddah’s UNESCO-listed old town, Al Balad, passing by souqs, traditional homes, and mosques along the way
- Explore a trove of pre-Islamic and Islamic artifacts housed in the striking Abdul Raouf Khalil Museum
- Listen to the waves as you people-watch and take in the scenery along the pedestrian-friendly Jeddah Corniche

Detailed Itinerary

Dates & Prices

Small group tour – max 16 travelers

Land tour price, per person. Based on double occupancy and minimum group size of 6 travelers.

What's Included

Activity Level

Level 3: Medium

Gallery

1/20 Nabataean tombs in Al Ula, Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia Tourism
2/20 Ruins of the historic town of Diriyah on the outskirts of Riyadh. Annie Lucas
3/20 Buraydah Camel Market in Saudi Arabia. Douglas Grimes
4/20 Buraydah camel market, Saudi Arabia. Annie Lucas
5/20 Masmak Fort in Riyadh. Saudi Tourism Authority
6/20 Rock art in Jubbah, Saudi Arabia. Photo credit: Douglas Grimes
7/20 Fantastical rock formations of the Tabuk region. Douglas Grimes
8/20 Stopping to take pictures of the rock formations found in Saudi Arabia's Tabuk region. Douglas Grimes
9/20 Driving through the Tabuk region of Saudi Arabia. Douglas Grimes
10/20 The ultra-modern Maraya Center at Al Ula. Douglas Grimes
11/20 The Hegra (Madain Saleh) Archaeological Site near Al Ula, Saudi Arabia. Douglas Grimes
12/20 Exploring Al Ula's Old Town. Annie Lucas
13/20 Spices and dried fruit for sale at Al Ula's Old Town. Annie Lucas
14/20 The Quba Mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia. Annie Lucas
15/20 The Prophet's Mosque (Al Masjid an Nabawi) in Medina lit up at night. Annie Lucas
16/20 Tasting dried fruit and nuts at a local market near Al Ula. Saudi Arabia Tourism
17/20 Jeddah's traditional architectural style features "rawashin", intricate projected latticed windows. Douglas Grimes
18/20 Driving past a mosque in sunny Jeddah. Douglas Grimes
19/20 Jeddah's Floating Mosque. Saudi Tourism Authority
20/20 A traditional Saudi meal. Photo credit: Saudi Tourism Authority