Saudi Arabia Trip: Riyadh, AlUla, Madinah & Jeddah

Upon arrival at Riyadh International Airport, you will be welcomed by your representative and transferred to your hotel. Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, has evolved from a modest desert settlement into one of the most dynamic and affluent cities in the region. Once enclosed by mud-brick walls, it now stands as a symbol of modern progress and cultural pride. Check in and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

• Meals: None
• Overnight: Riyadh

After breakfast, begin your full-day discovery of Riyadh. Start with a visit to the National Museum of Saudi Arabia, a world-class institution that narrates the story of the Arabian Peninsula from its geological origins to the modern era through eight immersive galleries. Continue to Murabba Palace, built in 1937 by King Abdul Aziz, showcasing traditional Najdi architecture and royal heritage. Next, explore the historic Masmak Fort, a symbol of Saudi unification, followed by a stroll through Dirah Souq, famous for its colorful textiles and traditional crafts. Enjoy lunch at Najd Village Restaurant to savor authentic Saudi cuisine. In the afternoon, head to the King Abdullah Financial District, a modern hub of architecture and commerce, before visiting the UNESCO-listed Diriyah, the birthplace of the first Saudi state. Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Overnight: Riyadh

After breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport for your flight to AlUla. Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in and lunch. In the late afternoon, visit the iconic Elephant Rock, a natural sandstone formation shaped by wind and water over millennia. Enjoy the sunset with Arabic coffee or tea before exploring AlUla Old Town, where ancient mudbrick houses tell stories of centuries past. Continue to AlJadidah Arts District, a lively area filled with murals, art installations, and creative energy. Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Overnight: AlUla

After breakfast, meet your guide for a full day of exploration. Begin with a photo stop at the Maraya Theatre, the world’s largest mirrored structure reflecting the surrounding desert landscape. Proceed to Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, once a thriving Nabatean city filled with rock-cut tombs and inscriptions. Visit notable sites such as the Nabatean Well, Qasr Al Bint, Diwan Tomb, and Al Farid Palace. Return to the hotel for lunch and rest before continuing to Dadan and Jabal Ikmah, known as the open-air library of AlUla, where thousands of ancient inscriptions reveal the region’s rich history. As the day ends, unwind at Shalal Café, nestled among dramatic rock formations, offering a serene setting for refreshments and reflection. Return to your hotel for the night.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Overnight: AlUla

After breakfast, depart AlUla for a scenic drive to Madinah, approximately four hours away. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization, located near the Holy Mosque. Continue along Qiba Street, which connects the Holy Mosque and Quba Mosque, both significant in Islamic history. Non-Muslim visitors may view the mosques from the outside. Stroll along the pedestrian street lined with traditional food stalls and shops. Later, transfer to the Madinah Railway Station for your high-speed train journey to Jeddah. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in and relaxation. Jeddah, the country’s commercial heart, has long served as the gateway for pilgrims traveling to Mecca and remains a vibrant coastal city blending history and modernity.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Overnight: Jeddah

After breakfast, begin your exploration of Jeddah with a visit to the Central Fish Market, where fishermen display their fresh catches in a lively morning scene. Continue to the Tayebat Museum, a private collection showcasing artifacts from pre-Islamic times to the modern era, including manuscripts, coins, and traditional attire. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the Floating Mosque, which appears to rest gracefully on the Red Sea’s surface. Later, explore Al-Balad, Jeddah’s historic district, known for its coral-built houses and wooden lattice balconies. Visit the renowned Nasif House, a fine example of 19th-century Hejazi architecture. Conclude the day at King Fahd’s Fountain, the tallest of its kind in the world, shooting seawater high into the sky. Return to your hotel for the evening.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Overnight: Jeddah

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out by noon. You will then be transferred to Jeddah International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your memorable journey through Saudi Arabia.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Overnight: None