Saudi Arabian Highlights and Secrets Odyssey

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SAUDI ARABIAN HIGHLIGHTS AND SECRETS ODYSSEY TOUR

Briefing with the Best Guides: "Saudi Arabia has a well-worn track for pilgrims through Mecca and Medina, and for historian site-seekers through Jeddah to Al Ula. Our hope is to put together a great synopsis and sampler of all of the main highlights of Saudi Arabia's archeological sites, but also share some areas that simply haven't been promoted yet or put on the radar, but that may be someday soon. The reason some of these areas do not appear on tourist boards or programs is because some are simply inconvenient and off the path of where most people will go and what they can research to do. Also some of the places used to have little access or food choice around them, and were not repaired or restored too well before recently. Some of these sites are just newer than the typical ancient age of the religious and cultural sites here, but really do display Saudi character and history, and intriguing areas and architectures."

(This tour starts from Jeddah but can be reversed or customized to start in Riyadh as well without much price difference.)

Day 1: Arrive in JDH and Settle into Saudi

Today arrive in Jeddah International Airport and after friendly formalities with visas and shuttling into town, briefing and welcoming and drop off at a central city midrange hotel. (You may choose between Saudi character and excellent tourist location or more modern and quiet American brand name hotel.)

Day 2: Jeddah Old City and the Red Sea Gateway of the Pilgrims Tour

Today we tour the ancient winding alleys and soaring wood-decked ornate edifices and markets of Jeddah Al Balad, the old city, and learn about the history of the red sea port that hosts and hails millions of Muslim pilgrims through time on their road to Mecca, along corridors of immortal commerce and cultural interchange.

Day 3: Coastal Tour to the Red Sea and overland into the northern desert (or through Medina if you are Muslim is an option as well)

Today we head up through Yanbu along the coast and see some of the red sea history and settlements, ports, and culture and industry along the way. You'll learn about the history of trade on the red sea and Africa, or visit (for Muslim guests) the great mosques and square of Medina (Madinah) Overnight in Al Ula.

Day 4: Al Ula and Madain Saleh Rock Worlds, Hail and Al Jouf

Today we'll tour the old rock houses in the desert that populate most of the postcards you've likely seen about Saudi Arabia since the country opened to tourism. Al Farid and the rest of the rock houses will be toured today, and we can even take tea and dates under the sweeping geoglyphs! We spend the day in the archeology.

Day 5: Elephant Rocks and Strange Red desert lands - Day Desert Camp Outing

Today we see more of the bizarre rocks and have the essential cultural experience in the area with desert camping and in the tradition, a must-do activity.

Day 6: Al Hajir, Al Khanafah Wildlife Sanctuary, and on to Sakaka

Today we drive along the wildlife sanctuary and reserve, and into the far north of the country, stopping to watch for birds and wildlife, and enjoying more of the archeological sites and geological strata of Madain Saleh's area. We overnight in Sakaka.

Day 7: Rajajil Columns Bizarre "Stonehenge of Saudi" and Ancient Castles in the Desert 

Today we visit some of the most mysterious digs and ancient ruins of KSA as well as one of the country's most famous historic castles, a fine capstone to the tour and at one of the northernmost cities of the Kingdom and Arabia altogether!

Day 8: Sakaka Morning Tour if time, and flight back to Jeddah or Riyadh if preferred.

Transfer back to the airport and flight to Jeddah and Riyadh and end of the tour.

-END OF SERVICES-

Not Included:

• Food
• Travel Insurance (Mandatory)
• Flights
• Visas
• Other, and any of your changes in the itinerary and costs created by these changes
  
• Missed Sites, if you are not keen for long touring days and distances, early mornings, and driving, though the trip can be paced into more days at higher cost if you'd like to spread out! 

• Midrange Hotel Accommodation (Double or Twin Basis)
• Transport
• Fuel
• Guide/Driver
• Entrances and Ticket Fees
• Some Snack Samples on occasion and small surprises