Saudi Arabia Highlights: Jeddah, Riyadh, Madain Saleh and Elephant Rock

The birthplace of Islam, Saudi Arabia has shielded itself from the eyes of the west for a long time. Now, the Kingdom is taking leaps forward in terms of modernization and openness to visitors from all over the world. Dubbed as the final frontier of tourism, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a cultural pedigree, aside from its flashy oil-rich cities. 

On this 9-day adventure, we will discover more about the cultural and historical highlights of the country. Immerse yourself in the rich past and colorful present of Saudi Arabia as you visit UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites, see age-old establishments blending seamlessly with modern city buildings, and meet the locals who are the true heart and soul of the country.

Day 1: Arrival in Jeddah

Arrive at the airport in Jeddah and check-in at your city center hotel.

Day 2: Jeddah

Kick-off your Jeddah tour with a visit to the stunning coral and wood-made old Ottoman houses in the city. One of the most eye-catching and historically-important ones is the Nasif House which was built in the 1850s by the well-known Nasif family. After lunch, explore the state-of-the-art Jeddah Corniche, a major attraction that acts as an open-air museum with modern sculpture displays and a hangout place of the locals. We'll also stop by Abdul Rauf Khalil Art Museum which houses a significant and unusual collection of arts, ethnography, and archaeology artifacts.

Day 3: Jeddah-Abha

Check out from your Jeddah hotel and swing by a busy Fish Market before heading to the airport. Upon arrival in Abha and after checking in at your hotel, we'll explore the city and its traditional baskets market. Next, admire the impressive artworks by local and regional artists at Muftaha Village Art Gallery, a platform for local creativity. In the evening, get a chance to have a personal interaction with some friendly local families as you spend time at their typical Saudi home. 

Day 4: Asir Province 

Asir, with Abha as its capital, is mainly a highland province and includes the entire southwest Saudi Arabia up to the Yemen border. Today, enjoy an excursion to Mount Souda, see the colorful Flower Men of Teham, experience riding a cable car and visit Rijal Almaa, a heritage village 45km away from Abha. This village, which acted as a natural passage between Yemen, Makkah, Madinah and Levant, was an important regional trade center in the early days. You'll also get to explore Khamis Mushayt and its antique silver market as well as Bin Hamsan Traditional Village and the museum and buildings it houses. Lunch will be at a local restaurant in Bin Hamsan.

Day 5: Abha-Riyadh

Hop on a plane to Riyadh in the morning. Upon arrival at the bustling Saudi Capital and checking in at your hotel, travel 20 km from the city center and explore Ad Diriyah. This must-visit historical site is the historical home of the first Saudi state. The site's mud-brick wall once housed a flourishing desert city that was a powerhouse of commerce and culture. Today, the ruins of its citadel-marked primary quarter known as the Al Turaif district is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 6: Riyadh - Al Ula

Start the day with a visit to Al Masmak Fortress, a 150-year old clay and the mud-brick citadel in the heart of Riyadh that served many purposes - a garrison, an ammunition warehouse, a prison, and now a museum. Continue to the nearby Dheera Souq before enjoying local lunch at a restaurant. Head to the impressive National Museum, one of the finest in the Middle East, and composed of eight galleries telling stories about the rich Arabian history. You'll also visit Al Murraba Palace, a traditional Najdi style site that provides an insight into the lifestyle of the Saudi Royal family. Head to the airport in the afternoon for a flight to Al Ula.

Day 7: Al Ula 

Travel back in time in Al Ula, the gateway Madain Saleh, the first UNESCO World Heritage site of Saudi Arabia and considered to be one of the world's most fascinating sites for antiquities. Visit Qasr Al Farid, Qasr Al Bint, Khuraimat, Al Diwan, four of the best-preserved tombs in this archaeological site. You'll also stop by Nabatean water well and explore the interesting mud-houses of this old city.

Day 8: Al Ula - Jeddah

Today, you'll visit Saudi Arabia's only 'elephant' which is actually a humongous red rock that is 52 meters tall. Elephant Rock, an elephant-shaped natural wonder, sits in a desert surrounded by other magnificent red rocks, equally distorted by thousands of years of exposure. After this, head to the airport for your flight back to Jeddah. 

Day 9: Departure from Jeddah

Today is your last day in Jeddah and you have the rest of the day to yourself. Tour ends with a transfer back to your hotel.

Includes

• Hotel accommodation
• Private air-conditioned transport
• Fuel
• Driver-guide
• Entrance fees

Excludes

• Food and drinks not mentioned
• Travel/medical insurance
• Visa
• Flights
• Personal expenses
• Tips and gratuities