Saudi Arabia 13-Day Culture and Archaeological Sites Tour from Jeddah to Dammam

From shielding itself from the eyes of the west for a long time, Saudi Arabia is now taking leaps towards modernization and tourism. Aside from its flashy oil-rich cities, the kingdom is also a cultural pedigree with most of its heritage sites preserved or restored to perfection. 

On this 13-day adventure, we will discover more about the cultural and historical highlights 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 hundred-year-old Nasif House. After lunch, explore the state-of-the-art Jeddah Corniche, an open-air museum with modern sculpture displays and a favorite hangout place of the locals. Stop by Abdul Rauf Khalil Art Museum and see 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, 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, and 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. Lunch will be at a local restaurant in Bin Hamsan.

Day 5: Abha-Al Ula

Hop on a plane via Riyadh or Jeddah to Al Ula. Upon arrival, 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. 

Day 6: Al Ula

Travel back in time in Al Ula, the gateway Madain Saleh, the first UNESCO World Heritage site of Saudi Arabia. Visit Qasr Al Farid, Qasr Al Bint, Khuraimat, Al Diwan, four of the best-preserved tombs in this archaeological site. Continue to Wadi al-'Ula and see its Lion Tombs of the Lihyanites - predecessors of the Nabateans (100 to 500 BC). You'll also explore the interesting mud-houses of this old city and Musa Ibn Nusayr Fort.

Day 7: Al Jouf

Enjoy a long and scenic drive to Al Jouf and stop at Taima, see Haddaj Well, one of the largest ancient water wells in the world, as well as Al Hambra Castle and Al Radham, along the way. Arrive in Al Jouf and explore the fortress of Qasr Marid in Dumat Al-Jandal. This castle is perched on a natural limestone outcrop overlooking the old city and valley where an ancient oasis lies. You'll also visit Masjid of Omar before heading to your hotel.

Day 8: Al Jouf - Hail

Discover Za'abal Castle, a fortress that sits atop a centuries-old well system in Sakaka. This mud and stone fortress is believed to be built in the 7th century B.C. Continue to Al-Rajajil, the "Stonehenge of Arabia." This mysterious ancient site is a collection of some fifty groups of man-made stone columns that have been erected more than 6,000 years ago. After this, you'll drive southeast to Hail via Jubbah.

Day 9: Hail - Uyun Al Jawa

Kick-off your day with a visit to Al-Qishlah, a 1940s mud palace in Hail. After lunch, continue to Al Qassim and explore Uyun Al Jawa city and Mosawgef Souq.

Day 10: Shaqra - Ushaiger - Riyadh

Drive to Ushaiger Heritage Village, a historical site that offers a glimpse of Saudi Arabians' rich past. Surrounded by thick walls and massive towers, this village is restored to preserve its heritage and has a museum that displays various relics and pieces from the village. Enjoy local lunch and head to Shaqra, a walled city that's made to protect it from outside attacks. You'll then be transferred to Riyadh at the end of the day.

Day 11: Riyadh

Travel 20 km from the city center and explore Ad Diriyah and its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Al Turaif district. The site's mud-brick wall once housed a flourishing desert city that was a powerhouse of commerce and culture. Continue to Al Masmak Fortress, a 150-year old clay and the mud-brick citadel in the heart of Riyadh, and Dheera Souq before enjoying local lunch at a restaurant. Head to the 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. 

Day 12: Riyadh - Al Hofuf

Depart from Riyadh in the morning and head to Al-Ahsa Oasis, the largest in the world. Explore the extraordinary rock formations and caves of Jabal Al-Qara, the most prominent landmark of the region. The site has iron railings and smooth walkways to allow novice explorers to safely navigate small portions of the intricate caves. You'll also visit an Ottoman Turkish Fort and Qysarriah Souq during the tour.

Day 13: Al Hofuf - Dammam

Drive from Al Hofuf to Dammam and explore some of the city highlights including Dammam Museum, King Fahd Causeway, and King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture.

Day 14: Departure from Dammam

Spend the day at your leisure before heading to the airport for your departure.

Includes

• Hotel accommodation
• Private air-conditioned transport
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner except for days 5, 13 and on the day of your arrival/departure
• Fuel
• Driver-guide
• Entrance fees

Excludes

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