Saudi Sea to Shining Sea Tour: Persian Gulf to the Red Sea via the "Petra of Arabia" (From Dammam/Al Khobar)

Saudi Sea to Shining Sea Tour: Persian Gulf to the Red Sea via the "Petra of Arabia" 

If you'd like to cross the part of Saudi less traveled, and marvel at history, ancient civilizations Islamic and Pre-Islamic and the maritime touchpoints that aided Arab sailors to enrich Asia and Africa, this tour skips the main cities and takes in excellent highlights of the country and leaves the urban bustle behind.

Day 1 - Al Khobar/Dammam to Al Aqir Silk Road Port

Today we tour the oil museum in the morning and the Love Market in Dammam and the shimmering kaleidoscopic souks before they begin to bustle, head to the ancient Silk Road Trade Port Al Aqir, on the Persian Gulf Coast, the single oldest structural remnant in Arabia for the silk road between China, Iraq and Mesopotamia, and the Arabian Deserts overland. The port was active in about 1000 BC, and echos the trade of today that remains vital for the world's industry and productivity.

The port according to the university nearby oversaw the march and sailoff of "conquests of the Islamic army legions that conquered places in India, Persia and stretching to the outskirts of the Chinese empire, as such it was also one of oldest trade routes and commercial centers associated with Al-Mashqar and Hajr markets." We take in also some of the sites and culture of Al-Ahsa region in Saudi as well as Dammam and Al-Khobar on today's trip. We overnight in Al Ahsa

Day 2 - On to Al Qassim and Hail

We roadtrip towards Hail, and stop in Aushazia Lake and Dunes, and Nafood Aloraq Reserve, (and if time the Tamya Mountain,) overnighting after seeing some truly fantastic Saudi landscapes. We take the northern route here through the seldom-traveled Hafar near the Kuwait border.

Day 4: At-Taysiyah Nature Reserve, Camels, Falcons, and Day Camping, Overlanding to Hail, Jubbah, and Al Jouf

Today we'll tour the nature reserve and its mammal and winged denizens, stopping for an essential Saudi picnic experience, and head to tour Hail and the archeology and architecture nearby, before heading further north, seeing the rock art and ancient carvings at Jubbah, and eventually making it to Al Jouf to hit the top of the country and Sakaka Town where we overnight. (Note - depending on if the road is open, we can take the road through Arar or Hail.)

Day 5: 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 6: 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 7: 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 8: Coastal Tour from Tabuk to the Red Sea 

Today we head up 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, We visit the magic of Duba, Sharma, and Al Muwailih. Drop off at beach hotel of your choice or catch a ride back to Jeddah to complete a loop.

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Not Included:

• Travel Insurance (Mandatory)
• Flights
• Visas
• Other, and any of your changes in the itinerary and all costs created by these changes

• Onboard or Hotel Accommodation (Double or Twin Basis) 
• Transport on a Lovely Yacht and Beverages
• Fuel
• Guide/Captain, and Tours into the cities
• Entrances and Ticket Fees
• Some small surprises