10-Day Saudi Arabia Small Group Tour » Riyadh + Ushaiqer + Jubbah + Madain Saleh + Yanbu + Jeddah

Day 1 begins with your arrival in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. As you step off the plane, our team will be waiting to welcome you at the airport warmly. We will provide a Meet & Greet service, ensuring a smooth, hassle-free transition through customs and immigration.

Once all necessary formalities are taken care of, we will arrange a comfortable transfer to your hotel. Our professional drivers will ensure that you reach your accommodation safely and efficiently. During the journey, you can relax and enjoy the sights of Riyadh, a vibrant and modern city that seamlessly blends tradition with innovation.

On Day 2 of your tour in Riyadh, we will meet in the hotel lobby at 9:00 am to explore the city’s historical and cultural highlights.

Our first stop will be the Murraba Palace, an iconic landmark built by King Abdul-Aziz. This palace holds great significance as it was intended to accommodate the king’s family. Constructed in the traditional Najdi style, using only local materials, the Murraba Palace showcases the architectural beauty and cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia.

Next, we will visit the Masmak Museum, where you can immerse yourself in Saudi Arabia’s rich history. This museum offers a glimpse into the country’s roots, and you’ll have the opportunity to witness a captivating re-enactment of King Abdul Aziz’s capture of the fortress. Don’t miss the chance to see King Abdul Aziz’s spearhead, which remains embedded in the wooden gate as a symbol of his triumph.

Our tour continues to Dira Souq, a renowned marketplace famous for its assortment of antique copper and brass items. You can browse various treasures here, including silver daggers, Bedouin jewelry, and traditional dresses. As you enter the souq, you’ll be greeted by the pleasant aroma of sandalwood. Dira Souq is an excellent place to acquire authentic Saudi heritage antiques, including antique carpets with historical and cultural significance.

We will visit The National Museum of Saudi Arabia to conclude our day. Established in 1999 as part of the King Abdul-Aziz Historical Centre, this museum offers a comprehensive overview of Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage and cultural legacy. The National Museum provides a captivating journey through the country’s past, from archaeological artifacts to interactive exhibits.

After a day full of exploration and cultural immersion, we will return to the hotel for a relaxing overnight stay in Riyadh, allowing you to rest and prepare for the adventures that await you the following day.

On Day 3, your journey takes you through the desert, starting with a visit to the picturesque ‘mud village’ of Ushaiqer. This village boasts seven neighborhoods adorned with palm trees and orchards, seamlessly blending with the maze of pathways. Stroll along the charming shaded paths, meandering through the village’s 400 mud houses and 25 mosques. Some places still bear the names of their original families, adding to the village’s historical charm.

Next, we continue our journey to Qassim. You will have the rest of the day to explore this vibrant city, including a visit to the bustling Souq and the lively date market. Qassim is surrounded by dunes, offering a unique desert backdrop to your explorations.

After a day filled with cultural immersion and exploration, we will spend the night at a comfortable hotel in Buraydah, allowing you to rest and recharge for the adventures ahead.

Day 4 takes us to Hail, a city that has served as the gateway to the desert for centuries. Historically, pilgrims traveling from the north to Mecca and Medina would converge here with traders journeying from the southern Arabian Peninsula to the Middle East.

Our first stop is Jubbah, a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the most famous rock art in Saudi Arabia. The carvings on Jebal Umm Sinman depict a wide range of representations and span a significant period, with some carvings believed to be around 10,000 years old. Among these carvings, two stand out as emblematic. The first showcases a dominant figure overlooking a smaller one, while the second depicts a chariot pulled by two horses.

After immersing ourselves in the rich cultural heritage of Jubbah, we will return to Hail for an overnight stay. This will allow you to relax and reflect on the remarkable history and artistic expressions you have encountered during the day.

After breakfast, we will embark on a scenic drive to Al Ulla, a historically significant site known as the birthplace of two ancient Arabian kingdoms. During the 1st millennium BC, Al Ulla witnessed the rise of Dedan, an ancient city that served as the capital for two successive empires: Dedan and Lihyan. These kingdoms held sway over the northwest region of the Arabian Peninsula.

In the heart of the Heritage Village of Al Ulla, you will find the Musa Ibn Nusayr Fort, a small fort that still stands today. This fort is believed to have been a fortified structure dating back to the times of Dedan or Lihyan, as Dedanitic inscriptions can be carved on the nearby rock. You can enjoy the view of the fort as we explore the old market area, immersing ourselves in the atmosphere of the past.

For a unique and authentic experience, we will spend the night at AlUla Camp, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the region’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

On Day 6, we will visit Hegra, the most iconic historical site in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the first to be recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.

Hegra, also known as Madain Saleh, is a testament to the Nabatean civilization. The Nabatean people were Arab merchants actively engaged in the frankincense trade, which brought them immense wealth. The Nabatean Kingdom flourished from the 2nd century BC until the early 2nd century AD.

During the 1st century AD, under the rule of Nabatean King Aretas IV Philopatris (Al-Harith IV), Hegra experienced extensive settlement and became the kingdom’s first capital before Petra, located 500 kilometers to the north. The site showcases the remarkable architectural achievements of the Nabateans, including elaborate tombs, rock-cut facades, and intricate carvings.

To fully immerse ourselves in the historical and cultural significance of Hegra, we will spend another night at AlUla Camp, allowing you to savor the ambiance of this great site and reflect on the wonders of the Nabatean civilization.

Upon our arrival in Yanbu around noon, we will have the opportunity to explore the city and its attractions. If time permits, we will visit the night market, a collection of indoor stalls offering crafts and souvenirs. Please note that the market’s availability may vary, as it has recently started catering to cruise ships.

Situated next to the old town, which is currently undergoing renovations, the night market provides a glimpse into the local culture and offers unique shopping opportunities. The old town, reminiscent of Jeddah with its charming wooden-fronted buildings, is also on our list, but the opening date is yet to be confirmed. If the old town opens before our arrival, we can visit this evening, exploring its historic alleys and perhaps even seeing T.E. Lawrence’s former accommodation from 1915-1916.

We will spend the night in a comfortable hotel in Yanbu, allowing you to rest and prepare for adventures in the city and beyond.

This morning, we have an exciting optional activity: a snorkeling island cruise trip. We start early, meeting at the Yanbu coast and making our way to a small nearby harbor where fishing boats and yachts sway gently in the calm waters of the Red Sea.

After a half-hour boat ride, we reach a tiny atoll, a new mound of white sand adorned with blades of grass. Navigating the reef that surrounds the island, our boat will approach as close as possible before we have a wet landing.

Once on the island, you’ll have ample time to enjoy snorkeling and swimming in the warm ocean. While the boats provide snorkels, we recommend bringing them along if you are an avid snorkeler and have your equipment. The vibrant colors of the coral underwater must be seen to be believed.

After our snorkeling adventure, we will drive to Jeddah, our final destination. Jeddah awaits with its captivating blend of modernity and rich cultural heritage, offering a fitting end to our remarkable exploration of Saudi Arabia.

Today, our exploration of Jeddah begins with a visit to the beautiful old Ottoman houses in the historic quarter, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These houses, made of coral, are a testament to Jeddah’s rich architectural heritage. One notable restored building is the Nassif House, now a museum, providing a glimpse into the city’s history.

Continuing our walk through the old town, we will venture into the Al Alawi Souq, a vibrant market that winds through the old neighborhoods. Here, you can find various products, including incense, jewelry, coffee, and clothing, immersing yourself in the local culture and traditions.

Next, we will explore the enormous fish market, reflecting the city’s strong seafood industry. The bustling market offers a fascinating insight into the importance of seafood to Jeddah’s economy.

We will then head to Jeddah’s Corniche, a scenic waterfront stretching along the Red Sea coast for several miles. This beautiful promenade features parks, mosques, and playgrounds, adorned with sculptures that culminate at a small open-air sculpture museum in the north of the city. We will walk a section of the corniche, aiming to see the renowned ‘floating mosque’ along the way.

After a day filled with cultural discoveries and scenic walks, we will spend the night at a hotel in Jeddah, allowing you to rest and reflect on the enchanting experiences of the day.

The trip concludes after breakfast at our hotel in Jeddah. Today is free with no scheduled activities, allowing you to depart from Jeddah at your convenience. If your flight is scheduled for later in the day and you need a place to store your luggage, the hotel provides luggage storage facilities for your convenience.

We hope you have enjoyed your journey through Saudi Arabia, exploring its rich history, cultural treasures, and natural beauty. We wish you a pleasant onward journey and hope to welcome you back for more adventures in the future.