Saudi Arabia: Desert Kingdoms

Arrive in Saudi Arabia’s buzzing capital Riyadh, one of the wealthiest cities in the world, and transfer to your luxurious hotel. Once a walled, mud-brick way station along desert trading routes, Riyadh is now a modern metropolis undergoing rapid change. Freshen up before joining your fellow guests at a delicious welcome dinner.

Start your day by visiting UNESCO-listed Diriyah, a historic site on the outskirts of Riyadh, which is said to be the birthplace of the first Saudi state and is today the current home of the royal family. Walk through the old town to admire its many ruins, including the once-splendid palace, houses and marketplace. Continue to Musmak Fort, in Riyadh’s old quarter, built during the reign of Abdullah bin Rashid in AD 1895. Afterward, browse the Dirah Souk, a market famed for colorful textiles from silk to luxurious pashminas, before stopping for lunch. This afternoon, explore the National Museum with a guide, perusing this UNESCO World Heritage Site that tells the complete story of Arabian history. Continue to Murabba Palace, built from local materials by King Abdul Aziz in 1937. Then, discover Saudi fashion on a visit to a women-only shopping mall, where there are opportunities to meet local women who share their stories and insights into life in the kingdom. This evening, meet a special guest from within the antiquities, finance or creative sectors to learn how work in Saudi Arabia has changed over recent years.

This morning, fly to Hail, located in the northern Arabian Peninsula. Upon arrival, drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jubbah, where magnificent rock carvings and thousand-year-old petroglyphs adorn the surrounding sandstone outcrops. Enjoy some Saudi hospitality and learn about the importance of camels in Saudi culture as you sit down to a lunch of traditional fare at a local farm. Return to Hail, and then visit Qeshla Palace, admiring the monumental structure’s exterior before exploring the A’arif Fort, with its outstanding views of the city. Afterward, meet with Fraih Al Shummari, a local guide, and his family, who immerse you in the local language with a written demonstration of Arabian script. Return to your hotel for dinner.

This morning, visit the intriguing Hail Local Heritage Museum, a private museum set in a traditional Najd house, and get a glimpse of a bygone era. Afterward, drive to AlUla and enjoy lunch. Nestled in a large, spectacular valley, AlUla was an important trading hub for the ancient Lihyanites. Visit the city of Dadan, which was built meticulously from stone and sits astride the valley’s oasis. After exploring the ruins, drive to Jabal Ikmah and view the rock art and petroglyphs set in a stunning desert canyon. Later, witness the sunset reflecting on the 9,740 mirrored panels at Maraya. This beautiful piece of art is set in the desert canyon of Ashar Valley and is designed to blend into the surrounding landscape like a mirage.

Devote your morning to exploring the wonders of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hegra. The southernmost settlement of the Nabataean Kingdom, the city was known as Al Hijr during ancient times and was once a stopover on the trade route. The site spreads more than 21,000 square feet, with an abundance of relics and rock-cut tombs. Discover the Nabatean Well, Qasr Al Bint, Diwan Tomb, and Al Farid Palace as well as the preserved railway station. After lunch, venture to Al Ragasat and its towering carved rose-colored sandstone mountains, known as The Dancers. This evening you may wish to admire the area from above on a helicopter ride over the surrounding landscape, taking in breathtaking aerial views of AlUla, available at an additional cost. Return to your accommodation for dinner.

This morning, explore the Heritage Oasis Trail, a lush haven in the midst of the windswept Saudi Arabian desert. Learn firsthand about the landscape from local farmers whose crop is native to Saudi Arabia. Visit their fields to understand the ideal conditions for growing produce in this climate. Tonight, head out for the iconic “Elephant Rock,” a monolithic sandstone rock formation that stands three stories high. Savor dinner and drinks while basking in the golden light of sunset from this spectacular vantage point. Later tonight, venture far from city lights to a remote desert location, led by a local expert guide, to stargaze and listen to Saudi stories of the night sky.

This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Jeddah, the main gateway to Mecca, the holiest city in Islam. A historic crossroads of pilgrims and traders, Jeddah is a major city with a cosmopolitan and liberal air not found anywhere else in the country. Start at the open-air museum on the Corniche, where you can admire an extraordinary array of modern sculpture ranging from traditional Arabic designs to the abstract and monumental. Afterward, gaze upon the “floating mosque,” which appears to drift on the water’s surface shimmering in the sun light. Pause to take in the spectacular views over the Red Sea. Next, discover King Fahd’s Fountain, also known as Jeddah Fountain, which is the tallest of its type in the world, shooting saltwater from the Red Sea nearly 1,000 feet into the air. The evening is yours to experience this captivating city.

Today explore Jeddah’s traditional architecture with an expert guide. Visit some of the city’s old Ottoman houses, constructed from coral and reinforced with wooden beams, including one built in the 1850s by the distinguished Nasif family. This afternoon, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities: Visit the Abdul Raouf Khalil Museum, which showcases art, architecture and the 2,500-year-old history of the Jeddah area. Explore the Majestic Moon Valley, gazing at its geological wonders on a day-long hike. Bask in a Private Beach Experience as you unplug from the modern city to relax in the sun or snorkel. Return to the hotel for your farewell dinner, which is accompanied by a mesmerizing traditional dance performance.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.