Inside The Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia (Riyadh - Jeddah)
Inside The Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia (Riyadh - Jeddah)
11 Days
Visiting: Saudi Arabia
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SSX
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Interests:
From:
$6950 (USD)Tour Overview
A land of arid desert and scorched mountains, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia conjures up all the romance and adventure of the golden age of discovery. The only country on the Arabian Peninsula with a foot in both the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf, the birthplace of Islam remains arguably one of the most enigmatic countries on earth to visit.
Including historic Jeddah with its beautiful Ottoman houses, this astonishing journey takes us deep into the heart of its ancient landscapes, visiting sites that few travellers from beyond the Arab world have ever seen. Blessed with a remarkable cultural heritage, we will visit several of its spectacular World Heritage sites including Nabatean Hegra (aka Mada’in Saleh) at AlUla, traverse some of the world’s finest desert scenery, marvel at the UNESCO site of Ad Diriyah the birthplace of the first Saudi state, and have the chance to explore on foot the natural wonder of the striking Hutaymah volcanic crater.
This is a tour like no other, offering a glimpse into one of the world’s most misunderstood and least known countries that is certain to appeal to those who are drawn to destinations with a difference.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Tour Starts In Riyadh
Accommodation: Rosh Rayhaan by Rotana or similar
The tour starts today in Riyadh, the Kingdom’s sprawling capital. Those on the suggested group flight will arrive in the early evening but accommodation will be available from mid-afternoon for anyone arriving earlier.
Day 2: Riyadh: Full Day Exploring Many Historic Sites
Accommodation: Rosh Rayhaan by Rotana or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we explore the capital city and environs of Riyadh which over seven million people call home. There are a couple of key historic sites to visit including the UNESCO site of Ad Diriyah which was the location of the royal residence and the First Saudi State and one of the most historic mudbrick settlements in the world. After lunch we will then visit Masmak Fortress, Murabbah Palace (currently from the outside only) and the National Museum, finishing the day with a local dinner.
Day 3: Riyadh - Ushaiqer - Buraydah: Settlements & Souks
Accommodation: Al Malfa Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving the capital we head north-west. Our first stop will be the heritage village of Ushaiqer, one of the oldest settlements in the region which boasts some stunning traditional Najdi architecture and considered one of the most attractive places in the country. We’ll have lunch here before heading further into the country’s interior and overnight stop near to Buraydah; time permitting we will visit another souk before checking into our boutique hotel for the night.
Day 4: Ha'il - Hutaymah Crater - Fayd Fort – Buraydah
Accommodation: Holiday Villa Ha'il or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
With an early start today we plan to make the most of a truly unique Saudi experience. Buraydah’s lively camel market is located just a short distance outside modern-day Buraydah. This is the world’s largest camel market where thousands of camels, goats and sheep are traded every day and this morning is sure to be a feast for the senses. We then start our drive towards Ha’il, once an important stop on the camel caravan route to Mecca. En route we’ll detour to explore the distinctly impressive Hutaymah crater with a salt field at its centre where there is the option to circumnavigate the crater rim (5km circular trail).
Day 5: Ha'il - Jubbah - Ha'il: Rock-Art, Forts & Markets
Accommodation: Holiday Villa Hail or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A short distance north-west of Ha’il we find the UNESCO World Heritage site, Jubbah. This world-famous site features some of the best rock-art in Saudi Arabia. Strewn across the scorched rocks of Jabal Umm Sinman are thousands of intricate rock carvings, some of which are thought to be over 10,000 years old. Subjects etched into the sandstone include man, cattle, ibex, horse, ostrich and lion all of which are impressively well-preserved on their rock canvas. On returning to Ha’il we’ll have time to explore this important agricultural centre with its impressive Aarif and Qishlah forts (currently from the outside only) as well as the well-stocked souks, a popular shopping area home to a date market, clothing stalls and a women's market.
Day 6: Ha'il - Alula
Accommodation: Shaden Desert Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we drive to the strategically located town of AlUla, continually inhabited for millennia and rightly considered to be one Arabia’s cultural highlights. A stunningly located desert resort will be our base for the next two nights. Exact timings over the next two days will be kept flexible but during our time in AlUla we will certainly discover why this area is becoming a must-visit location for anyone interested in the scenery and rich cultural heritage of Arabia. During our time here we plan to visit the iconic Elephant Rock, have lunch on a date-farm, embark on an exhilarating 4WD ride through the narrow overarching canyons of the Madahkil Mountain range as well as taking a walk along the Oasis Trail from Dadan south to the ruins of AlUla’s Old Town, which was for centuries a significant stop for Muslims heading south to Mecca for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Of course, we will also have time to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra (aka Mada’in Saleh). Second only in size to Petra (in neighbouring Jordan), this strategically sited Nabatean city has over one hundred ornately decorated royal tombs, including the striking Qasr Farid, dating back to the 1st century CE.
Day 7: Alula: Elephant Rock, Old Town, Hegra
Accommodation: Shaden Desert Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
With a full day here, we’ll have ample time to discover why this region’s reputation is growing to perhaps one day rival that of Petra and Wadi Rum in neighbouring Jordan. Please note that many of the activities in and around AlUla are controlled by the Royal Commission for AlUla which includes the times and durations allowed for visiting the sites.
Day 8: Alula - Medina: A Cultural Highlight Of Arabia
Accommodation: Le Meridien Medina or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving AlUla, we effectively pick up the same route of the famous Hejaz Railway. Long since abandoned, the railway was a flagship project of the Ottomans intended to link Damascus with Mecca but which ultimately was brought to a halt by frequent sabotage under the instigation of rebel Arab tribes, some in conjunction with T.E. Lawrence during WWI. Later we'll arrive to the holy city of Medina. Home to the Prophet’s Mosque, the second largest mosque in the world, Medina was once a predominantly Jewish settlement called Yathrib and it was to here that Mohammed fled in 622AD, in what is known as the hegira, marking Year 0 for Islam. Until late 2021, the centre of the city was off-limits to non-Muslims but this is slowly changing and we should be able to view some of the key historic sites of the city.
Day 9: Medina - Jeddah: Prophet’S Mosque & Historic Sites
Accommodation: Centro Shaheen Jeddah by Rotana or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After some more time to take in the atmosphere of the holy city of Medina, schedules permitting we then plan to take the high-speed Haramain train to the port city of Jeddah. Jeddah is Saudi Arabia’s commercial capital and the main gateway to Mecca, the holiest city in Islam. Its historic centre, Al-Balad (The Town), once served as a major trading port along the Indian Ocean trade routes and today its distinctive architecture has seen it inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Characterised by imposing tower houses and coral stone buildings, the old centre of the city encapsulates the rich mix of influences and traditions that once flourished along these trade routes and reflects a style and tradition essentially lost now outside Saudi Arabia.
Day 10: Jeddah: Full Day Exploring
Accommodation: Centro Shaheen Jeddah by Rotana or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we will finish our discovery of The Kingdom by exploring the port city of Jeddah. The local motto in Arabic is Jeddah Ghair meaning “Jeddah is different” and today we find out why. The city boasts the largest seaport on the Red Sea, including the Central Fish Market where we will enjoy lunch today. Jeddah hides many a unique historic treasure inside its contemporary walls. Today we manoeuvre through the streets taking in the modern elements such as the artsy Corniche waterfront and the contrasting old city, souqs and traditional bazaars of UNESCO Al-Balad.
Day 11: Tour Ends In Jeddah
Meals Included: Breakfast
The tour officially ends after breakfast but those on the suggested group flights will have transferred to the airport long before breakfast for a very very early flight.
What's Included
-
MEALS
10 x Breakfasts9 x Lunches8 x Dinners
-
TRANSPORT
Minibuses, coaches, 4WDs and a train. No domestic flights
-
GROUP SIZE
Maximum: 12
-
CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions to climate and community projects for all bookings
-
EXPERT TEAM
The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate
-
ACCOMMODATION
6 nights x Premium
4 nights x Superior -
ENTRANCE FEES
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary
-
FITNESS RATING
Low
What's Not Included
-
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour/nationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatoryTips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documentsInternational .Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UKAirport .Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights.Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
-
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour/nationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatoryTips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documentsInternational Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UKAirport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flightsBeverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
Visas
VISAS
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact a reputable visa agency. More details can be found here - www.wildfrontierstravel.com/visa
For this tour UK & US passport holders currently require a visa for Saudi Arabia which can easily be obtained as an e-visa.Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
NB. It used to be the case that anyone with a passport showing evidence of having visited Israel (including having entered or left Jordan/Egypt from posts which are known to border Israel) might be denied a visa for Saudi Arabia but it seems that this is rarely, if ever, the case these days.
Further details will be sent out to you on booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
VACCINATIONS & ADDITIONAL TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for travellers to Saudi Arabia.
For all destinations, please make sure you are up-to-date with any standard vaccinations (e.g. MMR, Hepatitis A, Tetanus) as recommended by your local health care provider.
For the most up-to-date information on all vaccination requirements and the most suitable anti-malarial tablets, we strongly suggest that you seek advice from your local travel centre or consult an official travel health website such as www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
Covid Testing: No mandatory testing is currently required for vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers.
If necessary further details will be sent out to you upon booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas & vaccinations are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Key Aspects to Consider
Saudi society is going through some major changes at the moment so please bear in mind that any considerations raised here may alter at any time. Ultimately the Kingdom remains a deeply conservative country and is likely to be different from any other destination to which you may have travelled. In contrast to previous practices, there are no restrictions placed on adult women travelling solo and while it is expected that all foreign visitors will dress conservatively, women will not have to wear an abaya (the long black dress covering the body from shoulders to feet) and they will not have to cover their hair. Alcohol however is still currently forbidden and should not be brought into the country.
Tourism (other than for religious purposes) is a new concept for the Kingdom so come expecting enthusiastic but inexperienced levels of service. Its tourist infrastructure, while growing, is still minimal and its understanding of the experiences that western visitors are generally looking for remains limited especially as it currently receives considerably far fewer tourists than neighbouring countries like Oman and Jordan. As such Saudi Arabia is likely to remain a ‘challenging’ destination for a while to come, with a high likelihood of not everything going according to plan. However for us that is half the enjoyment of travelling, especially to newly opened-up and exciting destinations.
It’s also worth mentioning that sometimes sites can be closed for no foreseen reasons and without prior notice and that many of the activities in and around AlUla are controlled by the Royal Commission for AlUla which includes the times and durations allowed for visiting the sites.
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, however, please note the tour involves some options for desert walks so to get the most out of the tour you will need to be fit enough to enjoy these aspects of the tour. Please also note that seating in most traditional
restaurants is almost always on the floor so you will need to be able to sit on the floor comfortably for periods of time. Please also note that on this trip vegetarians and other dietary requirements can be catered for, but the selection and variety may be limited.
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Travelling Solo and single supplements
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip. On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
Insurance
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
Check out our Q&As
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2002
-
Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?
In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
Dates & Availability
Monday - Thursday
Oct 28, 2024 - Nov 07, 2024Friday - Monday
Nov 08, 2024 - Nov 18, 2024Monday - Thursday
Nov 18, 2024 - Nov 28, 2024Monday - Thursday
Dec 23, 2024 - Jan 02, 2025Friday - Monday
Jan 10, 2025 - Jan 20, 2025Monday - Thursday
Jan 20, 2025 - Jan 30, 2025Friday - Monday
Feb 07, 2025 - Feb 17, 2025Monday - Thursday
Oct 20, 2025 - Oct 30, 2025Friday - Monday
Oct 31, 2025 - Nov 10, 2025Monday - Thursday
Nov 10, 2025 - Nov 20, 2025Friday - Monday
Nov 21, 2025 - Dec 01, 2025Monday - Thursday
Dec 22, 2025 - Jan 01, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
Wild Frontiers allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 90 days before the start of the tour.
-
Low Deposit
Wild Frontiers requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of wild frontiers charges.
Up to 71 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 51 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Wild Frontiers' COVID Promise
You will have the right to transfer without any transfer fee, from any of our trips at ANY time if your trip is not Covid Viable (see below).*
We will not ask you to pay your final balance if your trip is not yet Covid Viable.
If your trip is not Covid Viable, by 30 days prior to departure at the latest, we will cancel your holiday and you can either transfer your funds to another departure or have a refund.**
We will only consider a trip Covid Viable*** if pre-departure it meets all of the following criteria:
There is no national lockdown or ban on foreign travel for the period when your trip is due to depart.
Destinations on the tour must not be on the UK’s Red List. ****
No destinations visited on the tour have in place any significant COVID-19 restrictions for travellers.
Tourist visas (if required) are available.
There is reliable airline access to/from the start/end of the trip.
Following an assessment by both Wild Frontiers and our local partners we are confident that your trip is able to run in both a safe and enjoyable manner.*****
** If you were originally booked to travel before 30 April 2020 and transferred to a later date, or if you have a tailor-made booking, there may be some irrecoverable costs which we cannot refund. Please speak to us and we will be able to advise you if this is the case for your booking.
***Since our HQ is in London, Covid Viable status for our Group Tours will be assessed on UK-based travellers. However we are fully aware that many of our clients live in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and beyond. As such, when we deem a trip to now be Covid Viable, everyone booked will have a chance to review their own personal situation before deciding whether or not to remain booked on the trip. Anyone wishing to, will have the option to transfer without fees to another trip at this time. For tailor made bookings, we may also able to consider additional countries’ travel advice when deciding if a trip is Viable. Please discuss this with us at the time of booking.
**** This relates to bookings from UK clients only. We may operate trips to destinations which the British FCDO advise against travel for Covid reasons. If this is the case, anyone wishing to will have the option to cancel with a refund or transfer to another trip. In some cases we may choose to offer a tour to a Red destination but these will be at both clients’ and Wild Frontiers’ discretion and will be subject to alternative conditions to be discussed on an ad hoc basis.
*****If a destination, that we have deemed to be Covid Viable, subsequently fails any aspect of the criteria for two consecutive weeks, you will have the right under our Covid Promise to transfer without any fees.