Classic Saudi Arabia

Example Itinerary

9 Days From £7,590

Overview

For decades Saudi Arabia lay closed off to tourists with the kingdom hidden behind closed doors. Now it has emerged as an intriguing destination, offering an extraordinary blend of ancient history, stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Begin in Riyadh exploring the nation's founding story at Masmak Fortress and Ad-Diriyah before flying north to discover the dramatic red sands of Wadi Bajdah, where conservation efforts have reintroduced Arabian oryx and Nubian ibex. In AlUla, immerse yourself ...
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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

How Tailor-Made Works

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Discuss your initial ideas with one of our experts, the types of things you want to see and do.

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Your expert will start designing your perfect trip. Within a day or two we'll send a suggested itinerary.

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At this stage you can still tweak anything from accommodation to experiences and dates, using our expert advice.

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Time to prepare for your trip, safe in the knowledge you'll be in the expert hands of local guides and drivers throughout.

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Relax and enjoy...through our partners you'll have support on the ground as well as 24-hour emergency assistance in the UK.

Example Itinerary

This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.

Day 1 Riyadh: Arrival

Arrive into Riyadh and transfer to your city centre hotel.

Rosh Olaya

Day 2 Riyadh

A day in Saudi’s capital will introduce you to the nation’s history with visits to the National Museum and the 14th century Masmak Fortress. It was at the fortress that the decisive battle of Riyadh was fought in 1902, when Abdulaziz ibn Saud (later founder of Saudi Arabia) led a daring raid to capture the fort from the rival House of Rashid. This victory marked the beginning of his campaign to unify much of Arabia and eventually establish the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932. Continue your exploration through the centuries this afternoon when you visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ad Diriyah, the original capital of Saudi and a beautifully preserved example of Najdi mud brick architecture.

Rosh Olaya Breakfast

Day 3 Riyadh – Tabuk: Wadi Bajdah

Take a flight to Tabuk in the northern deserts of Saudi Arabia. From here you will head to Wadi Bajdah in a 4WD to explore this dramatic desert where rocky mountains rise from the red sands. Look out for wildlife as you explore including the Arabian oryx and Nubian ibex both of which have been reintroduced to the region as part of the Neom Nature Reserve conservation efforts.

Grand Millennium Breakfast

Day 4 Tabuk – AlUla: Wadi Disah

Explore another wadi today on your way to AlUla, Wadi Disah. The wadi itself stretches for over 30km, with towering sandstone cliffs that rise hundreds of metres above the valley floor in shades of red, orange and cream. Experience the serenity of the valley dotted with rock pools and elegant palm trees that form a natural corridor along your path. Take time to explore the inviting waters and walk in the cooling shade of the palm trees. After a picnic lunch in the valley drive on to AlUla, passing landscapes of dramatic desert scenery, featuring tall rock formations and sandstone cliffs shaped by millions of years of wind and rain erosion. Hidden amongst these there are historic sites rich with archaeological treasures.

Shaden Desert Resort Breakfast

Day 5 AlUla: Ancient Kingdom & Old Town

Over the next two days take in many of the wonders of the area including the ancient site of Dadan, once a major crossroads on the Incense Trail where civilisations traded culture and goods. Here you will view the stunning carvings high up on cliffs along with ancient tombs and petroglyphs. Explore the old town of AlUla, a labyrinth of alleyways where mud brick walls hiding houses once inhabited for centuries. After your exploration head to the vibrant AlJadidah Arts District. Discover the world's largest hand-painted carpet, browse through diverse shops and galleries and enjoy exhibitions featuring both local and international artists. The area also has a number of cafés and restaurants where you may like to stop for a drink or dinner.

Shaden Desert Resort Breakfast

Day 6 AlUla: Nabatean Splendour

A second day of discovery takes you to the jewel in Saudi’s desert, the Nabatean city of Hegra. Here carved into the rocky outcrops are over 130 tombs, differing in size, design and style. Your visit will take you to a number of these tombs including the impressive Qasr al Farid as well as the spiritual diwan hall. This afternoon head out into the desert on 4WD safari adventure to explore the desert canyons and weathered terracotta hued mountains. As evening approaches, conclude your day's adventures at Elephant Rock watching the fading rays of sun light up the natural formation.

Shaden Desert Resort Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 AlUla – Medina - Jeddah: Prophet’s Mosque

Moving on this morning you will drive to the holy city of Medina. It was to here that the Prophet Mohammed migrated and which became his final resting place. The city centre is dominated by the enormous mosque with its canopies and green tomb. Visit the outside of the Mosque along with the Museum of Islamic Civilisation to learn about the Mosque’s origins. Explore the history of Medina further with a visit to the First Mosque before heading to the site of one of the defining battles in Islamic history at Jabal Uhud. In the late afternoon board a fast train to Jeddah.

Park Hyatt Jeddah Breakfast

Day 8 Jeddah: Coral Stone Town

Spend the day in the relaxed, cosmopolitan, coastal city of Jeddah. Take a walk along the Corniche and the harbour and admire the views of the Floating Mosque, set over the Red Sea. Head to the Tayebat Museum which takes the visitor on a walk through of Saudi history and culture through a large collection of cultural artefacts and scenes. In the afternoon delve into Jeddah’s past in the historic Al Balad where coral stone houses with intricate wooden balconies line the narrow streets. Many have been renovated back to their former glory and amongst them you will find cafes, shops and restaurants where you can take dinner and purchase some souvenirs.

Park Hyatt Jeddah Breakfast

Day 9 Jeddah: Departure

Transfer to the airport for your return flight.

Breakfast

EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Rating

Luxury
Typically offers an exceptional level of comfort, style and service. With first-class facilities, personalised service, and exceptional dining options, it’s a refined experience at every turn.
Premium
Typically offers a higher level of comfort and quality, meeting international standards of service and amenities. Expect modern conveniences and extras such as a pool, gym or a choice of dining options for a more comfortable stay.
Standard
Typically offers convenience, en suite rooms and key amenities such as an on-site restaurant. It’s a reliable, comfortable mid-range option, carefully selected to offer the most practical choice in any given location.
Simple
Typically offers a no-frills experience and is often the only option available. It could include camping with basic bathroom facilities or a homestay with shared amenities. In some lesser-developed destinations, the accommodation may only offer essentials, such as bedding and simple shelter.

Hotel Rating

Luxury
Typically offers an exceptional level of comfort, style and service. With first-class facilities, personalised service, and exceptional dining options, it’s a refined experience at every turn.
Premium
Typically offers a higher level of comfort and quality, meeting international standards of service and amenities. Expect modern conveniences and extras such as a pool, gym or a choice of dining options for a more comfortable stay.
Standard
Typically offers convenience, en suite rooms and key amenities such as an on-site restaurant. It’s a reliable, comfortable mid-range option, carefully selected to offer the most practical choice in any given location.
Simple
Typically offers a no-frills experience and is often the only option available. It could include camping with basic bathroom facilities or a homestay with shared amenities. In some lesser-developed destinations, the accommodation may only offer essentials, such as bedding and simple shelter.

Hotel Rating

Luxury
Typically offers an exceptional level of comfort, style and service. With first-class facilities, personalised service, and exceptional dining options, it’s a refined experience at every turn.
Premium
Typically offers a higher level of comfort and quality, meeting international standards of service and amenities. Expect modern conveniences and extras such as a pool, gym or a choice of dining options for a more comfortable stay.
Standard
Typically offers convenience, en suite rooms and key amenities such as an on-site restaurant. It’s a reliable, comfortable mid-range option, carefully selected to offer the most practical choice in any given location.
Simple
Typically offers a no-frills experience and is often the only option available. It could include camping with basic bathroom facilities or a homestay with shared amenities. In some lesser-developed destinations, the accommodation may only offer essentials, such as bedding and simple shelter.

Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

9 days from £7,590

MEALS

As specified in the itinerary, sampling some of the country's finest cuisine.

TRANSPORT

Private air-conditioned vehicles with experienced, dedicated drivers, unless otherwise stated.

ENTRANCE FEES

Tours and admission fees, including tickets specified in the itinerary.

EXPERT TEAM

Licensed English-speaking guides and a support team available 24/7.

ACCOMMODATION

As specified in the itinerary, using some of our favourite local properties.

WILD MILES

This tour will earn you 6144 Wild Miles

ACCOMMODATION

Luxury
Typically offers an exceptional level of comfort, style and service. With first-class facilities, personalised service, and exceptional dining options, it’s a refined experience at every turn.
Premium
Typically offers a higher level of comfort and quality, meeting international standards of service and amenities. Expect modern conveniences and extras such as a pool, gym or a choice of dining options for a more comfortable stay.
Standard
Typically offers convenience, en suite rooms and key amenities such as an on-site restaurant. It’s a reliable, comfortable mid-range option, carefully selected to offer the most practical choice in any given location.
Simple
Typically offers a no-frills experience and is often the only option available. It could include camping with basic bathroom facilities or a homestay with shared amenities. In some lesser-developed destinations, the accommodation may only offer essentials, such as bedding and simple shelter.

Wild Miles Club

When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:

Blue More than 10,000 points 2.5% discount
Bronze More than 30,000 points 5% discount
Silver More than 45,000 points 7.5% discount
Gold More than 60,000 points 10% discount

This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.

Positive Impact of this Trip

Tree
Ten trees are planted per passenger on this trip
Community
Supports Wild Frontiers Foundation community projects
Wind Turbine
A contribution to renewable energy projects

Making a Difference

Community Tourism

People and local communities have always been at the heart of Wild Frontiers and the travel experiences we offer. Through community tourism we have the opportunity to generate real positive impact, supporting people we visit through sustainable local development, and in turn help to alleviate poverty and protect culture and environments in often more vulnerable destinations. While doing so, our clients gain richer travel experiences and more meaningful connections with the people they meet.

Conservation and Climate Action

As a travel company, we hold a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability, and work closely with local communities to support their efforts. By implementing initiatives such as carbon measuring, tree-planting, reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly practices, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems and local communities. Additionally, prioritising conservation efforts helps preserve natural habitats and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our planet.

Wild Frontiers Foundation

The Wild Frontiers Foundation aims to provide a platform to create awareness, raise money and deliver funding to projects in countries where we operate as a travel company. Through the foundation, we are able to channel money into grass roots projects, which we have either established ourselves or support through charity partners. These include initiatives focused around education, the empowerment of local people and community conservation.

WHEN TO GO

START PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.

WHY WILD FRONTIERS?

Meet the expert, Dan

Dan is our Middle East expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.

Speak to Daniel by calling
+44 (0) 20 8741 7390

In this highly complex and fascinating destination, be sure not to miss the stunning desert scenery around Al Ula, home to Mada’in Saleh (Hegra), the UNESCO Nabataean sister city to Jordan’s Petra.

OTHER ITINERARIES IN SAUDI ARABIA

Check out our group tours in Saudi Arabia

As well as private tailor-made trips, we also offer small group tours (max size 12) to Saudi Arabia. Led by an experienced tour leader, travel with a group of like-minded people on one of our award-winning group tours.

View Group Tours in Saudi Arabia