Unknown kingdom between the desert and the Red Sea

10-day private tour through historic and modern Saudi Arabia

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CONTRASTING SAUDI ARABIA

from Riyadh to Jeddah

10 days (9 nights)

private trip

English-speaking

10-day private tour of Saudi Arabia from Riyadh to Jeddah with domestic flight, high-speed train journey, and local guides to highlights such as AlUla, Medina, and Wadi Disah

For many travelers, Saudi Arabia is still an undiscovered country—and that is precisely what makes it so appealing. Instead of the often-portrayed clichés of a strictly conservative travel destination with laws that seem as unforgiving as its desert landscapes, visitors can expect a kingdom full of surprises and diversity.

Here , vibrant, modern cities meet ancient traditions and impressive cultural treasures meet landscapes of unimaginable vastness. This journey opens the door to a world that is far more diverse and fascinating than one might initially suspect.

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This exclusive private tour takes you to a country whose traditions are deeply rooted in history and whose hospitality makes every encounter special. Saudi Arabia's charisma is not only apparent at first glance: the endless desert, the scent of spices and freshly brewed coffee, the silence of sacred places – all of this remains unforgettable.

The starting point is Riyadh, where modern skyscrapers tower into the sky while traditional souks preserve the historic heart of the city. Here you can experience how the past and present come together in harmony.

In Wadi Disah, a fairytale landscape unfolds: palm trees, crystal-clear springs, and colorful sandstone cliffs create a unique panorama. In the evening, the campfire crackles as you sip Arabic coffee and listen to the stories of the Bedouins, which have been passed down through generations in the desert.

Further north lies AlUla, the cultural center of the kingdom. The artfully carved rock tombs of Hegra, the impressive silhouette of Elephant Rock, and the green oasis provide a deep insight into the region's past and treasures.

Private tour through Saudi Arabia: Desert experiences & snorkeling in the Red Sea

The journey then continues to Medina, where you will be moved by the spiritual atmosphere and historical sites. A modern high-speed train will then take you to the Red Sea coast to Jeddah, a metropolis with a cosmopolitan flair. The historic old town of Al-Balad, with its narrow streets, old trading houses, and ornate wooden windows, brings history to life. At the same time, the Corniche, with its cafés, contemporary art, and sea views, invites you to relax. Towards the end of your private tour of Saudi Arabia, you will have the opportunity to snorkel in the species-rich Red Sea.

This intensive tour invites you to discover the still unknown destination of Saudi Arabia with all its facets, from ancient traditions to modernity. Let yourself be surprised by this changing travel destination!

Stephanie Gräf

Owner & Founder

Since 2002, I have been personally advising clients on unique expeditions and private trips, small-ship cruises, and journeys to remote regions of the world.

We'd be happy to discuss your trip with you in person.

Why not contact me right now at Phone: +49 201 85890960 or email welcome@inventia.de.

Or schedule a free, no-obligation one-on-one phone call (also via WhatsApp or Wi-Fi), a Teams or Zoom meeting here—even in the evenings or on weekends:

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Good to know

Arrival and departure: We offer a variety of customized travel packages including flights, hotels, transfers, and activities. We are also happy to suggest pre- and post-programs to extend your trip.

Entry and safety information: German citizens require a passport that is valid for at least six months at the time of entry, as well as a visa. The Federal Foreign Office provides the following information for travel to Saudi Arabia.

Insurance: We strongly recommend that you take out international health insurance that covers medical repatriation.

Medical questionnaire:You are required to completea medical questionnaire before departure.

The trip is not recommended for people with limited mobility.

HIGHLIGHTS

Intensive exploration of the capital city of Riyadh, between old and new
Spectacular view at the Edge of the World (optional, additional charge)
4×4 tour in Wadi Disah to palm oases and striking rock formations
An overnight stay in a Bedouin camp
The vibrant oasis city of AlUla
The monumental rock tombs of the Nabataeans in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra
Holy city of Medina with the Prophet's Mosque
The coastal city of Jeddah on the Red Sea with the historic Al-Balad district and modern Corniche
King Fahd Fountain in Jeddah – at 312 meters, the tallest fountain in the world
Snorkeling in the species-rich Red Sea

route

itinerary

advance information

Your journey to Riyadh and your departure from Jeddah are not included in the price of your trip.

Since our customers all have individual wishes for their trip, we are happy to book flights separately. Of course, the flights then become part of a secure package tour. We recommend an overnight stay in Riyadh to cushion any irregularities with your flight or lost luggage. We are happy to organize everything for you on request. Please contact us.

Day 1: Welcome to Saudi Arabia – Start of the trip in Riyadh

As one of the wealthiest cities in the world, Riyadh presents itself as a showcase for the new Saudi Arabia. Once a walled caravan station made of mud bricks on the old desert trade routes, the capital is now a state-of-the-art metropolis with the best hotels and restaurants in the country. Its clearly structured road network is lined with more than 4,000 mosques, lively shopping centers and traditional souks, green parks, and diverse neighborhoods with an international flair.

On your first day in the Kingdom, it's worth taking a look from above: take the high-speed elevator to the 99th floor of the iconic Kingdom Center. At a height of 300 meters, the elegant Sky Bridge spans the city and offers an incomparable panorama of the Riyadh skyline and the endless expanse beyond.

Optional: If you arrived early or spent a night in Riyadh beforehand, you have the option of taking an optional excursion to the breathtaking "Edge of the World, " one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the country.

Excursion option to the Edge of the World in detail

You leave the city center and make your way to Jebel Fihrayn. His nickname "Edge of the World" The town owes its charm to the unobstructed view of the horizon that you have from the 300-meter-high cliffs. Stroll along the precipice high above the plain below before settling down on your Takwa, the traditional Saudi Arabian seating area for picnics, make yourself comfortable and continue to enjoy the spectacular view: here, the sky and the barren earth seem to merge into one another. Try some freshly brewed Arabic coffee and tea as well as picnic snacks before returning to your hotel in Riyadh.

This excursion is scheduled from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The 100-kilometer journey between Riyadh and Jebel Fihrayn takes approximately 1.5 hours each way. Please note the additional charge for this optional offer.

Overnight stay: in Riad

Distances and travel times: Riyadh Airport – Riyadh city center (35 km): 45 min.

A big city with skyscrapers from a bird's eye view

Day 2: Insights into Riad's charismatic past

In the heart of the old town stands Al-Masmak Fortress, a large citadel made of mud and clay bricks that witnessed the birth of the kingdom. The approximately 150-year-old building is an impressive reminder of the country's turbulent history. Justice Square is also a relic of times gone by. While people today mainly shop in modern supermarkets, there are still a few traditional bazaars, including Souq al Zel and Souq Bisht. The elegant Murabba Palace and the modern National Museum of Saudi Arabia also offer a deeper insight into the country's history.

After lunch in a traditional restaurant, you will be transported to another world: the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) with its striking skyscrapers towers into the sky as a symbol of power and dynamism. It is not only the modern business center of Saudi Arabia, but increasingly also of the entire Gulf region. Admire the extraordinary architecture of the mosque and then treat yourself to a coffee break in the heart of the financial district.

In the afternoon, a visit to Ad Diriyah is on the agenda – the birthplace of the first Saudi Arabian state, At-Turaif (1744–1818). This UNESCO World Heritage Site has been extensively restored and is now considered a new highlight of the kingdom's tourist attractions. Here you can learn more about the architecture and everyday life of past centuries: for example, how houses were built from mud bricks, how they were kept cool in summer, and how people lived without electricity and modern conveniences.

The day is rounded off with dinner at one of the excellent restaurants on Bujairi Terrace.

Overnight stay: in Riad

Meals included: breakfast/lunch/dinner

Day 3: From Riyadh to Tabuk

In the morning, you will depart the capital by plane for Tabuk, the gateway to Saudi Arabia's northwest. For centuries, the city has been an important stopping point for pilgrims from Jordan and Egypt on their way to Mecca and Medina. Upon arrival, you will meet your local guide and enjoy lunch featuring authentic Saudi Arabian cuisine.

Life in Tabuk is leisurely – you'll notice this as you stroll along the main street. Here you'll find the small fort at the top of the street, which now houses a museum. The striking Ottoman architecture is a striking reminder of the city's historical role as a gateway to Saudi Arabia and the Arab world. Another highlight is the well-preserved Hijaz railway station. Built around 100 years ago, it was intended to bring Muslim pilgrims from Damascus to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. However, less than two decades after its opening, it fell into disrepair. Today, you can visit this historic monument and see restored buildings that house numerous Ottoman relics.

If you feel like a more active program in the afternoon, there is an exciting option:

Optional half-day tour – Hidden treasures of the Hisma Desert in a 4x4

Experience the majestic expanse of the Hisma Desert on a Off-road tour with short hikesDrive over red sand dunes and through wide valleys, explore narrow canyons and impressive rock formations that reveal the wild beauty of the region. The adventure is rounded off with an atmospheric dinner in the desert camp before returning to the hotel.

This trip is scheduled to take place from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The journey time for the 125-kilometer route from Tabuk to Hisma is 90 minutes one way and includes some off-road sections.

Overnight stay: in Tabuk

Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch

Day 4: From Tabuk to Wadi Disah

The day begins at a leisurely pace with some free time before you set off to explore the Tabuk region in detail. The journey takes you south through barren deserts and rugged mountains, following a route that offers impressive panoramic views of the landscape.

Once you arrive in Wadi Disah, you will first visit a farm. A delicious lunch will be served under fruit trees, accompanied by fascinating insights into agriculture under the special climatic conditions of this region and its history.

Refreshed, we continue our journey into the valley in an off-road vehicle: Wadi Disah, literally "Valley of Palms, " is considered one of Saudi Arabia's most spectacular natural attractions. Striking mountain formations and colorful rock pillars characterize the landscape. Fresh springs transform the valley into a green oasis. With an experienced driver, you pass through lush vegetation and follow a stream that winds its way between mighty rock faces. There is plenty of time for photo stops or to enjoy the quiet beauty of the surroundings in peace.

As the sun slowly sets, a short 4×4 transfer will take you to a remote location in the desert, where you will spend an atmospheric evening. Relax on takwa, traditional Saudi Arabian seat cushions, by the warming campfire. An aromatic BBQ dinner under the starry sky awaits you. Your guide will tell you ancient stories from the desert and explain how the Bedouins once used the constellations for navigation. You will also enjoy freshly brewed Arabic coffee.

You will spend the night at the farm in a Bedouin camp. Cozy tents with comfortable beds and shared bathroom facilities ensure an authentic yet very pleasant overnight stay – with a touch of traditional nomadic culture.

Overnight stay: in a Bedouin camp in Wadi Disah

Distances and travel time: Tabuk – Wadi Disah (215 km): 3 hours 15 minutes.

Meals included: breakfast/lunch/dinner

Day 5: AlUla with the spectacular Elephant Rock

Greet the new day with anticipation as the sun rises behind the mountains and a local breakfast is freshly prepared for you over the campfire.

Today's destination is AlUla with the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra. Located deep in the desert, AlUla captivates visitors with spectacular rock formations and canyons, diverse pre-Arabian rock art, and the amazingly well-preserved tombs of the Nabataeans, which are over 2,000 years old. For many travelers, AlUla is the highlight of their Saudi Arabia experience. The vast area is home to numerous cultural and scenic treasures. Upon arrival, you will first enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant before checking into your hotel.

In the afternoon, when the light is golden over the desert, a very special experience awaits: a visit to Elephant Rock(Jabal Alfil). The striking rock formation rises majestically from the sand and towers like a stone giant into the deep blue sky of the Arabian Desert.

Overnight stay:in AlUla

Distances and travel time: Wadi Disah – AlUla (270 km): 3 hours 30 minutes / AlUla – Jabal AIfil/Elephant Rock (5 km): 10 minutes

Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch

Rock formation with a rock gate resembling an elephant

A rock in the desert, with a facade carved into it.

Day 6: Discoveries in AlUla and the surrounding area

The day begins with a visit to Hegra, the southern capital of the Nabataean Kingdom from the 1st century BC. Together with a rawee, a storyteller, you will explore some of the more than 100 monumental tombs, whose richly decorated facades have been artfully carved out of the sandstone cliffs.

Afterwards, continue on to the green oasis of AlUla, where you will enjoy lunch in an atmospheric restaurant surrounded by date gardens. A walk takes you through palm groves where the wind rustles gently and the scent of citrus blossoms fills the air. On the shady Oasis Heritage Trail between orange trees, you can hear birds chirping and imagine how nomads once found water here and sought shelter from the desert.

At the exit of the oasis, you will reach AlJadeeda, also known as Art City. With colorful street art flair, exhibitions, and bustling alleys, the neighborhood exudes a modern, creative atmosphere. From here, the trail continues to the old town of AlUla, which once stood at the crossroads of the legendary Silk Road and Incense Route. A stroll through the narrow alleys reveals its unique charm. Thanks to careful restoration, the old town now combines historic walls and alleys with trendy restaurants and stylish souvenir shops – an inspiring mix of past and present.

Overnight stay: in AlUla

Distances and travel times: AlUla – Hegra (12.4 miles): 20 min. / Hegra – AlUla Old Town (12.4 miles): 25 min.

Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch

Day 7: On the old pilgrimage route to Medina

Today's route leads through desert and mountains to Medina, along an ancient pilgrimage route past the oasis of Khaybar. Here, you will not find endless sand dunes, but rather an impressive volcanic landscape with black lava rocks, dramatic mountain panoramas, and deep historical significance. Before the rise of Islam in the 7th century, the Khaybar region was inhabited by Arab-Jewish tribes. In 628 AD, the city was conquered by Muslims led by the Prophet Muhammad in the Battle of Khaybar. Today, visitors can admire the remains of the mud-brick city in a steep wadi, where several fortresses tower high above thousands of green palm trees. The area has recently been restored and reopened to visitors.

Once you arrive in Medina, the second holiest city in Islam after Mecca, the spiritual heart of the city takes center stage: the enormous Prophet's Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi) with its ten minarets and space for a million worshippers. The atmosphere among the pilgrims is almost impossible to put into words. Non-Muslims can enjoy the sight of the mosque from the edges of the large square.

Another highlight is a visit to the museum dedicated to the biography of the Prophet and Islamic civilization. Here, you can immerse yourself in the life of the Prophet Muhammad and the history of the Islamic world through interesting artifacts and modern multimedia presentations.

At the end of the day, take a trip to Mount Uhud, an important pilgrimage site with sweeping views over the Holy City.

Overnight stay: in Medina

Distances and travel times: AlUla – Khabar (225 km): 2 hours 25 minutes / Khaybar – Medina (175 km): 2 hours

Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch

Wide open space in front of a magnificent mosque

A coastline with beaches, palm trees, and modern skyscrapers

Day 8: By high-speed train from Medina to Jeddah

Medina has much more to offer than its central holy site. Today, you will also visit the terminus of the Hejaz or Ottoman Railway, which once brought pilgrims from distant cities such as Damascus to this place. Afterwards, there will be time to explore the bustling souk in the center. Those with a sweet tooth will be particularly pleased: the stalls are overflowing with the sweet delicacies for which the Saudis are so famous.

After lunch in a restaurant overlooking the Prophet's Mosque, the journey continues with a state-of-the-art highlight: you board one of Saudi Arabia's high-speed trains, which takes you to the coast at Jeddah in less than two hours.

There, youcan relax with a drinkon the lively Corniche . Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere by the sea on carpets and traditional Takwa cushions. As the sun sets in the west and the muezzin's call rings out, the world's tallest fountain shoots into the evening sky, offering an unforgettable sight on the popular beach boulevard.

Overnight stay: in Jeddah

Distances and travel times: Medina – Jeddah (420 km): 2 hours by high-speed train / Jeddah train station – Jeddah city center (20 km): 25 minutes

Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch

Day 9: Discover Jeddah and the Red Sea

Jeddah is the commercial center on the Red Sea and home to the second-largest port in the Middle East. Every year, over a million pilgrims flock to this most important gateway to Mecca, Islam's holiest city, for the Hajj. At the same time, Jeddah is considered the most liberal city in Saudi Arabia and is a popular travel destination that combines the beauty of historic architecture with modern luxury.

Experience the Red Sea today! Enjoy the sun and water aboard a private speedboat. With the snorkeling equipment provided, discover the fascinating underwater world with colorful coral reefs and exotic fish species. Thanks to the shallow waters, this experience is suitable for all levels, and with a water temperature of at least 21°C, snorkeling is twice as much fun. The trip is rounded off with a delicious seafood barbecue, freshly prepared for you by your skipper.

Back on land, the old town of Al-Balad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014, beckons. Its traditional multi-story merchant houses are an architectural treasure, and a stroll through them is like traveling back in time. In the bustling alleys with old trading houses and busy market stalls, you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of centuries past. Particularly picturesque are the ornate wooden Roshan shutters, which have provided shade and welcome coolness in the hot and humid climate for centuries.

At the end of this extraordinary journey, enjoy a festive dinner with fresh seafood. This culinary highlight is accompanied by a heartfelt "hay maa al-salama"– goodbye, see you next time.

Overnight stay: in Jeddah

Meals included: breakfast/lunch/dinner

A snorkeler among white and purple corals

Day 10: Farewell to Jeddah

Enjoy the remaining free time until check-out at the hotel. Afterwards, you will be transferred to the airport.

Distances and travel times: Jeddah – Jeddah Airport (25 km): 30 min.

Meals included: Breakfast

Extension Options: To wrap up your trip on a relaxing note, you have the option of spending a few restful days on the Red Sea. Choose from exclusive resorts along the coast or on offshore islands with colorful coral reefs. Feel free to contact us at any time for customized extensions. We’d be happy to advise you!

PLEASE NOTE: The itinerary is subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control. Changes to the daily programs described here may be necessary, for example, due to unfavorable weather or road conditions, the condition of the planned destinations, or changes to flight schedules.