Through the desert worlds of Saudi Arabia

Day 2: With your local guide through Jeddah – experience culture and traditions

Start by getting a good overview of Saudi Arabia's history and culture at the Tayebat Museum. The museum is located in a multi-part complex that replicates the traditional architecture of the historic Al Balad district. Detailed exhibitions on several floors offer vivid insights into the history of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and the entire Arabian Peninsula. One floor is dedicated to the city's rich Islamic culture and heritage.

Jeddah's proximity to the Red Sea makes fresh seafood a delicious part of the local cuisine. At the bustling central fish market, squid, shrimp, lobster, and numerous species of fish, some of which are only found in the Red Sea, are available for sale. Experience the typical market routine: first, customers select their catch, then it is weighed and they receive a ticket for cleaning. After that, the fish is either prepared directly in the restaurant at the market or taken home.

After lunch, visit the House of Islamic Arts, which houses an impressive collection of Islamic art, artifacts, and rare manuscripts. This cultural gem offers deep insights into the multifaceted heritage and artistic traditions of the Islamic world.

Then discover the inviting atmosphere of the historic old town of Al Balad, which was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2014. The traditional multi-story houses and merchant residences are an architectural treasure trove. Amidst the hustle and bustle of traders, pilgrims, and occasional tourists, you will be immersed in times gone by. The wooden Roshan shutters are real eye-catchers, providing shade and keeping the buildings inside pleasantly cool despite the heat and high humidity. They make Al Balad a particularly picturesque place.

Overnight stay: in Jeddah

Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch

Day 4: Self-drive from Medina via Khaybar to AlUla

Your self-drive tour starts today. The following information is therefore intended as recommendations. Unless expressly stated, tours and entrance fees are not included in the program.

Leave the holy city of Medina and head for Khaybar or directly to AlUla, Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Both destinations are located deep in the desert in the northwest of the country. But it's not just sand dunes that await you here: the region is volcanic in nature, with black lava rocks, impressive mountain landscapes, and great historical significance.

A stopover in the historic city of Khaybar is well worth it. Before the rise of Islam in the 7th century, the region was inhabited by Arab-Jewish tribes. In 628 AD, Muslims led by the Prophet Muhammad conquered the city in the Battle of Khaybar. Today, you can visit the remains of the mud-brick city in a steep wadi: several fortresses tower high above thousands of green palm trees. The area has recently been reopened to the public after extensive renovations.

If you arrive in AlUla before sunset, take a detour to Elephant Rock (Jabal Alfil). This striking rock rises from the golden desert sand and towers into the blue sky of the Arabian Peninsula as one of the region's most impressive natural wonders.

At the end of the day, retreat to your carefully selected accommodation in AlUla. Here you will have the opportunity to reflect on the day's impressions in peace and quiet and get in the mood for the experiences to come.

Overnight stay: in AlUla

Distances and travel times: Medina – Khaybar (110 miles): 2 hours / Khaybar – AlUla (140 miles):  2 hrs 25 mins / Medina – AlUla direct (325 km): 3 hrs 30 mins / AlUla – Jabal AIFil/Elephant Rock (5 km): 10 mins

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6: From AlUla to a Bedouin camp in Wadi Disah

Why not enjoy a leisurely morning? Take advantage of your hotel's amenities or continue exploring the landscapes of AlUla with an optional activity. For example, take a scenic flight in a helicopter or, depending on the season, in a hot air balloon over the sandstone mountains. Venture off the beaten track into the desert dunes or hike along the edge of the valley to experience the vast panoramas of AlUla from a new perspective.

After checking out, set off northwards in good time to reach Wadi Disah after around four hours. The name translates as "Valley of the Palms." This valley is one of Saudi Arabia's most spectacular natural attractions. It is characterized by bizarrely shaped mountains, tall rock pillars in various colors, and freshwater springs that create a real oasis atmosphere. Thanks to the water, the valley has been inhabited for centuries and is still known today for the cultivation of dates and mangoes.

(The overnight FarmCamping experience included in the program begins at 4 p.m.)

Park your vehicle safely in the courtyard and take a short 4×4 drive to a secluded desert area where a private camp awaits you. Make yourself comfortable on takwa, traditional Saudi picnic seats, while a warming campfire enhances the evening atmosphere. Enjoy an aromatic BBQ dinner under a sparkling starry sky. Your guide will explain how to navigate using the constellations and tell fascinating stories about desert life – accompanied by freshly brewed Arabic coffee.

After dinner, you will return to the farm. There you will settle into your cozy Bedouin tent with proper beds for a comfortable night's sleep. This will give you a little insight into nomadic life. The sanitary facilities are shared.

Accommodation: Bedouin glamping in Wadi Disah

Distances and travel time: AlUla – Wadi Disah (299 km): 4 hours

Meals included: Breakfast/Dinner

Day 8: Discovery tour of Riyadh with a local guide

Start the day with a glimpse into Saudi Arabia's charismatic past. In the heart of the old town stands Al-Masmak Fortress, a large mud and brick structure that witnessed the birth of the kingdom around 150 years ago and still serves as a reminder of its turbulent history. Another historic site is Justice Square. While Saudis now mainly shop in modern supermarkets, some traditional bazaars have been preserved, including Souq al-Zel and Souq Bisht. You can learn more about the country's history at the impressive Murabba Palace and the modern National Museum of Saudi Arabia.

After lunch at a traditional restaurant, the tour continues to the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), the modern heart of Saudi economic life and, increasingly, of the entire Gulf region. The striking architecture of the mosque in the district reflects the country's innovative strength. A coffee break in the Financial District offers an opportunity to soak up the atmosphere of this forward-looking district.

In the afternoon, we will travel to Ad Diriyah, the birthplace of the first Saudi state, At-Turaif (1744–1818). This UNESCO World Heritage Site has been extensively restored and is set to play a central role in the kingdom's tourism industry in the future. Discover the traditional architecture and historical heritage of the place: learn how the mud houses were built, how people cooled themselves in hot summers without modern technology, and how people once lived here—without electricity or modern conveniences.

Conclude the evening with an excellent dinner at one of the top restaurants on Bujairi Terrace.

Overnight stay: in Riad

Meals included: breakfast/lunch/dinner