Riyadh to Jeddah Overlander

Welcome to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia! On arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel (approx. 45 mins). One of the wealthiest cities in the world, Riyadh is a showcase for modern Saudi Arabia. Once a walled, mud-brick way station along desert trading routes, the capital is now a hyper-contemporary metropolis with some of the finest hotels and restaurants in the country. Its organised grid layout is lined with more than 4,000 mosques, numerous busy shopping centres, traditional souks, public parks, and a diverse set of communities and neighbourhoods.

On your first day in the Kingdom, you will explore the pulse of the city by taking the high-speed lift to the 99th floor of the iconic Kingdom Centre for access to Riyadh’s best urban panorama. Suspended 300 metres above the city, the tower’s curved Sky Bridge offers spectacular views across the Riyadh skyline and beyond and is a must-do experience for all who pass through the capital.

This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner which will be a representative embodiment of Riyadh’s spirit – traditional Saudi cuisine in a modern space. (D)

Overnight – Joudyan Hotel by Elaf or similar

Discover the wealth of contrasts that distinguish Riyadh. Historical highlights include Masmak Fort, Souq Al Zel, and cultural centres such as the National Museum and the Murabba Palace. And, of course, Ad Diriyah—once the heart and start of the Kingdom. While making your way across the city, note the stark contrast between these local marketplaces and the city’s sparkling high-rises.

Begin the day with a visit to Ad Diriyah, the birthplace of the first Saudi state, At-Turaif, which ruled between 1744 and 1818. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has been recently restored to its former glory and is poised to become a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s tourism offerings. Discover the site’s unique architecture and heritage, learning how the mud-brick houses were built, how homes were cooled during the hot summer days, and how people lived without electricity or modern conveniences.

Continue your journey through Saudi Arabia’s charismatic past with a visit to Al Masmak Fortress, located in the heart of the old town. This large clay and mud-brick citadel, which witnessed the birth of a kingdom, is a 150-year-old edifice standing as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s storied history. Nearby, Justice Square serves as another reminder of the past. While roaming this historic neighbourhood on foot, you’ll come across mud houses, much like those seen this morning, many of which were only recently abandoned.

Your exploration of Saudi history continues with a visit to Murabba Palace and the fantastic National Museum of Saudi Arabia. Towards the end of a busy day, you’ll head to Souq Al Zel and Souq Bisht, two of the most characteristic traditional marketplaces in town and uniquely atmospheric hubs of Arabian commerce. This is the perfect place to purchase an abaya for use during your travels, should you wish to dress like a local. Naturally, as a foreigner, wearing an abaya is entirely voluntary. Complete your Riyadh experience by mingling with locals in one of the city’s parks or squares, which come alive with socialising activities as the sun sets. (B,L)

Overnight – Joudyan Hotel by Elaf or similar

Leaving Riyadh’s glittering skyscrapers and bustling streets behind, it’s time to experience the first of Saudi Arabia’s many wild and rugged landscapes. The plateau on which the capital sits ends abruptly, offering a panoramic view over the ancient seabed 300 metres below. The dramatic drop halts modern cars, while the camels of old would have navigated their way down a steep trail of switchbacks. Walk a short distance in their footsteps and marvel at this ancient caravan route, imagining the skilled camel riders who once traversed it.

Once at the bottom, travel across your first stretch of desert plain to the town of Ushaiger (200km, 2.5hrs). Here, the ruins of an ancient mud village tell the story of a Saudi Arabia vastly different from the modern capital. Wander through its dusty alleys and visit a family-run museum to delve deeper into the town’s rich history.

Continue your journey through time by taking the backroads to your next destination, Buraydah (185km, 2hrs). Avoiding the highway, you can easily picture the hundreds of thousands of camels and traders who have crossed these deserts for centuries. The dry desert dunes, stretching as far as the eye can see, also hide a surprising secret: this region is one of Saudi Arabia’s most important food-growing areas.

As you approach the market town of Buraydah, the distinctive circular fields showcase the ingenuity of Saudi Arabia’s desert farmers. Passing through Onaizah city, which together with Buraydah forms the twin capital of the Qassim region, stop by a local heritage museum. Here, a fantastic VR experience offers a direct glimpse into the past.

Overnight – Buraydah Golden Tulip or similar

Buraydah, the capital of Qassim province, and nearby Onaiza are often referred to as the ‘food basket’ of Saudi Arabia.

Begin your day at a bustling local wet market, where buyers and sellers auction goods directly from the backs of their trucks. Explore what is considered one of the largest date markets in the world. During the date season, the stalls are laden with Qassim’s famously succulent dates. Outside the season, the scale and vibrancy of the market still showcase that Saudi Arabia’s economy thrives on much more than just oil.

Next, board a high-speed train to Hail (260km, 2hrs) and enjoy sweeping views of the rocky desert landscape. Hail, once a prominent hub in the Arabian Peninsula, boasts historic landmarks that reveal its significance in the region. Visit the hilltop A’arif Fort, which offers panoramic views and a glimpse into the city’s rich history.

Continue to the Al Qishlah compound, an impressive fort-palace built with red mud and surrounded by towering 8-metre-high walls, symbolising the authority of its rulers.

Overnight – Hail Holiday Villa or similar

Begin your day with a drive an hour north of Hail, taking you into the Al Nafud desert to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jubbah. Here, towering desert rocks rise from the windswept plains, showcasing some of the Arab world’s most extraordinary Neolithic rock inscriptions. These detailed depictions of people, animals, and daily life, created over 9,000 years ago, remain remarkably well-preserved. Your expert guide will lead you on a tour, pointing out some of the most intricate and historically significant carvings.

Continue your journey west, passing the Sharaan Nature Reserve, a haven for wildlife conservation. Keep an eye out for native species such as ostriches, Idmi gazelles, and, if you’re lucky, the elusive Arabian wolf. This 1,500-square-kilometre reserve exemplifies the success of Saudi Arabia’s conservation efforts in restoring the desert’s delicate ecosystem.

Arriving in Al Ula, you’ll find a destination as rich in natural beauty as it is in history and cultural heritage. Al Ula captivates visitors with its dramatic rock formations, canyons, and extensive pre-Arabic rock art. The area also boasts immaculately preserved tombs built over 2,000 years ago by the Nabataeans.

End your day with a magical sunset visit to Jabel Al Fil, or Elephant Rock. Set against the backdrop of golden desert sands and an endless blue sky, this geological wonder is one of Al Ula’s most iconic natural landmarks. (B,L)

Overnight – Shaden Resort or similar

Begin your day with a visit to the Nabataean archaeological site of Hegra, the southern capital of the Nabataean kingdom dating back to the first century BCE. Accompanied by your personal rawee (storyteller) and travelling in your own jeep, you’ll explore several of the more than 100 monumental tombs carved into the desert’s rock formations. These tombs, with their intricate facades, offer a remarkable glimpse into the Nabataeans’ architectural skill and their cultural legacy.

Next, head to Al Ula Historic City, a place steeped in history as a former crossroads of the Silk Road and the Incense Route. Take a leisurely sunset stroll through its atmospheric alleys, where ancient charm meets modern touches. Recent renovations have transformed this historic area into a captivating blend of traditional architecture, trendy restaurants, and boutique shops offering unique souvenirs.

Adjacent to the old town lies the vibrant “new city” of Al Ula. Wander through colourful streets adorned with street art and outdoor exhibits, soaking up the lively atmosphere. The walking streets are perfect for an afternoon exploration, with plenty of terraces where you can relax with a drink. As the sun sets, watch the towering cliffs around Al Ula change hues, offering a stunning natural spectacle to end your day. (B,L)

Overnight – Shaden Resort or similar

No trip to Saudi Arabia is complete without an exhilarating 4×4 excursion into the desert, and your day begins with just that. Embark on an unforgettable adventure around the towering cliffs that surround Al Ula, experiencing the rugged beauty of the landscape up close. After navigating the thrilling terrain, settle in the heart of the desert for a traditional Bedouin-style picnic lunch. Relax under a shaded canopy and savour a delicious selection of Saudi and Middle Eastern delicacies, all served with the warm hospitality the region is known for.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. Unwind with the facilities at your hotel, or continue exploring Al Ula’s stunning landscapes with an optional activity. Take to the skies with a helicopter or hot air balloon ride to view the sandstone mountains from above, venture off-road on a mountain bike to explore the desert dunes, or challenge yourself with a hike to the valley’s edge for breathtaking panoramic vistas.

Overnight – Shaden Resort or similar

Today you will travel through the desert and mountains to Medina along an ancient pilgrimage route passing the oasis of Khaybar. Don’t expect a desert filled with sand dunes; this is an area with black lava stone and mountain vistas and is rich in historical significance. Before the rise of Islam in the 7th century, this area was inhabited by Arabian Jewish tribes. In 628 AD, Muslims under the leadership of Prophet Muhammad took over the city during the Battle of Khaybar. Visit the remains of the mud city situated in a wadi or valley, with its fortress towering above it. The area has been recently reopened after renovations.

One of the two holiest cities in Islam (the other is Mecca), Medina is centred around Al Masjid an Nabawi, a 10-minaret giant that can accommodate 1 million people also known as the Prophet’s Mosque. For a primer on the amazing history of the destination, you will visit the Dar Al Medina Museum (closed on Friday), a private collection that documents the city’s history and heritage.

Next, join the throngs of pilgrims in the heart of the city, it is hard to describe the vibe. Non-muslims are welcome to enjoy exterior views of the mosque from the edge of the square. When the sun sinks it is a great time to visit Mount Uhud, a major pilgrimage site and viewpoint across the Holy City. (B,L)

Overnight – Medina Millennium or similar

There’s much more to Medina than its primary holy site. You will have the chance to visit the terminus station of the Hijaz or Ottoman railway, which once brought pilgrims to Medina from as far away as Damascus in Syria. Round out your time in Medina with some browsing time at the city’s central market. Saudis are known for having a sweet tooth and the stalls at this bustling souk are ideal snaffling territory for goodies such as ma’amoul (butter cookies stuffed with pistachios, walnuts, almonds, or dates), luqaimat (hot, crispy dumplings drizzled in honey) and kunafa (a kind of sweet cheese pie made with semolina pastry and rose water syrup).

After lunch, guests will board one of Saudi Arabia’s state-of-the-art high-speed trains to make the short (under 2 hours, 420km) hop to the coastal city of Jeddah. Celebrate your arrival with sunset drinks on the city’s attractive corniche. Spread out your carpet and your ‘takwa’, the smart Saudi picnic seat. Join the locals when the sun sets, the call for prayer sounds and the world’s tallest fountain comes to life in front of the beachwalk.

Overnight – Shada Shate’a Boutique Hotel or similar

Jeddah is a commercial hub sitting to the west along the Red Sea with the second busiest seaport in the Middle East. It’s the principal gateway to Mecca, the holiest city in Islam, and sees over a million pilgrims a year on their way to perform the Hajj. Despite this, Jeddah is perceived to be the most liberal city in Saudi Arabia and is a popular destination, offering the beauty of ancient architecture mixed with the latest luxuries.

Experience the Red Sea! Hop on a private cruise to enjoy the sea and sun. Snorkelling gear is packed to discover the wealth of underwater life the region is famous for. From Hawksbill turtles to lionfish, eels and even reef sharks, snorkelling along the coral sites will impress. The temperatures of the water are at least 21C and the high salinity is beneficial for your health.

Top off your day with a seafood barbeque, skilfully prepared by your skipper. Find out that things are equally convivial on dry land in the atmospheric old town, Al Balad, which achieved UNESCO World Heritage status in 2014. Its traditional multi storey buildings and merchant houses are an architectural treasure trove. It is a dive back in time with the buzz of trading, pilgrims shopping and the occasional tourist mixed in. The roshan or wooden window covers are the ancient way to create shade and cool in this hot and humid climate, and they make these alleys especially picturesque. Have your guide take you out for one final taste of Saudi cuisine before you can say ‘hay alsalama, goodbye, until next time.’ (B,L,D)

Overnight – Shada Shate’a Boutique Hotel or similar