Welcome to your Saudi Arabia adventure! Our journey begins in the morning as you arrive in Tabuk, where you are greeted by stunning desert landscapes that set the tone for this unforgettable tour. After being picked up at the airport, enjoy a delicious lunch where you can sample local cuisine.

After lunch, we’ll embark on a thrilling excursion to explore the mesmerising rock formations and vibrant red sand dunes surrounding Tabuk. As you travel through this enchanting area, you will meet majestic camels and if we are lucky, you will have the opportunity to taste fresh camel milk. A day’s exploration offers an insight into the natural beauty and cultural richness of this enchanting region.

Overnight in Tabuk

We’ll rise early for an exhilarating day exploring Wadi Disa, one of Saudi Arabia’s most stunning natural wonders. Wadi Disa is a stunning river valley surrounded by towering red mountains and imposing rock formations.

As you stroll through the valley, you will be captivated by the spectacular views and serene beauty of this unspoiled landscape. We will enjoy a picnic in the natural splendour of the valley, an ideal break and opportunity to enjoy the beautiful views even more.

Having reached the end of the valley, we return back by SUV, making many stops along the way to take photos and admire the panoramic views. After the walk, we will spend time at a traditional Bedouin camp where you can relax and unwind, enjoying the unique atmosphere of the camp as the sun sets over the desert.

This morning we leave Tabuk and head to the highlight of our trip — Al Ula, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Al Ula is a unique place filled with historical and natural wonders. Our adventure begins with a visit to the region’s stunning rock formations, the impressive Jabal Jarrah Rock and the famous Elephant Rock.

In the afternoon we will immerse ourselves in the rich historical heritage of the old city of Al Ula. Stroll through its ancient streets, soak up the enchanting atmosphere and enjoy local flavours, delicious dates and traditional Arabic coffee. The day will end with an overnight stay at a charming hotel in the old town, allowing you to fully experience the magic and history of Al Ula.

Start the day early by heading to Hegra (also known as Madain Salih), an archaeological wonder located near Al Ula. This ancient city, which dates back to the Nabatean kingdom, is the largest surviving site of the Nabatean civilisation south of Petra in Jordan.

We’ll spend the morning exploring Hegra’s spectacular tombs and rock art in a private vintage Land Rover, delving into the history and mysteries of this remarkable place.

In the afternoon we will drive to Rainbow Rock (Arch), a stunning natural sandstone formation formed by erosion in the shape of an arch. We stay here until sunset, taking fantastic photos as the rock formations are visible in the fading light of day. After dark, we will head deep into the desert to enjoy a unique Arabian cuisine dinner.

Our professional local guide will prepare a delicious dinner, which will allow us to relax by the fire, admire the stars and take awe-inspiring photos of the desert landscape under a clear starry sky. After this enchanting evening, we will return to our hotel in the old city of Al Ula for a peaceful night.

Our activities this morning will be influenced by the vibrant festivals and exhibitions taking place in Al Ula (depending on travel time). If there are any cultural events, art exhibitions or performances, we will attend them and immerse ourselves in the local culture.

Otherwise, enjoy free time to explore Al Ula at your own pace. We’ll provide you with a list of top recommendations to help you discover the hidden gems and must-see attractions of this enchanting region.

In the afternoon we will visit Maraya, a breathtaking architectural marvel set among the enchanting rocky landscapes of Al Ula. As the world’s largest mirrored building, Maraya offers an unprecedented combination of architectural splendour and natural beauty. Reflecting the stunning desert surroundings, this architectural masterpiece is a breathtaking sight to behold. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the incredible art installations, take photos, and admire the panoramic views that make Maraya a unique and unforgettable destination.

We will spend the night at the luxurious Habitas resort, located in the desert very close to Maraya. This exclusive holiday will allow you to spend more time near the enchanting Maraya, enjoying its beauty in the calm evening and early morning hours before the first tourists arrive. Experience the perfect combination of luxury and natural beauty while relaxing in the serene wilderness. Enjoy a restful night at Habitas while you prepare for the adventures that await you tomorrow.

Today we bid farewell to the enchanting landscapes of Al Ula and head to the historic city of Medina, one of the holiest sites in Islam. Upon arrival, we will begin with a visit to the historic Quba Mosque, known as the first mosque built by the Prophet Muhammad and a place of deep spiritual significance. We then embark on the 3km Quba Walk, a short walk that takes us to Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, the Prophet’s Mosque. The second largest mosque in the world and one of Islam’s holiest sites, Al-Masjid al-Nabawi is a magnificent architectural marvel and a centre of deep religious significance. We will spend time enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and admiring the stunning beauty of the mosque.

After a day filled with spiritual discovery and historical discovery, we will stop overnight in the Medina, reflecting on the rich cultural and religious heritage we have experienced.

We start our day early, departing Medina and heading to Jeddah, the kingdom’s second largest city, conveniently located on the Red Sea coast. Upon arrival, we explore the historic Old City of Jeddah, a UNESCO heritage site replete with historical buildings and monuments. We will stroll through the narrow streets and discover the rich history and unique architecture of this area.

After the tour, you will have free time to explore the vibrant old town at your own pace, visit local shops or sample traditional dishes. In the late afternoon, we’ll head to Jeddah’s famous waterfront to see the impressive King Fahd Fountain, recognized by Guinness World Records as the tallest fountain in the world. We will spend two hours here enjoying the splendour of the fountain in daylight, at sunset and finally in the dark when it is beautifully illuminated.

Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to explore the old city at night, which offers a completely different atmosphere compared to daytime. Overnight in Jeddah.

Today is the last day for our 8-day tour. We bid a warm farewell to these travellers as they prepare to head to the airport.

END OF 8-DAY TOUR AND BEGINNING OF EXTENDED TOUR
For the rest of the group, our journey continues as we head south for new adventures. Our next destination is the city of Al Baha, nestled in the greenery and surrounded by the majestic Sarawat Mountains.

This trip will be an eye-opener for those who think that Saudi Arabia is just a desert. The Abaja region boasts dense vegetation. It is surrounded by more than 50 forests and wildlife sanctuaries. As we travel from Jeddah to Al Baha, you will be amazed at the dramatic change in landscapes, from arid desert to lush greenery.

We will arrive in Al Baha where we will spend the night, ready to explore this amazingly green and beautiful part of the kingdom the next day.

Today we head to the charming ancient village of Ti-Ain. This historic village is characterised by houses built of polished stone, which date back to the 8th century. As you explore the stone buildings and narrow streets, you’ll get a glimpse of life in a bygone era.

After a walk around the village, we will relax in the shade of a green oasis located outside the village. This place unexpectedly appears as a green refuge in the middle of an arid landscape. Here you’ll find a small, refreshing waterfall and an cute outdoor cafe, perfect for a relaxing break. We will take some time to relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere of the oasis, allowing the quiet sounds of the waterfall to soothe us after our journey. This day promises a unique combination of historical exploration and natural beauty, providing a revelation about the diverse landscapes of Saudi Arabia. We continue our journey south and spend the night in Jizan.

Today we embark on a day-long adventure to Wadi Lajab, a stunning natural valley known for its breathtaking views, lush greenery and refreshing waterfalls. This natural gem is a paradise for nature and adventure lovers, offering the perfect escape to the wild beauty of Saudi Arabia.

We’ll spend the day walking along a creek in a valley with a small mountain river running through it, which provides a refreshing break from the heat. Adventure seekers can jump into the river from rocks and boulders, swim in cool waters and climb rocky walls. At the end of the route we will be rewarded with a unique natural spa. Here you can rest your feet in the soothing cool water and enjoy the gentle touch of the spa fish for a truly amazing and relaxing experience. Before heading back, we will have a picnic in the heart of the valley, surrounded by the serene sounds of nature.

After exploring Wadi Lajab, we’ll head off for a ‘walk in the clouds’, a scenic hike through the cloud-shrouded hills surrounding the valley. This enchanting walk offers panoramic views and a sense of tranquillity as we climb through a cloud-covered landscape.

Our day ends with an overnight stay in Jizan, where we reflect on the unforgettable experiences and natural wonders we saw today.

Early in the morning we will take a ferry to the Farasan Islands, a stunning group of coral islands located off the coast of Jizan in the Red Sea. A UNESCO heritage site, the Farasan Islands are a paradise of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Our first stop will be the sandstone village of Al Qassar, where we will discover the rich history and unique architecture of this ancient settlement. We will also visit Beit el Refai, famous for its traditional Farasani architecture, providing a glimpse into the island’s past.

Afterwards, we will take a refreshing swim in the warm, crystal clear waters of the Red Sea. For those looking for more adventure, there is an optional mangrove boat tour to enjoy the stunning marine views and biodiversity of the area. We will spend the night on Farasan Island, enjoying the serene atmosphere and reflecting on the discoveries of the day.

In the morning we head to the port to catch the ferry back to Jizan. Upon arrival, we will head to our final destination: Abha. Situated in the fertile Asir Mountains, the region is known for its dramatic mountain scenery which provides a contrast to the arid deserts and coastal landscapes we explored yesterday.

On the way to Abha, our journey will be filled with breathtaking impressions of the surrounding landscapes. Along the way we will make several stops to capture the breathtaking views and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us. The area’s lush green vegetation and cool mountain air provide a refreshing contrast to our previous destinations.

We will spend the night in Abha, resting and preparing for the next day’s adventures in this beautiful and green region.

We start the day early to catch the mesmerising clouds during our walk in the clouds. We will admire breathtaking views of the serene beauty of the surrounding Asir Mountains.

After a morning walk, we will head to the 900-year-old village of Rihal Almaa. Along the way, we’ll stop at the charming Honey Cottage, where we’ll enjoy the beautiful, historic, old-style interiors, learn about honey farming in the region, and taste over 30 different types of honey. In this pleasant place we will learn about the rich traditions of the region.

Continuing our journey, we arrive in Rihal Almaa, a unique village known for its stunning historical heritage. We wander through its palaces, built from natural stone, clay and wood, admiring the many floors and intricate designs. By visiting the Rihal Almaa Museum we will learn how people lived here for centuries and dive deeply into the local culture and history. We will spend the night in Abha reflecting on the rich experiences of the day.

This is the last day of our adventure in Saudi Arabia. Participants will travel to the airport according to their flight schedules. Everyone will take with them unforgettable memories of this fascinating country. We will say goodbye but will forever remember the diverse landscapes, rich history and vibrant cultural traditions that we have seen and learned about over the past two weeks.

As we bid farewell to Saudi Arabia, rather than saying ‘goodbye’ to each  other, let’s say ‘see you next time’. After such an amazing trip we’ll definitely want to travel together again. Have a nice trip and see you soon!