Itinerary Details
MT Sobek: Saudi Arabia Cultural Discovery
Day 1 Arrive in Riyadh
Welcome to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's bustling capital city! Your guide will transport you from the airport to your hotel, where you'll enjoy a rest and a first-night dinner with the group.
Accommodation: Joudyan Hotel Olaya
(D)
Day 2 Explore Riyadh
Begin the day by exploring the sights of Riyadh, from the vast, mudbrick Masmak Fortress to the vibrant Al Zal souk. Next, visit the King Abdul Aziz Historical Center and marvel at the stunning modernist architecture of the National Museum, which beautifully showcases Arabian prehistory, history, culture, and art. After a traditional lunch in the city, travel across town for some insight into modern Riyadh among the skyscrapers and modern mosque of King Abdullah Financial District. Next, get a glimpse into the future at the Line, a planned city in in the NEOM urban complex, which will house 9 million inhabitants when completed! Finish the day delving into the ancient past at Ad Diriyah, the UNESCO-protected first capital of the Saudi Dynasty. Return to Riyadh for dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Joudyan Hotel Olaya
(B, L, D)
Day 3 Follow Desert Caravan Routes to Buraydah
4.5 hours private van transfer
Today, travel from Riyadh's center to the edge of the plateau on which it sits. The dramatic drop-off offers panoramic views of the ancient seabed below. Take a short walk down the switchback trail which camel caravans used to tread. Drive through the desert to explore the extensive ruins at Ushaiger, which was once an important pilgrimage stop on the way to Mecca. Continue alongside ancient caravan routes to Buraydah.
Accommodation: Ewaa Express Buraydah
(B, L, D)
Day 4 Buraydah Markets & Train to Hail
2-hour train transfer
After breakfast set out to discover the bounties of the Buraydah region, exploring a famed date market, where stalls are piled high with delectable produce. Stop at a wet market to see and hear vendors auctioning meats from the back of their trucks, and finally experience the world's largest camel market, where Arabian camels exchange hands. Board a local train for the scenic trip through rocky desert landscapes to Hail, where you'll have the chance to check out Al Qishlah, an impressive mudbrick fortified palace, before dinner.
Accommodation: Holiday Villa
(B, L, D)
Day 5 Jubah Rock Art, Sharaan Nature Reserve & AlUla
7 hours private van transfer
Travel into the Al Nafud Desert to marvel at Jubah's prolific UNESCO-listed neolithic rock art. Continue past the Sharaan Nature Reserve, watching for ostriches and Idmi gazelles among the dry desert grasses and stopping for a picnic lunch with beautiful scenery. The last leg of your drive takes you to the breathtaking canyons and otherworldly rock formations of AlUla, where you'll enjoy the sunset at Elephant Rock.
Accommodation: Shaden Resort at AlUla
(B, L, D)
Day 6 Visit Enchanting AlUla
45 minutes private van transfer
Up to 3 hours / 2.5 miles walking (including water breaks and photo time) with 75’ of elevation gain and 49’ of loss
Start the day with a visit to the Nabataean site of Hegra, which was the southern capital of the Nabataean kingdom, dating back to the first century BCE. You'll explore several of the UNESCO-listed site's well-preserved tombs. Next take a stroll through the palm trees orange groves of the AlUla oasis, continuing into the historic district, once the crossroads of the Silk Route and Incense Route! Explore ancient alleys and modern art and finish the day with dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Shaden Resort at AlUla
(B, L, D)
Day 7 AlUla to Jeddah with High-Speed Train
3.5 hours private van transfer, 2 hours high speed train, 25 min train station transfer
Set out for Medina, Saudi Arabia's second-holiest city after Mecca. Tracing an ancient pilgrimage route and old tracks of the Ottomani Railway, pass through a volcanic area with black lava stone and mountain views. View the Al Masjid an Nabawi and enjoy a lunch with a spectacular view before boarding a high-speed train to Jeddah on the Red Sea coast. Explore art and culture as the sun sets and the call to prayer sounds.
Accommodation: Shirvan Hotel City Yard
(B, L, D)
Day 8 Explore Jeddah’s Reefs & Al Balad
This morning, board a private speedboat for a snorkeling adventure over coral reefs teeming with marine life! Then head ashore to check out UNESCO-listed architectural treasures in the historical merchant houses of old town, Al Balad.
Accommodation: Shirvan Hotel City Yard
(B, L, D)
Day 9 Arrive in Abha
flight to Abha, 25-minute airport transfer
Enjoy a leisurely morning before flying to Abha in the mountains of the Aseer Region. Explore traditional design and natural painting techniques used to decorate homes at the Fatima Museum of Aseeri Women and walk along a cliff taking in spectacular views of the mountains before dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: The Blue Inn, Abha
(B, L, D)
Day 10 Hike Jabal Sawda & Visit Rijal Alma Village
40-minute transfer to trailhead, 1 hour 15-minute transfer to Abha
Up to 3 hours hiking / 4.5 miles with 95’ elevation gain and 2500’ loss
Wake early for a drive to the Soudah Mountains, one of Saudi Arabia's top adventure destinations. Follow your guide on rugged hiking trails through juniper trees and marvel at spectacular mountain views. Then visit the traditional village of Rijal Almaa, dating back 900 years. After lunch in the mountains, explore Soudah's market and the Al Muftaha Art Center. Return to Abha for dinner and overnight this evening.
Accommodation: The Blue Inn, Abha
(B, L, D)
Day 11 Aha to Najran & Al Ukhdood
4.5-hour private van transfer
Head toward Najran, stopping at traditional mountain villages for views and culture along the scenic route. Take in the architectural gem that is the historical palace of the governor. Continue to the ancient city of Al Ukhdood to stroll through the 2,000-year-old ruins and discover its enchanting civilization. Return to Najran for dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Park Inn by Radisson
(B, L, D)
Day 12 See Petroglyphs at Hima & Journey to the Empty Quarter
Full-day cultural touring and journey to the Empty Quarter
After breakfast, start the day with a journey to the ancient wells of Hima, one of the most important historical sites in Saudi Arabia. See 3,000-year-old rock art, including depictions of humans, animals, and hunting tools. Then it's off to explore Qaryat al-Faw, a fascinating - and even older - ancient city. From there, journey to the Empty Quarter, where your guiding team will set up camp for the night. Your three-day desert adventure begins!
Accommodation: Empty Quarter Camp
(B, L, D)
Day 13 Explore the Empty Quarter
Full-day exploration of the Empty Quarter
Wake to sunrise over the desert and enjoy breakfast at camp. After a briefing on today's route from your guides, you'll begin venturing deeper into the Empty Quarter. Along the way, be wowed by the high dunes and spectacular valleys of Oroq Bani Maraith. Stargaze at your second camp tonight.
Accommodation: Empty Quarter Camp
(B, L)
Day 14 Leave the Empty Quarter & Return to Riyadh
Full-day exploration of the Empty Quarter and return to Riyadh
Rise early for your last breakfast in the desert, then cross a dry lakebed and experience what it's like to be stuck in soft sand. A fun experience - really! Enjoy lunch at a well and prepare for your departure. Before bidding farewell to the Empty Quarter, indulge in a special farewell dinner, then drive back to Riyadh, arriving around 10:00 pm for a final overnight stay.
Accommodation: Joudyan Red Sea Mall
(B, L, D)
Day 15 Depart from Riyadh
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your homeward-bound flights.
Accommodation: Joudyan Red Sea Mall
(B)
