Duration
8 Days / 7 Nights
Trip Style
Fully Customisable
Starting From
/ person
Trip overview
Discover the cultural heritage, ancient wonders and vibrant cities of Saudi Arabia on this 9-day journey. Begin in Riyadh, exploring traditional souqs, historic palaces and the UNESCO-listed Diriyah. Travel through the heritage villages of Al-Ghat, the desert landscapes of Hail and the spectacular sandstone formations of AlUla. Discover the ancient tombs of Hegra, experience local Saudi traditions, and continue to Madinah to visit Al-Masjid an-Nabawi and Quba Mosque. Conclude your journey in Jeddah, exploring the historic streets of Al-Balad and the Red Sea city's lively markets.
Trip Highlights
- Explore Riyadh's historic Deera district and traditional Souq Al Zal.
- Visit Diriyah and the UNESCO-listed Turaif historic district.
- Discover Al-Ghat Heritage Village and traditional Najdi architecture.
- Experience an authentic Saudi Kishta dinner under the stars.
- Marvel at Elephant Rock in AlUla.
- Explore Hegra, Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Walk through AlUla Old Town and the Heritage Oasis Trail.
- Discover ancient inscriptions at Jabal Ikmah, with an optional visit.
- Travel along the historic Hijaz Railway route.
- Visit Al-Masjid an-Nabawi and Quba Mosque in Madinah.
- Experience the Haramain High Speed Railway journey to Jeddah.
- Explore the historic coral-stone architecture and traditional souqs of Al-Balad.
Trip Gallery
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1Arrival in Riyadh – Welcome to Saudi Arabia
- Route: Riyadh
- Arrive in Riyadh and settle into the city. The group will meet at 6:00 PM for a welcome gathering, offering an opportunity to meet fellow travellers and learn about the journey ahead.
- If you arrive earlier, use your free time to explore Riyadh independently. You may visit the National Museum to learn about Saudi Arabia's history, admire panoramic city views from Kingdom Centre Tower, or discover one of the city's historic mosques.
- In the evening, enjoy dinner with the group and begin your Saudi Arabian adventure.
- Meals: Dinner with the group, as arranged
- Included Activities:
- Welcome gathering at 6:00 PM
- Optional Activities:
- Visit the National Museum
- Explore Kingdom Centre Tower
- Visit a local mosque
- Landmarks:
- Kingdom Centre Tower
- National Museum
Day 2Riyadh – Heritage, Local Culture & Diriyah
- Route: Riyadh
- After breakfast, embark on a walking tour of Riyadh's historic Deera district. Explore Souq Al Zal, known for traditional goods and local handicrafts, and visit the historic Al Murabba Palace.
- Experience the city like a local with a ride on the Riyadh Metro before visiting a Saudi family's home for a traditional home-cooked lunch. Continue to Diriyah, the historic birthplace of the first Saudi state, and explore the Turaif district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its traditional Najdi architecture.
- Return to Riyadh after a day immersed in Saudi heritage and hospitality.
- Meals: Breakfast and traditional Saudi lunch with a local family
- Included Activities:
- Walking tour of the Deera district
- Souq Al Zal visit
- Al Murabba Palace visit
- Riyadh Metro ride
- Traditional home-cooked lunch with a local family
- Diriyah and Turaif heritage visit
- Landmarks:
- Souq Al Zal
- Al Murabba Palace
- Riyadh Metro
- Diriyah
- Turaif Historic District
Day 3Riyadh to Buraydah – Traditional Villages & Najdi Heritage
- Route: Riyadh → Al-Ghat → Buraydah
- After breakfast, depart Riyadh and travel towards Buraydah, discovering traditional Saudi settlements along the way.
- Stop at Al-Ghat Heritage Village, one of the region's historic settlements, where traditional mud-brick architecture reflects the area's cultural heritage. Visit Qasr Al-Imarah, an important historic palace, and enjoy a traditional Najdi lunch.
- Continue to Buraydah and explore the Old Market, also known as Souq Al-Majlis, where you can browse local shops and experience the atmosphere of a traditional Saudi marketplace.
- Meals: Breakfast and traditional Najdi lunch
- Included Activities:
- Al-Ghat Heritage Village visit
- Qasr Al-Imarah visit
- Traditional Najdi lunch
- Buraydah Old Market visit
- Landmarks:
- Al-Ghat Heritage Village
- Qasr Al-Imarah
- Buraydah Old Market
- Souq Al-Majlis
Day 4Buraydah to Hail – Ancient Rock Art & Desert Dinner
- Route: Buraydah → Hail → Jubbah → Hail
- After breakfast, travel to Hail, a historic city associated with Arabian desert culture and ancient trade routes.
- After lunch, continue to Jubbah to visit the Umm Sinman rock-art site, part of the UNESCO-listed Hail Region rock-art heritage. Discover ancient carvings and inscriptions that provide insights into the lives of communities that inhabited the region thousands of years ago.
- Return to Hail in the evening for a traditional Kishta dinner. Enjoy food cooked over hot coals in an outdoor desert-style setting, with rugs, cushions and a welcoming tent creating an authentic Saudi picnic experience.
- Meals: Breakfast and Kishta dinner
- Included Activities:
- Umm Sinman UNESCO World Heritage Site visit
- Local guide at the rock-art site
- Traditional Kishta dinner beneath the stars
- Landmarks:
- Umm Sinman
- Jubbah Rock Art Site
Day 5Hail to AlUla – Desert Landscapes & Elephant Rock
- Route: Hail → AlUla
- After breakfast, depart Hail and journey through the dramatic desert landscapes of northwestern Saudi Arabia towards AlUla.
- Upon arrival, visit Elephant Rock, also known as Jabal AlFil. This remarkable sandstone formation rises approximately 52 metres above the surrounding desert floor and resembles an elephant with its trunk touching the ground.
- If the timing is right, enjoy the warm colours of the sandstone at sunset before heading to a local Yemeni restaurant for dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast and dinner at a local Yemeni restaurant
- Included Activities:
- Travel from Hail to AlUla
- Elephant Rock visit
- Landmarks:
- Elephant Rock
- Jabal AlFil
Day 6AlUla – Hegra, Heritage Oasis & Old Town
- Route: AlUla
- After breakfast, join a guided excursion to Hegra, also known as Madain Saleh, Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore monumental Nabataean tombs carved into sandstone cliffs and learn about the ancient civilisation that flourished along historic trade routes.
- Later, walk along the AlUla Heritage Oasis Trail through palm groves and traditional agricultural landscapes. Continue to AlUla Old Town and the Al Jadidah district, where historic buildings, cultural spaces and local shops offer a glimpse into the region's heritage.
- The evening is free to relax or choose an optional desert stargazing and storytelling experience with dinner under the stars.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Included Activities:
- Guided Hegra tour with a local guide
- AlUla Heritage Oasis Trail walk
- AlUla Old Town visit
- Al Jadidah district visit
- Optional Activities:
- Desert stargazing and storytelling experience with dinner
- Landmarks:
- Hegra (Madain Saleh)
- AlUla Old Town
- Al Jadidah
- AlUla Heritage Oasis
Day 7AlUla to Madinah – Ancient Routes & Sacred Landmarks
- Route: AlUla → Madinah
- Enjoy the morning at leisure in AlUla. You may choose an optional visit to Jabal Ikmah, known for its ancient inscriptions, or arrange a guided visit to Maraya, the striking mirrored cultural venue in the AlUla desert.
- After lunch, depart for Madinah, travelling through dramatic volcanic landscapes along a historic pilgrimage route. Stop at the old Hijaz Railway station to learn about the railway's historical significance.
- Upon arrival in Madinah, visit Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, the Prophet's Mosque, with a local female guide as arranged. Continue to Quba Mosque, one of the most significant mosques in Islamic history.
- End the day with dinner at a local market and experience Madinah's local food culture.
- Meals: Lunch and dinner at a local market
- Included Activities:
- Visit to the historic Hijaz Railway station
- Al-Masjid an-Nabawi visit with a local female guide, as arranged
- Quba Mosque visit
- Madinah market visit and dinner
- Optional Activities:
- Jabal Ikmah visit
- Guided Maraya visit and entry, subject to availability
- Landmarks:
- Jabal Ikmah
- Maraya
- Hijaz Railway station
- Al-Masjid an-Nabawi
- Quba Mosque
Day 8Madinah to Jeddah – High-Speed Rail & Historic Al-Balad
- Route: Madinah → Jeddah
- After breakfast
What’s Included
- Guided walking tour of Riyadh's historic Deera district.
- Visits to Souq Al Zal, Al Murabba Palace and Diriyah's Turaif Historic District.
- Riyadh Metro ride, as arranged.
- Traditional Saudi lunch with a local family.
- Al-Ghat Heritage Village and Qasr Al-Imarah visits.
- Traditional Najdi lunch in Al-Ghat.
- Guided visit to Umm Sinman rock-art site in Jubbah.
- Traditional Kishta dinner experience under the stars.
- Elephant Rock (Jabal AlFil) visit in AlUla.
- Guided Hegra (Madain Saleh) tour with a local guide.
- AlUla Heritage Oasis Trail walk.
- Visits to AlUla Old Town and Al Jadidah district.
- Historic Hijaz Railway station visit.
- Visits to Al-Masjid an-Nabawi and Quba Mosque in Madinah, as arranged.
- Haramain High Speed Railway journey from Madinah to Jeddah, subject to confirmed ticket arrangements.
- Central Fish Market visit and seafood lunch arrangement in Jeddah.
- Guided exploration of Jeddah's historic Al-Balad district.
- Meals specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
- Welcome gathering in Riyadh at 6:00 PM.
- Note:** Accommodation, airport transfers, intercity road transportation, international flights, visa charges and optional excursions are included only if explicitly confirmed in the final package quotation.
Not Included
- International and domestic flights.
- Saudi Arabia visa fees and applicable insurance.
- Hotel accommodation, unless specified in the final package quotation.
- Airport transfers and intercity road transportation, unless mentioned under inclusions.
- Meals other than those specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
- Optional activities, including Jabal Ikmah, Maraya guided tours and desert stargazing experiences.
- Personal expenses, shopping and souvenirs.
- Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers and local service providers.
- Travel insurance.
- Early check-in and late checkout charges.
- Additional sightseeing or excursions not mentioned under inclusions.
- Entry tickets or permits for attractions not explicitly included.
- Any additional transportation, meals or services not specified in the package inclusions.
Trip FAQs
How long is the Saudi Arabia Discovery Tour?
The tour is 9 days and 8 nights, covering Riyadh, Buraydah, Hail, AlUla, Madinah and Jeddah.
Which destinations are included in this tour?
The itinerary includes Riyadh, Diriyah, Al-Ghat, Buraydah, Hail, Jubbah, AlUla, Madinah and Jeddah.
What are the main highlights of the tour?
Highlights include the historic Turaif district, traditional Saudi markets, ancient rock art at Jubbah, Elephant Rock, Hegra, AlUla Old Town, Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, Quba Mosque and historic Al-Balad.
Are meals included in the package?
Meals are included as specified in the itinerary, including selected breakfasts, traditional Saudi and Najdi lunches, Kishta dinner and other listed dining experiences.
Is accommodation included in the package?
Accommodation depends on the final package quotation. Please confirm the hotel details and number of nights with Beyond Monday Travels before booking.
Is transportation included?
The itinerary includes a planned Haramain High Speed Railway journey from Madinah to Jeddah. Intercity road transfers and other transportation must be confirmed in the final package inclusions.
Are guided tours included?
Guided experiences include the Riyadh heritage tour and Hegra visit, along with a local guide at the Jubbah rock-art site. Other guiding arrangements are subject to the confirmed itinerary.
Can I visit Maraya and Jabal Ikmah?
Yes, both are listed as optional activities on Day 7. Availability, entry requirements and additional charges should be confirmed in advance.
Is the visit to Hegra included?
Yes, a guided visit to Hegra, also known as Madain Saleh, is included in the listed itinerary, subject to final booking arrangements.
Will I visit Al-Masjid an-Nabawi and Quba Mosque?
Yes, visits to both important religious landmarks in Madinah are planned for Day 7.
What is the Kishta dinner experience?
Kishta is a traditional outdoor dining experience featuring food cooked over hot coals in a welcoming desert-style setting.
Is the Haramain High Speed Railway ticket included?
The itinerary includes a planned train journey from Madinah to Jeddah. Ticket inclusion and availability should be confirmed in your final package quotation.
Are flights and visa fees included?
International flights and visa charges are excluded unless explicitly mentioned in your booking confirmation.
Can I extend my stay in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, you can request additional nights or excursions through your booking agent before departure. Additional charges will apply.
What should I carry for the trip?
Carry a valid passport, the required visa and travel documents, comfortable walking shoes, suitable clothing, personal medication and any other essentials needed for your journey.
How can I book this Saudi Arabia tour?
Contact Beyond Monday Travels to confirm travel dates, package availability, accommodation, transportation and the final price before booking.
Are optional activities included in the package price?
No. Optional activities, such as Jabal Ikmah, Maraya tours and desert stargazing, are chargeable separately unless specifically included in your confirmed package.
Is the itinerary subject to change?
Yes, the itinerary may be adjusted due to weather, attraction opening hours, transport schedules, local regulations or operational requirements.
Traveller reviews
What Our Travellers Say
5.0 average from 4 reviews
Had a wonderful experience travelling with Beyond Monday Travels along with my wife! Everything was well planned, and we truly enjoyed every moment of our trip. Thank you for making our travel experience so memorable. Highly recommended
Kunal Kohli
Europe
Thank you, Beyond Monday Travel for an amazing Bhutan trip! ❤️ Everything was so well organized—from the food and stays to the places we explored and our wonderful trip captain. Overall, it was a fantastic experience. Highly recommend everyone to travel with them and experience Bhutan this way!
Nandini
Bhutan
Our Japan trip was an amazing experience from start to finish. The planning and arrangements were handled very smoothly, and the overall itinerary gave us a great mix of cities, culture, food and experiences. Osaka was one of my personal highlights. The food scene, atmosphere and energy of the city were fantastic. Tokyo was equally impressive in its own way, especially with its incredible public transport, neighbourhoods and sheer scale. Kyoto was beautiful and offered a completely different experience with its temples, traditional streets and cultural charm. Unfortunately, we had quite a bit of rain during our time there, so I definitely feel there is more of Kyoto left to explore — which gives me a good reason to come back! The Shinkansen experience was another major highlight. Travelling between cities was comfortable, efficient and an experience in itself. Japan's public transport system is genuinely impressive and made exploring the country extremely convenient. The food was another big part of the trip. From ramen to exploring different local dishes, Japan gave us plenty of memorable food experiences. 🍜 What also stood out was how helpful and polite people were throughout the trip, along with the incredible cleanliness everywhere we went. Overall, Japan was a fantastic experience and one of those trips that leaves you feeling that you haven't seen enough and need to come back again. ❤️🇯🇵 A big thank you to Shaaz for helping make the trip so smooth and memorable. Would definitely recommend their services to anyone planning a trip to Japan!
Ajay Ballal
Japan
Had a wonderful experience with Beyond Monday travel on my Vietnam trip last week. The entire trip was very well planned and organized, and everything went smoothly from start to finish. The itinerary was thoughtfully designed, the arrangements were comfortable. Vietnam is such a beautiful destination, and Beyond Monday made the whole experience even more enjoyable and stress-free. Really appreciate their professionalism and attention to detail. Thank you, Beyond Monday, for making our Vietnam trip so memorable! 🔥❤️
Suchi Pattnaik
Vietnam