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 Saudi Arabia has been closed to the average tourist during our entire lifetime. Very few Westerners have had the opportunity to explore this ultra-conservative society. It has now opened to tourism and will continue to evolve from its nomadic tribal roots. We will have its critics for merely offering this trip, but we feel one must visit even the most controversial destinations to properly form a personal, educated opinion that is not solely mass media driven.
Saudi Arabia, birthplace of Islam, remains the world’s most enigmatic countries. We will take you to the kingdom’s highlights from the capital city of Riyadh to the port-city of Jeddah on the Red Sea.
A highlight will be the ancient Nabatean kingdom at Al ‘Ula, once a wealthy trading hub along the “Incense Route” and characterized by its narrow, winding streets.
This journey offers a glimpse into one of the world’s least known countries. It will certainly appeal to those drawn to something out-of-the ordinary.
• The bustling capital of Riyadh
• The camel market at Buraydah
• The historic city of Hail
• The cliffs at Jubbah – UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Ancient ruins of the Lihyanite and Dadanite civilizations
• Hegra – UNESCO World Heritage Site. Carved by the same Nabateans who created Petra.
• Medina, birthplace of Islam
• Jeddah City – UNESCO World Heritage Site
Day 0 - Saturday, December 09, 2023
Depart the USA, Canada on any regularly scheduled flight to Riyadh, King Khalid International Airport (RUH).
Day 1 - Sunday, December 10, 2023
 Upon arrival, transfer by private car to the hotel for check-in and a first day at leisure.
Riyadh’s blend of medieval and millennial makes for a beguiling cultural union — one where Arabia’s first roots can be traced, and where its bold future can be envisioned. The city’s fascinating, centuries-old history can be found within its atmospheric souqs, compelling museums, and ancient architecture, but it’s also a modern metropolis, with glittering high-rises and a burgeoning contemporary art scene.
Hotel: Fairmont Riyadh Hotel , Riyadh, 5*
Room: Deluxe Room
Day 2 - Monday, December 11, 2023
 Explore the dynamic city of Riyadh by first visiting the Masmak Fortress, a mud-brick building pivotal in history. Wander the old part of the city in search of treasures at the Deerah souq and Al Zal markets.
Then, learn about the Arabian Peninsula at the National Museum. Finally, climb Kingdom Tower, the tallest building in Riyadh and enjoy the view from the top.
Return to the hotel for a welcome dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Fairmont Riyadh Hotel, Riyadh, 5*
Room: Deluxe Room
Day 3 - Tuesday, December 12, 2023
 Travel by plane to Hail City, the capital of the province. Check-in and have lunch at the hotel before visiting Aerif Castle and the local market. Dine this evening in a local restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel: Millennium Hail Hotel, Hail, 5*
Room: Standard Room
Day 4 - Wednesday, December 13, 2023
 We drive this morning to the Pre-Historic Park.
The cliffs at Jubbah is one of the most fascinating sites on this tour and the most recent of Saudi Arabia’s UNESCO Heritage sites. Carved out of stone, marvel at the ancient rock art and the oldest known script on the Arabian Peninsula. Afterwards, we head to Al Ula for check-in at the hotel and dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Habitas AlUla Resort, Al Ula, 5*
Room: Villa
Day 5 - Thursday, December 14, 2023
 Today we tour the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and what has been called the Petra of Saudi Arabia, Hegra. Carved by the same Nabateans who created Petra, these carved monuments are an open-air tomb museum. Afterwards, break for lunch before a visit to the Old Town. Visit Elephant Rock before returning to the hotel. Tonight, you may wish to join an optional unique stargazing experience in the desert.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Habitas AlUla Resort, Al Ula, 5*
Room: Villa
Day 6 - Friday, December 15, 2023
 This morning, the journey begins in Winter Park for transfer to Dadan to explore the heritage sites and ancient ruins of the Lihyanite and Dadanite civilizations. Next, Jabal Ikmah resembles an open-air museum of inscriptions, rock art, and petroglyphs amidst the stunning landscape of a desert canyon. Return to the hotel for lunch and free time before dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel: Habitas AlUla Resort, Al Ula, 5*
Room: Villa
Day 7 - Saturday, December 16, 2023
 Take a tour of Medina City and visit Jabal Uhud mountain. Visit the iconic building of Hijaz Rail Station before lunch. A train awaits at Harmain station to take us to Jeddah City for check-in at the hotel and a free style evening.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Hotel: Intercontinental Jeddah Hotel , Jeddah, 5*
Room: Standard
Day 8 - Sunday, December 17, 2023
 This morning, drive to Taif to visit the city’s famous flower factory and a walking tour at a local strawberry plantation farm.
In the afternoon, we ride the cable cars to descend from Alhada Mountain to the traditional market situated at the bottom. Next, explore the Shapra Palace and the Alshreef Cultural Museum, representing the traditional lifestyle in Taiff. Return to Jeddah City for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel: Intercontinental Jeddah Hotel, Jeddah, 5*
Room: Standard
Day 9 - Monday, December 18, 2023
 Venture this morning into the bustling fish market where the catch is not only bought and sold, but also
cooked on site. Enjoy a cultural walking tour of the historical city of Jeddah, a UNESCO Heritage Site.
Partake in a delicious lunch followed by a visit to the FloaEng Mosque and the Abdul Raouf Private
Museum. Stroll along the Red Sea waterfront of Jeddah Corniche, with civic sculptures and the highest
fountain in the world, King Fahd’s Fountain.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hotel: Intercontinental Jeddah Hotel, Jeddah, 5*
Room: Standard
Day 10 - Tuesday, December 19, 2023
Transfer to the airport for departure flights.
Meals: Breakfast
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At the hotel, rooms come with a desk. Every room includes a private bathroom. At Fairmont Riyadh all rooms have a flat-screen TV with satellite channels.
The units at the hotel come with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a bidet, bathrobes and slippers. At Millennium Hail Hotel all rooms come with bed linen and towels. Millennium Hail Hotel offers 5-star accommodation with a sauna and terrace. You can play tennis at the hotel, and car hire is available.
At the hotel, the rooms are fitted with a desk, bed linen and a terrace with a mountain view. Rooms come complete with a private bathroom fitted with a shower and bathrobes, while some units at Habitas AlUla also feature a seating area. All rooms at the accommodation have air conditioning and a safety deposit box.
At Annafora Café, guests can relax with gourmet coffee and sweet snacks such as pastries. The tea garden serves light salads and fresh fruit juices.
