Wendy Wu Secrets of Saudi Arabia

Riyadh
Discover the modern capital

Ancient Hegra
Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to stunning Nabatean tombs

Jeddah
Wander through the historic Al-Balad district and admire the Red Sea views

Medina
Visit one of Islam’s holiest cities.

Day 1: Fly to Riyadh
Fly to Riyadh Transfer to the hotel ahead of this evening’s welcome dinner.
(Dinner)

Day 2: Diriyah & Riyadh
Head to Diriyah, the original capital of the Saudi dynasty. Discover the At-Turaif district, seeing is Najdi mudbrick architecture. Visit the National Museum beofre exploring the Masmak Fort. Finally, wander through the Souq Al-Zal, one of the Riyadh’s oldest markets.(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 3: Ushaiger Heritage Village – Buraidah
Depart Riyadh and drive north to the captivating Ushaiger Heritage Village, a labyrinth of charming side streets, palm groves and historic Najdi buildings where you may enter any house with an open doorway. Continue to Buraidah and check in at your hotel.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 4: Buraidah Camel Market & Ha’ill
Head to Buraidah to experience the hustle and bustle of the world’s largest camel market. Continue to Ha’il, stopping en route to see the archaeological remains of the oasis city of Fayd, once an important stop on the Hajj route from Baghdad to Mecca. Admire Hutaymah Crater before checking in at your hotel in Ha’il.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 5: Ha’ill & Jubbah
Explore the historical treasures of Ha’il. Stop for a photo at the formidable Qishlah Fortress before driving through the red sands of the Great Nefud Desert to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jubbah. Discover its rich variety of rock art dating back some ten thousand years. Continue to your accommodation in AlUla, home for the next two nights. In the evening, stop at Elephant Rock.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 6: AlUla & Hegra
Explore the wonders of AlUla, once a crossroads of ancient civilisations. Begin with an exploration of AlUla’s atmospheric Old Town. Later, join a two-hour ‘hop-on’ coach tour of Hegra, Saudi’s answer to Petra in Jordan.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 7: Medina & Bullet Train to Jeddah
Spend the morning driving through a landscape of desert and mountains to reach Medina, the second holiest city in Islam. See the battlefield site of Jabal Uhud and admire the façade of the Prophet’s Mosque. Visit Medina’s attractive Ottoman railway station and see the Hijaz Railway memorabilia. Board the bullet train from Medina to the vibrant city of Jeddah on the shores of the Red Sea.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 8: Jeddah City Tour & Dinner
Begin at the House of Islamic Art, housing a vast collection of beautiful artistic items. Later, take a drive along the spectacular Corniche and admire the gleaming façade of the Floating Mosque, built on stilts over the waves of the Red Sea. This afternoon, discover Jeddah’s UNESCO-listed Old Quarter, Al Balad, home to ornate houses built of coral stone. Finally, settle down to a farewell dinner with a local host and her family and enjoy an insight into modern family dynamics in Jeddah. Your host, a female entrepreneur, will be pleased to talk about her life as a Saudi businesswoman after dinner.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 9: Departure
Transfer to the airport in accordance with the time of your onward flight.
(Breakfast)

Dinner with a Saudi business woman
Enjoy dinner with a local host for an insight into modern family dynamics

Camel Market
Take in the bustling atmosphere in Buraidah, home to the world’s largest camel market

Ushaiger Heritage Village
Wander through the ancient streets, tracing the echoes of Bedouins for the centuries gone by

• Return international flights
• Domestic transportation
• 8nts accommodation
• All Meals: 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 8 dinners
• Touring with guides and entrance fees

Classic

See the classic sights in the company of expert guides so you can really understand the history and culture of the destination. On classic tours, everything is taken care of, leaving you to sit back and enjoy the experience to the full. The tours are fully inclusive with all meals and a comprehensive touring programme.

This tour has a maximum group size of 24 people

This tour has a physical rating of 1. A reasonable level of fitness is required and you should expect to be on your feet for much of the day. You’ll be getting on and off coaches, trains or boats and walking around the sights, often including steps, plus occasional longer walks.