Cultural & Heritage Journey Through Saudi Arabia

Arrive in Riyadh, where you will be met on arrival, with the option of a VIP meet-and-assist service to fast-track airport formalities before your private transfer to your hotel. Once settled, you’ll receive a short briefing from your local team, covering cultural etiquette and an overview of the journey ahead.

• Hotel Description

Begin the day at the National Museum with a curated walk through Arabia’s geological origins, early civilisations, and the story of unification, providing an ideal foundation for the week ahead. Continue with a guided visit to Souq Al Zal to browse antiques, textiles, incense, and handicrafts, and gain insights into authenticity, pricing norms, and local etiquette.

In the afternoon, explore Diriyah–At-Turaif, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, walking among restored mudbrick palaces while learning about the First Saudi State, historic trade routes, and ongoing conservation efforts. Finish the day with a hands-on cooking session with a local chef, preparing Kabsa and sambusa, and experiencing traditional coffee roasting and Saudi serving rituals (gahwa). (B)

• Hotel Description

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Tabuk, where you’ll be met on arrival and driven to Wadi Dissah. En route, your guide will introduce the valley’s geology, flora, and seasonal water features; water, hats, and sunscreen are provided.

Explore the valley on a guided walk, stopping for photos among palm groves and sandstone corridors, while learning about Bedouin lifeways and oasis agriculture. Pause for a traditional Bedouin coffee and picnic, including an introduction to roasting and grinding cardamom coffee and tea etiquette. Return to Tabuk for hotel check-in. (B,L)

• Hotel Description

Start the day at Tayma Oasis, visiting Bir Haddaj Well and selected inscription sites, with insights into King Nabonidus and long-distance caravan connections. Continue to Al-Bidah to walk among Nabatean tombs and petroglyphs, learning about trade, burial customs, and site preservation.

Participate in an art and sand-painting workshop with regional artists, creating a simple keepsake. Afterwards, drive from Tabuk to AlUla, with a comfort stop en route, while your guide explains AlUla’s archaeology and conservation efforts. Evening at leisure upon arrival at your resort. (B,L)

• Hotel Description

Begin the day at Dadan, the capital of the Dadanite and Lihyanite kingdoms, with an overview of recent discoveries and ongoing research. Continue to Jabal Ikmah, the “Open-Air Library,” to read selected inscriptions and learn about trade, religion, and the development of language.

In the afternoon, explore Hegra on a guided tour, seeing key tomb facades, inscriptions, and Nabatean iconography, with short vehicle transfers between clusters as needed. Conclude the day in AlUla Old Town, wandering the lanes, admiring the restored mud structures, and relaxing at the market courtyard. Enjoy a coffee with local date tasting. (B)

• Hotel Description

Experience an artisan workshop led by local women, exploring pottery, jewellery, and palm-weaving, with opportunities to practice skills and learn about regional cultural traditions. After a short break and transfer, head to Elephant Rock to enjoy its dramatic sunset colours and a briefing on the geological formations, with a short walk to viewpoints as permitted.

In the evening, participate in a cultural dinner at a home-hosted or Bedouin-style camp, accompanied by coffee, poetry, and storytelling for an immersive local experience. (B)

• Hotel Description

Depart AlUla in the morning for an overland drive to Medina, travelling through volcanic plateaus and desert habitats with comfort and photo stops en route. Arrive in Medina for lunch on your own (unless pre-arranged).

Note: Modest dress is recommended, and access to certain areas may vary for non-Muslim visitors or around prayer times. In the evening, visit a date farm to learn about different cultivars, irrigation methods, and enjoy some date tasting. (B)

• Hotel Description

Spend the day visiting Medina’s key sites, starting at Quba Mosque, the earliest mosque in Islam (visit per local rules), followed by Qiblatain Mosque to learn about the historical qibla change and architectural features. Conclude the morning with an exterior guided context talk at the Prophet’s Mosque within the permitted areas.

In the afternoon, take the Haramain High-Speed Train to Jeddah, with comfortable seating and luggage racks, followed by a transfer to your hotel.

In the late evening, enjoy a guided orientation along the Corniche, featuring the sculpture-lined promenade and King Fahd Fountain, with a brief introduction to the city’s public art and urban expansion. Finish with a hosted coffee and sweets session covering gahwa service, traditional pairings, and hospitality customs. (B)

• Hotel Description

Enjoy the moring at leisure until it's time for your transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. (B)