Surprising Saudi Arabia Small Group Tour

Fly to Tabuk, a historic resting point for pilgrims travelling to Mecca and Medina, and wander its charming main street with traditional ‘smach’ (Saudi headwear for men) shops and a small fort museum. Journey south through rugged mountains and arid deserts, enjoying a scenic picnic along the way. Arrive at Wadi Disah, the Valley of the Palm Trees, where towering rock formations and a freshwater spring create a true oasis. Settle in at a fruit farm, then take a 4x4 off-road adventure through deep canyons, lush streams, and colourful cliffs. Dinner and overnight in a cosy Bedouin-style tent. (B,L,D)

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Watch the sun rise over Wadi Disah before heading through quiet valleys and desert villages toward AlUla, one of Saudi Arabia’s most striking destinations. Explore its remarkable Nabataean tombs, dramatic rock formations, and ancient pre-Arabic rock art. After lunch, check in at a nature date farm and enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Before sunset, visit Elephant Rock (Jabal Alfil) for breathtaking desert views, then wander AlUla Old Town, a charismatic Silk Road hub now blending ancient alleys with modern restaurants and artisan shops. Dinner is at your leisure. (B,L)

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Begin the day at Hegra, the southern capital of the Nabataean kingdom, and explore over 100 monumental tombs with intricate rock-carved facades, guided by a local rawee. Wander through the AlUla Oasis, where lush palm groves, citrus scents, and shaded trails reveal how Nomads thrived in the desert. After lunch, stroll through AlJadidah (Art Town) with its vibrant street art and galleries. As evening falls, venture out into the remote desert for some stargazing beneath one of the clearest skies in the world, followed by a memorable dinner in the desert landscape. (B,D)

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Travel south through volcanic deserts and mountain vistas to Medina, one of Islam’s two most sacred cities. Admire the exterior of Al Masjid an Nabawi (Prophet’s Mosque) and explore the Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilisation, which showcases his life and Islamic heritage through artefacts and multimedia. After lunch, continue by high-speed train to Jeddah, the Red Sea’s commercial hub. Stroll along the Corniche, witness the world’s tallest fountain, and soak up the coastal atmosphere as the call to prayer echoes. Dinner is at leisure. (B,L)

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Enjoy a relaxed morning in Jeddah, or opt for an optional half-day boat trip on the Red Sea, where you can snorkel among vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish before a freshly prepared seafood barbecue on board. Later, explore Al Balad, Jeddah’s UNESCO-listed historic quarter, where centuries-old merchant houses and intricate wooden roshan balconies line atmospheric alleyways. Wander through lively souqs filled with the scents and sounds of the old trading port. This evening, dine at the renowned Al Basali Seafood Restaurant, a local institution since 1949, for a memorable farewell dinner.

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