Behind the curtain of the spiritual Islam: A glance of Saudi Arabia

Behind the curtain of the spiritual Islam: A glance of Saudi Arabia

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8 Days From

$2334

Behind the curtain of the spiritual Islam: A glance of Saudi Arabia

8 Days Starting in Jeddah and ending in Riyadh

Visiting: Jeddah, Madinah, AlUla, Riyadh

Tour operator:

Penguin Travel

Tour code:

SARUND

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

6 - 14

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

14-90

Special diets catered:

Halal, Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Active, Adventure Tours

Activities:

Sightseeing

Private Available:

Request A Private Tour

From: $2334

NB: Prices correct on 24-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Saudi Arabia is one of the most enigmatic places to visit in the Middle East. On this tour, you will discover some of the greatest treasures, hidden for Western travelers until just a few years ago. Known as the birthplace of Islam, Saudi Arabia is a desert country, stretching through the Arabian Peninsula to the Red Sea and Persian Gulf. The country’s citizens are required by law to be Muslim and there is ‘religious’ police force to look upon this. Saudi Arabia is home to Islam’s two most sacred mosques: Masjid al-Haram in Mecca - destination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, and Medina’s Masjid an-Nabawi - burial site of the prophet Muhammad. The capital Riyadh on the other hand, has an absolutely modern look – skyscraper-filled metropolis with luxury cars on the streets. Jeddah is a mix of ancient and modern style and hides within an old city, made of coral, while the Red Sea coast offers world-class diving. Highlights: • Jeddah - a major port for Indian Ocean trade routes in the 7th century • Madain Saleh - the largest conserved site of the civilization of the Nabataeans south of Petra in Jordan • The natural rock formation Elephant Rock

Highlights

  • Jeddah - a major port for Indian Ocean trade routes in the 7th century

  • Madain Saleh - the largest conserved site of the civilization of the Nabataeans south of Petra in Jordan

  • The natural rock formation Elephant Rock

  • Al Ula - an extraordinary human and natural heritage

  • Hegra-the largest conserved site of the civilization of the Nabataeans south of Petra in Jordan

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrival In Jeddah

Location: Jeddah

Accommodation: Hotel

Arrival in Jeddah and transfer to your hotel for check-in and overnight. -/-/-

Day 2 : Jeddah

Location: Jeddah

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, we will start our city tour of the coastal town of Jeddah. Among the places that we will visit is King Fahd's Fountain - the highest fountain in the world, the historical quarter of Jeddah Al-Balad, famous for its old Ottoman houses, mostly constructed from coral and reinforced with wood, the Altaybat Museum (Abdul Rauf Khalil Art Museum), which houses endless collections of arts, ethnography and archaeology artifacts. Overnight in a hotel in Jeddah. B/-/-

Day 3 : Jeddah - Medina

Location: Madinah

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we start our drive to Medina, known as the second-holiest place in Islam. Here we will explore some of the most prominent mosques and historic buildings of the city. (It is not allowed for tourists to enter Al Masjid an Nabawi/the Prophet's Mosque. If possible/ we will pass by it.) Overnight in Medina. B/-/-

Day 4 : Medina – Al Ula

Location: AlUla

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we will depart for Al Ula. (about 4 hour's drive) to explore its extraordinary human and natural heritage. Today we will visit Elephant Rock formation and explore the Old Town Market area. Overnight in a farm/guest house nearby (shared accommodation). B/-/

Day 5 : Al Ula - Madain Saleh - Jabal Ikmah - Dadan - Riyadh

Location: Riyadh

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

We start our day with a visit to the archaeological site of Al-Hijr (Madain Saleh) -the first World Heritage property to be inscribed in Saudi Arabia. Formerly known as Hegra, it is the largest conserved site of the civilization of the Nabataeans south of Petra in Jordan. It features well-preserved monumental tombs with decorated facades dating back to the period between the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD. Today you have the option to visit two of the highlights of the region - the Nabataean tombs of Hegra and а combined tour of Dadan and Jabal Ikmah. Late evening flight to Riyadh. Overnight in Riyadh. B/-/-

Day 6 : Riyadh

Location: Riyadh

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we will explore the highlight of the kingdom’s capital - Riyadh. We will visit, among others, the Masmak Fort - a fortress built from clay and mudbrick that played an important part in the battles for the unification of Saudi Arabia at the beginning of the 20th century. In the evening, we will visit the iconic Kingdom Centre, where you will have the option to take the high-speed elevator up to the 99th floor and take a walk on the Sky Bridge (optional activity, paid on the spot). Overnight in a hotel in Riyadh. B/-/-

Day Tour To "The Edge Of The World"

Location: Riyadh

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you have some free time in the morning to explore Riyadh on your own. After lunch, we are heading to Jebel Fihrayn, also known as "The edge of the world'. With their height of 300 meters, the towering cliffs offer an astounding view over the surrounding plains. The cliffs are about a 90-minutes drive away from Riyadh and the hike to the top is about 5 kilometers. Here we will have some time to enjoy the breathtaking views, and have some tea and snacks at the campsite before heading back to Riyadh late in the evening. B/-/-

Day 8 : Departure From Riyadh

Location: Riyadh

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

End of service or extension to Bahrain. B/-/-

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    6 nights at 3-4 star hotels with private facilities incl. breakfast one night in a guest house/farm in Al Ula (shared accommodation)

  • Additional Services

    Jabal Ikmah and Danan Tour Hegra Tour

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

    all airport transfers

  • Fully Guided

    English-speaking local guides Tour leader from Penguin Travel at 10 people

  • Meals

    Breakfast is included except day 1

  • Transport

    all ground transport domestic flight Al Ula - Riyadh

What's Not Included

  • Insurance

  • International Travel

  • Meals

  • Optional

    Sky Bridge in Riyadh - 70 SAR (18-20 USD) Optional tour to Jebel Fihrayn (The Edge of the world) on day 7- 85 USD

  • Visa Fee

  • Tips and personal expenses

Check out our Q&As

  • Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?

    Yes

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes, they are

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    There will be Penguin tour leader at min. 8 people

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    Yes

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    No,they are not

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Santana Musial  

Excellent company

12-Jun-2023

Excellent company. They hire really professional guides and the timeline of all the trips is done really well. We really enjoyed our experience and can highly recommend it. My husband and I did the 5-stans tour.

Hannah  

Penguin are fantastic!

12-Mar-2023

Penguin are a fantastic tour company - I have travelled with them twice now and have thoroughly enjoyed both trips. They are well run, excellent value, and go above and beyond to try to meet customers' needs and requirements. Would definitely recommend travelling with Penguin :)

Mauricio Alpizar  

Penguin Travel in 2023

19-Oct-2023

In 2023, I have joined extremely interesting trips organized by Penguin Travel. The destinations (Iraq, Pakistan, Angola and Chad) are so heterogeneous that any attempt to compare them would be nonsense. What I can confirm is that Penguin managed each one of these trips in a very efficient and customer-oriented way. Dimo and his team are committed to delivering unforgettable experiences. Besides, they regularly enhance their itineraries to adapt to changing conditions and to optimize the tour scope. All my groups were small, which contributed to a very friendly environment throughout the trips. I look forward to joining other Penguin tours in the near future.

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1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 08, 2025 - Feb 15, 2025
$2334

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 15, 2025 - Nov 22, 2025
$2334

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Penguin Travel requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 46 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of penguin travel charges.

    Up to 46 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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