Behind the curtain of the spiritual Islam: A glance of Saudi Arabia
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:
Tour code:
SARUND
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 14
Age range:
14-90
Special diets catered:
Halal, Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
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
Itinerary
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
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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)
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Additional Services
Jabal Ikmah and Danan Tour Hegra Tour
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Airport Transfers at Destination
all airport transfers
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Fully Guided
English-speaking local guides Tour leader from Penguin Travel at 10 people
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Meals
Breakfast is included except day 1
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Transport
all ground transport domestic flight Al Ula - Riyadh
What's Not Included
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Insurance
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International Travel
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Meals
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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
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Visa Fee
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Tips and personal expenses
Check out our Q&As
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, they are
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
There will be Penguin tour leader at min. 8 people
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
No,they are not
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes
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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.
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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.