Day 1 - Arrive Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Arrive in Saudi Arabia's buzzing capital Riyadh to a warm A&K welcome and transfer to your luxurious hotel.

Freshen up before a tour briefing with your Resident Tour guide and fellow travellers, followed by a delicious welcome dinner.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's capital, is one of the wealthiest cities in the world. Once a walled, mud-brick way station along desert trading routes, it is now a modern metropolis that is changing at a rapid rate.

Lush with 600-year-old olive trees, landscaped gardens, and swaying palms, The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh is one of those Saudi Arabia luxury hotels that completely envelopes its discerning guests in majestic surroundings and discreet, attentive service. Discover an elegant oasis where spacious suites, a world-class spa, a stunning indoor pool, lavish wedding and event spaces and exceptional dining options provide the most unforgettable memories

Overnight: Ritz Carlton Riyadh Hotel

Meal Plan: D

Day 2 - Riyadh: Ancient Crossroads Meets Modern Powerhouse

Start your day by visiting heritage-listed Diriyyah, a historic site on the outskirts of Riyadh, which is said to be the birthplace of the first Saudi state and is today the current home of the royal family. The mud-brick walls once fortified a thriving desert city that was a powerhouse of culture and commerce. In 1745, the city was named the country's capital, laying the foundations for what would later become a unified Saudi Arabia.

Take a walk through the old town to admire its many ancient ruins including the once-splendid palace, houses, and marketplace. Continue to Musmak Fort, in Riyadh's old quarter, built during the reign of Abdullah bin Rashid in 1895 A.D. Afterwards, explore the Dirah Souq, a market famed for colourful textiles from silk to luxurious pashminas, before stopping for lunch.

This afternoon, be guided through the National Museum, a national treasure and World Heritage Site, composed of eight galleries that tell the complete story of Arabian history - from the creation of the universe to the modern era.

Continue to Murabba Palace, built by King Abdul Aziz in 1937. A family dwelling, it was constructed from local materials and is composed of several smaller palaces, service buildings, and the Royal Diwan. Afterwards, discover Saudi fashion on a visit to the Kingdom Tower shopping mall. Travellers will be fascinated by the Ladies Kingdom, a women-only shopping mall, where there are opportunities to meet local women who will share their stories and insight into life in the kingdom.

This evening, meet a special guest from within the antiquities, finance, or creative sectors, learning about their projects, their impact, and how work has changed over recent years.

Overnight: Ritz Carlton Riyadh Hotel

Meal Plan: B,L

Day 3 - Ha'il: Ancient Rock Art at the Crossroads of History

This morning transfer to the airport for your flight northwest to Hail, located in the northern Arabian Peninsula. Transfer by road to heritage-listed Jubbah, where magnificent rock carvings and petroglyphs adorn the surrounding sandstone outcrops depicting thousand-year-old illustrations of camels, lions, and other wildlife that called the region home.

A historic crossroads of trade, especially during the hajj season when camel caravans passed through, Hail has played an intriguing role in the history of modern Saudi Arabia, and it is home to a buzzing souq and one of the last remaining proper flea markets in the country.

Be treated to some Saudi hospitality and learn about the importance of camels in Saudi culture as you sit down to a lunch of traditional fare at a local farm. Return to Hail, and pay a visit to Qeshla Palace, admiring the monumental structure from the outside before exploring the ancient A'arif Fort built on top of a rocky outcrop with outstanding views over the city.

Following your explorations, meet with Fraih Al Shummari, a local guide, and his family, who will immerse you in the local language with a written demonstration of the Thamudic script, an elegant northern variant of the typical South Arabian script.

Afterwards, travel by road to your hotel in time for dinner.

Centrally located Millennium Hotel Hail offers luxury accommodation in its 166 luxurious rooms and 17 suites, each spacious, beautifully designed and well-appointed. Be pampered at the on-site beauty salon, relax in the spas and unwind with a few laps in the swimming pool. Savour tasty Asian fusion cuisine at Al Fairouz restaurant, or an international menu at Layali Café.

Overnight: Millenium Hotel Ha'il

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 4 - AlUla: Towering Ancient Monuments

This morning, visit the intriguing Hail Local Heritage Museum, the private museum of local resident Khalid Bin Hamoud Al Matrod, set in a traditional Najd house. Peruse the eclectic collection which comprises domestic items from kitchen paraphernalia to antique radios and get a glimpse of a bygone era.

After your explorations, drive to Al Ula (approx. 5hrs) and enjoy lunch with your fellow travellers.

Nestled in a large, spectacular valley, where palm groves run down the centre of a wadi and foreboding red-sandstone cliffs rise up on either side, Al Ula was historically located on the Incense route and was an important trading hub for the ancient Lihyanites. It has a delightfully mysterious air about it and is the gateway to Saudi Arabia's very own 'Petra', Madain Saleh.

Spend your afternoon exploring the wonders of World Heritage-listed Madain Saleh. Southernmost settlement of the Nabatean kingdom, the city was known as 'Al Hijr' during ancient times and was once a stopover on the very prosperous trade route. The site spreads over 2000 square metres, with an abundance of relics and rock-cut tombs. Discover the Nabatean Well, Qasr Al Bint, Diwan Tomb, and Al Farid Palace as well as the preserved railway station.

As sunset approaches, return to your tented camp for dinner.

A trail-blazer in sustainable hospitality, Habitas brings luxury living to AlUla in an eco-friendly way. Nestled within an ancient oasis in the desert canyons of the Ashar Valley, find yourself surrounded by sandstone cliffs and palm groves.

The serene resort pathways lead guests up to each of the 96 guest rooms, which span three tiers: premium Celestial Rooms, Alcove Rooms and Canyon Rooms, as well as to the yoga deck, wellness, and fitness centres, restaurant, and swimming pool. Each of these spaces is constructed from ethically-sourced organic materials which blend seamlessly into their natural surroundings.

Overnight: Habitas AlUla Resort

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 5 - AlUla: Imposing Mountains & Legendary Landscapes

Start the day with a desert adventure to Al Ragasat and its towering carved rose-coloured sandstone mountains, known as 'The Dancers'. After your mountain explorations, drive back to Al Ula for a traditional lunch.

After refuelling it's off to the iconic 'Elephant Rock' and nearby mudbrick village, before driving onward to Harrat Uairedh, the town's highest point with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Drink in the sunset from this spectacular vantage point over a cup of Arabic coffee or tea, and delicious local dates.

This evening you may embark on an exhilarating helicopter ride over the surrounding landscape taking in breathtaking aerial views of Al Ula (additional cost).

Overnight: Habitas AlUla Resort

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 6 - Jeddah: Captivating Port City

This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia's commercial capital and the main gateway to Mecca, the holiest city in Islam. Your first stop in this cosmopolitan city is the open-air museum on the Corniche with its extraordinary array of modern sculptures ranging from traditional Arabic designs to the abstract and monumental. Afterwards, gaze upon the 'floating mosque' which appears to drift on the water's surface shimmering in the sunlight. Pause to take in the spectacular views over the Red Sea.

Next, discover King Fahd's Fountain, also known as Jeddah Fountain, which is the tallest of its type in the world, shooting salt water from the Red Sea 300 metres up into the air, at speeds over 300 kilometres per hour.

The historic crossroads of pilgrims and traders, Jeddah is the most fascinating of Saudi Arabia's major cities, with a cosmopolitan and liberal air not present anywhere else in the country. Admire the city's World Heritage Red Sea architecture, explore the bustling souq and laid-back coastline that's home to fantastic dive sites, and enjoy diverse, world-class cuisine. The evening is yours to explore this captivating city.

Along Saudi Arabia’s western coast overlooking the Red Sea, The Ritz-Carlton, Jeddah carries on the tradition of this former palace by welcoming guests with attentive service and luxurious amenities. Addressing the wishes of both international and regional travelers, the hotel offers sea-view guest rooms and suites; restaurants highlighting local and global cuisines; a gentlemen’s spa, and the city’s largest convention space.

Overnight: Ritz Carlton Jeddah Hotel

Meal Plan: B

Day 7 - Jeddah: Ancient City Explorations & Design Your Day

This morning, be led on a tour of Jeddah's traditional architecture. Visit some of the old Ottoman houses, constructed from coral and reinforced with wooden beams, including Nasif House, one of the most beautiful which was built in the 1850s by the Nasif Family, one of the most influential trading families in the history of Jeddah. It was here that King Abdul Aziz spent his first night in Jeddah as the guest of Mohammed Nasif after leading his victorious army into the capital of the Western Province.

This afternoon plot your own course with one of these Design Your Day activities:

Admire Spectacular Art and Architecture at Abdul Raouf Khalil
Explore Abdul Raouf Khalil Museum which showcases the nearly 2,500-year-old history of the Jeddah area with exhibitions spanning pre-Islamic history, to pre-modern civilisations and the rich Islamic cultural heritage of the city. The complex also contains a mosque and the facade of an old castle.

Gaze at Geological Wonders While Exploring Majestic Moon Valley
Admire the geological wonders of the majestic Moon Valley on a day hike. The area is known for its unique rock formations that have naturally formed over millions of years into different shapes. Hone your photographic skills as you clamber across the terrain keeping an eye out for a variety of endemic wildlife.

Private Beach Experience
Take time out to enjoy some private beach time. Jeddah boasts some of Saudi Arabia's best beaches so take your pick and escape the city to relax in the sun or explore the underwater tropical forest on a snorkeling adventure. Return to the hotel for your farewell dinner, accompanied by a mesmerising traditional dance performance.

Overnight: Ritz Carlton Jeddah Hotel

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 8 - Depart Jeddah

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Overnight:

Meal Plan: B