Saudi Arabia Cultural Discovery Tour

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Explore the ancient wonders of Saudi Arabia, from UNESCO-listed rock art in Jubbah to mesmerizing citadels to the Nabatean wonder that is AlUla
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Experience Saudi life with visits to souks, galleries, and villages, and enjoy engaging interactions with local people
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Relax in the comfort of well-appointed hotels, then head to the Empty Quarter for two nights of desert camping
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            [Description] => men laughing
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            [Description] => palm trees
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            [Description] => spices
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            [Description] => locals on camels
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            [Description] => camel walking
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Your Guides

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The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Fatimah A.

Fatimah (nickname Fatmah) is a licensed tour guide in Saudi Arabia with an unwavering passion for travel. She hails from Bishah in the south, a region renowned for the Najd Gate, and is familiar with most of the cities of Saudi Arabia–each with its own history, historical sites, stories. poems, dialects, traditional food, songs and special customs. As well as extensively exploring her country and guiding others to its hidden charms, she is an active member of both the Bisha and Asir youth councils and enjoys rock climbing. Fatmah looks forward to sharing her amazing country with you!

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                    [Headline] => Arrive in Riyadh
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Welcome to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia\'s bustling capital city! Your guide will transport you from the airport to your hotel, where you\'ll enjoy a rest and a first-night dinner with the group.
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                    [Latitude] => 24.699
                    [Longitude] => 46.682
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                    [Headline] => Explore Riyadh
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Begin the day by exploring the sights of Riyadh, from the vast, mudbrick Masmak Fortress to the vibrant Al Zal souk. Next, visit the King Abdul Aziz Historical Center and marvel at the stunning modernist architecture of the National Museum, which beautifully showcases Arabian prehistory, history, culture, and art. After a traditional lunch in the city, travel across town for some insight into modern Riyadh among the skyscrapers and modern mosque of King Abdullah Financial District. Next, get a glimpse into the future at the Line, a planned city in in the NEOM urban complex, which will house 9 million inhabitants when completed! Finish the day delving into the ancient past at Ad Diriyah, the UNESCO-protected first capital of the Saudi Dynasty. Return to Riyadh for dinner at a local restaurant.
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                    [Latitude] => 24.699
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                    [Headline] => Follow Desert Caravan Routes to Buraydah
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Today, travel from Riyadh\'s center to the edge of the plateau on which it sits. The dramatic drop-off offers panoramic views of the ancient seabed below. Take a short walk down the switchback trail which camel caravans used to tread. Drive through the desert to explore the extensive ruins at Ushaiger, which was once an important pilgrimage stop on the way to Mecca. Continue alongside ancient caravan routes to Buraydah.
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                    [Travel_Type] => 4.5 hours private van transfer
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                    [Latitude] => 26.359
                    [Longitude] => 43.947
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                    [Headline] => Buraydah Markets & Train to Hail
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After breakfast set out to discover the bounties of the Buraydah region, exploring a famed date market, where stalls are piled high with delectable produce. Stop at a wet market to see and hear vendors auctioning meats from the back of their trucks, and finally experience the world\'s largest camel market, where Arabian camels exchange hands.
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Board a local train for the scenic trip through rocky desert landscapes to Hail, where you\'ll have the chance to check out Al Qishlah, an impressive mudbrick fortified palace, before dinner.         


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                    [Latitude] => 27.505
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                    [Headline] => Jubah Rock Art, Sharaan Nature Reserve & AlUla
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Travel into the Al Nafud Desert to marvel at Jubah\'s prolific UNESCO-listed neolithic rock art. Continue past the Sharaan Nature Reserve, watching for ostriches and Idmi gazelles among the dry desert grasses and stopping for a picnic lunch with beautiful scenery. The last leg of your drive takes you to the breathtaking canyons and otherworldly rock formations of AlUla, where you\'ll enjoy the sunset at Elephant Rock.
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                    [Travel_Type] => 7 hours private van transfer
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                    [Headline] => Visit Enchanting AlUla
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Start the day with a visit to the Nabataean site of Hegra, which was the southern capital of the Nabataean kingdom, dating back to the first century BCE. You\'ll explore several of the UNESCO-listed site\'s well-preserved tombs. Next take a stroll through the palm trees orange groves of the AlUla oasis, continuing into the historic district, once the crossroads of the Silk Route and Incense Route! Explore ancient alleys and modern art and finish the day with dinner at a local restaurant.
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                    [Travel_Type] => 45 minutes private van transfer
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                    [Latitude] => 26.66
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                    [Headline] => AlUla to Jeddah with High-Speed Train
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Set out for Medina, Saudi Arabia\'s second-holiest city after Mecca. Tracing an ancient pilgrimage route and old tracks of the Ottomani Railway, pass through a volcanic area with black lava stone and mountain views. View the Al Masjid an Nabawi and enjoy a lunch with a spectacular view before boarding a high-speed train to Jeddah on the Red Sea coast. Explore art and culture as the sun sets and the call to prayer sounds.
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                    [Travel_Type] => 3.5 hours private van transfer, 2 hours high speed train, 25 min train station transfer
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                    [Latitude] => 21.572
                    [Longitude] => 39.149
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                    [Headline] => Explore Jeddah\'s Reefs & Al Balad
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This morning, board a private speedboat for a snorkeling adventure over coral reefs teeming with marine life! Then head ashore to check out UNESCO-listed architectural treasures in the historical merchant houses of old town, Al Balad.
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                    [Latitude] => 21.572
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Enjoy a leisurely morning before flying to Abha in the mountains of the Aseer Region. Explore traditional design and natural painting techniques used to decorate homes at the Fatima Museum of Aseeri Women and walk along a cliff taking in spectacular views of the mountains before dinner at a local restaurant.
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                    [Latitude] => 18.214
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                    [Headline] => Hike Jabal Sawda & Visit Rijal Alma Village
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Wake early for a drive to the Soudah Mountains, one of Saudi Arabia\'s top adventure destinations. Follow your guide on rugged hiking trails through juniper trees and marvel at spectacular mountain views. Then visit the traditional village of Rijal Almaa, dating back 900 years. After lunch in the mountains, explore Soudah\'s market and the Al Muftaha Art Center. Return to Abha for dinner and overnight this evening.
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                    [Travel_Type] => 40-minute transfer to trailhead, 1 hour 15-minute transfer to Abha
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                    [Headline] => Aha to Najran & Al Ukhdood
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Head toward Najran, stopping at traditional mountain villages for views and culture along the scenic route. Take in the architectural gem that is the historical palace of the governor. Continue to the ancient city of Al Ukhdood to stroll through the 2,000-year-old ruins and discover its enchanting civilization. Return to Najran for dinner at a local restaurant.
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                    [Latitude] => 17.568
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                    [Headline] => See Petroglyphs at Hima & Journey to the Empty Quarter
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After breakfast, start the day with a journey to the ancient wells of Hima, one of the most important historical sites in Saudi Arabia. See 3,000-year-old rock art, including depictions of humans, animals, and hunting tools. Then it\'s off to explore Qaryat al-Faw, a fascinating - and even older - ancient city. From there, journey to the Empty Quarter, where your guiding team will set up camp for the night. Your three-day desert adventure begins!
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                    [Latitude] => 18.242
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Wake to sunrise over the desert and enjoy breakfast at camp. After a briefing on today\'s route from your guides, you\'ll begin venturing deeper into the Empty Quarter. Along the way, be wowed by the high dunes and spectacular valleys of Oroq Bani Maraith. Stargaze at your second camp tonight.
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                    [Latitude] => 19.295
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                    [Headline] => Leave the Empty Quarter & Return to Riyadh
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                    [ItinBlock] => Rise early for your last breakfast in the desert, then cross a dry lakebed and experience what it\'s like to be stuck in soft sand. A fun experience - really! Enjoy lunch at a well and prepare for your departure. Before bidding farewell to the Empty Quarter, indulge in a special farewell dinner, then drive back to Riyadh, arriving around 10:00 pm for a final overnight stay.
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                    [Latitude] => 24.728
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    [ActivityHighlight] => Expect 3 to 4 hours of cultural touring each day, visiting historic sites and villages. Be prepared for a few short hikes on rugged paths in the mountains and walking on sand in the Empty Quarter. 
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Accommodations

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Stay at charming and comfortable accommodations, and enjoy two nights of desert camping in the Empty Quarter.

The Blue Inn, Abha

Comfortable Hotel

The Blue Inn is a modern boutique hotel in the heart of Abha. It's spacious rooms are clean and comfortable, and come well-appointed with modern amenities. There is a welcoming 24-hour front desk and the hotel has a restaurant, a fitness center, and shared lounge.

Park Inn by Radisson

Comfortable Hotel

Enjoy a home away from home at the Park Inn by Radisson, located in Najran's city center. The hotel has 107 stylish rooms offer comfort and modern conveniences, and the onsite restaurant offers a variety of international dishes. The Park Inn has great views of Najran Football Stadium.

Empty Quarter Camp

Comfortable Camping

Holiday Villa

Comfortable Hotel

The modern and conveniently located Holiday Villa Ha'il dazzles with its soaring atrium and glass-fronted lifts. Its clean and spacious rooms are well-appointed with modern amenities, and have a fresh feel. There's also an onsite fitness center and a restaurant with an outside dining area — perfect for Saudi Arabian evenings.

Shaden Resort

Comfortable Hotel

Surrounded by AlUla's sandstone mountains, the Shaden Resort offers a tranquil escape. The resort's collection of 121 deluxe rooms and villas all have a private terrace or balcony, and come equipped with modern amenities. Guests also have access to a vast pool and lounge complex, perfect for unwinding.

Joudyan Hotel Olaya

Comfortable Hotel

Conveniently located within walking distance of high-end shopping, iconic Riyadh sights and excellent restaurants, Joudyan Hotel Olaya melds Arabian architecture with modern décor for an authentic Saudi experience. Facilities include a full service spa, swimming pool, fitness center and multiple dining options.

Joudyan Red Sea Mall

Comfortable Hotel

With stunning views of the sea, spacious rooms and suites, fine dining restaurants and a state-of-the-art gym, Joudyan Red Sea Mall focuses on personalized attention for every guest. The hotel overlooks the thrilling Jeddah Corniche Circuit, a Grand Prix Formula 1 racetrack, and is ideally located for shopping at the Red Sea Mall.

Ewaa Express Buraydah

Comfortable Hotel

Located in the heart of the bustling center of Buraydah, the Ewaa Express Buraydah is a three-star property with easy access to landmarks, popular restaurants, and casual cafes, inviting walks through nearby city streets. The 66 bright modern rooms combine Arabic design elements with amenities like flat-screen TV, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and 24-hour room service. There is a gym and lounge bar onsite.

Shirvan Hotel City Yard

Comfortable Hotel

Saudi heritage informs the design at this cozy boutique hotel ensconced on one of Jeddah's most sophisticated neighborhoods. Rooms are fully equipped with minibar, Smart TV, free Wi-Fi, bathtub and walk-in shower, and coffee and tea making station. The rooftop spa, pool and gym offer views of the city while unwinding after a day of touring. There are several tantalizing dining options including a seafood restaurant.

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