Saudi Arabia Cultural Discovery Tour
From Vibrant Riyadh to Historic AlUla & the Empty Quarter
- Available: January, October, November
- Activity: Level 2
- Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels, Luxury Hotels, Comfortable Camping
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Group Size:
6-15 Guests
Min Age: 16
Highlights
- Explore the ancient wonders of Saudi Arabia, from UNESCO-listed rock art in Jubbah to mesmerizing citadels to the Nabatean wonder that is AlUla
- Experience Saudi life with visits to souks, galleries, and villages, and enjoy engaging interactions with local people
- Relax in the comfort of well-appointed hotels, then head to the Empty Quarter for two nights of desert camping
Itinerary
Arrive in Riyadh
Day 1
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.
Accommodation: Rosh Rayhaan
Meals: Dinner
Explore Riyadh & Journey to Abha
Day 2
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, you'll begin your journey to Abha, where your hotel for the night awaits.
Accommodation: The Blue Inn, Abha
Transportation: 2-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike in the Soudah Mountains
Day 3
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.
Accommodation: The Blue Inn, Abha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cultural Village Touring & Travel to Najran
Day 4
Start the day with a drive to Tamniah cultural village and museum, then take a cable car up to the ancient mountain village of Al Habala — seemingly suspended in the sky! Enjoy lunch back at the hotel, before visiting a women-owned and operated art gallery. In the afternoon, journey to Najran with a stop at the Dahran Aljanoub cultural village on the way.
Accommodation: Park Inn by Radisson
Transportation: 3-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit Traditional Markets & Ancient Alukhdood
Day 5
Rise today for a visit to Najran's traditional markets, then explore the governor's historical palace. After lunch and a rest, set off to explore the captivating ancient city of Alukhdood, which dates back more than 2,000 years! Enjoy dinner and your last night in Najran.
Accommodation: Park Inn by Radisson
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
See Petroglyphs at Hima & Journey to the Empty Quarter
Day 6
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!
Accommodation: Empty Quarter Camp
Activity: Full-day cultural touring and journey to the Empty Quarter
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore the Empty Quarter
Day 7
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.
Accommodation: Empty Quarter Camp
Activity: Full-day exploration of the Empty Quarter
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leave the Empty Quarter & Return to Riyadh
Day 8
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! After lunch at a well in the Empty Quarter, drive back to Riyadh to freshen up and enjoy an overnight stay at the Roshan Hotel.
Accommodation: Rosh Rayhaan
Activity: Full-day exploration of the Empty Quarter and return to Riyadh
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Experience Traditional Souks & Village Life
Day 9
Today, you'll set off north towards Qassim, stopping at Ushaiger Heritage Village on the way. Enjoy lunch in a traditional house, then visit the village of Almethnab and its antique souk. Have a rest and a coffee at a local farm, then continue to Almesoukaf and Qassim.
Accommodation: Golden Tulip
Activity: Full-day cultural touring and journey to Qassim
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Faid & Travel to Hail
Day 10
Start the day with a drive to the pre-Islamic historical city of Faid and see a volcanic crater. Around midday, you'll arrive at your hotel in Hail for lunch and a free afternoon to explore the city on your own before meeting back with the group for dinner.
Accommodation: Holiday Villa
Activity: Full-day cultural touring
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike Aja Mountain & Visit Enchanting AlUla
Day 11
Today you can stretch your legs on a hike in the Aja mountain range and enjoy a scenic picnic lunch. In the afternoon, drive to AlUla and visit the ancient city of Hegra along the way. AlUla is a living museum in the desert and one of the most significant archeological regions in the world, with history dating back 7,000 years!
Accommodation: Shaden Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit the Alrajajeel Standing Stones & Journey to Jeddah
Day 12
After breakfast, visit the ancient standing stones at Alrajajeel and the mountain-top castle Zabal. Depart for Jeddah this afternoon, and enjoy dinner and a talk with local women, who will discuss their lifestyle in this part of the country. Savor your final night in Saudi Arabia!
Accommodation: Jeddah Movenpick
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart from Jeddah
Day 13
Start your final day in Saudi with a tour of old Jeddah and a tour of private museum, housing a collection of interesting finds from the region. After lunch, head to the airport for your homeward-bound flight and bid farewell.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Dates & Prices
- 2023
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
2023
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $8,895 price per person dbl occ+$735 internal airfare+$850 single supplementFully Booked - Private Departure
- $8,895 price per person dbl occ+$735 internal airfare+$850 single supplementAvailable
- $8,895 price per person dbl occ+$735 internal airfare+$850 single supplementAvailable
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
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.

Local Guide
We work with only the most experienced and knowledgeable local guides on our trips. You will be in excellent hands with a fully licensed and accredited local guide who will share their expertise in everything from history and architecture, to culture and traditions, the best local cuisine, activities and crafts, or even shopping. Local guides live, breathe, and love their trips because as locals they are an integral part of their communities. Their connections run deep and pride in their piece of the world is contagious.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 2. 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.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 6
Full-day cultural touring and journey to the Empty Quarter
Day 7
Full-day exploration of the Empty Quarter
Day 8
Full-day exploration of the Empty Quarter and return to Riyadh
Day 9
Full-day cultural touring and journey to Qassim
Day 10
Full-day cultural touring
Accommodations
Stay at charming and comfortable accommodations, and enjoy two nights of desert camping in the Empty Quarter.
Weather
Climate of Saudi in general from November to the end of February ranges between a low of 50 F and a high of 77 F.
FAQs
Who will meet me on arrival?
Our MT Sobek representative will meet you on arrival and transfer you to your hotel in Riyadh.
Do I need a visa to travel to Saudi Arabia?
Yes, American citizens need a visa to travel to Saudi Arabia. You can obtain an e-visa online.
How do I get to Saudi Arabia?
There are several airlines that fly to Saudi from the US with one connection, including Emirates, Etihad, Qatar, Turkish and Lufthansa.
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