Saudi Arabia Cultural Discovery Tour

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 Tour Guide

We work with only the most experienced and knowledgeable local tour guides on our trip extensions. While you will not be accompanied by an MT Sobek through guide on this tour, 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.

Array
(
    [itinerary] => Array
        (
            [0] => Array
                (
                    [DayFrom] => 1
                    [DayTo] => 1
                    [Headline] => Arrive in Riyadh
                    [ActivityOverview] => 
                    [EstimatedLength] => 
                    [ActivityLevel] => 
                    [ItinBlock] => 
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. 
                    [Breakfast] => 0
                    [Lunch] => 0
                    [Dinner] => 1
                    [Travel_Type] => 
                    [Quotation] => 
                    [Quotation_Attribution] => 
                    [Quotation_Location] => 
                    [Itinerary_Location] => 
                    [Latitude] => 24.784
                    [Longitude] => 46.727
                )

            [1] => Array
                (
                    [DayFrom] => 2
                    [DayTo] => 2
                    [Headline] => Explore Riyadh & Journey to Abha
                    [ActivityOverview] => 
                    [EstimatedLength] => 
                    [ActivityLevel] => 
                    [ItinBlock] => 
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.
                    [Breakfast] => 1
                    [Lunch] => 1
                    [Dinner] => 1
                    [Travel_Type] => 2-hour private van transfer
                    [Quotation] => 
                    [Quotation_Attribution] => 
                    [Quotation_Location] => 
                    [Itinerary_Location] => 
                    [Latitude] => 18.263
                    [Longitude] => 42.529
                )

            [2] => Array
                (
                    [DayFrom] => 3
                    [DayTo] => 3
                    [Headline] => Hike in the Soudah Mountains 
                    [ActivityOverview] => 
                    [EstimatedLength] => 
                    [ActivityLevel] => 
                    [ItinBlock] => 
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.
                    [Breakfast] => 1
                    [Lunch] => 1
                    [Dinner] => 1
                    [Travel_Type] => 
                    [Quotation] => 
                    [Quotation_Attribution] => 
                    [Quotation_Location] => 
                    [Itinerary_Location] => 
                    [Latitude] => 18.251
                    [Longitude] => 42.378
                )

            [3] => Array
                (
                    [DayFrom] => 4
                    [DayTo] => 4
                    [Headline] => Cultural Village Touring & Travel to Najran
                    [ActivityOverview] => 
                    [EstimatedLength] => 
                    [ActivityLevel] => 
                    [ItinBlock] => 
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. 
                    [Breakfast] => 1
                    [Lunch] => 1
                    [Dinner] => 1
                    [Travel_Type] => 3-hour private van transfer
                    [Quotation] => 
                    [Quotation_Attribution] => 
                    [Quotation_Location] => 
                    [Itinerary_Location] => 
                    [Latitude] => 17.553
                    [Longitude] => 44.225
                )

            [4] => Array
                (
                    [DayFrom] => 5
                    [DayTo] => 5
                    [Headline] => Visit Traditional Markets & Ancient Alukhdood
                    [ActivityOverview] => 
                    [EstimatedLength] => 
                    [ActivityLevel] => 
                    [ItinBlock] => 
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.
                    [Breakfast] => 1
                    [Lunch] => 1
                    [Dinner] => 1
                    [Travel_Type] => 
                    [Quotation] => 
                    [Quotation_Attribution] => 
                    [Quotation_Location] => 
                    [Itinerary_Location] => 
                    [Latitude] => 17.553
                    [Longitude] => 44.225
                )

            [5] => Array
                (
                    [DayFrom] => 6
                    [DayTo] => 6
                    [Headline] => See Petroglyphs at Hima & Journey to the Empty Quarter
                    [ActivityOverview] => Full-day cultural touring and journey to the Empty Quarter 
                    [EstimatedLength] => 
                    [ActivityLevel] => 
                    [ItinBlock] => 
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!
                    [Breakfast] => 1
                    [Lunch] => 1
                    [Dinner] => 1
                    [Travel_Type] => 
                    [Quotation] => 
                    [Quotation_Attribution] => 
                    [Quotation_Location] => 
                    [Itinerary_Location] => 
                    [Latitude] => 18.242
                    [Longitude] => 44.468
                )

            [6] => Array
                (
                    [DayFrom] => 7
                    [DayTo] => 7
                    [Headline] => Explore the Empty Quarter
                    [ActivityOverview] => Full-day exploration of the Empty Quarter
                    [EstimatedLength] => 
                    [ActivityLevel] => 
                    [ItinBlock] => 
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.
                    [Breakfast] => 1
                    [Lunch] => 1
                    [Dinner] => 1
                    [Travel_Type] => 
                    [Quotation] => 
                    [Quotation_Attribution] => 
                    [Quotation_Location] => 
                    [Itinerary_Location] => 
                    [Latitude] => 19.336
                    [Longitude] => 45.903
                )

            [7] => Array
                (
                    [DayFrom] => 8
                    [DayTo] => 8
                    [Headline] => Leave the Empty Quarter & Return to Riyadh
                    [ActivityOverview] => Full-day exploration of the Empty Quarter and return to Riyadh
                    [EstimatedLength] => 
                    [ActivityLevel] => 
                    [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! 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.
                    [Breakfast] => 1
                    [Lunch] => 1
                    [Dinner] => 1
                    [Travel_Type] => 
                    [Quotation] => 
                    [Quotation_Attribution] => 
                    [Quotation_Location] => 
                    [Itinerary_Location] => 
                    [Latitude] => 24.754
                    [Longitude] => 46.605
                )

            [8] => Array
                (
                    [DayFrom] => 9
                    [DayTo] => 9
                    [Headline] => Experience Traditional Souks & Village Life
                    [ActivityOverview] => Full-day cultural touring and journey to Qassim
                    [EstimatedLength] => 
                    [ActivityLevel] => 
                    [ItinBlock] => 
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. 
                    [Breakfast] => 1
                    [Lunch] => 1
                    [Dinner] => 1
                    [Travel_Type] => 
                    [Quotation] => 
                    [Quotation_Attribution] => 
                    [Quotation_Location] => 
                    [Itinerary_Location] => 
                    [Latitude] => 25.645
                    [Longitude] => 42.233
                )

            [9] => Array
                (
                    [DayFrom] => 10
                    [DayTo] => 10
                    [Headline] => Explore Faid & Travel to Hail
                    [ActivityOverview] => Full-day cultural touring
                    [EstimatedLength] => 
                    [ActivityLevel] => 
                    [ItinBlock] => 
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.
                    [Breakfast] => 1
                    [Lunch] => 1
                    [Dinner] => 1
                    [Travel_Type] => 
                    [Quotation] => 
                    [Quotation_Attribution] => 
                    [Quotation_Location] => 
                    [Itinerary_Location] => 
                    [Latitude] => 27.590
                    [Longitude] => 41.709
                )

            [10] => Array
                (
                    [DayFrom] => 11
                    [DayTo] => 11
                    [Headline] => Hike Aja Mountain & Visit Enchanting AlUla
                    [ActivityOverview] => 
                    [EstimatedLength] => 
                    [ActivityLevel] => 
                    [ItinBlock] => 
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!
                    [Breakfast] => 1
                    [Lunch] => 1
                    [Dinner] => 1
                    [Travel_Type] => 
                    [Quotation] => 
                    [Quotation_Attribution] => 
                    [Quotation_Location] => 
                    [Itinerary_Location] => 
                    [Latitude] => 26.597
                    [Longitude] => 37.932
                )

            [11] => Array
                (
                    [DayFrom] => 12
                    [DayTo] => 12
                    [Headline] => Visit the Alrajajeel Standing Stones & Journey to Jeddah
                    [ActivityOverview] => 
                    [EstimatedLength] => 
                    [ActivityLevel] => 
                    [ItinBlock] => 
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!
                    [Breakfast] => 1
                    [Lunch] => 1
                    [Dinner] => 1
                    [Travel_Type] => 
                    [Quotation] => 
                    [Quotation_Attribution] => 
                    [Quotation_Location] => 
                    [Itinerary_Location] => 
                    [Latitude] => 21.512
                    [Longitude] => 39.248
                )

            [12] => Array
                (
                    [DayFrom] => 13
                    [DayTo] => 13
                    [Headline] => Depart from Jeddah
                    [ActivityOverview] => 
                    [EstimatedLength] => 
                    [ActivityLevel] => 
                    [ItinBlock] => 
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.
                    [Breakfast] => 1
                    [Lunch] => 1
                    [Dinner] => 0
                    [Travel_Type] => 
                    [Quotation] => 
                    [Quotation_Attribution] => 
                    [Quotation_Location] => 
                    [Itinerary_Location] => 
                    [Latitude] => 21.512
                    [Longitude] => 39.248
                )

        )

    [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. 
    [Trip_Level] => 2
)

Accommodations

---

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

Rosh Rayhaan

Comfortable Hotel

A luxurious behemoth with 236 sparkling rooms, the five-star Rosh Rayhaan by Rotana sits in the heart of Riyadh. It's right amidst the city's shopping districts, on the popular Olaya street and on the edge of Tahlia street, where you can find more shops and a wide array of eateries. Spacious rooms come with elegant design, creamy colors, stylish furniture and the full range of upscale amenities. The hotel features a range of restaurants to choose from, as well as a fitness and wellness club with a sauna, steam rooms and massages on request.

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

Golden Tulip

Comfortable Hotel

The Golden Tulip hotel is sleek hotel with spacious accommodations and great hospitality. It 144 elegant rooms include air conditioning, satellite television, mini fridges, a safe, and a convenient internet connection. Guests may also enjoy the fitness center and on-site restaurant.

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.

Jeddah Movenpick

Comfortable Hotel

The modern Movenpick is a relaxing hotel in just a short way from Jeddah's city center. Its rooms have an understated elegance and include all of the comforts of home. Outside you'll find a lagoon-style pool and a patio area for outdoor dining. There is also on on-site fitness center with sauna, hot tub and steam bath.

Similar Trips to Saudi Arabia Cultural Discovery Tour

---

India Secrets of Kashmir Cultural Discovery Tour

Historical Wonders & Local Life in Three Unique Regions

• Level 3
• 12 days
• from $7,195

Iran Treasures Cultural Discovery Tour

Fascinating Cities, Ancient Wonders & Warm Hospitality

• Level 2
• 15 days
• from $8,895

Iraq Treasures of the South Cultural Discovery Tour

Journey to the Cradle of Civilization from Ancient Babylon to Baghdad

• Level 2
• 10 days
• from $6,795