7-Nights Saudi Arabia: The Desert Kingdom - Tailormade Journeys — CALL

1 Arrive Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Shimmering in the desert heat, the Saudi capital might be mistaken for a mirage: a towering show of glassy modern architecture, opulent hotels and fine-dining restaurants, erupting from an arid central plateau. But beyond the moneyed gleam of modern Arabia, hints of the kingdom’s past can be uncovered: museums delving into the national history, hulking clay fortresses that stand like regal sandcastles and vibrant souks sparkling with gold and heady with spice.

Start your day at Masmak Fortress, and then stroll through Dirah Souk, a market renowned for colorful textiles, before exploring Arabian history at the National Museum. After lunch, join your private guide on a visit to Diriyah, a historic town on the outskirts of the capital, and discover the town’s spectacular, honey-toned ruins, including the Salwa Palace, still imposing more than three centuries after it was built.

Nestled in a large, spectacular valley, where date palm groves line the banks of a wadi (dry riverbed) and foreboding red sandstone cliffs rise up on either side, AlUla was historically an important trading hub located on the Incense Route.

In marvelous Hegra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site only open to the public since 2020, behold relics and rock-cut tombs, including a towering carved façade that signals its Nabatean connection to Petra in Jordan. Later, set out on a desert 4x4 adventure to Jabal Al Rukkab, a rugged desert wilderness located northeast of AlUla. Among its labyrinth of narrow sand-filled canyons, discover three spiraling rock formations dubbed the Dancing Rocks and view iconic Elephant Rock.

Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, explore AlUla’s open-air library of Jabal Imkah, where rust-red rock faces are etched with countless inscriptions that map the beginnings of what would become the Arabic language.Continue to nearby ancient Dadan, and view excavated treasures such as the Lion Tombs, resting place of elite members of society. Tonight, stroll the city’s Old Town, wandering among myriad cafes and shops.

With its arms open to the Red Sea, Jeddah has long felt different in a land defined by the dunes. Merchants, pilgrims and sailors have all left a mark in the kingdom’s second city, en route to nearby Makkah (Mecca). in Al-Balad, the old quarter, souks still bustle with the sound of haggling travellers, watched over by distinctive, beautifully carved mashrabiyya balconies. And then there is the palm-lined Corniche, sweeping along the coast.

With a private guide, visit the beautiful Al Makkiyah House, a privately owned mansion that stands as a fine example of traditional Hijazi architecture. Afterward, take in the spectacle of the “Floating” Al Ramah Mosque, which juts out over the Red Sea and appears to hover above the tides.