Highlights of Saudi Arabia: Riyadh, AlUla & Jeddah

Today you explore the capital Riyadh and the birthplace of the kingdom. You visit Diriyah, the UNESCO World Heritage birthplace of the Saudi state, exploring the beautifully restored mudbrick palaces, quarters and museums of At-Turaif, once the seat of the first Saudi dynasty, a fascinating and atmospheric site. You visit the historic Masmak Fort, the mud-brick fortress at the heart of the kingdom's founding story, and the excellent National Museum, telling the rich story of Arabia. You explore the old souks and, perhaps, ascend the Kingdom Centre tower's skybridge for sweeping views over the gleaming modern city. The blend of heritage and modernity is fascinating. As the day ends, you return to your hotel, having explored Riyadh's heritage and skyline. This evening, savour Saudi cuisine. Rest well, for tomorrow you fly to extraordinary AlUla.

Today you fly to AlUla, one of the most extraordinary places on earth. You take a domestic flight to AlUla and transfer to your hotel amid the spectacular desert oasis valley, a vast landscape of dramatic sandstone cliffs, canyons and rock formations, ancient sites and lush date palms. In the afternoon, you begin exploring this magical place, visiting the atmospheric mudbrick AlUla Old Town, a labyrinth of centuries-old houses and lanes beside the oasis, and the iconic, towering Elephant Rock (Jabal AlFil), a natural rock formation resembling an elephant, especially beautiful at sunset, where you might enjoy a drink as the desert glows. The beauty and atmosphere of AlUla are magical. As the sun sets over the dramatic landscape, you settle into your hotel, immersed in the beauty of AlUla. This evening, savour the desert setting, perhaps with stargazing under brilliant skies. Rest well, ready to explore the magnificent Hegra tomorrow.

Today you explore the magnificent Nabatean tombs of Hegra, Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. With a local rawi (storyteller) guide, you explore Hegra (Madain Salih), the southern capital of the Nabateans who built Petra, where over a hundred monumental tombs are carved into golden sandstone outcrops rising from the desert, their elaborate facades beautifully preserved, standing in profound desert silence. You marvel at iconic tombs such as the solitary Tomb of Lihyan son of Kuza (Qasr al-Farid), and explore the Jabal Ithlib area with its dramatic siq-like canyon and Nabatean sanctuaries. The scale, artistry and beauty are overwhelming. As the day ends, you return to your hotel, awed by the magnificent tombs of Hegra. This evening, savour the beauty of AlUla, perhaps dining beneath the stars. Rest well, ready to explore more of AlUla's ancient heritage tomorrow.

Today you explore more of AlUla's ancient heritage and spectacular landscapes. You visit Dadan, the capital of the ancient Dadanite and Lihyanite kingdoms, with its remarkable tombs carved high in the cliffs, and the extraordinary Jabal Ikmah, an 'open library' of hundreds of ancient inscriptions and rock art in a beautiful desert canyon. You explore the lush AlUla oasis, with its date palms and history, and take in the striking mirrored Maraya, the world's largest mirrored building, reflecting the dramatic desert. You might enjoy a desert experience, a 4x4 drive, or more of the spectacular scenery. The ancient heritage and beauty are captivating. As the day ends, you return to your hotel, having explored the wonders of AlUla. This evening, savour a final AlUla evening beneath the brilliant desert stars. Rest well, for tomorrow you fly to Jeddah and the Red Sea.

Today you fly to Jeddah, the historic Red Sea gateway. You take a domestic flight to Jeddah and transfer to your hotel in this vibrant, cosmopolitan coastal city. In the afternoon, you explore Al-Balad, the UNESCO World Heritage old town, a labyrinth of centuries-old coral-stone houses with beautiful carved wooden balconies (rawasheen), bustling souks and historic mosques, wandering its evocative lanes and soaking up the atmosphere of this ancient merchant and pilgrimage city, once the gateway for pilgrims to Mecca. You take in the beautiful Jeddah Corniche along the Red Sea, with its striking sculptures and the iconic King Fahd Fountain, the tallest in the world. The heritage and coastal atmosphere are captivating. As the day ends, you settle in, having explored old Jeddah. This evening, savour Jeddah's excellent seafood and cosmopolitan dining. Rest well, ready to enjoy the Red Sea tomorrow.

Today you enjoy the Red Sea and more of vibrant Jeddah. You might take a boat trip on the Red Sea to snorkel or dive over beautiful, pristine coral reefs teeming with colourful tropical fish, among the finest and least-crowded in the world, and relax on a beautiful beach, or explore more of Jeddah, its art scene, museums, waterfront and markets. You take in more of the beautiful Corniche and the cosmopolitan energy of the city. The beautiful Red Sea and vibrant city are captivating, a lovely finale to your journey. As the day ends, you return to your hotel, having enjoyed the Red Sea and Jeddah. This evening, savour a final dinner in Jeddah, perhaps fresh seafood by the sea, reflecting on the extraordinary journey you have made across newly opened Saudi Arabia. Rest well ahead of your departure tomorrow.

After a final morning in Jeddah, perhaps a last stroll along the Corniche or through Al-Balad, or some souvenir shopping, you are transferred to King Abdulaziz International Airport for your onward international departure. You leave having experienced the extraordinary, newly opened treasures of Saudi Arabia, the capital Riyadh and UNESCO Diriyah, the magnificent Nabatean tombs of Hegra and the spectacular landscapes of AlUla, and the historic old town and Red Sea of Jeddah, all warmed by genuine Saudi hospitality. The images stay vivid long after you land, the mudbrick palaces of Diriyah, the monumental tombs of Hegra rising from the golden desert, the towering Elephant Rock, and the coral-stone houses of Al-Balad. Saudi Arabia offers extraordinary heritage, dramatic landscapes and the thrill of a long-hidden land in abundance, and you depart already reflecting on a pioneering and unforgettable journey, perhaps dreaming of a return to discover more.