Day 01: Arrive Jeddah

Our unique journey to one of the least known and yet probably most important country in the Middle East, begins as we arrive in Jeddah, the major urban center of western Saudi Arabia and commercial capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Since the 7th century, Jeddah has hosted millions of Muslim pilgrims from all over the world on their way for Hajj and Umra. We are warmly received at King Abdulaziz International Airport and transferred to our hotel. Check in time starts from 1500 hrs. Balance of the day is free. We get our first introduction to the country, its people and the delicious Saudi cuisine.

Overnight: Prime Al Hamra Hotel, Jeddah (2 nights) (D)

Day 02: Jeddah

Our introduction to KSA begins with a visit of Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that became even more influential after the opening of the Suez Canal. The city was established as a major port for Indian Ocean trade routes in the 7thCentury, feeding goods to Mecca. Jeddah was also the gateway for Muslim pilgrims destined for Mecca who arrived by sea. These twin roles saw the city develop into a thriving multicultural metropolitan area, characterized by a distinctive architectural tradition, including tower houses built in the late 19th century by the city’s mercantile elites. We visit Bayt Nasseef (Nasseef House), one of the finest traditional houses in Jeddah, dating back to the 19thCentury, which now serves as a museum and cultural centre. Usually, our visit to Bayt Nasseef is from the outside. However, at times, we have been fortunate to get permission to visit the interior. We then see the beautiful Al-Shafi Mosque, which dates to the early Islamic period and is one of the most historic mosques in the entire kingdom. Our day will conclude with a visit of the Abdul Rauf Khalil Art Museum, housing a large collection of objects tracing the various pre-Islamic civilizations that inhabited the region and the rich cultural heritage of the city. (B, L)

Day 03: Jeddah/Medina (Fast Speed Train)/Al Ula (Flight)

We start our day visiting the Jeddah Sculpture Museum on the Corniche, which brings together more than twenty world-famous modern sculptures. Afternoon we are transferred to the railway station for our “bullet” train experience as we travel to Medina. The 270Kms/170miles can take anywhere from 2 to 2.30hrs (depending on which train we get). Medina is the 2nd most holiest city for Muslims - the full name is the Prophet’s city.

Medinah is one of the three holiest cities in Islam (the other being Mecca and Jerusalem). Medinah is centered around Al Masjid an Nabawi, also known as the Prophet’s Mosque, a 10-minaret giant mosque that can accommodate 1 million people and another 800,000 in the plaza outside the msque. Walk around the outside region of the mosque and watch pilgrims visiting. Later, enjoy a uniquely Arabic shopping experience with some browsing time at the city’s central market.

We have lunch enjoying a grand view of the gigantic Prophet’s Mosque with its 10 minarets each of the height of 100m/305 feet. before we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Al-Ula We then take a short flight to Al Ula, which was historically located on the Incense route.  The governorate is also home to Mada’in Saleh, the oldest UNESCO World Heritage Site in Saudi Arabia. We will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. Balance of the day is free.

Overnight: Sahary Resort/Naseem Al Atheeb Resort, Al Ula (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 04: Al Ula

Today, we visit the famous archaeological site of Al-Hijr (Mada’in Saleh), the largest conserved site of the Nabataeans south of Jordan’s Petra. The Nabataean kingdom was legendary for its knowledge of building magnificent structures, including the world famous Treasury at Petra. Here in Al Ula, the kingdom’s largest settlement after Petra, the Nabataeans built well-preserved monuments with decorated facades dating from the 1st century BC to 1st century AD. Of the 111 monumental tombs still existing, 94 are decorated water wells. After our exploration of Al-Hijr, we drive approximately 11 kilometers north east to see yet another interesting site, Elephant Rock. The natural formation here looks like an elephant with a ground-bound trunk surrounded by hundreds of rock monoliths. (B, L, D)

Day 05: Al Ula/Sakaka (Drive)

Journey by road to Sakaka, an oasis town set on the ancient caravan route crossing the Arabian Peninsula. Our travels take us through the Saudi desert, giving us a very interesting view of life in this region often considered a “wasteland”. On the way, we explore the historic Haddajj water-well, Al Hamra Palace and al Radham Palace, dating from 6th century BC.  Lunch will be en route before reaching Sakaka, the capital of Al Jawf province. By mid-afternoon, we should reach Sakaka and check into our hotel. Balance of the day is free. Evening, perhaps take a wander around the oasis town and meet the local folks.

Overnight: Raoum Inn, Sakaka (2 nights) (B, L)

Day 06: Sakaka/Al Jawf/Sakaka

We start our day with a visit of the Sakaka Fort, situated on a strategic point overlooking Sakaka from the northwest.  The fortress, also known as Zaa'bal Fortress and Zaa'bal Palace, is at the heart of many legends and is believed to have been built in the 7th century BC.  Mud construction was added to the structure in the 3rd century AD. We then visit Al-Rajajil, sometimes referred to as the Standing Men, or Standing Stones, a collection of some fifty groups of man-made stone columns. The stones are arranged in groups of four or more, joined at the base and leaning outwards at random angles. Nicknamed the Stonehenge of Saudi Arabia, the Al-Rajajil stones are believed to have been erected more than 6,000 years ago. We then head to Dumat al-Jandal and visit Marid Castle, which commanded the old city of Adumato from the 3rd century AD. Dumat al-Jandal became the capital of the kingdom of Kindah in the 5th century AD. In 633 AD, Khalid ibn al-Walid, a famous general during the early days of Islam, captured Dumat Al-Jandal and it became a part of the newly formed Islamic empire. We visit its famous well, and Omar’s mosque, named after the second Moslem Caliph, Omar Ibn Al Khatab. We will also have the chance to visit the newly discovered rock carvings depicting camels at Al Jawf. (B, L)

Day 07: Sakaka/Riyadh (Flight)

Morning, we take a short flight to the capital city of Riyadh.  Upon arrival, we first enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Then comes the exciting part as we venture to “The Edge Of The World”. The Edge Of The World (Jebel Fihrayn) is a geological wonder in the rocky desert. The site earned its nickname because, from the top of the escarpment, one gets an uninterrupted view of the desert and its rocky formations. You may go for an optional soft hike before we enjoy the remarkable sunset from “The Edge” before returning to Riyadh. What a way to spend the end our tour of life “behind the veil”.

Overnight: Holiday Inn Meydan Hotel, Riyadh (2 nights) (B, L)

Day 08: Riyadh

Today, we tour Riyadh, originally named Hajr, starting with a visit of Qaṣr al-Maṣmak (Masmak Fort), a clay and mud-brick fort lying in the center of the old city. The fort was built around 1865, during the reign of Mohammed ibn Abdullah ibn Rasheed. This building also played a major part in the kingdom's history, as it was here that the recapture of Riyadh, led by Ibn Saud, occurred in 1902. Next, we see Dira Souq, famous for its shops selling gold and silver. After enjoying a traditional lunch at Najd Village Restaurant, we proceed to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Diriyyah, an archaeological site of great importance to the Saudis. Diriyyah was founded in the 15th century as the first capital of the Saudi Dynasty, and remained its capital until 1818, when it was succeeded by the nearby settlement of Riyadh. Next, we visit the National Museum of Saudi Arabia, designed by Canadian architect Raymond Moriyama. Established in 1999, it is part of the King Abdulaziz Historical Centre and displays artifacts dating from pre-Islamic times to modern Saudi Arabia. Our visit here will give us an excellent insight into the country and its people. (B, L)

Day 09: Depart Riyadh

Today, our unique journey, Saudi Arabia: Behind the Veil, comes to an end. Check out time from our hotel is by 1100 hrs, after which we are transferred to the airport for our departure flight. Or, if you want to continue your adventure, ask us about extension options to further explore this undiscovered region, including a unique opportunity to self-drive through Saudi Arabia! (B)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

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Notes

Inclusions

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 04 and a maximum of 12 participants

Customised Itinerary

If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.

Contact Info
You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call 1-604-264-7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1-800-663-0844.

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