9D8N Captivating Arabia

<p>Arrival at Riyadh International airport,  proceed to meet our dedicated representative. Once formalities are complete, guests will be escorted to their comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle for a seamless transfer to the hotel.</p>
<p>The evening is yours to enjoy dinner at your leisure. Whether you prefer to explore local dining options or unwind with a quiet meal, Riyadh offers a variety of culinary experiences to suit your preferences. Rest assured, a relaxing overnight stay awaits you in the vibrant city of Riyadh.</p>
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<p>Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a tour of Riyadh. The National Museum is the first stop, showcasing Saudi national heritage and offering an overview of Arabian civilization from Prehistory to the present. Next is an outside visit to the Murabba Palace, a historic building named after its 400 by 400 meters square, currently undergoing renovation. Lunch takes place at a local Saudi restaurant. In the afternoon, the tour continues with a visit to the Masmak Fort and its museum, illustrating the history of the Al-Saud family’s conquest of Arabia. Built in 1895, the fort served as a military garrison for Abdullah bin Rashid’s army. King Abdulaziz captured the fort in 1902, marking the birthplace of the modern Saudi Kingdom. The day concludes with a pass by the Kingdom Tower and Faisaliah before returning to the hotel. Guests can enjoy dinner at their leisure, followed by an overnight stay in Riyadh.</p>

<p>Breakfast at the hotel. Embark on a journey to Riyadh’s railway station. Board a new and fast train for Ha’il, reaching the city in under 5 hours via a recently constructed railway. Nestled at the foot of the imposing Shammar mountain range, Ha’il is known for its hospitable people and is a hub for Saudi Arabia’s poets and writers. Notably, during the 19th century, early European explorers like Charles Doughty, Lady Blunt, Charles Huber, and Julius Euting explored the city. After lunch at leisure, explore A’Arif Fort, the heritage museum, and the traditional market. If open, visit the Ha’il Regional Museum. Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay in Ha’il.</p>

<p>Breakfast at the hotel. Embark on a journey to Jubbah, situated on an ancient lake with archaeological sites dating back to the Middle Paleolithic period. Surrounded by sandstone outcrops adorned with petroglyphs, Jubbah reflects its history from a lush savannah during past humid phases. Witness carvings of aurochs, cheetahs, and lions, a testament to the flourishing wildlife. The UNESCO-listed Jubbah and Shuwaymis boast numerous petroglyph panels. En route, traverse the famous Nefud Al Kabir desert, spanning 290 km by 225 km. Enjoy lunch at your leisure as you continue to the renowned Al Ula area, where a beautifully located hotel awaits for a relaxing evening with dinner and an overnight stay.</p>

<p>Breakfast at the hotel. Explore Al-Ula, an ancient oasis inhabited for 7000 years, evident in carvings. Dedan, a city developed in the 1st millennium BCE, ruled a vast region along the frankincense trade road. Nabateans from Petra settled in Al-Hijr during the 1st century BCE, crafting 94 monumental tombs. The day starts with visits to ancient carving sites in Al-Ula and Dedan. Explore Ekma and Abu ‘Aoud, deciphering ancient scripts. Lunch at leisure, followed by a visit to Jebel Al-Fil for relaxation by the “Elephant rock.” Conclude the day with dinner and accommodation in Al-Ula.</p>

<p>Breakfast at the hotel. Start our journey to explore the renowned Hegra (Madain Saleh), Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site. Formerly known as Al-Hijr or Hegra in Greek, Madain Saleh was the Nabatean Kingdom’s southernmost pivotal city, thriving from the 2nd century BCE until the Roman conquest in 106 CE. Boasting 94 adorned funeral monuments, it is the second richest Nabatean city. Guided through this historic site, visitors will discover its vibrant architectural prowess, tombs, inscriptions, and stone structures. After a leisurely lunch, proceed to the Old City of Al-Ula, a crucial pilgrimage stop in the Islamic era. Continue the journey to Medina via the old Hijaz route railway, checking in upon arrival. Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay in Medina.</p>

<p>Breakfast at the hotel. Visit to the holy city of Medina. Explore the city center, with the significant Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (Prophet’s Mosque) featuring the Green Dome and tombs of Prophet Muhammad, Abu Bakr, and Umar. The Masjid al-Qiblatain marks the spot where the Prophet received the command to change the prayer direction. Tour the outskirts, excluding holy pilgrimage areas, concluding with a sunset walk near Mount Uhud. Visit the DAR AL MADINA museum for insights into Islam and the Prophet’s biography. Depart for Jeddah, reaching it after a 5-hour ride. Explore the Abdul Raouf Khalil Museum showcasing local and Arabian heritage. Check into the hotel, with dinner and an overnight stay in Jeddah.</p>

<p>Breakfast at the hotel before exploring old Jeddah. A delightful walk through Al-Balad, the historic part of the city, reveals hidden gems such as the Old Market, galleries, and local food spots. The tour includes a glimpse of Beit Nassif, a renovated mid-1800s structure blending traditional and modern architecture. Lunch is at leisure. Pass by the Al Rahmah Mosque and witness the Floating Mosque, symbolizing Jeddah’s modernization. The tour concludes with a visit to the Jeddah Corniche, a 30 km coastal resort area along the Red Sea, featuring King Fahd’s Fountain. Enjoy dinner at a traditional Saudi restaurant and stay overnight in Jeddah.</p>

<p>Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, and then proceed with a transfer to Jeddah International Airport for your departure flight.</p>