Set out to explore The Land of the Two Holy Mosques with this 10-day small-group tour of Saudi Arabia! Your journey will begin in Riyadh, the cultural capital of Saudi Arabia known for its spectacular skyscrapers, world-class shopping malls, and historic national museums. Visit the Murabba Palace, originally built as a private residence for the Saudi King, and see the Masmak Fort, dating back to 1865 AD. Next, you will take the train to Ha’il, situated at the very foot of the Shammar Mountains. Explore Ha’il with its boundless beauty and warm hospitality, and visit the A’arif Fort, a captivating castle built with mud and clay. From there you will travel to Jubbah, a beautiful oasis believed to be the remains of an ancient lake, before you visit Al-Ula, where you can see fascinating rock formations and artistic masterpieces. Explore Mada’in Saleh, also known as Hegra, the first World Heritage Site in Saudi Arabia. From there you will travel to the holy city of Medina, where you will explore the story of Islam and the prophet’s biography. Finally, set out to explore Jeddah, where your small-group tour of Saudi Arabia will come to an end!
This trip was memorable for so many reasons not the least because of the warm welcome the group received from our local Saudi guides and by the families that we encountered. The landscape was much more varied than I expected; desert, mountains, oceans, camels, ancient rocks and caves revealing historic art as well as culture in the form of mosques, museums and sculptures in the cities. The temperature (in early May) was not oppressive, as humidity is low and there is ample opportunity to seek shade. We were the first Exodus group to embark on this trip. The visit changed many of my preconceptions of life in Saudi Arabia and, because of the genuinely warm welcome and an increasing understanding of the culture, it felt natural to dress modestly and enjoy fruit juices instead of wine. I left the country feeling that I had been among friends and would therefore not hesitate to recommend it to others.
On this tour you’ll will uncover ultimate cosmopolitan cities of UAE and explore Al Ula, an ancient oasis that is inhabited for the last 7000 years in Saudi Arabia. Your journey will begin in Dubai, a glitzy city known for its towering towers, spectacular skyscrapers, and magnificent mega malls. Discover the major city highlights with a tour of Dubai before you have dinner onboard an exquisitely decorated Dhow. Later, prepare for a thrilling journey over rolling dunes deep in the heart of the desert, where you will enjoy a BBQ dinner and traditional belly dancing performance. Later, visit Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE. Take an ultimate Abu Dhabi full day tour and get advantage of an ideal introduction to the largest city of the Emirates. This city's skylines compromise modern towers and mega shopping centers. From there return to Dubai. Next day board your onward flight to Al Ula, where you can see fascinating rock formations and artistic masterpieces. Explore Mada’in Saleh, also known as Hegra, the first World Heritage Site in Saudi Arabia. At the beginning of the Islamic era, it was an important staging post along the pilgrimage route to Mecca. Al Ula Old Town offers researchers unique oral histories and living memory that the area’s other heritage sites cannot. Your journey comes to an end as you head home filled with unforgettable memories.
This itinerary takes you on a journey through the United Arab Emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi), Qatar (Doha), Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia (Al-Hofuf, Riyadh, Medina and Jeddah). Your journey begins in Jeddah, where you'll marvel at the towering Jeddah Tower, stroll along the picturesque Corniche, and explore the lively Fish Market. The historic Al-Balad district, with its narrow streets and coral stone houses, offers a glimpse into the city's rich heritage, while Tabeyat International City blends modern urban design with cultural vibrancy. From Jeddah, head to Medina to visit the revered Prophet's Mosque, a spiritual center and key pilgrimage site. Next, travel to AL-’ULA, an open-air museum with stunning rock formations like Elephant Rock. In Tabuk, explore a historical castle and mud house museum before heading to Riyadh, where the city's modern skyscrapers, malls, and landmarks such as the Kingdom Centre and National Museum await. Then, venture to Al Hofuf, or Al-Ahsa, to experience the lush palm groves and traditional architecture of the Al-Ahsa Oasis. Your journey continues in Bahrain, where you’ll discover the Friendship Bridge, Muharraq, the vibrant souks, the Bahrain National Museum, Al Fatih Mosque, and the famous "Tree of Life." In Doha, take in the Corniche, stadiums, museums, souks, and the cultural hub of Katara. Dubai’s futuristic skyline and luxury shopping await you, followed by Abu Dhabi's stunning landmarks, including the Sheikh Zayed Mosque and the Louvre. In Al Ain, experience the lively trading of livestock and the city's vibrant culture. Discover Fujairah's historic adobe fortress and museum, then relax at Khor Fakkan's beautiful beach. Finally, visit Sharjah’s Fort and Museum of Islamic Civilization before concluding your extraordinary journey with the immersive "Rain Room," a modern art installation where you can walk through artificial rain without getting wet.
With this exhilarating tour, experience the ancient stories and pharaonic cultures that are the quintessential image of Egypt and set out to explore the largest country in the Arabian Peninsula. Begin your journey in Cairo, the cultural hub of the Arab World & get set to take a flight to Luxor. Embark on a relaxing four-night cruise on the banks of the Nile River. Capture the aesthetic views of the ancient temples of Luxor and Karnak, the oldest temple compound in the world. Visit the historical sights of Kom Ombo, including the tombs of Theban rulers, ancient kings, and queens of several dynasties. Well, it’s not done yet. Continue your journey to The Temple of Edfu — the best-preserved ancient temple in Egypt and the second largest. Then, get ready to explore Aswan where you will get a chance to admire the Phile Temple, built to worship the Goddess Isis. Now, hold your breath & fly down to Jeddah, the gateway to the sacred city of Mecca. Next, you will travel to Al-Ula, an ancient oasis boosting 7000 years of history. Your tour of Egypt and Saudi Arabia will come to an end, and you will head home filled with fascinating memories that will last you a lifetime!