The Heritage Route

Today we will be welcoming you at the airport as our guide will be waiting for you holding a sign. We will be taking you to your hotel where you can rest for a bit. Welcome to Riyadh, the birthplace of modern Saudi Arabia, where old-world charm meets 21st-century vision. Riyadh Province – also known as Al-Wosta – is home to the country’s capital: a modern metropolis with a thriving financial and business center, and a growing cultural scene. It’s a city rich in history, boasting myriad forts, palaces and museums, and some of the country’s most colorful souks.

RIYADH CITY TOUR - AL MASMAK - NATIONAL MUSEUM
Diriyah site First visit is Diriyah , northwest of the city and the original capital of the first Saudi state is a must-see. Its Al Turaif quarter, a carefully restored mud-brick district that was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, offers a glimpse into the country’s extraordinary heritage. Next on tour we will visit the National museum you will be discovering Saudi Arabia’s rich past is an amazing journey that would bring you along thousands of kilometers around the whole Kingdom. An easier way to have an insight of Saudi Arabia’s rich History is to visit the King Abdulaziz Historical Center in Riyadh where artifacts from all periods are exhibited and with explanations about their historical significance. The Murabba Historical palace situated within the premises of the museum is built in the form of a square surrounded by walls, highlighting the nature of the local society that values the privacy of their homes. The palace has 32 rooms divided over 2 floors, receptions for the king’s guests, and administrative offices for the king’s aides and guards. After our historical brief we will have our lunch and then continue to visit Al Masmak Fortress ,surrounded by sand, this squat fortification was built around 1865 and is like a scene out of the movies: a big fortress representing an empire. It was the site of a daring 1902 raid by Ibn Saud, during which a spear was hurled at the main entrance door with such force that the head is still lodged in the doorway. Highlights among the exhibits include maps and fascinating photographs of Saudi Arabia dating from 1912 to 1937, in galleries converted from diwans (living rooms). The roofs are covered with painted palm-tree, taramic and ethel wood and exude an old-world charm that evokes an Arabian painting. Inside, the information panels and short, chest-thumping films on the storming of the fortress and the ‘reunification’ of Saudi Arabia are reverential towards the Al Sauds but worth watching nonetheless. In the same area and only in walking distance we will find our self in Souq Al-Zal which is one of the oldest traditional market. They sell traditional dresses, antiques, Oud “ Arabic perfume” and jewelry. In the evening we will take a trip to Kingdom Centre, It was designed by the US-based architecture firm Ellerbe Becket in a joint venture with the Riyadh-based architecture and engineering firm Omrania and associates. At the top of the tower, an inverted arch is spanned by a glass skybridge housing a public observation deck, Its design was inspired by iconic structures from around the world, including the Gateway Arch in St.Louis, The Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Eiffel tower.

Visit Al Mujama’a and Al Ghatt Today we will drive to Buridha via two small towns on our way which are Al Mujamm’a and Al Ghat. We will visit the historical side of these towns and learn the cultural and historical aspects that dates back when the country was forming Al Majmaah is located approximately 180 kilometers from Riyadh which will take about 2 hours drive a Visit one of the two sites depends on the day of visit as Al Munikh Castle closes each Tuesday. Al Munikh Castle is a restored mud-brick fortress that crowns a hilltop in Al Majmaah’s old district. Known for its distinctive Najdi design, the castle once served as a watchtower and defensive post. Today, it’s a heritage site and visitor center managed by the Ministry of Culture. Highlights: Traditional Najdi fort architecture with defensive towers and battlements Panoramic views of palm groves and the surrounding town Cultural exhibitions and historical displays inside the visitor center Al-Qasr Al-Askari Imarah Palace: Also known as the Imarah Palace, Al-Qasr Al-Askari is a historical government residence built in 1272 AH (circa 1856 AD) by Ibrahim bin Suleiman Al-Askar. It once served as the ruling center of Al Majmaah and now stands as a restored heritage site open to visitors. Highlights: Large compound including the former emir’s residence, family quarters, mosque, and stables Architectural features typical of 19th-century Najdi governance buildings Recently restored to showcase its cultural and administrative history Next Visit Qasr Al-Imarah (Amara Palace) – Al-Ghat which is 30KM away which will take about 40 min drive Overview Historic 19th-century emirate palace now converted into a museum showcasing prehistoric, pre-Islamic, Islamic, and modern eras of Al-Ghat’s history. The palace consists of 50 rooms, split between the original structure and a modern 1966 extension, and includes display halls, a visual theatre, a coffee majlis, and a gift shop. Continue to Buraydah. Cultural Walkthrough: Buraidah Old Market (Souq Al-Majlis). Located in the historical heart of Buraidah, the Old Market is a living museum of Najdi heritage, where tradition and commerce meet. This charming market features local crafts, traditional clothing, aromatic coffee, and historic homes over 140 years old—all offering an authentic glimpse into the region’s cultural fabric. Suggested Duration 1.5 to 2 hours Best Time to Visit: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Camel Market - Palm Farm and Dates Market. The Buraydah Camel Market is one of the largest and most vibrant in the Kingdom, offering a fascinating glimpse into Saudi Arabia’s enduring relationship with camels. Visiting the market provides insight into the significance of camels in local heritage, trade, and desert life. Watch as merchants showcase camels for racing, breeding, or farming. Observe traditional auction-style bargaining. This market is closed in Friday and Sunday and best time to visit is from 6:30 am. Nestled in the heart of Qassim, Buraidah is famous for its lush date farms and the world-renowned Buraydah Date Festival. A guided visit to one of the local farms offers a firsthand look into the life cycle of the date palm and the traditional and modern methods of date production. Visit to the Palm Farm Palm Grove Walkthrough: Stroll under rows of towering palms as your host explains the different date varieties grown in Qassim, including Sukkary, Khalas, and Segai. Care & Cultivation: Learn how farmers irrigate, pollinate, prune, and protect the palms. See how traditional climbing techniques are still used for hand-harvesting. Next visit one of the dates markets in case you need to buy dates which is known to be the most famous.
Buraydah to Hail – 2hr 40 min transfer
Jubbah mountain: Later today we will start our tour to northwest of Hail to Jubbah and you’ll find yourself surrounded by pictures of the past. Jabal Umm Sinman in Jubbah boasts rock inscriptions dating back at least 7,000 to 9,000 years to the Pottery Neolithic period. Home to some of the most prominent Neolithic rock art in the Middle East, the variety of inscriptions and petroglyphs reveal human activities, clothing, animals and weaponry of that time period. This site is about 80 min drive from Hail where a guide will explain the background of this site which is a UNESCO registered site.

Today we head to AlUla. With short stops it can take up to 6 hours. After we finish our tour we will take you to the Elephant Rock, also known as Jabal AlFil, one of AlUla’s many geological marvels. Unlike the ornate, hand-carved facades of nearby Hegra’s Nabataean tombs, the “trunk” and “body” of this monolithic red sandstone beast were hewn by natural forces — millions of years of wind and water erosion. The beauty of the unrefined structure is enhanced by its surroundings of a fine-sand sea studded with rocky outcrops, many of which are equally impressive in size and have interesting shapes and figures. The area has very nice atmosphere with a cafe and restaurant, the seating area are build underground filled with magical lights that its just wonderful to witness the sunset.

Wadi Dissah with Lunch. Our trip is going to be to Wadi Al Dissah. As we reach the valley, we will have our lunch there where our team will be preparing you traditional delicious food. After lunch we will take you on a walking tour inside this gorgeous valley and explore Wadi Dissah which is a 15 kilometer long canyon running through the Jebel Qaraqir, a sandstone massif lying about 80 kilometers south of the city of Tabuk. This natural wonder was for a long time a well-kept secret among explorers, before the road leading to the nearby city of Dissah was built and satellite images were available to the public, which made it quite difficult to find and reach. Let us tell you a little bit about this valley before we start our hike so you prepare your self and to get astonished! The first striking feature of this wadi is its dimensions: at the eastern entrance of the canyon the side cliffs are already higher than 100 meters,but at the western entrance the gap between the bottom of the wadi and the tallest cliffs reaches as high as 500 meters! It is there, from the massive rocky peaks, standing on both sides of the canyon, that one can admire the most dramatic scenery of this magical place. The second - and most unexpected - amazing feature of Wadi Qaraqir is a water stream that runs through the western part of the canyon towards the city of Dissah. While you are exploring Wadi Qaraqir from the eastern entrance will find abundant palm trees growing naturally along the wadi bed. But once half-way through the canyon underground water tops up all year long. As a result, lush vegetation made of 3 meter high grass, numerous palm trees and bushes, flourishes in between the majestic cliffs of the canyon!

Hegra tour - Madain Saleh. Today, we are starting with the Madain Saleh or Hegra , which is a remarkable archaeological site in Saudi Arabia that combines natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural heritage, making it a truly beautiful and mesmerizing destination to explore. Here’s why : Stunning Architecture! Hegra boasts impressive rock-cut tombs and facades that showcase the exceptional craftsmanship of the Nabateans. The intricate details and intricate designs on the facades are awe-inspiring. The site is set amidst a captivating desert landscape with sandstone cliffs, rocky outcrops, and serene surroundings. The combination of ancient architecture and the natural beauty of the desert makes it a unique and breathtaking place. Hegra holds significant cultural and historical importance, serving as a testament to the ancient Nabatean civilization and their trade networks. It provides a glimpse into the past and allows visitors to connect with the rich history of the region. Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra is recognized and protected for its outstanding universal value, ensuring its preservation for future generations to enjoy. Serenity and Tranquility - Visiting Hegra can offer a sense of peace and tranquility as you wander through the ancient ruins and marvel at the beauty of the surroundings. Hegra was a key stop along the ancient trade routes, and its architecture reflects a blend of various cultural influences from the region. Transfer from AlUla to Madinah 3 hr 37 min (331 km).

Madinah tour. Today, we will visit the two famous holy Mosques, the Holy Mosque and Qiba Mosque which both have significant importance in Islamic history in which the first was the house that prophet Mohammed lived and eventually it’s his grave visited by . The second was the first Mosque ever built. you will have a general overview how the city was built and shaped throughout the 1400 years. (Both mosques will be visited from the outside only). In the same street which is a nice pedestrian street for walking , there are many traditional food shops and snacks where will stop for our lunch break.
Hejaz Railway Museum: The museum is located at the Hejaz Railway Station in Madinah. It includes halls containing many artifacts, visual galleries and old photos, in addition to the Hejaz Railway Museum, which contains artifacts belonging to the Ottoman train, including wagons and engines. The project of the Ottoman Sultan Abdul Hamid II to link Istanbul, the capital of the Ottoman Caliphate, to Madinah at the time, with a railway passing through the Levant. The first train arrived in Madinah in 1326 AH / 1908 AD.
Dar Al Madinah Museum: The Dar Al Madinah museum is located in the Knowledge Economic City. It is a purpose built museum that showcases the history of The Blessed City of Madinah. It has many exhibits that show how the city expanded from the time of our Beloved Prophet Muhammed to the current time. It also contains rare manuscripts and a variety of model respresentations. It is definetly worth a visit if you are looking to be inspired about the amazing history of the city of Madinah. Train trip from Madinah to Jeddah via bullet train – 1hr and 50 mins.

Today we will start our tour in the morning with a short stop at Jeddah Corniche and Jeddah water front before we go to our next stop at Tayebat Museum. We will head now to The Tayebat Museum for a fascinating look into Jeddah’s long and cosmopolitan past, take an informative tour indeed the Tayebat Museum for a superbly curated representation of the city’s 2,500-year history. Located in the Al Faisaliyah district, the museum is housed in a multiroom complex that re-creates the traditional Hijazi architecture of the old city, with bay windows overlaid with intricate wooden lattice work and ornate coral masonry. With several floors of in-depth exhibits, the museum offers a living history lesson on the foundation of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and the wider Arabian Peninsula. There is also an entire floor dedicated to the city’s rich Islamic heritage. After our visit we will go to The house of Islamic arts, a museum specialized in Islamic arts. From the far countries of China and India to the farthest countries of the Maghreb and Andalusia of various arts, where the museum contains more than a thousand pieces of art representing 15 centuries of the history of Islamic art from all countries of the Islamic world. Before we move to the next tour, we will have lunch we will suggest one of the local nice restaurants here in Jeddah that serves the famous traditional dishes in Jeddah.
Al Balad Tour - Jeddah Historical City. In the evening we will start our tour in Al Balad as local call it which means “ the town” as reference to the base of Jeddah. Al-Balad was founded in the 7th century and historically served as the centre of Jeddah. Our tour will go through the history of these building including going inside one of the buildings to see the interior designs , furniture Al Balad is registered as a world heritage UNESCO site and since then the old buildings with its unique window designs and doors are being preserved along with its unique buildings which some have been built using sea shells and stones ! We will also explain the historical importance of some sites and locations while we wonder around the narrow streets to explain how merchants used to sell their goods and how pilgrims used to get their supplies of cloth and food before they head to Makkah through the Makkah Gate in Al Balad. The old Mosques is another tourist attraction where some were founded over 300 years ago and still functional as a mosque. To wrap up the day, we’ll take you to the King Fahd’s Fountain, located on the west coast of Saudi Arabia, the fountain jets water to a maximum height of 260 metres (853 ft). King Fahd’s Fountain is listed in Guinness World Records as the highest water fountain in the world. The fountain is visible throughout the vicinity of Jeddah. The water ejected can reach a speed of 375 km/h (233 mph) and its airborne mass can exceed 16 tonnes (18 short tons).The fountain uses saltwater taken from the Red Sea instead of freshwater. Over 500 LED spotlights illuminate the fountain at night.

Today, we say goodbye to beautiful Saudi. We will be dropping you off at the airport according to your flight schedule.