Itinerary

“If you want to feel like a true explorer deep in the desert, AlUla is a must see and home to Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the other hand, if you want to feel like an adventurer then trekking up the mountains where Taif sits beautifully would be your choice. Discover Diriyah’s rich historic roots dating back thousands of years, or simply enjoy walking the winding streets of Jeddah’s buzzing cosmopolitan centre.

Saudi Arabia has a unique experience waiting for every traveller, welcome to a journey you’ve never imagined.”

Day 1 | London to AlUla

Meet at the Inflite Private Jet Terminal at London Stansted’s airport. A relaxed oasis to start our journey to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. At boarding time a short stroll will take you to the aircraft steps where our crew will be waiting for you. The comfortable seating in the spacious aircraft provides the perfect way to travel to our first stop. Upon arrival and after clearing immigration and customs we are transferred to our hotel. We will stay in AlUla for 3 nights allowing us ample opportunity to explore the area and visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra. Exploring AlUla promises to be an incredible experience. Dinner at our hotel this evening, choose any of the hotel restaurants or, if you prefer, order room service.

Day 2 | Exploring AlUla

AlUla, is a city of the Medina Region in north-western Saudi Arabia. Historically located on the incense route, the city lies within the Governorate of 'Ula, one of seven in the Medina Region. Al-Ula is one of the oldest cities in the Arabian Peninsula and home to Hegra Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site. Split into smaller groups each of our guides will take us on an interpretive exploration of the Nabatean sights and structures. These were created by the same people who built Petra in nearby Jordan.

After lunch at a local restaurant we return to explore the wonders of Hegra, Dadan and the old town of AlUla. Later in the afternoon we return to the hotel to relax and freshen up. This evening will be our special welcome dinner set up at Jabal Alfil - Elephant Rock. It will be a night to remember.

Day 3| Options at AlUla

A number of optional included tours have been organised for today. For the energetic there is the opportunity to join a guided hike through the valleys, deserts and rock faces of the area. Those feeling adventurous could opt to join buggy or bike ride. Another option is to visit an AlUla farm and, pick your own fruits to make fresh juice that has no equal in flavour. Alternatively, our lovely resort is a wonderful place to relax and reflect on your Arabian adventure.

Dinner this evening is “Your Choice” at any of the hotel restaurants. For those interested,  you can join a star gazing experience including dinner.  Look in awe at the pitch-black sky dotted with brilliant stars. Your expert guide will point out constellations related to AlUla culture and history as you indulge in a traditional barbecue under the stars.

Day 4 | AlUla to Jeddah

Enjoy breakfast and a leisurely morning before we make our way to the airport for the lunch time flight on our private aircraft to Jeddah. This Saudi Arabian port city on the Red Sea, is a modern commercial hub and gateway for pilgrimages to the Islamic holy cities of Mecca and Medina. Resort hotels, beaches and outdoor sculptures line the Corniche, a seafront promenade anchored by the iconic King Fahd’s Fountain. The city’s Al-Balad historic district dates to the 7th century and retains traditional homes built from coral.

Upon arrival we make our way to the Open Museum to see and hear about the incredible sculptures which define the Jeddah Corniche, known locally as ‘Al Hamraa’. We make our way to the Park Hyatt on the Waterfront, enjoy dinner at one of the hotel restaurants on our “Your Choice” concept or order room service.

Day 5 | Exploring Jeddah                                                                                               

Our guides will welcome us for an exploration of Jeddah, old and new. The principal importance of Jeddah in history is that it constituted the port of Mecca and became the site where the majority of Muslim pilgrims landed while journeying to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

In 1916 Jeddah and its Turkish garrisons surrendered to British forces. It then formed part of the Kingdom of the Hejaz until 1925, when it was captured by Ibn Saud. In the 1927 Treaty of Jeddah the British recognized Saudi sovereignty over the Hejaz and Najd regions. Jeddah was eventually incorporated into Saudi Arabia. In 1947 the city walls were demolished, and rapid expansion followed.

After our morning tour we take lunch in a local restaurant before returning to the hotel for a leisurely afternoon. Alternatively, you might want to visit the local shops and souks for an Arabian souvenir and delight in the atmosphere of these local markets. Dinner this evening is at any of the hotel restaurants or you are welcome to join the tour management team as we venture out to Yildizlar an authentic Arabian restaurant and a local favourite.

Day 6 | Ta’if Day Trip

After breakfast we join our guides for our day trip to Ta’if, also known as the City Of Roses. Our journey will give you the opportunity to appreciate the Saudi landscape whilst passing fruits markets, rose farms and deep valleys. Upon arrival we explore the old town before enjoying lunch in a local restaurant thenwe make our way to Ta’if’s central market.   

Ta’if’s central market is a labyrinth of narrow alleys, which snake through sand-coloured buildings to peaceful plazas. Laid out in themed areas, there are sections devoted to rich local honey, perfume (especially rose water and oil), Islamic clothing and jewellery. Street jewellers with blow torches work on silver rings inlaid with Yemini agate, while nearby shops sell elaborate pieces made of gold mined near Medina. And purveyors of ghee milk, oud, decorative swords and healing herbs are always on hand.

We return to our hotel in Jeddah and dinner is “Your Choice” at any of the hotel restaurants or you can order room service if you fancy a night in.

Day 7 | Jeddah to Riyadh

After a leisurely morning we return to our private aircraft ready to fly to our final destination on our Wonders of Arabia tour, the capital Riyadh.

Upon arrival our vehicles will travel to Kingdom Tower Bridge offering a panoramic view over the city where our guides will provide a brief historical overview of the city. Later on we make our way to the Ritz Carlton for our 3 night stay. Dinner this evening is at any of the hotel restaurants, room service or join the tour management team as we venture out to a local restaurant.

Day 8 | Edge of the World and other options

We offer several sightseeing and activities for you to choose from today. The Edge of the World, or Jebel Fihrayn as it is also known, is located about 90km  from Saudi’s capital, roughly a 90-minute drive. It forms part of the vast Tuwaiq cliffs, that stretch over more than 600km through central Saudi. These towering cliffs once overlooked an ancient trade route used to cross the Arabian Peninsula from Yemen into the Levant and Persia. An incredible natural formation and Saudi’s answer to the Grand Canyon. This trip will involve a fair bit of walking on uneven ground so bear that in mind.

Alternatively, you might want to learn about the age old tradition of falconry. Hunting with falcons has been an integral part of Bedouin history on the Arabian Peninsula for 10,000 years archaeologists have even uncovered evidence of the birds among the remains of the Neolithic Al-Magar civilization found in the region. Although falcons were vital for survival in the harsh desert climates, hunting has been banned across much of the desert region since 1975. But the pageantry continues and today, “the sport of kings” is a widely popular hobby throughout the Gulf region.

For another traditional experience, why not visit a date farm? Dates are an iconic symbol of Arabian hospitality and an essential part of life in the kingdom. Upon entering a Saudi home or office, you will often be welcomed with an offering of dates and Arabic coffee. Date palms are mentioned 22 times in the Quran, and the Prophet Muhammad once said that a home with dates is never poor. The nutritious fruit has been a staple of the Saudi diet since ancient times. After a day of exploring, dinner is at any of the hotels restaurants this evening or, if you prefer, you can order room service.

Day 9 | Diriyah

Historical Diriyah is on the agenda today, where we will visit the city’s historical centre, the UNESCO-listed site of At-Turaif, which was founded in the 15th century. It is the original seat of power of Saudi Arabia’s Al Saud family and contains ruins of mud-brick houses connected by narrow alleyways. After our morning exploration we will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to our hotel for a leisurely afternoon. You may want to take the opportunity visit the local shops and souks and enjoy the bustle of these local markets.

Our farewell dinner will be an evening in the desert complete with horses, camels, Arabian music and wonderful food. A great way to round off a unique exploration of the sights of Saudi Arabia.

Day 10 | Riyadh – London

We check out and make our way to the airport for our final flight on our private aircraft back to London. Enjoy the service onboard and share photos and memories of your trip with existing and new friends. We make a brief refuel stop before heading back to London Stansted. Our heads will be spinning with the sights, smells, taste and memories of an Arabian adventure.

Per person pricing is estimated at £14,500 / US$ 20,000

If you are interested in this itinerary you can download a PDF here.

Take a step inside Saudi Arabia today.