About this trip
This 9-day guided tour takes you across Saudi Arabia's key historic regions, starting in the capital Riyadh and finishing on the Red Sea coast in Jeddah.
You travel by train from Riyadh to Ha'il, then continue overland through Jubbah, Al Ula and Mada'in Saleh before reaching Madinah and Jeddah, taking in ancient rock art, ruins and ; a good spread for those wanting a first proper look at the country's history and landscapes.
Hotels are 3- and 4-star throughout, with breakfast included daily and a guide with you for the whole route.
What you'll do
- Take the train from Riyadh to Ha'il
- See the ancient rock art at Jubbah
- Explore the Nabatean tombs at Mada'in Saleh
- Visit Al Ula's historic sites
- Spend time in Madinah
- End the tour in the coastal city of Jeddah
- You change base regularly, moving through six locations over 9 days
- Meals included are breakfast only, so budget for lunches and dinners
- Suits those wanting a guided introduction to Saudi Arabia's history rather than a beach or resort-based trip
Worth it if you're fascinated by Saudi Arabia's history and culture, and can tolerate logistical chaos. Think twice if you need reliable admin, short bus journeys, or guides who communicate clearly.
- Guide quality varies wildly, but the best ones (Abdel, Rahim) genuinely excel at managing mixed-language groups and going extra.
- Pre-trip administration is genuinely chaotic: hotel names withheld, itineraries changed multiple times, meal plans inconsistent across guests.
- Bus journeys are very long and often start late, arriving at hotels late at night. Madinah-Jeddah drive takes nearly six hours instead of a possible 1.5-hour train.
- Desert cities like Al Ula close until 4pm and lack tourist infrastructure; be prepared for limited food and activity options midday.
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Getting there
Opens Trip.com, pre-filled — one-way so you can book your return whenever. Prices & booking shown there.
Where to stay
A night before your tour in Riyadh · 3 Sept – 4 Sept
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