Ladies Only in Saudi Arabia During Ramadan: Riyadh, Medina, AlUla UNESCO Wonders, 🌋 White Volcano, 🥾 Edge of the World, Holy Land & More! 🌟

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN RIYADH 🕌🌟 Welcome to Riyadh, the dazzling capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia! ✨ If you arrive around 1 PM, we’ll kick off our adventure right away by picking up our 🚗 at the airport and diving straight into the city exploration. Don’t worry about your luggage—our car will serve as a temporary storage spot. 🧳 For early arrivals, you can drop your bags at the hotel reception for a small fee. 💼 We’ll start our journey at one of Riyadh’s most impressive shopping malls 🛍️, the perfect spot to grab a bite 🍽️ and recharge for the day. Once refreshed, we’ll head to the lively Al Olaya district—our home base for the next two nights. 🏨 Our accommodation is ideally located on Riyadh’s top food street 🥘 and within walking distance of the iconic Kingdom Centre Tower 🏙️. But the day doesn’t end there! 🌙 Tonight, we’ll visit At-Turaif, the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the birthplace of Saudi Arabia 🏰. With only seven days left of the Diriyah Season festivities 🎉, we’re in for an unforgettable evening exploring this historic gem through a self-guided tour 📖 and vibrant celebrations. 🥳 AL OLAYA is Riyadh’s vibrant heart, blending modern skyscrapers like Kingdom Centre with luxury shopping, fine dining, and lush parks. Known for its dynamic nightlife and rich culture, it offers a unique mix of business energy and cosmopolitan charm, embodying Saudi Arabia’s urban sophistication. KINGDOM CENTRE TOWER is Riyadh’s iconic landmark, celebrated for its striking design and Sky Bridge offering breathtaking city views. Home to luxury shopping, fine dining, and a five-star hotel, it uniquely blends elegance and innovation, standing as a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s modernity and ambition. AT-TURAIF WORLD HERITAGE SITE is the cradle of Saudi Arabia, showcasing the 18th-century adobe architecture of the First Saudi State. Nestled in Diriyah, it uniquely blends history with cultural immersion, offering museums, restored palaces, and a glimpse into the nation’s rich heritage.

DAY 2: RIYADH → TOUR 2. EDGE OF THE WORLD → RIYADH 🏛️🏜️ Distance: 207 km | Drive Time: ~4.5 hours After an activity-packed first day, let’s take it easy this morning. ☀️ Let's start the day with a delicious breakfast at our hotel—especially since Ramadan is still ongoing outside. After that, we can explore any leftover attractions from yesterday or take a relaxed stroll to Panorama Mall 🛍️, conveniently located near our accommodation. By 2 PM, we need to be ready for one of the most thrilling experiences of this trip: a 7-hour adventure to the legendary Edge of the World ⛰️! This jaw-dropping cliff is TripAdvisor’s #1-rated attraction near Riyadh, offering an unforgettable mix of off-roading, hiking 🥾, and breathtaking views 🌄. After exploring hidden caves and standing at the edge of the dramatic cliffs, we’ll witness one of the most stunning sunsets 🌅 and experience some of the best stargazing 🌌 in Saudi Arabia—as praised by those who’ve been there before. To complete our day, we’ll indulge in an authentic Bedouin-style dinner under the open sky, embracing the rich Saudi Arabian culture. After this magical night, we’ll return to Riyadh for one last sleep before saying goodbye to this incredible city in the morning. TOUR 2: EDGE OF THE WORLD - Experience the breathtaking Edge of the World on a guided hike through Riyadh’s stunning landscape. Stand atop the 1,131-meter-high cliff, take in endless panoramic views, and explore rugged trails. As the sun sets, enjoy a magical stargazing experience before indulging in a traditional Arabic-style dinner under the open sky. Snacks are provided to keep you energized throughout this 7-hour adventure.

DAY 3: BURAIDAH → CAMELS, DATES & AUTHENTIC STAY 🐪🌴 Distance: 354 km | Drive Time: ~3.5 hours Rise and shine! After breakfast and packing up, we hit the road for Buraidah, home to the world’s largest camel and date markets. At the bustling camel market, thousands of dromedaries, goats, and sheep are bought and sold daily, offering a glimpse into Saudi Arabia’s deep-rooted traditions. From prized racing camels to traditional saddles, this is a true cultural experience. If luck is on our side, I’ll capture the scale of it all with my drone. Next, we visit the world’s largest date market, where farmers from across the region trade their harvests. With 7 million date palms, Buraidah is a paradise for date lovers—perfect for stocking up on local treats and gifts. 🎁 Tonight, we embrace tradition by staying in an authentic Arabic-style house, just as Saudi families do when traveling. CAMEL MARKET - the world’s largest camel market comes alive with thousands of camels in every shade—black, white, brown, and beige—being traded in a chaotic, bustling atmosphere. Buyers and sellers, dressed in traditional Arab attire, negotiate deals while the air fills with the sounds (and smells) of the market. Beyond camels, you’ll find sheep, goats, and all kinds of camel gear—from saddles to halters and blankets. BURAIDAH DATE MARKET - the world’s largest date market. Saudi Arabia, home to 28 million palm trees and over 40 date varieties, produces 1.3 million tons of dates annually, making up 15% of global production. While March isn’t peak season, we’ll still experience an incredible variety of dates, sample the sweetest ones, and chat with farmers about their harvest.

DAY 4: BURAIDAH → MADINAH 🚗🌵🕌 Distance: 512 km | Drive Time: ~5 hours Today, we embark on a scenic desert road trip, soaking in Saudi Arabia’s vast and breathtaking landscapes. Along the way, we’ll pause for a lunch break 🍽️, quick leg stretches 🚶‍♂️, and even a peek into the quirky charm of local petrol stations ⛽—because it’s the little moments that make road trips unforgettable! By afternoon, we arrive in Medina 🕌—the second holiest city in Islam and home to the awe-inspiring Al-Masjid an-Nabawi 🌟, built by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and housing his sacred resting place. Luckily, our hotel is just a 3-minute walk from the Masjid (women’s section). While non-Muslims cannot enter certain religious sites, the city itself radiates an enchanting, peaceful energy. We’ll take a relaxed stroll, soaking in the rich history, spiritual ambiance, and unique charm of Medina. Tonight, we rest in this sacred city, embraced by its serene and mystical aura. 🌙✨

DAY 5: OPTION #1. MEDINA → BLACK & WHITE VOLCANOES 🌋⚫⚪ → ALULA Distance: 554 km | Drive Time: ~6 hours Today, you have the freedom to customize your adventure! If you’re a hiking enthusiast up for a challenge, opt for the thrilling “Black & White Volcanoes” tour. Otherwise, we can stick to the main itinerary, hit the road early, and enjoy more time exploring AlUla. The choice is yours! 🔥 OPTIONAL ACTIVITY - TOUR: BLACK & WHITE VOLCANOES For those craving a unique off-road adventure, the tour kicks off at 8 AM 🚙. We’ll traverse vast lava fields and witness towering black volcanic cones alongside Saudi Arabia’s rare white volcanoes, formed by silica-rich lava. This geological marvel is a sight to behold! 🌟 Highlight: Stand at the edge of a 2 km-wide crater, a breathtaking experience that will leave you in awe! 💰 Not included in the trip price. Cost varies from €225 to €350, depending on group size.❣️ In the afternoon, we bid farewell to the dramatic volcanic landscapes and set off for AlUla 🏜️. By evening, we’ll arrive just in time for a delicious local dinner 🍽️ and a cozy overnight stay at a charming farmhouse 🏡🌴. If we still have energy, we can take a nighttime stroll among AlUla’s famous rock formations—they look absolutely magical under the moonlight. 🌌✨ 🌙 Goodnight! Rest well—more adventures await tomorrow!

DAY 5: OPTION #2. MEDINAH – ALULA 🐪🏜️ Distance: 334 km | Drive Time: ~4 hours After a hearty breakfast, we’ll set off for an exciting journey to AlUla, home to Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site: Hegra. Also known as the “Petra of Saudi Arabia,” Hegra was once a thriving Nabataean city, second only to Petra itself. Along the way, if the weather permits, I’ll show you the famous “Invisible Building”—a mesmerizing architectural wonder seamlessly blending into the desert landscape! 🌄✨ Once in AlUla, prepare to be amazed as we explore the timeless wonders of this historic region: 🏛️ Hegra (Mada’in Saleh) – The Jewel of AlUla Dating back nearly 2,000 years, Hegra is home to over 140 rock-carved tombs of the Nabataean civilization. These massive tombs, intricately decorated with elaborate facades, were built to honor nobles and high-status individuals. The largest and most iconic tomb, Al Hijr, stands alone as a towering monolith, showcasing the grandeur of this lost civilization. The dry desert climate has preserved these structures remarkably well, making it feel like stepping into an ancient past. 🏺 Ancient Dadan – A Forgotten Kingdom Long before the Nabataeans, Dadan was a powerful kingdom (9th–2nd century BC) that ruled over the Arabian Peninsula. The remnants of this ancient civilization, including lion-marked tombs and inscriptions, provide insight into their language, economy, and society. While excavation work is still ongoing, the site offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s deep history. 🏜️ Jabal Ikmah – The Open-Air Library of Arabia Often referred to as the “largest open-air library”, this site is home to thousands of ancient inscriptions and petroglyphs left behind by Aramaic, Thamudic, Dadanitic, and Nabataean civilizations. Carved into towering cliffs, these writings depict religious beliefs, daily life, and trade routes from over 2,000 years ago. Seeing these detailed rock engravings up close is truly mesmerizing! 🐘 Elephant Rock – A Natural Wonder AlUla’s landscape is reminiscent of the American Southwest, with stunning sandstone formations, spires, and arches. One of the most famous is Elephant Rock (Jabal AlFil), a colossal elephant-shaped rock formation standing majestically in the desert. At sunset, this area transforms into a beautiful outdoor lounge, where we can relax with coffee under the glowing desert sky. 🌅☕ ⛏️ Jabal Ithlib – The Sacred Nabataean Sanctuary Located northeast of Hegra, Jabal Ithlib was a holy site dedicated to Dushara, the chief god of the Nabataeans. The highlight here is the 40-meter-tall narrow passageway, flanked by towering cliffs. This dramatic corridor was used for religious gatherings, and its walls still bear carvings and niches for prayer halls, adding to the site’s mystique. 🏘️ AlUla Old Town – A Living Relic of the Past Unlike the ancient tombs, AlUla Old Town is a 700-year-old mudbrick settlement, where pilgrims once gathered before their final journey to Mecca and Medina. The town’s labyrinth-like alleys and Mousa Bin Nusayr Castle make it feel like a real-life desert fortress frozen in time. Walking through these streets is like stepping back into a bygone era. 🌙 Overnight in AlUla As the day winds down, we’ll reflect on the grandeur of the Nabataean civilization and the ancient Arabian empires that shaped this region. The desert night sky adds to the magic, making AlUla the perfect place to dream of the past and prepare for another adventure tomorrow. 💤🌌

DAY 6: ALULA → MEDINA ✈️ Distance: 334 km | Drive Time: ~4 hours Our final morning in AlUla will be spent exploring the remaining must-see wonders, soaking in the last glimpses of this breathtaking ancient landscape. By 2:00 PM, we’ll begin our journey back to Medina, traveling through the vast desert roads—where golden sands stretch endlessly under the open sky. A Journey to Remember ✨ The world changes so quickly, and tomorrow may bring a reality entirely different from today. But one thing remains constant: the unforgettable memories we’ve created together. 🌍 We’ve captured the beauty of Saudi Arabia—a land of timeless history, awe-inspiring landscapes, and hidden treasures. Not everyone gets to experience such an extraordinary adventure, but you did—and for that, I’m deeply grateful for your courage, curiosity, and spirit of exploration. 🧡

DEPARTURE DAY ✈️ 🚗 After returning our trusty rental car, it’s time to head to the airport. As we board our planes and settle in for the journey home, let’s hold onto the incredible moments we’ve shared and the stories we’ll tell for years to come. Thank you, beautiful Saudi Arabia! 🇸🇦 You’ve left an indelible mark on our hearts. 🌟👋 And to all of you—see you somewhere down the road for the next adventure! 🛤️✨