Best of SAUDI ARABIA in 10 Days 🐪: UNESCO AlUla, 🌋 White Volcano, 🥾 Edge of the World, Holy Land & More!

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN RIYADH 🕌🌟 Welcome to Riyadh, the vibrant capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia! This modern oasis in the desert is a paradise of lights and culture. Once you arrive, we’ll start exploring the city as soon as we drop off our bags. Although check-in begins at 3 PM, I always recommend arriving as early as possible – you’ll thank yourself later! Our program today is flexible and will depend on the arrival times of our group members. Once we meet at the accommodation, we’ll head out on an improvised city exploration tour. Don’t worry about food – we’ll decide on a spot that suits everyone’s dietary preferences. Riyadh will be our home for the next two nights, so get ready to immerse yourself in this incredible city!

DAY 2: RIYADH – AL-DIRIYAH – EDGE OF THE WORLD – RIYADH 🏛️🏜️ Distance: 207 km | Drive Time: ~4.5 hours 🌅 Rise and shine! After an early wake-up and breakfast, we’ll hit the road for a day packed with unforgettable experiences. Our first stop is Al-Diriyah, the birthplace of Saudi Arabia. This unique village boasts labyrinth-like mud alleys that seem frozen in time. As the sun climbs higher, watch shades of grey transform into hues of pink and orange, painting an incredible backdrop for our exploration. You’ll truly feel the connection between Saudi Arabia’s rich past and vibrant present. 🏞️ Next, we’ll head outdoors to take advantage of the beautiful weather. It’s time to lace up your hiking shoes and visit the Edge of the World, one of Saudi Arabia’s most famous natural wonders. These towering cliffs, part of the Tuwaiq escarpment, offer a breathtaking view of the horizon and the dry riverbeds that stretch across the plains below. You might even spot camels traversing ancient caravan routes – a window into history! As the sun sets, we’ll soak in the golden light from atop the cliffs, capturing unforgettable memories and photos. Afterward, we’ll return to Riyadh for a well-deserved night’s rest – an early start awaits us tomorrow!

DAY 3: RIYADH – BURAIDAH 🚗🌴 Distance: 354 km | Drive Time: ~3.5 hours Today, we’ll hit the road as we make our way to the famous city of Medina! 🕌✨ To break up the long drive, we’ll stop in the charming city of Buraidah, known as the “City of Dates” 🌟🍇. This is the perfect place to experience high-quality Saudi dates – sweet, delicious, and the ultimate local treat! 😋 🌟 Fun Fact: Buraidah is at the heart of Saudi Arabia and is famous for its bustling date markets! Let’s grab some goodies for ourselves and maybe a few gifts for loved ones back home. 🎁 Tonight, we’ll stay in a cozy and authentic local accommodation 🏡✨, adding a warm cultural touch to our journey. 🌙 Goodnight! Rest well – tomorrow is another adventure.

DAY 4: BURAIDAH – MADINAH 🚗🌵🕌 Distance: 512 km | Drive Time: ~5 hours Rise and shine! 🌞 Today, we’ll continue our desert road journey – a long but breathtaking drive through Saudi Arabia’s unique landscapes. 🏜️ We’ll make a few fun stops along the way for lunch 🍴, quick leg stretches 🚶‍♂️, and even a peek into the quirky charm of local petrol stations ⛽. These little moments make the trip extra special! By the afternoon, we’ll arrive in the spiritual city of Medina 🕌✨. Known as the second holiest city in Islam, Medina is home to the magnificent Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (The Prophet’s Mosque) 🌟, built by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and housing his resting place. 🕊️ While non-Muslims cannot enter certain religious sites, the city itself is an incredible sight to behold, filled with rich history and a peaceful, magical atmosphere. Let’s take a stroll through the city’s streets and immerse ourselves in its enchanting spirit. ✨ Tonight, we’ll rest in Medina, surrounded by the serene and holy energy of this extraordinary city. 🌙💤

DAY 5: MEDINAH – BLACK & WHITE VOLCANOES 🌋⚫⚪ – NIGHT STAY 1 Distance: 554 km | Drive Time: ~6 hours After a hearty breakfast, we’ll set out for an exciting adventure to Harrat Khaybar, a breathtaking volcanic landscape! 🌄✨ Get ready for off-roading 🚙 across vast lava fields, where the scenery is otherworldly. This region is home to towering volcanic cones and the RARE WHITE VOLCANOES, formed by silica-rich lava. 🌋⚪ A true geological wonder! 🌟 Highlight: Witness the awe-inspiring 2 km-wide crater, a must-see sight when visiting Saudi Arabia. The views here are nothing short of spectacular and will leave you in complete awe! In the afternoon, we’ll leave the dramatic volcanic range and make our way to 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, let’s explore the famous AlUla rock formations under the night sky. The way they light up in the moonlight is bound to be a mesmerizing experience. 🌌✨ 🌙 Goodnight – rest well for more adventures tomorrow!

DAY 6: ALULA EXPLORING 🐪🏜️ Today is our rest day—no long drives, just plenty of time to soak in the magic of AlUla! 🌟 After a relaxing breakfast, we’ll head out to explore some of the region’s most iconic landmarks. 🌄 Morning Activities: • Start with a hike to the Harrat Viewpoint to catch the sunrise—it’s the perfect way to begin the day! 🌅 • Explore the desert’s hidden treasures, including the Madain Saleh Tombs, the Tombs of Liyan, Al Diwan, and Hegra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 🏺✨ 📸 Don’t forget your cameras! We’ll snap selfies with the famous Elephant Rock 🐘 and the Arch Rock, and marvel at the ancient petroglyphs etched into the stone by past civilizations. ☕ Midday Delight: Take a break at Pink Camel Café, where we’ll enjoy a relaxing high tea in a picturesque desert setting. 🫖🌸 From here we’ll go on our final desert drive, exploring the endless beauty of AlUla’s landscapes. We’ll spend another night in AlUla, where we’ll reflect on the greatness of the Nabataean civilization and dream of the ancient past. 🌌 See you tomorrow for more adventures! 💤

DAY 7: ALULA – CANYON HIKE 🏞️ – TABUK Distance: 371 km | Drive Time: ~5 hours Rise and shine early! 🌅 Today, we’re off to Tabuk, with a thrilling stop along the way for a hike through the stunning canyons of Wadi Al Disah. 🌿 Wadi Al Disah is a magical blend of nature’s artistry and human ingenuity. Picture vibrant green plants, majestic reddish canyon walls, and shimmering golden-gray sands all coming together in a breathtaking setting. It feels like stepping into a cinematic masterpiece, where every turn reveals a scene straight out of a digital graphic movie. 📸 Bring your cameras because words will fail to describe the beauty. Capture the lush valley, intricate rock formations, and every detail of this unforgettable landscape! After the hike, we’ll continue to Tabuk 🚗. Depending on our arrival time, we can make a quick visit to the Hejaz Railway Museum 🚂. Why visit the Hejaz Railway Museum? The Hejaz Railway was a monumental part of the Ottoman Empire’s railway network, with an ambitious plan to connect Istanbul to Mecca. Though incomplete due to World War I, the line’s history is incredible. The Damascus-to-Medina section, spanning 1,300 km, was the only portion fully built and operated by the Ottomans. Visiting this museum is like paying homage to the railway workers who battled extreme conditions— Saudi’s desert heat and sand or Canada’s cold and snow—making them true heroes of engineering. 🛤️💪 Goodnight in Tabuk! Rest up for more adventures tomorrow! 🌙✨

DAY 8: TABUK – SPLIT ROCK 🌄 – NIGHT STAY 2 Distance: 390 km | Drive Time: ~5,5 hours “They camped at Rephidim, and there was no water for the people to drink” (Exodus 17:1). The people grew desperate, and Moses struck the rock, bringing forth water for the multitudes. Could this be the very rock? 🤔 Today is all about biblical places: the Land of Prophets and the Springs of Moses. 🌟 Immediately after breakfast, we embark on a journey to discover one of the most fascinating and controversial landmarks—the Split Rock, believed by many scholars to be the biblical site mentioned in Exodus. This towering, split formation stands as a silent witness to history. Visiting it will not only spark your imagination but leave you in awe of the stories it holds. 🌄 Why visit the Split Rock? I’ve explored countless studies about this site and can’t resist the chance to show you its enigmatic beauty. Being so close, it feels like a must-see. As night falls, I’ll take you to a site where I’ll share the most heartbreaking story of this region. It’s a tale that will touch your heart and leave a lasting impression. This is how our day will end. Tonight’s accommodations will be flexible—we’ll rest wherever feels the most peaceful after a day filled with history, reflection, and awe-inspiring landscapes. ✨

DAY 9: COASTAL DRIVE 🌊 NIGHT STAY 2 - UMLUJ Distance: 487 km | Drive Time: ~6 hours 🌅 Rise and shine! Today, we shift gears and leave the desert landscapes behind for a breathtaking coastal drive. Our destination? The tranquil town of Umluj, often called the Maldives of Saudi Arabia! 🏖️ But first, let’s make a delightful stop at a Mango Farm! 🥭 Although mango season runs from late April to July, this farm boasts a variety of fruit trees like custard apple, drumsticks, and oranges. Who knows? We might find something fun to taste! 🍊🍏 As we near the end of our incredible 10-day journey, we’ll spend the evening savoring the serenity of the Red Sea. Picture this: a quiet beach, a gentle sea breeze, and a stunning sunset over the shimmering waters. 🌅 This evening is all about soaking up the coastal charm and creating memories that celebrate Saudi Arabia’s diverse beauty—not just its deserts but also its coastal wonders. 🌴 ✨ Let’s toast to the adventure of a lifetime. See you tomorrow for our final farewell! 😉

DAY 10: UMLUJ – JEDDAH 🎉 Distance: 485 km | Drive Time: ~5 hours 🚗 Get ready for the final stretch! Today, we’re heading to Jeddah, the vibrant coastal city that perfectly blends history, culture, and modernity. 🌊 On the way, we’ll make a brief stop in Yanbu fishing village—a perfect spot to stretch our legs and enjoy the coastal vibe. 🏙️ Upon arriving in Jeddah, we’ll dive into the heart of the city and explore: • Al-Balad Morning Market 🛍️ • Biet Nassif 🏛️ • Souq Al Alawi Balad – the soul of the old town. Jeddah, often called the birthplace of arts and music, is a melting pot of vibrant cultures, reflected in its delicious cuisine and fascinating landmarks. From Al-Rahmah Mosque to King Fahad’s Fountain, the city is full of sights waiting to be discovered. 🌟 ✨ The grand finale! Tonight, we celebrate the incredible journey we’ve shared. Just one night separates “us here” from “you at home,” so let’s make every moment count. 🥳 Raise a toast to unforgettable memories, new friendships, and the adventure of a lifetime! 🥂

DAY 11: DEPARTURE DAY ✈️ 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, and that’s something truly special. 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. 🧡 🚗 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! 🛤️✨