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Price Includes:
Price Excludes:
** Based on the survey done in the month of February 2026.
Hodophile Experience cannot be held responsible for any travel disturbances, occurred due to very rare but possible flights delays. All participants need to carry travel and medical insurance on all our trips to protect themselves against any extra costs.
Register Here: https://forms.gle/3AkTSZBDDWe2gFhd8
Or email us at: travel@hodophileexperience.com
• Program changes are reserved:
Tourism in Saudi Arabia is new territory; facilities or museums are frequently closed, government agencies block hotels or tourist sites, and restoration and construction sites prevent planned tours and routes. We will endeavour to offer suitable alternatives where and when possible.
• Please also note that for tours, that are only possible with government guides, these government guides determine what will be shown on site! This may deviate from our program description; unfortunately, we have no influence on the decisions of the government guides (e.g., al-‘Ula Old City, Mada’in Saleh, Dedan, Khuraibah, Khaybar, ad-Dir’aiya, etc.).
Arrival at the airport in Riyadh. Completion of entry formalities.
Drive to the city with the local vehicle and your tour guide.
Check-in for 1 night at a 5-star
If you arrive at Riyadh on any early morning flight, or flight arrival by 10:00LT, then we have an amazing experience to start off your Saudi experience!
In the afternoon You will visit The Jabal Fihrayn escarpment to the north-west of Riyadh, a journey through millions of years of geological plate tectonics. Your four-wheel drive vehicle starts from your hotel and takes you the 90 kilometres from Riyadh to the 300-metre-high edge in around one and a half hours (depending on traffic).
Meals – breakfast / dinner in the hotel restaurant
Overnight stay.
Early breakfast and then a tour of Riyadh, the city of millions in transition.
Riyadh is the capital of the kingdom with over 6.5 million inhabitants today. The cityscape is by tradition, with men in white kaftans, known here as thobe, with traditional headgear, the kufia, and women in black abayas, usually with headscarves (hijab) or even covering their eyes with a niqab.
But it is also visible about big SUVs, glittering megamalls, big business, more and more skyscrapers being built.
A balancing act between tradition and modernity? Is Saudi Arabia reinventing itself?
After breakfast, drive to the north-western suburb of ad-Dir’aiya, founded in 1446, the “nucleus” of Wahhabism and home of the Al Saud family. The old settlement of low mud buildings, destroyed by the Ottomans under Ibrahim Pasha and now uninhabited, lies directly on the Wadi.
Hanifa; at-Turaif has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010, the former palace of Sa’ud and the Qasr Nasr have been restored, the old Darisha Tower is still one of the best preserved. On the way, you will see the new King Abdullah Finance District, one of the largest and most important projects in Saudi Arabia. Covering an area of 1.6 million square meters, 59 residential, financial and commercial towers have been built, including residential and living structures such as schools, recreational areas and hospitals for 12,000 people.
In the afternoon, explore Masmak Fort in the old town of ad-Dira, which is located next to the old Zar Suq and was once part of the city fortifications and is now a museum of the city’s history.
Continue to Riyadh Airport and flight (with XY123) to Tabuk.
Scheduled departure time from Riyadh is 21:00, arriving at Tabuk at 23:20.
You will stay at the hotel for 2 nights
Meals – breakfast / dinner in the local restaurant.
Overnight stay.
Breakfast.
We will visit Tabuk in the morning.
Tabuk is a military town in the northwest of Saudi Arabia with an old fort and a small station of the Hejaz Railway (visit).
Then head towards al-ʿUlā, stopping at Al-Disah on the way to taste the fresh air and enjoy its purity without industrial and urban pollution. Al-Disah is an amazingly tranquil, picturesque 25km long valley of sandy riverbeds with cool, shady palm trees, surrounded by towering red sandstone escarpments, stunning canyon peaks and lined with bubbling freshwater streams and an oasis.
The dramatic cliffs are home to ancient caves, hidden tombs and impressive writings and artwork of humans and animal figures. Enjoy a picnic with a peaceful view of the surrounding landscape.
Following this amazing experience, we make our way to Al-ʿUlā.
Then reach al-‘Ula for 3 nights at Sahary al-‘Ulā Resort.
Meals -Breakfast / picnic / dinner at the hotel
Overnight stay.
Early breakfast.
20 km north of the modern city of al-‘Ulā are the ruins of the former capital of the kingdom of Dedan, which flourished in the 11th century. The sandstone landscape around al-‘Ula is spectacular. The oasis and ruined city of al-‘Ulā is known as the archaeological treasure trove of Saudi Arabia. al-‘Ula was once the hub of various ancient trade routes.
Your excursion into the breathtaking desert landscape will take you to one of the highlights of our Saudi Arabia exploration: Mada’in Saleh (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the large area of Nabataean ruins. As the first site in Saudi Arabia to receive the UNESCO designation (2008), it features 111, often 131, monumental tombs with intricate facades similar to Petra.
In Mada’in Saleh there are over 130 rock tombs with decorative fronts and entrances. The largest contiguous complex with 23 tombs is Quasr al Bint. Al-‘Ulā is a remarkable destination because of its multi-layered legacy of human history and a wealth of natural wonders. The old town is characterized by its mud-brick houses. These approximately 900 houses are built interconnected to provide protection and indicate that defence was a priority for the city’s former inhabitants. A renovated souq invites you to shop.
You are invited to an exclusive lunch in a luxurious restaurant with a sun terrace in the middle of the desert, in the Habitas al-‘Ulā Resort heritage hotel complex – https://www.ourhabitas.com/alula/dining/, an unforgettable experience with a fantastic view of the vastness of the bizarre rocky landscapes.
From the outside you will see the largest mirrored building in the world, the Maraya Concert Hall. Maraya, Arabic for mirror, forms an extension of its surroundings, with all sides completely covered in reflective panels that refract the abstract views of the golden sands and majestic mountains that surround it. Al-‘Ulā is a remarkable destination because of its multi-layered legacy of human history and a wealth of natural wonders.
Continue with a stop to visit two beautiful areas, Madachil and Gharamil.
The wide Madachil valley is a fairytale landscape where you can experience the true poetry of the desert. A special photo motif is a natural arch formed by wind erosion. Another highlight is the Gharamil desert area, an infinitely vast landscape; the countless, unique formations seduce the imagination into a special kind of lunar landscape.
The pyramid-shaped rock figures are made of basalt, and, with a little imagination, a special figure comes to life in every single stone.
Enjoy a wonderful sunset in the desert.
Meals -Breakfast / picnic / dinner at the hotel
Overnight stay.
Today’s half-day excursion takes you to Dadan, the former capital of the kingdoms of Dadan (9th-8th century BCE) and Lihyan (5th-2nd century BCE). Due to its proximity to the incense trade routes, Dadan was one of the most developed cities in northern Arabia before the arrival of the Nabataeans in the 1st millennium BCE. As of 2020, only 4% of this area inhabited by early civilizations has been excavated.
After exploring the ruins of the ancient city, you will go near the tombs, the most impressive of which is guarded by “lions”. You then drive to Jabal Ikmah, a breathtaking desert gorge. On the walls you will find a millennia-old “open-air library” with countless petroglyphs and impressive rock art.
On this desert hike you can enjoy the inspiring view of the breathtaking landscape of AlUla.
Duration: 4 hours. After a 30-minute drive to the starting point, this 6 km hike begins with a steep climb to the top of the ridge. From there, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the ridge with spectacular views of the oasis and the desert landscape below. This hike is ideal for families and groups looking for an undemanding hike while still experiencing the stunning scenery of the region.
The old town is characterized by its mud-brick houses. These approximately 900 houses are built interconnected to provide protection and indicate that defense was a priority for the city’s former inhabitants. A renovated souq invites you to shop.
Then drive to the monumental Elephant Rock, which rises steeply in front of the pink dunes. During a break, you can watch the sun sink into a coppery red. A truly intoxicating sight.
Meals – Breakfast / lunch / dinner in camp
Overnight stay.
Today the journey continues to Medina, with a stop in Khaibar, an oasis area on a high lava plateau.
The village of Khaybar was a Jewish settlement at the time of the Prophet. In the middle of the 7th century, the Jewish villagers were expelled under Umar ibn al-Khattab, most of whom emigrated to Jericho in Palestine. You can still see the old fortress, where the inhabitants of the time lived on dates and milk for eight months. Mud houses from the past and many charming, narrow, winding alleyways make the place an experience.
We continue to Medina. Medina al Munawarra means “city of lights” in Arabic.
In the afternoon, drive to the modern Koran printing works. During a short visit to the factory, you will learn interesting facts about the precise examination and production of the holy book. The King Fahd Glorious Quran Printing Complex exclusively prints more than 10 million copies of the Holy Quran in countless languages every year. Medina is the place where Muhammad travelled to after emigrating from Mecca. It is one of the two holy cities of Islam. Mecca cannot be visited, but Medina has recently been closed to non-Muslims, except for the mosque, which can be seen from the outside during the city tour and walk to the Haram, the mosque of the Prophet Mohammed.
Drive to the 5-star hotel for 1-night
Meals – breakfast / dinner in Local restaurant
Overnight stay
Your city tour takes you past the most important mosques, and you will also see the sites and Mount Uhud, where the Muslim troops of the Prophet fought against the enemy forces from Mecca.
Stop at the mountain and after a short climb up the stairs you will have a beautiful view of the holy city and its surroundings.
After the sightseeing tour, take the train to Jeddah.
The port city of Jeddah is a vibrant and lively metropolis. Jeddah is considered one of the highlights of Saudi Arabia. Surrounded by a city wall until 1947, Jeddah had just 30,000 inhabitants. Today it is the second largest city in the country with one of the largest and most modern ports in the world. Today your city tour in Jeddah begins with a sightseeing tour: The Abdul Rauf Khalil / Al Taybat Museum has an interesting collection of paintings, tapestries, domestic scenes and furnishings, among other things. The architecture of the museum is equally impressive.
The highest fountain in the world at 312 m, the King Fahd Fountain, is located on the Corniche. When darkness falls, this fountain is illuminated by 500 floodlights. A visit to the Cenomi Park Mall takes you into Jeddah’s modern age. Not only will you see extravagant, varied architecture, but you will also experience what and how modern Saudis shop. In addition to numerous stores, this mall is also home to a cinema (banned until a few years ago), Islamic art, fitness centres, children’s play areas, cafés and restaurants. And nearby you can enjoy today’s Arabic dinner.
Travel to the 5-star hotel
Meals -Breakfast / dinner in the local restaurant
Overnight stay
The most popular promenade for locals and visitors to the city is the beautiful Corniche on the Red Sea.
Entirely reserved for pedestrians, it is more than 35 km long. Your sightseeing tour takes you to the “floating mosque” Fatima al Zahra on the northern part of the Corniche. Built on pillars, it seems to float on the waves at high tide. Built in 1985, the turquoise domed building combines traditional and modern architecture, flanked by a white minaret. It offers worshippers the opportunity to enjoy a spectacular view of the coast from the open inner courtyard and enjoy the sea breeze with the sound of the waves.
Experience the bustling atmosphere at Jeddah’s fish market, where the catches are auctioned off and traders prepare the freshly caught seafood and fish right in front of your eyes. Exploring the city includes a walk through the old town of Al Balad. It is known for the architecture of the houses in which the families of wealthy merchants lived in the late 19th century.
The city’s inhabitants were multicultural due to the influx of Haddj pilgrims. Muslims from Asia, Africa and the Middle East had settled here. Typical of the architecture of the old town are tower-like residential buildings made of coral rubble and clay mortar with large wooden Roshan balconies. Because space was at a premium, the houses in the old town were built up to 7 storeys high and still tower over the surrounding mosques and souqs today.
Meals -Breakfast / dinner at the hotel
Overnight stay
Breakfast and depending on your flight time, we transfer to the airport.
The tour ends at the airport for check-in and security formalities and to board the flight home.
END
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Travel@hodophileexperience.com
Group minimum 10
Rates:
Solo Traveller – on request
02 pax EUR5000 Per person
03-04 pax EUR4235 Per person
05-07 pax EUR3920 Per person
08-11 pax EUR3705 Per person
12-14 pax EUR3350 Per person
15-19 pax EUR3130 Per person
Accommodation in hotel (double room shared)
Double room for single use: surcharge + €715
During the period from 03 May 2026 to 19 September 2026 – 15% discount on our prices.
30% payment required on booking
Remaining payments can be done in 2 instalments with the final payment, 4 weeks before departure.
Cancellation fees apply – our cancellation policy for bookings for trips to Saudi Arabia:
• Cancellation from the 60th day before the start of the trip 30% of the travel price.
• Cancellation from the 30th day before the start of the trip 50% of the travel price.
• Cancellation from the 14th day before the start of the trip 70% of the travel price.
• Cancellation from the 6th day before the start of the trip 95% of the travel price.
• Cancellation on the day of departure and in case of withdrawal due to non-appearance 100% of the travel price.
Will be sent with full itinerary when confirmed
Will be sent with full itinerary when confirmed
Click here to check the visa requirements
IMPORTANT: You cannot have an Israeli stamp in your passport. If you visited Israel with your passport and there is proof of this fact, your visa will be denied.
Saudi Arabia has a desert climate characterised by dry, hot summers and mild winters. Rainfall is scarce, and sharp temperature changes between day and night should be expected.
Spring (March to June) is warm, though the temperatures at night can dip below 15°C in the north, but in the south (particularly around Abha in the southwest), spring is the rainiest season.
Summer (June to September) is long and hot; it is usual to see the temperature hitting 45°C. However, the hilly southwest is much cooler.
Autumn (October to November) is still relatively warm with daytime temperatures hovering around 30°C , although evenings are pleasant, with temperatures dropping to around 15°C in most cities.
Winter (December to March) is the best time to visit Saudi Arabia as the weather is mild with plenty of sunny days and cool nights. It is possible to see snow in the north – you may even be lucky enough to try snow sledging in the mountains around Tabuk.
Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, sits on a rocky plateau in the centre of the country. Its relatively high elevation (594m or 1950ft above sea level) means that it is sunny year-round and less humid than other Saudi cities.
Jeddah, a major port city on the Red Sea coast, has hot and humid weather. July is the hottest month in Jeddah with an average high of 38°C while January is the coolest month with an average high of 28°C The city receives very little rain, averaging just 20mm (0.8in) a year. The evenings are mild in Jeddah, and they offer opportunities to enjoy the waterfront, the Jeddah Corniche, which features miles of sandy beaches and three swimming bays.
Makkah, also spelt Mecca, is the holiest city in Islam as it was here that the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. The city sits in a desert valley 86km (53mi) east of Jeddah. Daytime temperatures often hover above 40°C between May and September but the evenings are cooler. The weather in January is most pleasant, with an average high of 31°C and an average low of 19°C.
Required clothing
Pack sunscreen, sunglasses and sun hats, and use layers (light sweaters or scarves) for air-conditioned buildings and cooler evenings.
A rain jacket may be required, depending on when and where you are going.
Loose, long clothes in natural fabrics are recommended. A cover-up for the cooler months is advisable. Warm clothing for nights in the desert.
Modest dress is advised, especially for women – upper legs and arms, shoulders and cleavage should be covered. A headscarf can be useful as extra coverage, and is essential for visiting mosques, cemeteries or other sites that bear religious significance.
The currency is the Saudi Arabian Riyal (SAR) = 100 halala.
Notes are in denominations of SAR500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 2 riyals, 1 riyal and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 halala.
The riyal is pegged to the US dollar at SAR3.75, meaning US$1 is SAR3.75.
Visa, Mastercard and American Express are accepted throughout Saudi Arabia. Many businesses also accept digital payment methods.
ATMs are widely available.
There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency, but all travellers with cash, gold bullions, precious stones, and fine jewellery exceeding SAR 60,000 must declare. In addition, gifts or personal purchases worth SAR 3,000 or more must be declared, along with goods that are subject to prohibition, restriction, taxes or fees.
Tipping
Our suggestions for hotel staff: For room service, porters, service in the restaurants we have booked: €7 per traveller per day.
The responsible tour guides accept the tips for the hotel and restaurant staff and distribute them to the respective employees there.
We can also include the tips in our prices to you so that your travel guests do not have to deal with them.
As well as for Bus driver: per day per traveller €3
Tour guides: Per day per traveller €5
The standards of healthcare in Saudi Arabia are excellent, and visitors must have travel insurance.
In an emergency, call 937 (emergency medical consultation) or 997 (ambulance).
Recommended vaccinations:
Typhoid – Sometimes
Diphtheria – Sometimes
Hepatitis A – Yes
Tetanus – Yes
Rabies – Sometimes
Malaria – Sometimes
Yellow Fever – No*
* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers (older than 9 months) arriving from an infected area.
Saudi Arabia is a leading desalinated water producer in the world, turning out tap water that is safe for drinking. If you are going camping and won’t be near a reliable water source, take plenty of water with you.
Saudi Arabia imports much of its food to meet demand and food safety and hygiene standards are high in general. Nonetheless, it is wise to ensure the meat is cooked and served hot, fruit is peeled and vegetables are washed.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
– Hegra Archaeological Site (al-Hijr / Madā ͐ in Ṣāliḥ)
– At-Turaif District in ad-Dir’iyah
– Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah
– Rock Art in the Hail Region of Saudi Arabia
– Al-Ahsa Oasis, an Evolving Cultural Landscape
– Ḥimā Cultural Area
– ‘Uruq Bani Ma’arid
– The Cultural Landscape of Al-Faw Archaeological Area
The historical area of Jeddah, Al-Balad
Riyadh
Medina
Jebel Fihrayn but known as the “Edge of The World”, with its spectacular view
