The Best of Saudi Arabia in 5 Fabulous Days

Overview

This jam-packed best of Saudi Arabia itinerary is designed for the first time traveller who is equal parts nervous and excited to encounter this incredibly misunderstood country brimming with beauty and culture! First up, I felt completely safe and even more than that, welcomed. The people are genuinely friendly and will go out of their way to ensure visitors see the best of their country. If you’ve got an interest in different cultures but also have a little bit of patience with inefficiency and a love of nature, then you are going to love Saudi Arabia! The nation is developing rapidly so now is the perfect time to explore its authenticity and origins before ongoing Westernisation tarnishes its ‘untouched’ remote and special feeling.

Jebel Fihrayn: “The Edge of the World”, Saudia Arabia

A note on clothing (especially for the ladies)

A few tips first. If you’re female, invest in a few abayas (long non-form fitting jackets) which you’ll need in rural settings and some major cities to be respectful of traditional Muslim customs. Keep one in your bag at all times and pay attention to your surroundings: if you feel uncomfortable in your attire or different to how others are dressed, then just throw on the abaya. Pack long sleeved but lightweight multi-purpose clothing. This will serve you well when transitioning from hike to climb to outdoor museum to casual restaurant attire. Beware overuse of heels. Much of the landscape involves sand so make sure to have a pair of flats handy just in case. Additionally, the sun is harsh so don’t forget your favourite pair of sunglasses!

Pro Tip!
Have fun with your outfits! Before I boarded for Saudi, I purchased some colourful ‘abayas’. To be fair, local women wear predominantly black but there’s no reason why you can’t bring a little of your own style and colour to the country!

Jeep tour through Mada’in Saleh Nabatean tombs, Hegra Archaeological Site, UNESCO World Heritage List

Interactions with locals

Engage! People are incredibly friendly and are keen to share with you! Even better, learn a few phrases of Arabic. The locals will love this and enjoy the banter and interaction. Equally, be prepared to answer a few questions! Many Saudis have never left their country and are naturally curious about the wider world and other cultures.

Stereotypes

Let’s face it. This is a major deterrent for people visiting Saudi. The news and media has painted it as a dangerous country that is frequently involved in turmoil. In addition, the country is largely an unknown entity to many and is only very new to tourism. Honestly, many of their systems are rudimentary and quite inefficient. The airport can be chaotic and it’s worth allowing an additional 30 minutes for any plans you may have. Taxis and uber are not reliable and may take 5 cancellations before acquiring your anticipated vehicle. This can be frustrating but if you’re aware to expect it and account for it, then you’ll likely enjoy your time a little more. Keep in mind that in many ways, this is a country that is attempting to cut it with the West, from a nomadic tribal history, and Saudi’s have made leaps and bounds in recent years. Have a little patience and you’ll be well rewarded.

Best time of year to visit

As with all of the middle east, it’s best to avoid summer. The heat (we’re talking temperatures of 40°+ on most days) and humidity is a killer. It will simply destroy your experience and perception. For this reason, the mild winter months are perfect for travel, anywhere between November to March.

Pack sunglasses and a hat during all seasons in Saudi Arabia!

Itinerary

Below outlines each daily itinerary but stay tuned for my incoming site-specific posts!

Day 1

Arrive Riyadh, capital city of Saudi Arabia
Visit Diriyah, UNESCO Heritage Site and the original home of the Saudi royal family
Drive to The Edge of The World mountain escarpment (“Saudi’s Grand Canyon”)
Dinner at The Globe rooftop restaurant, Riyadh or local restaurant
Overnight Riyadh

Diriyah UNESCO Heritage Site, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Day 2

Fly Riyadh to Tabuk
Private driver from Tabuk to Wadi Al Disah
Jeep tour & hike through Wadi Al Disah
Drive to Al Ula
Explore Al Ula & its various festivals
See a famous artist at Maraya Concert Hall
Dinner at Michelin Chef Restaurant, Maraya Social
Overnight Al Ula

Day 3

Al Ula Old Town Tour
Visit Desert X for a hike and interactive art exhibition
Enjoy lunch at Circolo Restaurant, Al Ula
Sit in a sunken booth to enjoy sunset at Elephant Rock, Al Ula
Photograph the magnificent Vessel Rock, Al Ula
Crush the Saudi stigma and enjoy dinner with a live DJ at Alfa’s Restaurant
Dance to live local music and show in Al Ula Old Town
Overnight Al Ula

Alternative options, if time:
– Harrat Uwayrid Lookout & dinner at Okto Greek Restaurant
– Al Ula Zipline
– Arch Rock
– Dancing Rock
– Daidann Lion Tombs

Day 4

Rise early for the Hot Air Balloon experience, Al Ula
See the ancient tombs on a Vintage Landrover tour of Mada’in Saleh (The Saudi Arabian ‘Petra’)
Wander around Al Ula Oasis
Explore the lively Jadidah District
Try an Arabic lunch at Merkaz Restaurant, Al Ula Old Town
Connect with Saudi traditions and watch a live theatre show in Al Ula Oasis
Fly to Riyadh
Overnight Riyadh