Itinerary Details
MT Sobek: Saudi Arabia Cultural Discovery
Day 1 Arrive in Riyadh
Welcome to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's bustling capital city! Your guide will transport you from the airport to your hotel, where you'll enjoy a rest and a first-night dinner with the group.
Accommodation: Joudyan Hotel Olaya
(D)
Day 2 Explore Riyadh & Journey to Abha
2-hour private van transfer
Begin the day by exploring the sights of Riyadh, from the vast, mudbrick Masmak Fortress to the vibrant Al Zal souk. Next, visit the King Abdul Aziz Historical Center and marvel at the stunning modernist architecture of the National Museum, which beautifully showcases Arabian prehistory, history, culture, and art. After a traditional lunch in the city, you'll begin your journey to Abha, where your hotel for the night awaits.
Accommodation: The Blue Inn, Abha
(B, L, D)
Day 3 Hike in the Soudah Mountains
3 hours/4 miles hiking with 96' elevation gain and 2,482' elevation loss
Wake early for a drive to the Soudah Mountains, one of Saudi Arabia's top adventure destinations. Follow your guide on rugged hiking trails through juniper trees and marvel at spectacular mountain views. Then visit the traditional village of Rijal Almaa, dating back 900 years. After lunch in the mountains, explore Soudah's market and the Al Muftaha Art Center. Return to Abha for dinner and overnight this evening.
Accommodation: The Blue Inn, Abha
(B, L, D)
Day 4 Cultural Village Touring & Travel to Najran
3-hour private van transfer
Start the day with a drive to Tamniah cultural village and museum, then take a cable car up to the ancient mountain village of Al Habala — seemingly suspended in the sky! Enjoy lunch back at the hotel, before visiting a women-owned and operated art gallery. In the afternoon, journey to Najran with a stop at the Dahran Aljanoub cultural village on the way.
Accommodation: Park Inn by Radisson
(B, L, D)
Day 5 Visit Traditional Markets & Ancient Alukhdood
Rise today for a visit to Najran's traditional markets, then explore the governor's historical palace. After lunch and a rest, set off to explore the captivating ancient city of Alukhdood, which dates back more than 2,000 years! Enjoy dinner and your last night in Najran.
Accommodation: Park Inn by Radisson
(B, L, D)
Day 6 See Petroglyphs at Hima & Journey to the Empty Quarter
Full-day cultural touring and journey to the Empty Quarter
After breakfast, start the day with a journey to the ancient wells of Hima, one of the most important historical sites in Saudi Arabia. See 3,000-year-old rock art, including depictions of humans, animals, and hunting tools. Then it's off to explore Qaryat al-Faw, a fascinating — and even older — ancient city. From there, journey to the Empty Quarter, where your guiding team will set up camp for the night. Your three-day desert adventure begins!
Accommodation: Empty Quarter Camp
(B, L, D)
Day 7 Explore the Empty Quarter
Full-day exploration of the Empty Quarter
Wake to sunrise over the desert and enjoy breakfast at camp. After a briefing on today's route from your guides, you'll begin venturing deeper into the Empty Quarter. Along the way, be wowed by the high dunes and spectacular valleys of Oroq Bani Maraith. Stargaze at your second camp tonight.
Accommodation: Empty Quarter Camp
(B, L, D)
Day 8 Leave the Empty Quarter & Return to Riyadh
Full-day exploration of the Empty Quarter and return to Riyadh
Rise early for your last breakfast in the desert, then cross a dry lakebed and experience what it's like to be stuck in soft sand. A fun experience — really! After lunch at a well in the Empty Quarter, drive back to Riyadh to freshen up and enjoy an overnight stay at the Roshan Hotel.
Accommodation: Rosh Rayhaan
(B, L, D)
Day 9 Experience Traditional Souks & Village Life
Full-day cultural touring and journey to Qassim
Today, you'll set off north towards Qassim, stopping at Ushaiger Heritage Village on the way. Enjoy lunch in a traditional house, then visit the village of Almethnab and its antique souk. Have a rest and a coffee at a local farm, then continue to Almesoukaf and Qassim.
Accommodation: Golden Tulip
(B, L, D)
Day 10 Explore Faid & Travel to Hail
Full-day cultural touring
Start the day with a drive to the pre-Islamic historical city of Faid and see a volcanic crater. Around midday, you'll arrive at your hotel in Hail for lunch and a free afternoon to explore the city on your own before meeting back with the group for dinner.
Accommodation: Holiday Villa
(B, L, D)
Day 11 Hike Aja Mountain & Visit Enchanting AlUla
3 hours/4 miles hiking with 366' elevation gain and 690' elevation loss
Today you can stretch your legs on a hike in the Aja mountain range and enjoy a scenic picnic lunch. In the afternoon, drive to AlUla and visit the ancient city of Hegra along the way. AlUla is a living museum in the desert and one of the most significant archeological regions in the world, with history dating back 7,000 years!
Accommodation: Shaden Resort at AlUla
(B, L, D)
Day 12 Visit the Alrajajeel Standing Stones & Journey to Jeddah
1.5 hours/2 miles hiking with 76' elevation gain and 50' elevation loss
After breakfast, visit the ancient standing stones at Alrajajeel and the mountain-top castle Zabal. Depart for Jeddah this afternoon, and enjoy dinner and a talk with local women, who will discuss their lifestyle in this part of the country. Savor your final night in Saudi Arabia!
Accommodation: Jeddah Movenpick
(B, L, D)
Day 13 Depart from Jeddah
Start your final day in Saudi with a tour of old Jeddah and a tour of private museum, housing a collection of interesting finds from the region. After lunch, head to the airport for your homeward-bound flight and bid farewell.
Accommodation: Jeddah Movenpick
(B, L)
