Day 1: Arrival in Riyadh – Discover the Capital
- Morning: Arrive in Riyadh and transfer to your hotel. Start with a visit to the National Museum of Saudi Arabia for an introduction to the country’s history and heritage.
- Afternoon: Head to the Masmak Fortress , a historic fort that played a crucial role in the founding of the Kingdom. Then, explore Al Zal Market , one of the oldest markets in Riyadh, for traditional handicrafts.
- Evening: Visit the Kingdom Centre Tower and enjoy panoramic city views from the Sky Bridge .
National Museum of Saudi Arabia
Day 2: Riyadh – Historical and Cultural Insights
- Morning: Visit the Diriyah Heritage Site , the original home of the Saudi royal family and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander through the narrow lanes and mudbrick buildings of this historical town.
- Afternoon: Take a guided tour of the Al-Turaif District , learning about Saudi Arabia’s cultural roots and enjoying traditional performances if available.
- Evening: Enjoy an authentic Saudi meal at Najd Village , a restaurant known for its traditional architecture and cuisine.
Diriyah Heritage Site
Day 3: Riyadh to AlUla – Explore the Ancient Nabatean City
- Morning: Take an early morning flight to AlUla, known for its stunning landscapes and rich history.
- Afternoon: Explore the AlUla Old Town , a labyrinth of abandoned houses and streets. Visit AlUla Fort for sweeping views of the oasis below.
- Evening: Discover the AlUla Museum , which showcases the region’s historical significance through its artifacts and exhibits.
AlUla Old Town
Day 4: AlUla – Explore the Hidden Gems of the Desert
- Morning: Spend the morning at Hegra (Madain Salih) , a UNESCO World Heritage site and Saudi Arabia’s answer to Petra. Explore the intricately carved tombs and rock formations of this ancient Nabatean city.
- Afternoon: Visit the Elephant Rock , a natural rock formation shaped like an elephant, surrounded by stunning desert landscapes.
- Evening: Enjoy a starlit dinner in the desert, offered by many tour operators. Savor local dishes and relax under the Arabian night sky.
Hegra (Madain Salih)
Day 5: AlUla to Jeddah – Discover the Red Sea Pearl
- Morning: Fly from AlUla to Jeddah, a vibrant coastal city with a unique mix of old and new.
- Afternoon: Visit the Al-Balad Historic District , a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its traditional Hejazi architecture. Explore the narrow alleyways, colorful buildings, and bustling souks.
- Evening: Stroll along the Jeddah Corniche , enjoy the sea breeze, and catch the spectacular King Fahd Fountain (one of the tallest fountains in the world).
Day 6: Jeddah – Beaches, Art, and Culture
- Morning: Visit the Floating Mosque , a beautiful structure on the Red Sea. Then head to the Jeddah Waterfront for a leisurely walk.
- Afternoon: Discover Jeddah’s vibrant art scene at Athr Gallery or explore the modern King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture .
- Evening: Savor fresh seafood at one of the restaurants along the Corniche or explore Tahlia Street , Jeddah’s upscale dining and shopping area.
Day 7: Jeddah to Mecca or Medina (Optional Day Trip)
- Option 1: Mecca (For Muslim Travelers Only)
- Morning: Visit the holy city of Mecca and perform Umrah, if desired. Explore the surroundings of the Grand Mosque and learn about its history.
- Afternoon: Visit the Abraj Al Bait Clock Tower Museum for panoramic views of the Grand Mosque and historical exhibits.
- Morning: Visit the holy city of Mecca and perform Umrah, if desired. Explore the surroundings of the Grand Mosque and learn about its history.
- Option 2: Medina
- Morning: Take a train or drive to Medina, the city of the Prophet.
- Afternoon: Visit Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (The Prophet’s Mosque) and the nearby historic sites.
- Evening: Explore Quba Mosque and Qiblatain Mosque before returning to Jeddah.
- Morning: Take a train or drive to Medina, the city of the Prophet.
Day 8: Departure
Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a leisurely breakfast in Jeddah, make any last-minute souvenir purchases, and then head to the airport for your flight back to India.
This itinerary combines Saudi Arabia’s modern cities, ancient heritage, and natural wonders, offering a unique glimpse into the Kingdom’s diverse experiences for Indian travelers.
Travel Tips: Culture, Transportation, and Money Management
Culture:
- Dress Code: Saudi Arabia has a conservative dress code, especially for women. Female travelers should wear an abaya (a long black robe) and keep a scarf handy to cover their head when required. Men should avoid shorts and sleeveless tops in public.
- Respect Local Customs: During prayer times, most shops and attractions may close temporarily. Be mindful of local customs, such as avoiding public displays of affection and being respectful of religious practices.
- Dining Etiquette: Saudi cuisine is rich and flavorful, with must-try dishes like kabsa (spiced rice with meat),mutabbaq (stuffed bread), and traditional sweets. Alcohol is prohibited in Saudi Arabia.
Transportation:
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Internal Flights: Consider using domestic flights to travel between major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and AlUla to save time.
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Local Transportation: Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem are widely used in cities. Public transport is available but limited, so taxis are a convenient option.
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Car Rentals: If you want more flexibility, renting a car is feasible, but make sure you have an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Money Management:
- Currency: The local currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR). 1 SAR = ~22 INR (current rates may vary).
- Payment Methods: Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities, but it’s advisable to carry some cash for smaller shops and in rural areas.
- Tipping: Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. A 10-15% tip in restaurants is considered generous.