Behind the curtain of the spiritual Islam: A glance of Saudi Arabia

Behind the curtain of the spiritual Islam: A glance of Saudi Arabia

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tourhub | Penguin Travel | Behind the curtain of the spiritual Islam: A glance of Saudi Arabia | SARUND
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8 Days From

$2422

$2313

Behind the curtain of the spiritual Islam: A glance of Saudi Arabia

8 Days Starting in Jeddah and ending in Riyadh

Visiting: Jeddah, Madinah, AlUla, Riyadh

Tour operator:

Penguin Travel

Tour code:

SARUND

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

6 - 14

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

14-90

Special diets catered:

Halal, Vegetarians

Tour operated in:
English
Trip Styles:

Active, Adventure Tours

Activities:

Sightseeing

Private Available:

Request A Private Tour

From:
$2422
$2313 Exclusive Members Discount: -$109

NB: Prices correct on 08-Jun-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Saudi Arabia is one of the most enigmatic places to visit in the Middle East. On this tour, you will discover some of the greatest treasures, hidden for Western travelers until just a few years ago. Known as the birthplace of Islam, Saudi Arabia is a desert country, stretching through the Arabian Peninsula to the Red Sea and Persian Gulf. The country’s citizens are required by law to be Muslim and there is ‘religious’ police force to look upon this. Saudi Arabia is home to Islam’s two most sacred mosques: Masjid al-Haram in Mecca - destination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, and Medina’s Masjid an-Nabawi - burial site of the prophet Muhammad. The capital Riyadh on the other hand, has an absolutely modern look – skyscraper-filled metropolis with luxury cars on the streets. Jeddah is a mix of ancient and modern style and hides within an old city, made of coral, while the Red Sea coast offers world-class diving. Highlights: • Jeddah - a major port for Indian Ocean trade routes in the 7th century • Madain Saleh - the largest conserved site of the civilization of the Nabataeans south of Petra in Jordan • The natural rock formation Elephant Rock

Highlights

  • Jeddah - a major port for Indian Ocean trade routes in the 7th century

  • Madain Saleh - the largest conserved site of the civilization of the Nabataeans south of Petra in Jordan

  • The natural rock formation Elephant Rock

  • Al Ula - an extraordinary human and natural heritage

  • Hegra-the largest conserved site of the civilization of the Nabataeans south of Petra in Jordan

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrival In Jeddah

Location: Jeddah

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: No Meals

Arrival in Jeddah and transfer to your hotel for check-in and overnight. -/-/-

Day 2 : Jeddah

Location: Jeddah

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, we will start our city tour of the coastal town of Jeddah. Among the places that we will visit is King Fahd's Fountain - the highest fountain in the world, the historical quarter of Jeddah Al-Balad, famous for its old Ottoman houses, mostly constructed from coral and reinforced with wood, the Altaybat Museum (Abdul Rauf Khalil Art Museum), which houses endless collections of arts, ethnography and archaeology artifacts. Overnight in a hotel in Jeddah. B/-/-

Day 3 : Jeddah - Medina

Location: Madinah

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we start our drive to Medina, known as the second-holiest place in Islam. Here we will explore some of the most prominent mosques and historic buildings of the city. (It is not allowed for tourists to enter Al Masjid an Nabawi/the Prophet's Mosque. If possible/ we will pass by it.) Overnight in Medina. B/-/-

Day 4 : Medina – Al Ula

Location: AlUla

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we will depart for Al Ula. (about 4 hour's drive) to explore its extraordinary human and natural heritage. Today we will visit Elephant Rock formation and explore the Old Town Market area. Overnight in a farm/guest house nearby (shared accommodation). B/-/

Day 5 : Al Ula - Madain Saleh - Jabal Ikmah - Dadan - Riyadh

Location: Riyadh

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

We start our day with a visit to the archaeological site of Al-Hijr (Madain Saleh) -the first World Heritage property to be inscribed in Saudi Arabia. Formerly known as Hegra, it is the largest conserved site of the civilization of the Nabataeans south of Petra in Jordan. It features well-preserved monumental tombs with decorated facades dating back to the period between the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD. Today you have the option to visit two of the highlights of the region - the Nabataean tombs of Hegra and а combined tour of Dadan and Jabal Ikmah. Late evening flight to Riyadh. Overnight in Riyadh. B/-/-

Day 6 : Riyadh

Location: Riyadh

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we will explore the highlight of the kingdom’s capital - Riyadh. We will visit, among others, the Masmak Fort - a fortress built from clay and mudbrick that played an important part in the battles for the unification of Saudi Arabia at the beginning of the 20th century. In the evening, we will visit the iconic Kingdom Centre, where you will have the option to take the high-speed elevator up to the 99th floor and take a walk on the Sky Bridge (optional activity, paid on the spot). Overnight in a hotel in Riyadh. B/-/-

Day 7 : Riyadh/ Day Tour To "The Edge Of The World"(Optional)

Location: Riyadh

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you have free time to explore Riyadh on your own. Alternatively, you can join a day trip to Jebel Fihrayn, also known as "The edge of the world'. With their height of 300 meters, the towering cliffs offer an astounding view over the surrounding plains. The cliffs are about a 90-minutes drive away from Riyadh and the hike to the top is about 5 kilometers. Here we will have some time to enjoy the breathtaking views, and have some tea and snacks at the campsite before heading back to Riyadh late in the evening. B/-/-

Day 8 : Departure From Riyadh

Location: Riyadh

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

End of service or extension to Bahrain. B/-/-

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    6 nights at 3-4 star hotels with private facilities incl. breakfast one night in a guest house/farm in Al Ula (shared accommodation)

  • Additional Services

    Jabal Ikmah and Danan Tour Hegra Tour

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

    all airport transfers

  • Fully Guided

    English-speaking local guides Tour leader from Penguin Travel at 8 people

  • Meals

    Breakfast is included except day 1

  • Transport

    all ground transport domestic flight Al Ula - Riyadh

What's Not Included

  • Insurance

  • International Travel

  • Meals

  • Optional

    Sky Bridge in Riyadh - 70 SAR (18-20 USD) Optional tour to Jebel Fihrayn (The Edge of the world) on day 7- 85 USD

  • Visa Fee

  • Tips and personal expenses

Check out our Q&As

  • Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?

    Yes

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes, they are

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    There will be Penguin tour leader at min. 8 people

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    Yes

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    No,they are not

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Travel Adventures   United States

I am happy traveling with this company

15-Nov-2023

Saudi Arabia with Bahrain extension tour This is my 2nd time with Penguin tours , and I am happy traveling with this company . Our tour leader for Saudi Arabia and Bahrain was Dimitar Mihaylov. He is such great tour leader . I had a very nice experience with him during the tour . He knew exactly how to handle his guests in certain circumstances that is out of his control. I can see his patience and understanding with each and everyone of us belonging to different cultures . Dimitar you did a great job leading your tourist. Re Saudi tour and itinerary , it was great . Saudi Arabia is beautiful . Very progressive country . Had a great time most especially visiting the souk ( gold, gold,gold ) if you are interested in golds , this is the perfect place ) and also the per place to buy abayas and hijabs , different styles and very cheap . I have been to different middle East countries who required us to wear abayas and very limited that I can find plus it’s not good at all . So if you go to Saudi , and planning to travel more countries need abayas , this is the perfect place to buy ( Jeddah). My only recommendation is spending more time visiting the mosques. I did enjoy eating dates , fresh dates . All the hotel’s that we were checked in was very good . Big rooms and clean . You have to visit Saudi Arabia , it’s a must to see and don’t forget to visit Edge of the World . Dimitar went with us in Bahrain as our extension trip and he arranged tour for us . It is a happy place for people from Saudi Arabia . Maybe only 2 hours drive from Saudi to Bahrain . I had a great time in Bahrain , for 2 days we have visited so many places . I wish we have stayed longer . We visited the souk by ourselves . Uber is everywhere so you can also go to some places when your tour is done . I have tasted in Bahrain my best beef burger ever . So much to say but you have to visit it yourself . Well recommended to go to Saudi and don’t forget Bahrain as your extension . And Penguin tours is well recommended !! Good job Dimitar , you made the difference .

Vickie Vince   UK

Saudi Arabia with Penguin was a very good highlights trip

16-Nov-2023

Saudi Arabia with Penguin was a very good highlights trip. The itinerary was great and it was not a particularly challenging trip in terms of time spent travelling or the planned activities. The transport and hotels were good and although the resort near Al Ulla was not yet finished, the breakfast and location more than made up for this aspect. The itinerary was a good mix of city tours, religious visits and natural aspects. Al Ulla was particularly stunning. I would recommend this trip with Penguin which was good value and well organized.

Marios   Cyprus

Overall the tour was well organised

28-Nov-2023

Overall the tour was well organised went like clockwork and was well balanced regarding sights to visit and experience

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1 Dates & Availability

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Friday - Friday

Nov 15, 2024 - Nov 22, 2024
$2422 $2313

Exclusive Members Discount: -$109

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  • Low Deposit

    Penguin Travel requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 46 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of penguin travel charges.

    Up to 46 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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