Saudi Arabia Trip December 2023

Join us for a journey through the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia!

Limited spots available. Apply to join now!

Overview

Dates: December 2 - 9, 2023

12 spots available on a first come, first served basis!

Apply to join now!

Our 8-day, 7-night tour of Saudi Arabia is designed to be a great introduction to the Kingdom. You'll experience and learn about Saudi Arabia's history, culture, cuisine, people, and future.

You'll travel with Doug as well as highly experienced, professional Saudi tour guides.

The tour will include:

Riyadh, Tabuk, Bajdah Desert, Wadi Disah, Al Ula, Medina, Yanbu, and Jeddah.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive to King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, take a pre-arranged transfer to hotel, rest, and meet the group.

If time permits, explore the city or visit the impressive Riyadh Boulevard to see how Saudi Arabia is stepping into the future.

Overnight: Riyadh

Meals included: None

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Day 2

Set off for a tour of Saudi's huge capital city, Riyadh. Learn about the city's history at Ad Diriyah, the capital of the first Saudi state. Explore the mud brick district of Al Turaif, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Take in a view of the entire city from the observation deck of the iconic Kingdom Tower.

Head to the southern end of the city and visit Al Masmak Fortress, the site of a daring 1902 raid by Ibn Saud, the father of modern-day Saudi Arabia. Stroll through the nearby Souq Al Zal, where you can find traditional Saudi handicrafts including dresses, "oud" perfumes, jewelry, antiques, and more.

Depart for the airport and fly to Tabuk. Transfer to the hotel.

Overnight: Tabuk

Meals included: Breakfast

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Day 4

Check out from the hotel in Tabuk and make the drive to Wadi Disah. Enjoy a traditional Saudi lunch on arrival and then set out to explore the 15 kilometer long wadi.

Enjoy one of Saudi Arabia's most stunning natural landscapes. Climb the rocks for an incredible view of the valley and its thousands of date palm trees.

In the evening, drive onward to Al Ula.

Overnight: Al Ula

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

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Day 5

Start the day with a tour of the Kingdom's most impressive ancient site: Madain Saleh. Also known as Hegra, Madain Saleh was the second largest city in the Nabatean Kingdom. A sister city to Jordan's Petra, Madain Saleh is home to 111 monumental tombs, 94 of which were decorated with majestic facades on the sandstone massifs of the area.

Visit an old railway station of the Hejaz Railway, built in the early 19th century by the Ottomans. The railway originally stretched all the way from Damascus to Medina.

In the afternoon, visit the restored old town of Al Ula, learn how people once lived here, and shop for local souvenirs.

Head to Elephant Rock and enjoy a coffee while taking in a beautiful sunset.

Overnight: Al Ula

Meals included: Breakfast

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Day 6

After breakfast, depart Al Ula for Medina, the second holiest site in Islam. Recently opened to non-muslims, Medina provides a great opportunity to learn about Islam and explore one of the most influential cities in the world.

Visit the Medina Museum to learn about the city and its significance in the Islamic world.

Enjoy lunch at the Chefs Market, an old open-air market serving local cuisine.

Stop off at the Prophet's Mosque, the focal point of the entire city. The Prophet's Mosque is the second holiest site in Islam and the place where the Prophet Muhammad lived and is buried. Note: The interior of the mosque is reserved for muslims only, but non-muslims can still visit outside the mosque and experience the unique environment there.

Head onward to the small coastal city of Yanbu.

Overnight: Yanbu

Meals included: Breakfast

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Day 7

In the morning, set off on a half-day, private boat trip on the Red Sea. Take a dip in the crystal clear water, and snorkel over some of the most pristine coral reefs on the planet. Look out for many colorful fish and even potentially dolphins!

In the afternoon, drive onward to Saudi Arabia's second largest city, Jeddah.

Visit Al Balad, Jeddah's charming historical district. A UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 7th century, Al Balad is famous for its unique sea shell buildings. Learn about Al Balad's important history as the gateway to Mecca. Explore the neighborhood's narrow alleys and traditional shops and homes, and mingle with locals.

Overnight: Jeddah

Meals included: Breakfast

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Inclusions & Price

Included:

7 nights lodging (shared twin rooms)
Meals as indicated in itinerary
Airport transfers
All tours, tour guides, & entry fees
Ground transportation throughout the tour
Domestic flight from Riyadh to Tabuk

Excluded:

International flights
Meals not indicated in itinerary
Visa (see more info)
Travel insurance
Souvenirs, snacks, etc.
Tips

Price: $2,700

How to Join

There are limited spots available on the trip!

To apply to join, please send an email to trips@dougbarnardtravel.com.

A $700 deposit will be required to reserve your spot. This deposit is non-refundable in lieu of extraordinary circumstances.

Visa information

Saudi Arabia offers an eVisa for citizens of the US, UK, EU, and most other western countries. Citizens of these countries are also eligible for a Visa on Arrival, but we recommend applying for the eVisa in advance in order to avoid any delays at the airport.

To check the visa requirements for your country and apply for the eVisa, click here.

The eVisa costs 440 SAR (approximately $120 USD) and includes health insurance for the duration of your visit. The visa will typically be valid for 365 days with multiple entries.

If you are not eligible for an eVisa, please contact us to discuss the steps for obtaining a visa.

FAQ

Who should come on this trip?

Anyone and everyone is welcome on this trip. Saudi Arabia is a beautiful and mostly unexplored country with so much to offer visitors. Those interested in joining us on this trip should come with an open mind and be ready to immerse themselves in a culture that may be very different from their own. There will be light physical activity involved throughout the trip (climbing stairs, rocks, monuments, etc.), but nothing overly strenuous. In December, weather in Saudi Arabia is temperate, with temperatures typically ranging from 68-86° F (20-30° C). We will send a detailed recommended packing list to confirmed participants before the trip.

Is it safe to visit Saudi Arabia?

Yes, Saudi Arabia is very safe, with a lower crime rate than the US and many European countries. Throughout the duration of the trip, you will be accompanied by experienced American and Saudi guides. If you have more specific questions about safety in Saudi Arabia, get in touch with us.

Is Saudi safe for women?

Absolutely. Despite what you may have heard, Saudi Arabia is open to everyone. The country is undergoing rapid social change, and women's rights have seen several major improvements in recent years. Women can travel independently in the Kingdom and are not required to cover their hair. While traditional attire is still the norm in Saudi, you will see local women in western clothing as well.

Are LGBT travelers allowed to visit Saudi Arabia?

Yes. As per Saudi Arabia's official tourism website, LGBT visitors are welcome to visit the country. You will not be asked about your sexual orientation when visiting Saudi Arabia. Generally speaking, all guests are simply asked to respect the country's culture and customs.

Who are the guides?

The trip will be led by American and local Saudi tour guides.

Doug Barnard is an American traveler and YouTuber. He has significant experience traveling throughout Saudi Arabia and the Arab world, and has led several group trips in the region. See his experience in Saudi on his YouTube channel.

This trip is organized in partnership with 88 Destinations, a licensed Saudi tour operator and DMC based in Jeddah. Operating since 2017, the 88 Destinations team has brought thousands of visitors to experience Saudi Arabia.

Are Saudis friendly to foreigners?

Saudis are very friendly and hospitable people. Hospitality is an important part of the Saudi culture, and the Saudi people are excited to be welcoming foreigners to their country after so many years without tourism.

Saudi Arabia is a conservative and religious society, and (as with any country) visitors should respect the local norms and culture. In general, modesty is encouraged in public. That being said, visitors have nothing to be apprehensive about. Saudis are normal people who like to socialize, meet new people, and have fun.

What are the hotels like?

We will be staying in upscale local hotels. The rooms are shared twin rooms, meaning that if you're traveling solo, you'll be paired up with a roommate. If you'd like your own room, this can be arranged for an additional cost.

What's the best way to get to Saudi Arabia?

Depending on your point of origin, you may transit through Istanbul, Doha, or Dubai, or even fly direct to Riyadh. We can help you find good flights and even link up with other trip participants before your flight to Riyadh, if possible.

The trip will begin in Riyadh and end in Jeddah. Participants should book arrival flights to Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport (RUH) and departure flights from Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED).

Have more questions? Email trips@dougbarnardtravel.com and we'll get back to you ASAP!

Saudi Arabia Trip December 2023

Contents

Overview

Itinerary

Inclusions & Price

How to Join

Visa information

FAQ