Heart of Arabia: deserts & skyscrapers

Arrive at your departure airport ready to board your flight* to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Night on board.*If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Touch down in the largest city of the Red Sea, Jeddah. Get ready to explore its unique balance between history, culture, and modern city life. Overnight stay in Jeddah.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will enjoy the full Jeddah experience. Your day starts with a tour of the ever-growing urban developments that are transforming the city into a megalopolis. Enjoy the peaceful waterfront scenery of the Corniche, marvel at the record-breaking 300 m height of King Fahd’s Fountain, stop by the bustling fish market, and take in Tayebat International City’s architectural and cultural display.Next, explore the city's historic center and Beit Metbuli, a historic house that offers a rich heritage experience. Enjoy free time for lunch at a shopping mall with a wide selection of restaurants.In the afternoon, visit the Floating Mosque (Al Rahmah mosque), an architectural marvel merging islamic tradition and modernity on the Red Sea. End your day at the city’s marina, from where you can see the fastest Formula 1 street circuit in the world located on the Corniche, and enjoy a beautiful sunset over the sea. Overnight stay in Jeddah.

Breakfast at the hotel. Start your way into the heart of Arabia. After a scenic transfer through vast deserts and mountainous landscapes you will reach the Enlightened City of Medina at midday, just in time to enjoy lunch at a local mall, at your own expense. Built by the Prophet Muhammad and his final place of rest, Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (Prophet's Mosque) is one of the holiest places of Islam. Its striking green dome and ten minarets look over the millions of pilgrims that visit the site yearly. To enjoy a better view, you can walk up Mount Uhud, where the Battle of Uhud took place between the Prophet’s forces and the Muslims from Mecca. Next, walk over to the Quba Mosque, where the first stone of the first ever mosque was set before strolling on to the Ethiq garden and well, where local tribes welcomed the Prophet and his troops after fleeing from Mecca.Finish your day by returning to Al-Masjid, now illuminated, to witness the thousands of worshipers attending prayer. Enjoy your included dinner and overnight stay in Medina.Total transfer time: Approx. 5 hours | 263 miles / 423 kms

Breakfast at the hotel. Continue your journey through the breathtaking Saudi desert landscapes to one of the most spectacular oases in the world: AlUla.Start your visit by exploring Dadan and its 2,000 year old Lion Tombs, expertly carved directly into the red stone cliff faces, before moving on to the Elephant Rock (Jabal Al Fil), an impressive 170 ft / 52 m tall rock formation eroded by the elements and time into the shape of the large mammal. Included dinner and overnight stay in AlUla.Total transfer time: Approx. 4.5 hours | 219 miles / 352 kms

Today, the day starts early to make the most of the visits. Breakfast will be provided to go, and we'll begin by discovering Hegra (Madain Saleh), the first UNESCO world heritage landmark registered in Saudi Arabia, also known as “the other Petra.” Majestic tombs skillfully carved into stone, stone-lined water channels, and defensive walls give you a glimpse into the pioneering skills of the Nabatean people, merging Greek, Roman, Persian and Egyptian influences to create their own style. Enjoy your included lunch.In the afternoon, explore the streets of AlUla and its magnificent oasis before you continue your journey to Tabuk, one of the oldest cities of the Kingdom, where you can enjoy some free time to walk around at your leisure. Dinner included and overnight stay in Tabuk.Total transfer time: Approx. 4.5 hours | 207 miles / 333 kms

Breakfast at the hotel. First thing in the morning, jump on your flight to Riyadh, capital of Saudi Kingdom. As soon as you touch down, begin your adventure with a visit to the National Museum. The biggest in the country, it will take you on a journey through Arabian history, culture, and art. Make your way to the Masmak Palace, a testament to the city’s titanic development in the last century. Enjoy some free time to explore the neighborhood and have lunch at a local eatery.Get a unique glimpse into the religion of Islam by witnessing prayer at the stunning Andalusian style Al Rajhi Mosque. Finish off your day with a stroll through the fascinating Boulevard City, the largest entertainment hub in the Kingdom, where effervescent commercial activity, can’t-miss attractions, endless gastronomical options from all over the world, enchanting live performances, and the majestic Boulevard Fountain Show will amaze you. Enjoy your free time to take it all -and some dinner- in. Overnight stay in Riyadh.Important: The order of the activities may vary depending on the time of the year. In case the Masmak Palace is closed due to renovations, the Murabba Palace will be visited instead.

Breakfast* at the hotel. Transfer to Riyadh International Airport for your flight to Canada**. Arrive at your destination and end your trip.*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.**Depending on the choice of flight, you may arrive back in Canada the following day.