11 Days Highlights of Saudi Arabia

About the destination: Riyadh is the capital and largest city in Saudi Arabia with population at about 5 million. The city has a rapidly growing center where you will find new high raise buildings, international restaurants, hotels, shopping centers, modern offices and many more. Although being a major a business destination, it has maintained a balance between culture, tradition and economic growth. The historical core of Riyadh, Al-Murabba, has some interesting sites worth visiting such as the King Abdul Aziz Historical Centre, home to the National Museum and the Murabba Palace. The center of Riyadh, Al-Bathaa , is the oldest part of the city. Al Bathaa is home to the bus station, post office and Batha souk. Faisaliya Tower is one of the two iconic towers of the city of Riyadh. It contains a variety of attractions, including a viewing platform, a small photography gallery and a café known as the Top. Riyadh is a luxurious and prosperous city in the heart of the Arabic world. The city’s unique urban landscape makes it a true modern wonder.

About the destination: AlUla, is a city of the Medina Region in north-western Saudi Arabia. Historically located on the incense route, the city lies within the Governorate of 'Ula , one of seven in the Medina Region, covering an area of 29,261 square kilometres (11,298 sq mi). The city is 110 km (68 mi) southwest of Tayma and 300 km (190 mi) north of Medina. The city (municipality) covers 2,391 square kilometres (923 sq mi). The population of the city is 5,426. AlUla was the capital of the ancient Lihyanites (Dedanites). The governorate contains the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Saudi Kingdom, called Hegra (also known as Al-Hijr, or Mada'in Saleh / Mada'in Salih), 22 km (14 mi) north of the city. Hegra (Mada'in Salih) was built more than 2,000 years ago by the Nabataeans. AlUla, the ancient walled city, is packed with mud-brick and stone houses.

About the destination: Jeddah is on the Red Sea in western Saudi Arabia. It is the second largest city, and a major commercial center in the country. Jeddah is the principal gateway to Mecca, Islam's holiest city, which able-bodied Muslims are required to visit at least once in their lifetime. It is also a gateway to Medina, the second holiest place in Islam. The city that never sleeps won’t allow you to sleep from all the variety it offers. To discover Jeddah you will have to sail its raging coasts, visit the luxurious Corniche, devour popular seafood delicacies, enjoy majestic palaces, and historical and archeological landmarks. The Khuzam Palaca is a landmark that reflects the beauty of modern architecture. It was named Khuzam after all the lavender (Khuzama in Arabic) surrounding it. The construction of the palace began in 1928, and was completed in 1932. It is the first building to be constructed using cement and iron in Jeddah. King Abdulaziz ordered its construction during his stay at the Nassif House for a period of time. Khuzam Palace today is one the most important museums in Saudi Arabia. The Tahaliyah Street is one of the most prestigious and vital main streets in the city of Jeddah. It is a commercial hub of shopping centers given the many brand name shopping centers lining its sides, as well as the finest restaurants, multiple shopping centers and lavish offices, not to mention its beauty and strategic location, divided into two sections.

About the destination: Mecca or Makkah located in western Saudi Arabia, is the holiest city in Islam. Every year millions of pilgrims flock to Mecca. As a result there has been a lot of construction to cater for the accommodation of the pilgrims, and extensions to the mosque itself. Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the holy city. Mecca also has a very rich history as it is a very old city which has been considered sacred since the early Middle Ages. In Mecca’s city center there is the Sacred Mosque, considered the holiest site in Islam. The Kaaba is located at the center of the Sacred Mosque, all Muslims pray in the direction of Kaaba, believed to have been originally built by Adam and rebuilt by Abraham and his son Ishmael. Other major sites to see in Mecca are Mina, the Hill of Arafat and Jabal Rahma, the cave Jabal Al Thur and Masjid e Taneem Mosque. Undeniably, Mecca is one of the most spiritual places on Earth.

About the destination: Medina is a city in the north of Mecca and the second holiest city of Islam. A city of peace and tranquility, where many historic and archaeological sites along with several Islamic historic battle sites are found here. Madinah is rich in culture, heritage and museums. Vast date plantations and ancient traditional markets (Souks) alongside modern shopping malls and arcades abound this city. Yanbu is home to some of the most beautiful beaches with sunlight caressing its coral reefs under the sea like a painting of unique and rarely seen landscape. It is a city of creativity that competes with other cities around the world. Madain Saleh is the UNESCO’s World Heritage pre-Islamic archaeological site located in Al Madina Province. It is also called as Al Hijir. When you enter the area, you will find yourself surrounded by interconnected mountains and separate rocky cliffs on a sprawling landscape. Madain Saleh was the capital and an important city of the Nabataeans after Petra in Jordan.