GUIDED TOURS TO THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA (KSA)

Young Pioneer Tours has meticulously created the perfect Saudi Arabian tour packages for 2023 and 2024, all following our ethos of adventure at great prices.

The birthplace of Islam with the holiest city Mecca, you often forget what other spectacular sites Saudi Arabia offers – beautifully persevered pre-Islamic civilizations including UNESCO world heritage sites al-Hijr, pockets of oasis in barren deserts and delicious Middle Eastern cuisines.   

It was almost impossible to visit Saudi Arabia as a tourist – however times have changed and YPT were one of the first foreign travel agents to bring groups here, even before they had tourist visas. Now it is very much a mainstay of our calendar.

SAUDI ARABIA TOURS – GROUP TOURS TO SAUDI ARABIA

YPT first took groups in to Saudi Arabia as part of trade delagations and since its full opening to tiruism are now offering regular guided tours to Saudi Arabia.

We are currently offering the following Saudi Arabia Group Tours for 2023 and 2024, but keep watching this page as we are always looking to add more Saudi tours. Due to logistical restraints we can only hold spots up to 16 group members generally, so be sure to book quickly as our Saudi Arabia Tours are very popular and places fill up quickly.

Saudi Arabia Autumn Tour – October 8th 2023 – October 15th 2023 – $2845

Our final Saudi Arabia group tour of 2023 which takes us to the spectacular Jabal Al Fil (elephant rock) also exploring the stunning tombs carved into the golden Quweira sandstone by the Nabataean people. Journey deep into Medina – also known as the “enlightened city” it is the second holiest city in Islam and where you’ll learn about Islamic Civilization. Experience the bustling night life that Medina offers and enjoy local cuisines over shisha.

The Saudi Arabia Autumn tour which can be easily combined with our Kuwait and Iran tours, so you can make the most of your time in the Arabian Peninsula.

Saudi Arabia Spring Tour – February 10th 2024 – February 17th 2024 – $2845

Starting off our 2024 tours to Saudi Arabia! We’ll delve to the Edge of the World (Jebel Fihrayn) to experience this breaking vantage point, explore pre-Islamic culture and experience the world largest camel market in Al Qassim. Of course try some delicious local cuisines.

Our Saudi Arabia group tour to be perfectly combined with our Lebanon and Syrian tours.

Saudi Arabia Independent Tours

If a group tour does not fit your calendar, you require something more specific for yourself, or group then YPT can arrange a bespoke Saudi Arabian tour for you.

Prices genuinely depend on the number of people and what level of accommodation you require, but YPT can arrange everything you need for a perfect independent tour to Saudi Arabia.

Tours to Saudi Arabia can also be combined with trips to other places in the region, such as Kuwait, Syria and Socotra to name, but a few.

Sample Saudi Arabia Itinerary

The following Saudi Arabia itinerary is an example of our standard Saudi tour. This be done as is, rearranged, or mixed and match to make a bespoke Saudi Arabian vacation.

Day 1 – Riyadh

• Arrive at your convenience into Riyadh – the capital city of Saudi Arabia with flights from the Middle East, Europe and Asia.
• Airport transfers only available for tour group members arriving this day to our centrally located hotel.
• Pre-tour meeting will be held at the lobby of our hotel at 6:00pm to discuss tour itinerary and to meet your fellow travellers and YPT guide.
• Dinner and overnight in Riyadh

Day 2 – Riyadh: Edge of the World

Morning

• Breakfast at hotel and we’ll begin the day by exploring Al Masmak Fortress – Surrounded by sand, this clay and mud-brick fort is one of the most iconic landmarks of Saudi. Built in 1865, this massive fortress represents the empire. It was the site of a daring 1902 raid by Ibn Saud – during which a spear was hurled towards the main gate with such force that the head of the spear is still lodged inside.
• We’re in walking distance to Al Zal Souq – located in the old part of the city, this market has a plethora of little shops arranged in rows along narrow streets selling carpets, gold, silver, souvenirs, antiques, traditional clothes, accessories and even furniture. Most of the shop owners here speak English and welcome good hagglers.
• On the way we’ll pass by Deera Square – most commonly known as Chop Chop Square by foreigners. This’ll be explained to you on the site.

Afternoon

• Lunch at Al Qaria Al Najdya for a scrumptious traditional Saudi feast
• Begin our drive out to the Edge of the World (Jebel Fihrayn) – this unique spot earnt its name as it offers stunning viewpoints from the top of the 300 meter high cliffs overlooking the surrounding plains. These cliffs were forged as a result of the tectonic movement of the Arabian plate due to the spread of the Red Sea rift located 1000 kilometres to the west.
• Return back to Riyadh for dinner in town and overnight at hotel

Day 3 – Riyadh – Ushaiger – Buraidah

Morning

• Breakfast at the hotel and visit the National Museum of Saudi Arabia – first opened in 1999, the design of this museum was inspired by the form and colours of the sand dunes of the “Red Sands” located outside Riyadh. The museum showcases 14 pre-Islamic Arabian kingdoms that had existed in the Arabian Peninsula from 5 BC till 700 AD.  It also includes a unification hall which shows the establishment of modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by King Abdul Aziz Al-Saud after he captured Riyadh. A hand written Quran is also in display.
• Make our way up all the way up the Kingdom Tower – a 99-story (302.3 meters) skyscraper overlooking Riyadh. It is the world’s third tallest building with a hole after the Shanghai World Financial Centre. Below is one of the most popular malls in the country where we’ll have lunch.

Afternoon

• Head northwest of the city to Al Turaif – the former capital city of the Saudi dynasty from 1744 to 1818. It was also the original home of the Saudi royal family.
• Begin our 3-and-a-half-hour journey to Buraidah – the capital of Al-Qassim region located in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula.
• On the way we’ll stop at Ushaiger village – hidden with an oasis this village provides a glimpse of a much slower paced Saudi society. The springs and low-brimmed olive and palm groves encouraged Edouins to settle here over 1500 years ago quickly transforming Ushaiger into a popular stopping point for pilgrims making their way to Mecca.
• Walk through the labyrinth of winding alleyways, shaded pathways and timber-framed walkways, crossing between hundreds of mud houses of stunning examples of Najdi architecture with its distinctive triangular windows and ornately carved wooden doors. Some still bear the names of the families who lived there many moons ago.
• We arrive in Buraidah to check into our hotel
• Dinner and overnight in Buraidah.

Day 4 – Buraidah – Hail

Morning

• We’ll begin today’s day early at 6:30am and head to Al Qassim Camel Market – the largest camel market in the world where tens of thousands of camels are bought and sold, along with saddles and other accessories. This is also one of the most chaotic scenes in the country and giving you a truly unique Saudi experience.
• We’ll continue heading 3 hours northwest to Hail – where the dream landscapes of a thousand and one night were inspired.

Afternoon

• On our arrival we’ll have lunch
• Explore A’arif Fort – originally built in order to guard the city against enemies. However, During the Saudi rule the Fort was used for the sighting of the moon and firing the Iftar cannon during Ramadan.
• Make our way to the top of Jabal Al Samra Park – offers a fantastic view looking down at the city of Hail
• Return to town for dinner & shisha at a popular spot with locals.
• Overnight in Hail

Day 5 – Hail – Al Ula (Dedan – Ikma Mountain & Elephant Rock)

Morning

• After breakfast we’ll begin our epic 4-hour drive west to Al Ula stopping for breaks and photos along the way.

Afternoon

• On our arrival in Al Ula we’ll have lunch in town
• Visit Dedan, Ikma Mountain – located in a beautiful desert landscape, the largest “open library” in Saudi Arabia sits tucked away in a remote canyon valley. It was an important way station and mercantile center on the frankincense trade route linking to Babylon, Petra and Syria. Excavations on the archeological sites here have revealed the existence of large fortified cities. These kingdoms developed their own culture including a specific language and alphabet, that resulted in a mix of Arabian traditions and strong influences from the surrounding empires.
• Discover two exceptional tombs located 50 meters above the wadi where the ancient oasis was centered. Those are the only tombs that are decorated with two carved lions each, showing the importance of their owners, being governors or influential people.
• Explore Elephant Rock – also known as Jabal Al Fil, the “trunk” and “body” of this monolithic red sandstone beast were carved by natural forces – millions of years of wind and water erosion. The beauty of the unrefined structure is enhanced by its surroundings of a fine-sand sea studded with rocky outcrops, many of which are equally impressive in size and shapes.
• We’ll be seated at our exclusive and reserved spot at a café & restaurant nearby to watch the stunning sunset.
• We stay overnight at a nearby farm in tents (glamping), with shared facilities.

Day 6 – Al Ula – Madain Saleh (Hegra) – Medina

Morning

• Breakfast at our hotel and head down the road to visit Madain Saleh or known as Hegra by the Nabataean people who carved its stunning tombs into the golden Quweira sandstone. This structure includes 111 tomb façades which reflect the great skills of the masons of their time. It’s said that the natural setting here must have reminded the Nabataeans of their capital, Petra, which is why they chose this location to build their second city which thrived between 1BCE – 74CE.

Afternoon

• We’ll head back into town for lunch and begin making our 3 and a half hour journey to Medina – also known as the “enlightened city” it is the second holiest city in Islam.
• We’ll explore and make the most out of Medina’s nightlife
• Dinner and overnight in Medina

Day 7 – Medina

Morning

• Breakfast and make our way to the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization – conveniently located in the area of the Holy Mosque which is a fantastic opportunity for photos.
• Walk down Qiba Street – this street connects the Holy Mosque and Qiba Mosque which both have significant importance in Islamic history as the first to house the prophet Mohammed and eventually his grave. The second was the first Mosque ever built.
• Walk down Medina’s walking street lined with traditional shops where incredibly delicious street food is sold. We’ll have our lunch break here.

Afternoon

• Head to Medina Railway Station to board the high-speed railway to Jeddah. Construction began back in 2008 and was inaugurated in 2018, this 453 kilometre long railway connects the two holy cities making travel time just under 2 hours travelling at 300km/h
• Arrive in Jeddah and begin our tour by visiting Al Balad which means “the town”. Founded in the 7th century and historically served as the centre of Jeddah, the city’s defensive walls were torn down during the 1940s. Some homes have been built using only sand and seashells.
• We’ll then hit up Al Balad famous for its countless delicious food vendors – here you’ll sample a local drink made of bread called “Sobia”. We’ll also drop by a well-known old bakery and try a local snack that consists of beans and pickles called “Balilah”.
• Stop for a coffee break at a chilled café – you can also try a local tea mixed with milk and herbs.
• Stop by the first hotel built in Jeddah – heavily influenced by Italian architecture
• Pass the first school built in Saudi Arabia
• Visit an art house and museum offering its unique local art collection and antiques.
• Check into our hotel, freshen up and have a feast in town. A farewell dinner for those who are departing the following day.
• Overnight in hotel

Day 8 – Jeddah

Morning

• Breakfast at hotel
• Tour concludes with airport drop-off arranged according to your flight details – Or YPT can arrange an extension, or otherwise after your Saudi Arabia tour has concluded.

INDEPENDENT SAUDI ARABIAN TOUR EXAMPLES

We do not list all of our bespoke Saudi Arabia itineraries, but can offer some examples, such as the following which can be arranged into a personalized Saudi Arabia Tour.

• Saudi Arabia Cultural Tour – explore the capital Riyadh busy markets and beautiful architecture including a visit to the National Museum of Saudi Arabia.  Visit Jeddah’s historical downtown area (Al-Balad) and Al Shafi Mosque.
• Ancient Saudi Arabia Tour – take advantage of our independent tours which are truly unique catered to your requirements. Enjoy Mada’in Saleh to ancient Mosques. Enjoy the magnificent architectures.
• Saudi Arabia Nature Tour – adventure deep into the desert exploring beautiful natural rock formations and camp in style in the desert gazing at the stars. Our local guides know the best locations!
• Saudi Arabia Road Trip – with the sheer size of the country and having numerous natural features to UNESCO world heritage sites.  A road trip around Saudi Arabia is the best way to experience the barren landscape and scenery.  
• Culinary Tour of Saudi Arabia – sample some of the most delicious foods from the Middle East, Saudi Arabia has it all!  From national dish Kabsa – a rice dish made with meat and vegetables to Asida/Aseeda – Arabic Boiled Flour dessert. We can create a personalised food tour at local hidden spots to popular restaurants. 
• Saudi Arabia Photography Tour – Newly opened to tourists, this is the best time for photographers to come and explore the region. We can create a bespoke itinerary for all your media needs.
• School Trips to Saudi Arabia – the region is rich in cultural heritage with a deep pre Islamic history boasting plenty of significant historical sites for Islam.  We can arrange school trip sot Saudi Arabia for children and students of all ages.
• Camel Racing Tour – this is truly unique experience to visit a camel race.  Extremely popular this is traditional sport in Saudi Arabia and defiantly worth seeing, so why not do it as part of a Saudi Arabian tour?

SAUDI ARABIA TOUR GUIDES

Tourism might be new to Saudi Arabia and thus tour guides, but we have managed to create and work with the best guides in the country for our Saudi Arabia tours and travel packages.

All of our local guides on our Saudi Arabian tours speak English, or a translator is provided. For independent tours to Saudi Arabia guides speaking other languages can be arranged.

Saudi Arabia Visa

Previously the Saudi Arabian visa was almost impossible to get! However times have changed! Saudi Arabia has opened its doors to visitors from a number of countries. You can now apply online for an eVisa which is valid for a year with multiple entries.  The process is pretty much straight forward and YPT can provide full visa support for your Saudi Arabian tour with us.

Saudi Arabia Tours FAQ