Banyan Tree AlUla
Blending harmoniously with the surrounding swathe of sand, 47 standalone villas offer a cool and spacious retreat, their sweeping canopie... Read more
Journey deep into the heart of once-inaccessible Saudi Arabia to explore the pre-Islamic cities of Hegra and Dadan and go off-roading through the desert of AlUla. Learn firsthand about the modern Saudi state and discover the roles tradition and modernisation play in its continuing development, as you explore dynamic Riyadh as well as history-laden Jeddah, set beside the Red Sea.
Journey Highlights
Arrive in Riyadh, original homeland of the ruling Al Saud family and now the nation’s capital city, where you are met and privately transferred to your hotel.
Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh
After a morning at leisure, travel outside the city to a camel farm and enjoy the opportunity to ride on camelback before lunch. Return to the city and venture to the top of Kingdom Tower, taking in expansive views of the city. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh | Meals: BLD
Explore the National Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that tells the complete story of Arabian history. View Masmak Fortress, in Riyadh’s Old Quarter, before strolling through Dirah Souk, a market renowned for colourful textiles, from silk to luxurious pashminas. Enjoy a traditional lunch of Saudi specialties, served family-style, on a palate-pleasing Chef's Table demonstration. This afternoon, visit UNESCO-listed Diriyah, the original home of the royal family. Walk the old town to admire its palace, houses and marketplace. Then, meet with a local expert from the antiquities or creative sectors to hear about recent changes in Saudi society.
Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh | Meals: BLD
Fly into the Arabian Desert to AlUla and transfer to your hotel. Set in a spectacular valley, with date palm groves that line the banks of a wadi (dry riverbed) and red sandstone cliffs rising on either side, AlUla was once a trading hub on the historic Incense Route. Later, view iconic Elephant Rock, shaped by erosion to resemble a massive pachyderm, and sip a Scenic Sundowner of juice or tea.
Banyan Tree AlUla | Meals: BD
Today, explore Hegra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site only open to the public since 2020 that features a towering carved façade revealing its Nabatean connection to Petra in Jordan. Also discover the Nabatean Well, Qasr Al Bint, Diwan Tomb and Al Farid Palace. After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy your afternoon at leisure. This evening, you may choose to explore AlUla’s Old Town to view its architecture and wander among its cafés and shops.
Banyan Tree AlUla | Meals: BL
Journey overland to Jabal Ikmah, situated in a stunning desert canyon. This “open-air library” has an impressive collection of inscriptions carved into its stone cliffsides, most dating to the first millennium BC. Continue to nearby Dadan, once the capital of the ancient kingdom of the Lihyanite and Dadanite civilisations, to learn about the treasures uncovered from excavations at this active archaeological site.
Banyan Tree AlUla | Meals: BLD
This morning, stop for photos at Maraya, a dazzling concert hall rising out of the desert that is the world’s largest mirrored building, and take in panoramic views of AlUla at Harratt view point. Then, fly to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia’s commercial capital and the main gateway to Mecca, the holiest city in Islam.
Shangri-La Jeddah | Meals: B
Head to Al-Balad, Jeddah’s old quarter, a bastion of traditional architecture. Visit some of its Hejazi houses, constructed from coral and reinforced with wooden beams, including the beautiful Nassif House, built in the 1850s. After lunch, stroll the Corniche, a waterfront promenade beside the sparkling Red Sea, and behold the extraordinary array of modern sculpture on display. View King Fahd’s Fountain, and then enjoy an A&K-exclusive visit to Al Makkiah House, a striking example of traditionally preserved Hejazi architecture. Gaze upon the “floating mosque”, which appears to drift on the water’s surface. This evening, savour your farewell dinner.
Shangri-La Jeddah | Meals: BLD
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departing flight.
Meals: B
Internal Air Included: Riyadh/AlUla/Jeddah
This journey contains some active elements.
Minimum age is 10 years.
First group event: welcome briefing at 11:00 a.m. on Day 2.
Last group event: farewell dinner at 7:00 p.m. on Day 8.
Departures are guaranteed to operate with a minimum of 2 guests.
Included with every Luxury Small Group Journey
Talk to one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about booking this tour as a private journey for your own small group with family or friends. Or, if you would prefer to travel privately, find out more about creating the perfect bespoke Tailor-Made Journey based on this itinerary.
Contact one of our Journey Designers to start planning your itinerary.
Blending harmoniously with the surrounding swathe of sand, 47 standalone villas offer a cool and spacious retreat, their sweeping canopie... Read more
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
| Feb 6, 2025 - Feb 14, 2025 |
|---|
| Price AU$30,725pp | Single Supplement AU$13,005 | Internal Air (From) Included | Availability Call for Availability | Enquire |
| Oct 23, 2025 - Oct 31, 2025 |
|---|
| Price AU$30,725pp | Single Supplement AU$13,005 | Internal Air (From) Included | Availability Call for Availability | Enquire |
| Nov 6, 2025 - Nov 14, 2025 |
|---|
| Price AU$30,725pp | Single Supplement AU$13,005 | Internal Air (From) Included | Availability Call for Availability | Enquire |
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