The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an enigmatic place. Much of the world knows it as a major producer of oil, or as a destination for Muslim pilgrims. Both of those aspects are, of course, deeply important to the kingdom, but much more lies beyond. Few are aware of the country\u2019s rich and ancient cultural heritage, or the landscapes and natural scenery it has to offer. Even fewer have visited as tourists looking to explore the cultural and geographical terrain. As Saudi Arabia continues efforts to diversify its economy and open up to the outside world, this will change. Travelers are already beginning to trickle in, making use of newly relaxed visa regulations and the nation\u2019s excellent infrastructure to explore the deserts, beaches, mountains, and cultural sights both ancient and modern.<\/p>\n
On this nine-day journey our expert guides will introduce you to both the modern sides of Saudi Arabia and the ancient. You\u2019ll start in the capital, Riyadh, visiting the excellent national museum there alongside the nearby Najdi heitage village of Ushaiger. Then fly to Al Ula, home ancient wonders made both by man and nature, including a UNESCO World Heritage-listed complex of Nabataean tombs comparable to those at Petra. Finally make your way to the Red Sea port city of Jeddah, an economic hub for Saudi Arabia \u2013 one that still has an atmospheric old town, great markets and museums, and a pleasant promenade along the coast.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":27,"featured_media":47885,"menu_order":0,"template":"","trip_experiences":[638,15],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n