Exploring United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia
Full Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Abu Dhabi. Transfer to the Sheraton Hotel. Overnight.
Day 2
Meet with your guide for a tour of the city, beginning with a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in the country. Next, stop to take a photo of the Emirates Palace, an infamous landmark of Abu Dhabi, the spectacular Etihad Towers, and the Corniche, a five-mile stretch of road that runs along the coast. Continue your tour with a visit to the 18th century Qasr Al Hosn Fort (White Fort), the oldest stone structure in Abu Dhabi, followed by the dates market to learn about the variety of dates grown across the Middle East. Your tour ends with a visit to the impressive Louvre Museum, the largest art museum in the Arabian Peninsula displaying artwork from around the world. Overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3
Drive to Al Ain - the "Garden City" of the UAE and one of the oldest settlements. This green city oases features tree-lined avenues and contains an incredible number of public parks. Here you'll visit the Al Ain Museum, which houses artifacts from ancient times that have been discovered in and around the city as well as ancient Arabic manuscripts and royal treasures. Next stop, the traditional camel market for an up-close look at these “ships of the desert”. Before driving to Dubai, explore Hili Gardens, the excavation site of a tomb that dates back to 3000 B.C. as well as other archaeological discoveries. In Dubai, check-in at the Zabeel House al Seef by Jumeirah Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4
Morning at leisure, to either explore the famous malls or the old souks for shopping. In the afternoon, explore the "City of Gold", stopping first to take a photo of the city's famous landmark - Burj Al Arab Hotel (Jumeirah Beachside) and the magnificent Jumeirah Mosque. Afterward proceed to the oldest part of the city, Bastakia, where old wind-towered houses of wealthy merchants can still be seen. Nearby is the 18th century Dubai Museum, housed in the Al Fahidi Fort, the oldest existing structure in Dubai. Continue your way through the cloth markets to the Abras - local water taxis that will take you across the Creek to the spice and gold souks. Walkthrough the bustling alleys of these souks and allow the mystical aromas of numerous spices to tantalize your senses while the breathtaking amount of brilliant gold will dazzle your eyes. The jewelry on sale varies from the traditional to the latest designs at amazingly affordable prices. Another outstanding experience is a visit to the world’s tallest structure - Burj Khalifah. No building in modern history has aroused so much curiosity and intrigue as the Burj Khalifa has. As you make the journey "At the Top" observation deck, enjoy a multi-media presentation of the exotic history of Dubai and Burj Khalifa. From the observation deck, you'll have a spectacular view of Dubai. When you return to the ground level, stop to take a photo of the famous dancing Dubai Fountains, the largest choreographed fountain system in the world. Afterward, proceed to Dubai Creek for a lovely Dhow Cruise Dinner and the chance to see the modern skyline of Dubai from the Creek. Return to your hotel in Dubai. Overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5
Day at leisure for shopping or relaxing by your hotel pool. Overnight
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6
Transfer to Dubai airport for your flight to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Upon arrival at Riyadh international airport, you will be met and transferred to the Holiday Inn Meydan for check-in. Balance of day at leisure. Overnight.
Meals: Dinner
Day 7
In the morning, drive to visit Diriyah, one of the most important sites, from where the history of the Al Saud Dynasty began. Visit the Al‐Masmak Fortress which is one of the most important monuments in the city of Riyadh. This palace was built during the reign of Abdullah bin Rashid in the year 1895 A.D. Reason for building this historic palace was to serve as a military garrison for his army, which operated under a Governor in Riyadh from Hail. Ibn Saud captured the fort on 15th January 1902. Explore Chop square and Dira Souq carpet. In the afternoon, visit the National Museum, a place of learning and discovery meant to kindle pride in the Arab heritage and reverence for Islam. This national landmark is composed of eight galleries telling the complete story of Arabian History from the creation of the universe to our modern era. Drive to nearby Murabba Palace which is among the most important palaces built by King Abdulaziz in the year 1937 A.D. That same year the King and his family moved into this palace. This palace was built on the local traditional Najid style by using local building material only. Return to your hotel. Overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
Morning at leisure to explore on your own the city, visit some of its elegant malls. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Al Ula. Upon arrival, start by visiting the old deserted but very well preserved town and check‐in at Arac Hotel. Overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9
Depart to Elephant rock which is a wonderful natural rock formation. Also, we will visit Khuraiba Lion tombs but we will observe it from outside only. The lions are directly carved on the side of one of the Al Khuraiba Tombs. These small tombs are walking distance from a discovered old kingdom called “The Kingdom of Lihyan.” Our next stop is al Ula Hejaz Railway station. We will continue to Al Wajh and explore the old city. Continue to Tabuk. Overnight at your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Image Source: Pteropus conspicillatus
Day 10
Depart to Madain Shuaib which is another preserved Nabatean site located in Saudi Arabia. Tabouk province has a very ancient historical background and the archaeological monuments are spread around the region indicate that many nations lived in the region for more than 8000 years. Some of the great prophets either lived or traveled by this region leaving historic signs. People of Thamood, Aramean, and the Nabataean lived here in addition to Prophet Shuaib and Prophet Moses whose water springs and well are living signs in the province of Tabuk. A great mixture of many civilizations are excavated and wait to be excavated here. In the late afternoon, take a flight to Jeddah. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel. Overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11
Morning visit to some of the old Ottoman houses, mostly constructed from coral and reinforced with wood so that beams crisscross the interior walls. The most beautiful & well known is Nasif House which was built during the 1850s by the well‐known Nasif Family, one of the most influential trading families in the history of Jeddah. Also, we will visit Altaybat Int’l City for Sciences and Knowledge which is a very beautiful museum that houses endless collections of arts, ethnography, and archaeology artifacts. In the afternoon, we will make a stop at the corniche of Jeddah (sea‐side promenade), a major attraction that acts as an open-air museum displaying an array of modern sculptures and gathering social place for locals. If time permits, we will visit the colorful fish market. Overnight at Red sea Palace hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Image Source: Tahir mq
Day 12
A free day to explore on your own, or just relax at your hotel. Overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Also Included: Domestic flights in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) & Saudi Arabia. All taxes, service charges, port charges and, entrance fees to sights mentioned included as well. All transfers, meeting and assistance and baggage handling are also included.
Extensions & Optional Tours: Extra days and optional tours to sites are available upon request.
Exploring United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia
Price
$7489
Single Supplement
$1450
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