XPD – LAND OF LIQUID GOLD

12 Days / 11 Nights / 2500 KMS
Feb 17th – Feb 28th
TRIP GRADE-3

Arrival at Jeddah International Airport. Jeddah is Saudi Arabia’s most progressive city, located on the Red Sea. You will be received by XPD Team Leaders and taken to your hotel for the night. Check in assistance.

Stay: Blue Diamond 4

After breakfast, we’ll start our tour on a luxury bus, visiting the Abdul Raouf Khalil Museum for a glimpse of Arabian heritage. In Al-Balad, we’ll explore hidden gems, markets, and taste local food. We’ll visit Beit Nassif, Baghdadi House, the Old Gold Market, and Ukash Mosque. Then, we’ll see Al Rahmah Mosque, the “Floating Mosque,” with its stunning Red Sea views, and finish at Jeddah Corniche, home to sculptures, recreation spots, and the world’s tallest fountain.

Stay: Blue Diamond 4

Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by receiving our rental vehicles. We’ll begin our drive to the cool, green city of Taif, located in the Hada Mountains above Mecca. Taif is known for its pleasant weather, beautiful scenery, and relaxed atmosphere, especially in summer. The drive offers panoramic views of Al Hada Mountain, and we’ll visit a rose farm/factory. We’ll visit the Sharif Museum and enjoy a traditional lunch in the mountains. In the afternoon, we’ll take in the mountain views, old stone paths, and the Al Hada cable car before checking into the Iris Boutique hotel (4*). Overnight stay in Taif.

Stay: Iris boutique (4)

Meals: Breakfast

Cable Car Ride is not included – per way 25 USD

After breakfast, we drive through the desert to the stunning Al Waba Crater, a volcanic formation with a salt field at its center. You can choose to hike part of the crater or take the challenging climb down to the basin and back (approx. 2.5 hours). After exploring, we’ll enjoy views from the crater’s edge. In the afternoon, we head to the outskirts of Medina, home to the Prophet’s Mosque with its iconic Green Dome. While non-Muslim tourism is new here, we will visit the outskirts and finish the day with a sunset hike up Mount Uhud. Check-in and overnight in Medina.

Stay: Season Star 4

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, we head to the ancient town of Al Ula, once a key stop on the frankincense trade route to Oman and Egypt. Following the historic Hijaz Railway route, we’ll visit the eerie, abandoned Buwayr and Muduraj train stations. The railway, built by the Ottomans in the early 20th century, was disrupted during WWI by Lawrence of Arabia and his allies. We’ll also visit Khaybar, a well-preserved ancient oasis mentioned in Babylonian texts and the site of an important battle in early Islam. We’ll arrive in Al Ula by late afternoon and check into our camp for an overnight stay.

Stay: Sahary 4

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast, we’ll explore Al-Ula, an ancient oasis inhabited for 7,000 years. In the 1st millennium BCE, Dedan emerged as a key city on the frankincense trade route, ruling much of present-day Tabuk and Madinah. Next, we’ll visit Jebel Ikmah, an open-air museum of rock inscriptions, followed by the Old City of Al-Ula, a key stop on the Islamic pilgrimage route to Mecca. We’ll also see the ancient sites of Ekma and Abu ‘Aoud, with their inscriptions. We’ll end the day at Harrat Al-Uwayrid, enjoying stunning views of the oasis, before returning to the hotel for the night.

Stay: Sahary 4

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Explore the awe-inspiring Hegra, also known as Madain Saleh, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and often called the “Southern Petra.” Uncover the rich history of the Nabataean Kingdom (100–500 BCE) as you marvel at its ancient ruins. Journey through the Jibal Al-Rukkab canyons via the Leopard Trail, ending with the iconic Elephant Rock. Take in the stunning rock formations and serene landscapes before returning to camp for an overnight stay in Al Ula.

Stay: Sahary 4

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast at the camp, we journey to Jubbah, an ancient settlement by a prehistoric lake. Here, we’ll explore archaeological sites from the Middle Paleolithic era and admire the sandstone outcrops filled with petroglyphs and inscriptions. These rock carvings depict people, camels, horses, and chariots, offering insights into ancient life. Jubbah, part of Hail Province, was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015 for its rich petroglyphs. We’ll then pass through the vast Nefud Desert, a large oval-shaped expanse, before arriving in Ha’il, known for its hospitality and history. Check-in at the hotel for an overnight stay in Ha’il.

Stay: Golden Tulip 4

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll visit Al Ha’il, including the A’Arif Fort and nearby heritage museum. We’ll stroll through the traditional market to sample local delicacies and, if open, visit the Hail Regional Museum. Next, we’ll drive to Buraydah, stopping at the historical site of Fayd, a key pilgrimage city between Baghdad and Mecca. We’ll explore its small museum and restored archaeological site. Arriving in Buraydah, known for its conservatism and as the capital of Al-Qassim Region, we’ll have a brief city orientation before checking in at the hotel for the night.

Stay: Golden Tulip 4

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, we’ll start early to experience Buraydah’s vibrant camel market, the world’s largest, where thousands of camels, goats, and sheep are traded daily. Following this, we’ll visit the city’s date market for some local treats before heading to Riyadh. On the way, we’ll pass through Mithnab and Al-Ghat, stopping at the heritage village of Ushaiger to admire its traditional Najdi architecture. We’ll arrive in Riyadh by evening, return our rental cars, and check into the hotel for an overnight stay.

Stay: Grand Plaza Dhabab 4

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, we’ll explore Riyadh on a bus, starting with the National Museum, which showcases Saudi Arabia’s heritage from ancient times to the modern era. Next, we’ll visit the historic Murabba Palace, known for its square shape. We’ll then see iconic landmarks such as the Kingdom Tower and Faisaliah Hotel, and continue to the Masmak Fort, a key site in Saudi Arabia’s history, where the 3rd Saudi Kingdom began. Finally, we’ll explore Dira Souq, famous for antique carpets and Saudi heritage items.

Stay: Grand Plaza Dhabab (4*).

Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at your hotel. Check out at 12h00 noon. Transfer to airport to head back home.

About XPD BEYOND & INDIA

Cozy conversations, companionable silences, and unforgettable adventures – That’s what we deliver.At XPD we curate your journey and travel companions too. We believe in responsible travel that brings kindness into the world and encourages every traveler to keep exploring.

RATES

PRADO TXL 1 V6 – (2 PAX IN A CAR) – 4,45,000 INR
PRADO TXL 1 V6 – ( 4 PAX IN A CAR ) – 4,10,000 INR
TOYOTA RAV 4 LE 4X4 – ( 2 PAX IN A CAR ) – 4,15,000 INR
GST & TDS ARE APPLICABLE
( A “HOLD“ IS REQUIRED ON THE CREDIT CARD OF THE DRIVERS, DEPENDING ON THE CAR, THE AMOUNT OF “HOLD”VARIES )
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT – 1,00,000 INR

CONTACT

MEENAKSHI ARVIND: +91 98430 48833
info@xpdindia.com

INCLUDES

• Excursions mentioned in the itinerary
• Entrance fees
• Transfers
• Professional XPD expedition management team to accompany and manage through the entire journey
• Local guide
• Comprehensive Vehicle Insurance
• English speaking guide
• Hotel accommodation
• Meals mentioned in the itinerary

EXCLUDES

• Airfare
• Visa Fees
• Medical Insurance
• Early Check Ins / Late Check outs
• Alcoholic beverages
• Extra personal fees
• Fuel expenses
• Costs incurred due to natural calamities, strikes, Items not mentioned in the Include
• Tips, Gratuities & Porterage

For those wanting to extend their stay, do inform the time of booking, add on Hotel nights will be arranged for at a special rate.

CANCELLATION POLICY

• ⁠15% of the trip cost will be charged as cancellation fee if the trip is canceled between 150-89 days of departure.
• ⁠30 % of the trip cost will be charged as cancellation fee if the trip is canceled between to 89-45 days of departure.
• ⁠75 % of the trip cost will be charged as cancellation fee if the trip is canceled between 45 to 30 days of departure.
• ⁠⁠100 % of the trip cost will be charged as cancellation fee if the trip is canceled between 0 to 29 days of departure.
• ⁠Telephonic cancellation will not be accepted as a ‘Cancellation Request’.
• ⁠Flight and Train ticket cancellations would adhere the policies laid by airlines and railways.

PLEASE NOTE

• ⁠No-shows or changes / cancellations due to bad weather / cancellations due to missed flight/ cancellations due to natural calamity will be non-refundable.
• All cancellations must be intimated to us via email.