Gulf Oases: From Jeddah to Doha

Breakfast at the hotel. Continue your journey through the breathtaking Saudi desert landscapes to one of the most spectacular oases in the world: AlUla.

Start your visit by exploring Dadan and its 2,000 year old Lion Tombs, expertly carved directly into the red stone cliff faces, before moving on to the Elephant Rock (Jabal Al Fil), an impressive 170 ft / 52 m tall rock formation eroded by the elements and time into the shape of the large mammal. Finish the day with dinner. Overnight stay in Al Ula.

Total transfer time: Approx. 4.5 hours | 219 miles / 352 kms

Today, the day starts early to make the most of the visits. Breakfast will be provided to go, and we'll begin by discovering Hegra (Madain Saleh), the first UNESCO world heritage landmark registered in Saudi Arabia, also known as “the other Petra.” Majestic tombs skillfully carved into stone, stone-lined water channels, and defensive walls give you a glimpse into the pioneering skills of the Nabatean people, merging Greek, Roman, Persian and Egyptian influences to create their own style. Enjoy your included lunch.

In the afternoon, explore the streets of AlUla and its magnificent oasis before you continue your journey to Tabuk, one of the oldest cities of the Kingdom, where you can enjoy some free time to walk around at your leisure. Dinner included and  overnight stay in Tabuk.

Total transfer time: Approx. 4.5 hours | 207 miles / 333 kms

Breakfast at the hotel. First thing in the morning, jump on your flight to Riyadh, capital of Saudi Kingdom. As soon as you touch down, begin your adventure with a visit to the National Museum. The biggest in the country, it will take you on a journey through Arabian history, culture, and art. Make your way to the Masmak Palace, a testament to the city’s titanic development in the last century. Enjoy some free time to explore the neighborhood and have lunch at a local eatery.

Get a unique glimpse into the religion of Islam by witnessing prayer at the stunning Andalusian style Al Rajhi Mosque. Finish off your day with a stroll through the fascinating Boulevard City, the largest entertainment hub in the Kingdom, where effervescent commercial activity, can’t-miss attractions, endless gastronomical options from all over the world, enchanting live performances, and the majestic Boulevard Fountain Show will amaze you. Enjoy your free time to take it all -and some dinner- in. Overnight stay in Riyadh.

Important: The order of the activities may vary depending on the time of the year. In case the Masmak Palace is closed due to renovations, the Murabba Palace will be visited instead. 

Breakfast at the hotel. The day begins by heading northwest to the At-Turaif District in ad-Dir'iyah. As the first capital of the Saudi dynasty and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this area is home to historic buildings and palaces, carrying significant cultural and symbolic weight. Built on the edge of the Wadi Hanifah oasis, a visit here is unforgettable.

Later, continue on to the Al-Ahsa Oasis, another UNESCO-listed site. Considered the largest oasis in the world, it has around three million date palms, lush gardens, and canals breathing life into the desert landscape.

Afterwards, head to Al-Hofuf, the main city of the oasis. Stroll through the Al-Qaisariya Souq, one of the oldest markets in Arabia, where you can admire traditional handicrafts, textiles, and the region’s commercial culture.

In the evening, walk through King Abdullah Park in Riyadh’s Al-Malaz district. From the colourful flowerbeds to the artificial lake and its impressive 110-metre-high dancing fountain set to music, the atmosphere is unbeatable.

Enjoy dinner and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Al-Hofuf.

Total transfer time: Approx. 4 hours | 208 miles / 334 kms

Breakfast at the hotel. Then, it’s on to enjoy a city tour of Al Hofuf. Explore Ibrahim Palace, a historic fort in Al-Kut neighborhood. Unmissable with its striking white mosque, this landmark was built in 1556 by the Ottomans. Later on, wander around close to Mulhaires Palace, discovering local restaurants, shops, and parks.

Leaving Al Hofuf behind, the trip continues in Al Qara, another historic site known for its natural beauty dominated by mini-gorges, caves, and labyrinths. You’ll also get a better understanding of its history with a visit to the “Land of Civilizations” museum.

In the afternoon, continue towards the Persian Gulf. On the way, there’ll be a stop at the Ithra complex to see the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture — a rock-shaped building boasting museums and a library.

Arrive in Dammam for a city tour and stop to see the Khobar Water Tower. Afterward, the cultural adventure in this morden city and the provincial capital continues with Heritage Village, a seafront fortress where you’ll learn about Saudi civilisation. A visit to its small museum, with its ancient objects such as historic cars, is the perfect way to wrap up this day of sightseeing.

Enjoy dinner and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Dammam.

Total transfer time: Approx. 2 hours | 101 miles / 162 kms

Breakfast at the hotel. Cross the 25-km Friendship Bridge from Saudi Arabia into Bahrain, a small but historically rich island nation. Arrive in Manama, the vibrant capital, and explore Muharraq’s traditional houses—from royal residences to pearl merchants’ homes. Visit Beit Al Quran, home to over 10,000 Quranic manuscripts, then head to the Bahrain National Museum for an insight into the country’s art and history.

Enjoy free time for lunch at a shopping centre. In the afternoon, tour the impressive Al-Fateh Mosque, one of the world’s largest, then visit Qalat Al Bahrain, a UNESCO-listed seaside fortress. Stop at the country’s first oil well before visiting the famous 500-year-old “Tree of Life.”

Finish your day strolling through Manama’s souq and Little India district, a lively area full of traditions, temples, and delicious Indian cuisine. Transfer to the hotel for your overnight stay in Manama.

Total transfer time: Approx. 1.5 hours | 53 miles / 86 kms

Breakfast at the hotel. Use your free time in the morning to explore the city centre, visit museums of your choice, or simply relax. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport to catch your flight to Qatar*.

Arrive at Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar’s capital, and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy free time in the evening to begin exploring Doha, a vibrant city known for its towering skyscrapers and rich cultural landmarks. Overnight stay in Doha.

Breakfast at the hotel. Get ready for a full-day tour in Qatar. The tour starts with the Corniche, a waterfront promenade along Doha Bay boasting beaches and views of a skyline dotted with skyscrapers. Next, it’s on to Al Thumama Football Stadium, one of the venues for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Passing by the National Museum of Qatar, you’ll see an extraordinary architectural landmark designed by award-winning architect Jean Nouvel. Later, a visit to the Museum of Islamic Art offers the chance to see the world’s largest collection of Islamic art.

Lunchtime will be spent at “The Pearl of Qatar,” a man-made archipelago where you’ll have free time to explore Qanat, a luxury shopping area inspired by none other than Venice, and have lunch.

Spend the afternoon visiting the Falcon Souq, where you’ll learn about Qatar’s falconry tradition. Afterwards, there’ll be time to stroll through Souq Waqif, an old market now restored to resemble a 19th-century marketplace. Nearby, you can see where locals keep Arabian horses.

Transfer to Katara, a cultural oasis in the heart of Doha, where you’ll find replicas of architecture from around the world, fantastic restaurants, an opera house, and an amphitheatre. After discovering its diverse energy and dedication to culture, food, and events, return to the hotel. Overnight stay in Doha.