Itinerary
Saudi & Jordan’s ancient wonders
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Emma Tomlinson-Knight
Travel Specialist
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Saudi & Jordan’s ancient wonders
Explore the ancient historical sites of Saudi and Jordan with this 12-day itinerary across the border. Channel your childhood inner architect with visits to time-frozen AlUla, the many heritage sites of Riyadh, and The Valley of Palm Trees. Then, traverse the rose-red city of Petra, rejuvenate by the Dead Sea, and experience the cultural gems of Amman including the magnificent Citadel. No matter your interests, this cross-country adventure is sure to open the mind and reignite a fascination for ancient history.
Arrive Riyadh
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's capital, is one of the wealthiest cities in the world. Once a walled, mud-brick way station along desert trading routes, it is now a modern metropolis that is changing at a rapid rate. Overnight at the Ritz Carlton, Riyadh.
Riyadh
Visit heritage-listed Diriyah, a historic site said to be the birthplace of the first Saudi and the current home of the royal family. Visit the beautiful old town before exploring the Dirah Souq, a market famed for colourful textiles from silk to luxurious pashminas. This afternoon, be guided through the National Museum, composed of eight galleries that tell the complete story of Arabian history – from the creation of the universe to the modern era. Overnight at the Ritz Carlton, Riyadh.
Riyadh to AlUla
Channel your inner childhood archaeologist and journey into the desert before reaching Saudi’s hidden gem, AlUla. Few places in the world seem frozen in time, and this historical masterpiece certainly is one of these.
AlUla
Spend your morning exploring the wonders of World Heritage-listed Hegra. The southernmost settlement of the Nabatean kingdom, it was known as 'Al Hijr' and was once a stopover on the very prosperous trade route. Visit Harrat Uairedh, the town's highest point with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Drink in the sunset from this spectacular vantage point over a cup of Arabic coffee or tea and delicious local dates.
AlUla
Spend the day exploring the wonders of World Heritage-listed Dadan and Jabal Ikmah. Jabal Ikmah has been described as a huge open-air library, home to the highest concentration of, and most varied, inscriptions in AlUla. After lunch visit the Oasis then head over to Maraya, a stunning piece of art set in the desert canyon of Ashar Valley. Designed to blend into the surrounding landscape, it rises from the sand like a mirage.
AlUla to Tabuk
Embark on an afternoon trip to Deise Valley, also known as Wadi Deise – a mountainous region and one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Saudi Arabia. The valley’s name of Al Disah translates to “The Valley of Palm Trees” because of the surrounding sandstone cliffs that are perfect for exploring. Keep an eye out for camels roaming, as well as the local farmer herding his goats from one spot to another. Overnight at Millenium Hotel, Tabuk.
Durra to Wadi Rum
Meet your driver to transfer to the Durra Border Crossing into Jordan towards Wadi Rum. This two-hour drive allows you to take in the enroute scenery which is nothing short of spectacular, with bold, red sand deserts and prolific rock formations.
Wadi Rum to Petra
Spend some time enjoying the activities at the camp before transferring to Petra to view the rose-red city by candlelight.
Petra
Walk from the main gate of Petra to the entrance of the old city before continuing on foot along the 'Siq' to visit the ancient city in all its glory, carved out of craggy rocks in an area which was virtually inaccessible. Lost to the world until 1812, it was re-discovered by the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. Today Petra is Jordan's number one tourist attraction, known as the 'rose-red city half as old as time'.
Petra-Mount Nebo-Madaba-Kerak-Amman
Sightseeing days don’t get richer than this. Kerak’s Crusader castle contains battlements and tunnels that you can picture medieval knights scheming and plotting from. Travel on the ancient Kings' Highway, and you’ll visit a succession of world-class sites. Mount Nebo is the panoramic mountain from which Moses first glimpsed the Promised Land. Madaba houses an incredible Mosaic Map that contains the oldest surviving plan of the Holy Land. Later, arrive in Amman.
Amman
Visit to As-Salt which is a thriving city situated North West of the capital Amman. Surrounded by the city square, as-Salt is enclosed by breathtaking views and is a wonderful contrast to some of the westernized sites of Amman. Stop off at Al Ein Plaza, Qaqish House and The Great Mosque as well as the English Evangelical Hospital Complex and Al Khader Orthodox Church.
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