Young Pioneer Tours have now prepared our group and independent tour packages to Saudi Arabia for 2024 and 2025.

Not only the birthplace of Islam, but also filled with a plethora of other international sites, this country is slowly but surely opening up to the world, making this the perfect time to visit Saudi Arabia before crowds of tourists arrive – believe us, it’s so beautiful that it will eventually happen!

GROUP TOURS TO THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA (KSA) – 2024 and 2025

YPT first took groups in to Saudi Arabia as part of trade delegations. Since its full opening to tourism in 2019, we are now offering regular guided tours to Saudi Arabia.

We are currently offering the following Saudi Arabia Group Tours for 2024 and 2025, but keep watching this page as we are always looking to add more options.

The Gulf Trek: Oman, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait & Saudi Arabia – January 27th – February 5th / 8th / 10th / 15th, 2025 – $695 – $5895

Saudi Arabia Spring Tour – February 8th – 15th 2025 – $2845

Saudi Arabia Autumn Tour – October 5th – 12th 2025 – $2845

Independent Tours to Saudi Arabia

If a group tour does not fit your calendar or if you require something more specific for yourself or for a group, YPT can arrange a bespoke Saudi Arabia tour for you.

Prices depend on the number of people and the level of accommodation you require, but YPT can arrange everything you need for a perfect independent tour to Saudi Arabia.

Tours to Saudi Arabia can also be combined with trips to other places in the region, such as Kuwait, Syria and Socotra to name but a few.

Sample Saudi Arabia Itinerary

The following Saudi Arabia itinerary is an example of our standard Saudi tour. This can be done as is, rearranged, or mixed and match, to make a bespoke Saudi Arabian vacation.

Day 1 – Riyadh

• Arrive at your convenience into Riyadh – the capital city of Saudi Arabia with flights from the Middle East, Europe and Asia.
• Airport transfers included
• Dinner and overnight in Riyadh

Day 2 – Riyadh and Edge of the World

Morning

• Breakfast at hotel and we’ll begin the day by exploring Al Masmak Fortress. Surrounded by sand, this clay and mud-brick fort is one of the most iconic landmarks of Saudi. Built in 1865, this massive fortress represents the empire. It was the site of a daring 1902 raid by Ibn Saud – during which a spear was hurled towards the main gate with such force that the head of the spear is still lodged inside.
• We’re in walking distance to Al Zal Souq – located in the old part of the city, this market has a plethora of little shops arranged in rows along narrow streets selling carpets, gold, silver, souvenirs, antiques, traditional clothes, accessories and even furniture. Most of the shop owners here speak English and welcome good hagglers.
• On the way we’ll pass by Deera Square – most commonly known as Chop Chop Square by foreigners. This’ll be explained to you on the site.

Afternoon

• Lunch at a local restaurant for a scrumptious traditional Saudi feast
• Drive out to the Edge of the World (Jebel Fihrayn) – this unique spot earnt its name as it offers stunning viewpoints from the top of the 300-metre high cliffs overlooking the surrounding plains. These cliffs were forged as a result of the tectonic movement of the Arabian plate due to the spread of the Red Sea rift located 1000 kilometres to the west.
• Return back to Riyadh for dinner in town and overnight at hotel

Day 3 – Riyadh – Ushaiger – Buraidah

Morning

• Breakfast at the hotel and visit the National Museum of Saudi Arabia. First opened in 1999, the design of this museum was inspired by the form and colours of the sand dunes of the “Red Sands” located outside Riyadh. The museum showcases 14 pre-Islamic Arabian kingdoms that had existed in the Arabian Peninsula from 5 BC till 700 AD. It also includes a unification hall which shows the establishment of modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by King Abdul Aziz Al-Saud after he captured Riyadh. A hand written Quran is also in display.
• Make your way up all the way up the Kingdom Tower – a 99-story (302.3 meters) skyscraper overlooking Riyadh. It is the world’s third tallest building with a hole after the Shanghai World Financial Centre. Below is one of the most popular malls in the country where we’ll have lunch.

Afternoon

• Head northwest of the city to Al Turaif – the former capital city of the Saudi dynasty from 1744 to 1818. It was also the original home of the Saudi royal family.
• Begin our 3-and-a-half-hour journey to Buraidah – the capital of Al-Qassim region located in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula.
• On the way, stop at Ushaiger village. Hidden within an oasis this village provides a glimpse of a much slower paced Saudi society. The springs and low-brimmed olive and palm groves encouraged Bedouins to settle here over 1500 years ago quickly transforming Ushaiger into a popular stopping point for pilgrims making their way to Mecca.
• Walk through the labyrinth of winding alleyways, shaded pathways and timber-framed walkways, crossing between hundreds of mud houses of stunning examples of Najdi architecture with its distinctive triangular windows and ornately carved wooden doors. Some still bear the names of the families who lived there many moons ago.
• Dinner and overnight in Buraidah.

Day 4 – Buraidah – Hail

Morning

• You’ll begin your day early at 6:30am and head to Al Qassim Camel Market – the largest camel market in the world where tens of thousands of camels are bought and sold, along with saddles and other accessories. This is also one of the most chaotic scenes in the country, giving you a truly unique Saudi experience.
• Continue heading 3 hours northwest to Hail – where the dream landscapes of a 1001 nights were inspired.

Afternoon

• On our arrival we’ll have lunch and continue one hour to Jubbah.
• This worldwide famous site contains some of the oldest and most outstanding carvings of the Arabian Peninsula. It was recognized in 2015 as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Jubbah is host of the two most emblematic carvings in Saudi Arabia: the first one is a character dominating another smaller one. Locals say that it is the representation of an ancient king handing out justice. The second one is a chariot pulled by two horses, which was for decades the only known example but similar ones were later found in Hail and Tabuk Provinces.
• As surprising as it sounds, the people trading frankincense, spices, and other precious goods coming from southern Arabian Peninsula did cross regularly the 350 km of sand dunes between these two main trade cities. The numerous so-called Thamudic inscriptions (more than 5000) testify of this intense frequentation by travellers.
• Back in Hail, explore A’arif Fort – originally built in order to guard the city against enemies. However, During the Saudi rule the Fort was used for the sighting of the moon and firing the Iftar cannon during Ramadan.
• Dinner & shisha at a popular spot with locals.
• Overnight in Hail

Day 5 – Hail – Al Ula (Dedan – Ikma Mountain & Elephant Rock)

Morning

• After breakfast we’ll begin our epic 4-hour drive west to Al Ula stopping for breaks and photos along the way.

Afternoon

• On our arrival in Al Ula we’ll have lunch in town
• Visit Dedan, Ikma Mountain – located in a beautiful desert landscape, the largest “open library” in Saudi Arabia sits tucked away in a remote canyon valley. It was an important way station and mercantile center on the frankincense trade route linking to Babylon, Petra and Syria. Excavations on the archeological sites here have revealed the existence of large fortified cities. These kingdoms developed their own culture including a specific language and alphabet, that resulted in a mix of Arabian traditions and strong influences from the surrounding empires.
• Discover two exceptional tombs located 50 meters above the wadi where the ancient oasis was centered. Those are the only tombs that are decorated with two carved lions each, showing the importance of their owners, being governors or influential people.
• Explore Elephant Rock – also known as Jabal Al Fil, the “trunk” and “body” of this monolithic red sandstone beast were carved by natural forces – millions of years of wind and water erosion. The beauty of the unrefined structure is enhanced by its surroundings of a fine-sand sea studded with rocky outcrops, many of which are equally impressive in size and shapes.
• Enjoy your exclusive and reserved spot at a café & restaurant nearby to watch the stunning sunset.
• Stay overnight at a nearby farm in tents (glamping), with shared facilities.

Day 6 – Al Ula – Madain Saleh (Hegra) – Medina

Morning

• Breakfast at thehotel and head down the road to visit Madain Saleh, known as Hegra by the Nabataean people who carved its stunning tombs into the golden Quweira sandstone. This structure includes 111 tomb façades which reflect the great skills of the masons of their time. It’s said that the natural setting here must have reminded the Nabataeans of their capital, Petra, which is why they chose this location to build their second city which thrived between 1BCE – 74CE.

Afternoon

• Head back into town for lunch and begin making our 3 and a half hour journey to Medina. Also known as the “enlightened city” it is the second holiest city in Islam.
• Explore and make the most out of Medina’s nightlife
• Dinner and overnight in Medina

Day 7 – Medina

Morning

• Breakfast and make your way to the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization – conveniently located in the area of the Holy Mosque which is a fantastic opportunity for photos.
• Walk down Qiba Street – this street connects the Holy Mosque and Qiba Mosque which both have significant importance in Islamic history as the first to house the prophet Mohammed and eventually his grave. The second was the first Mosque ever built.
• Walk down Medina’s walking street lined with traditional shops where incredibly delicious street food is sold.

Afternoon

• Head to Medina Railway Station to board the high-speed railway to Jeddah. Construction began back in 2008 and was inaugurated in 2018, this 453 kilometre long railway connects the two holy cities making travel time just under 2 hours travelling at 300km/h
• Arrive in Jeddah and visit Al Balad which means “the town”. Founded in the 7th century, it historically served as the centre of Jeddah. The city’s defensive walls were torn down during the 1940s. Some homes have been built using only sand and seashells.
• Al Balad is also famous for its countless delicious food vendors – here you’ll sample a local drink made of bread called “Sobia”. We’ll also drop by a well-known old bakery and try a local snack that consists of beans and pickles called “Balilah”.
• Stop by the first hotel built in Jeddah – heavily influenced by Italian architecture, pass the first school built in Saudi Arabia and visit an art house and museum offering its unique local art collection and antiques.
• Overnight in hotel

Day 8 – Jeddah

Morning

• Breakfast at hotel
• Tour concludes with airport drop-off arranged according to your flight details.

INDEPENDENT SAUDI ARABIAN TOUR EXAMPLES

We do not list all of our bespoke Saudi Arabia itineraries, but can offer some examples, such as the following which can be arranged into a personalized Saudi Arabia Tour.

• Ancient Saudi Arabia Tour – take advantage of our independent tours which are truly unique and catered to your requirements. Enjoy Mada’in Saleh, ancient Mosques, or the magnificent architectures of ancient cities.
• Saudi Arabia Road Trip – the sheer size of the country and its numerous natural features and UNESCO world heritage sites make it the perfect country for an epic road trip. It is the best way to experience the barren landscape and scenery.   
• Saudi Arabia Photography Tour – As the country very recently opened to tourists, this is the best time for photographers to come and explore the region while it is still off the beaten tracks. We can create a bespoke itinerary for all your media needs.
• Camel Racing Tour – visiting a camel race is a truly unique experience. This traditional sport is truly worth seeing, so why not do it as part of a Saudi Arabian tour?
• Journalist Tours to Saudi Arabia – We can arrange trips for journalists wishing to see and experience Saudi Arabia, arrange meetings, as well as permits for those wishing to do documentaries.

SAUDI ARABIA TOUR GUIDES

Tourism might be new to Saudi Arabia, but we have managed to create a network of the best guides in the country for our Saudi Arabia tours and travel packages.

All of our local guides on our Saudi Arabia tours speak English. For independent tours to Saudi Arabia, guides speaking other languages can be fixed with prior arrangment.

Saudi Arabia Visa

Previously, the Saudi Arabian visa was almost impossible to get. However, times have changed! Saudi Arabia has opened its doors to visitors from a number of countries. You can now apply online for an eVisa which is valid for a year with multiple entries.  The process is pretty much straight forward and YPT can provide full visa support for your Saudi Arabia tour with us.

Saudi Arabia Tours FAQ