Itinerary
Ten days in Saudi Arabia
Riyadh, AlUla and Jeddah, in that order, with one domestic flight between each. This is the route we would send a friend on.
Updated · by Daniel
The route
- Days 1–3
- Riyadh: Diriyah, the old centre, Edge of the World
- Days 4–7
- AlUla: Hegra, Old Town, Elephant Rock, canyons
- Days 8–10
- Jeddah: Al-Balad, the Corniche, a Red Sea boat day
- Getting between them
- Domestic flights RUH → ULH → JED
- Best season
- October to March
Day by day
Day 1 — Arrive Riyadh
Land at RUH, meet your pre-booked driver and check in around Olaya. Easy evening: the Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge at dusk and dinner nearby.
Day 2 — Diriyah
The National Museum in the morning, then Diriyah and At-Turaif from late afternoon, with dinner at Bujairi Terrace as the walls light up.
Day 3 — Edge of the World
A 4x4 trip to the Tuwaiq escarpment for sunset and dinner under the stars. Book ahead; weekend dates sell out. Full guide →
Day 4 — Fly to AlUla
Morning flight to ULH (about 1 h 30 m), collect your hire car, and an evening stroll through AlUla Old Town. Getting there →
Day 5 — Hegra
The headline: a morning ticketed tour of Hegra, then sunset at Elephant Rock. Book Hegra before you book flights.
Day 6 — Canyons and Maraya
Dadan and Jabal Ikmah in the morning, a slow afternoon at your resort pool, evening at Maraya or AlJadidah.
Day 7 — Desert and stars
A buggy or vintage Land Rover morning, then a stargazing experience after dark — AlUla has some of the darkest skies you will ever see.
Day 8 — Fly to Jeddah
Flight to JED (about 1 h 15 m). Sunset walk on the Corniche and dinner by the water. Jeddah guide →
Day 9 — Al-Balad
Slow morning, then the UNESCO old town from 4pm into the evening: coral-stone houses, souqs and cafes. Al-Balad guide →
Day 10 — Red Sea boat day
A half-day boat trip to Bayada Island for swimming and snorkelling, then your evening flight home. Red Sea guide →
Book before you fly
Travel insurance
The visa's built-in cover is medical only. Cover cancellations, delays and activities.
Data eSIM
Install before you fly. Maps, ride apps and tickets all need data on arrival.
Car hire
AlUla and the Riyadh escarpment are driving destinations. Book an SUV early in season.
Riyadh airport pickup
Fixed-price driver waiting in arrivals at King Khalid International (RUH).
Jeddah airport pickup
Fixed-price driver waiting in arrivals at King Abdulaziz International (JED).
Questions travellers ask
Is 10 days enough for Saudi Arabia?
Yes for the highlights: Riyadh, AlUla and Jeddah at a comfortable pace. With a week, drop Riyadh or Jeddah rather than rushing AlUla.
How much does this trip cost?
Very roughly: mid-range from about £2,000 per person excluding international flights; a luxury version with canyon resorts in AlUla can be two to three times that.
Do I need a car for this itinerary?
Only for the AlUla days. Use ride-hailing in Riyadh and Jeddah.
