Celebrate your arrival in the Kingdom with sunset drinks on the city’s attractive corniche. Spread out your carpet and your ‘takwa’, the smart Saudi picnic seat. Join the locals when the sun sets, the call for prayer sounds and the world's tallest fountain comes to life in front of the beachwalk (if time permits). Complete your first day in Saudi Arabia with a welcome dinner. Overnight in Jeddah. (D)

Start the day working on the Saudi bigger picture in the Tayebat Museum to gain background about Islam, Saudi Arabia, and Jeddah. The Tayebat museum is ideal for this, consisting of real-live, real-size examples of Saudi and especially Jeddahwi building styles, everyday tools and utensils, art, and of course details about the Two Holy Cities; Mecca and Medina. which makes a good base for a first talk about Islam. After visiting a selection of what is on display, let’s head out into the real Saudi! Time to visit Jeddah’s atmospheric old town, Al Balad, which achieved UNESCO World Heritage status in 2014. Its traditional multi-story buildings and merchant houses are an architectural treasure trove. It is a dive back in time with the buzz of trading, pilgrims shopping, and the occasional tourist mixed in. The Roshan or wooden window covers are the ancient way to create shade and cool in this hot and humid climate, and they make these alleys especially picturesque. Bring your lunch box and board the Haramain, Saudi Arabia’s state-of-the-art high-speed train system, which makes it a short (under two hours) hop to Medina, one of Islam’s holiest pilgrimage sites. Medina is centered around Al Masjid an Nabawi, also known as the Prophet’s Mosque, which was constructed by the Prophet himself and is also where he is buried. For a showstopping finale to a remarkable day, experience exterior views of the wonder of the Prophet’s Mosque: a 10-minaret giant that can accommodate one million people. Non-muslims are welcome to enjoy exterior views of the mosque from the edge of the square. Round out the time in Medina with some browsing time at the city’s central market. When the sun sinks it is a great time to visit Mount Uhud, one of the pilgrimage sites, and the viewpoint across the Holy City. Overnight in Medina. (B, L, D)

A fascinating road trip from Medina via Khaybar to AlUla, home to Hegra Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, awaits. These destinations sit deep in the desert in the northwestern region of the country. Don’t expect only sand dunes, this is a volcanic area with black lava stone and mountain vistas and rich in historical significance. Before the rise of Islam in the 7th century, the Khaybar region was inhabited by Arabian Jewish tribes. In 628 AD, Muslims under the leadership of Prophet Muhammad took over the city during the Battle of Khaybar. Visit the remains of the mud city situated in a steep wadi or valley, with its several fortresses towering over thousands of green palm trees. The area has been recently reopened after renovations. Arrive in AlUla before the sun sets and visit the famous Elephant Rock. Set in desert sands and climbing into the blue Arabian skies, the rock (also known as Jabal Alfil) is one of AlUla’s most impressive geological marvels. Overnight in AlUla. (B, L, D)

The draw to AlUla is its remarkable natural rock formations and canyons, extensive and varied pre-Arabic rock art, and immaculately preserved tombs built more than 2,000 years ago by the Nabataeans. You’ll start the day with a visit to the Nabataean site of Hegra, which was the southern capital of the Nabataean kingdom, dating back to the first century BCE. Today, visitors follow their ‘rawee’ or storyteller, to explore several of the more than 100 well-preserved monumental tombs, most with elaborate facades carved from rock formations scattered around the desert. Next, head for the green zone that is AlUla Oasis, and enjoy a cup of coffee at The Pink Camel, situated beautifully amid the date farms. Take a stroll where lush palm trees sway gently and the smell of citrus fills the fresh air, adding to the oasis feel that AlUla still retains. Follow the winding, shaded Oasis Heritage Trail through the orange grove, hear birds, and imagine how the nomads of the past found water and refuge from the desert here. Exit the lush oasis at AlJadeeda, an area known also as ‘Art City’ which has a colorful vibe with street art and art exhibits spread out in its walking streets. Continue exploring AlUla historic city, often called ‘the Old Town,’ a charismatic place that once sat at the crossroads of the Silk Road and the Incense Route, and that rewards a stroll. Recent renovations have turned it into a magical mix of ancient alleys trendy restaurants and upmarket souvenir shops. The remaining afternoon is at leisure. Enjoy the facilities of the hotel or continue your exploration of AlUla’s landscapes with an optional activity: to name a few; see the sandstone mountains from above in a helicopter or hot air balloon (in season), hop on a mountain bike, and venture off the beaten path into desert dunes or climb the valley’s edge to better soak in AlUla’s expansive vistas. Overnight in AlUla. (B, L, D)

Enjoy a leisurely start in your hotel before a midmorning departure towards the north, to Wadi Disah. Loosely translated as the Valley of the Palm Trees, Wadi Disah is one of Saudi Arabia’s most spectacular natural attractions. The beautiful valley is characterized by mountain forms and tall rocky columns in various colors, as well as freshwater springs which create a real oasis feeling. Due to the presence of fresh water, the site has been inhabited for centuries and is well known for its dates and mango. Lunch is served under the fruit trees on a farm where more will be learned about agriculture in this arid climate. Hop in a 4x4 for an off-road adventure through the lush vegetation and through the stream winding its way between the towering walls. There are several archaeological sites such as facades of Nabataean tombs, and the remains of walls containing Nabataean and Arabic writings in Kufic script. For those fancying a stroll, step out and walk for a bit, enjoy the birds singing and once it's enough, the jeep is soon with you. Continue to Tabuk, the gateway to Saudi Arabia’s northwest including NEOM, has long been a resting point for Jordanian and Egyptian pilgrims on their way south to Mecca and Medina. Life moves slowly here as you will feel wandering along the main street, checking out the ‘smach’ shops (Saudi headwear for men) and the all-purpose stores selling anything a bedouin needs in the desert. The small fort sits at the top of the street and houses a museum. Overnight in Tabuk. (B, L, D)

Today is for discovering a part of the region that is currently called NEOM. Much hyped in the media, this area is 10 times as big as the Australian Capital Territory and where giga projects such as ‘The Line’ and ‘Trojan’ are being crafted out of the desert landscape. Travelers have been passing through here for centuries and you’ll also explore the historical remnants of their presence in the region. Approaching Seham Bay, there are more traces of human adventures. The ‘Katharinas Seaplane’ lay forgotten on the sand after the German adventurers' family was forced to abandon it, and their voyage, for failing to produce proper documents to enter the country. The NEOM project starts to make its mark. It's amazing to see high-tech public toilets popping up in the middle of nowhere. This is the location where The Line, a future linear city of 9 million will arise. Following the beautiful coastline, reach ‘Musa’s Spring’ in a small park-like oasis next to the roadside. This is said to be the spring of Moses. A unique opportunity to take your shoes off and wade into the refreshing waters. The Red Sea reveals itself near the town of Maqwa and legend has it that it was in this vicinity that Moses and his flock arrived back on land after parting the sea. In any case, it is easy to envision a miracle, looking at how the sheer cliffs of Tayib Ism seem to have parted, leaving a narrow path into the mountain. It’s the perfect opportunity for a contemplative walk to soak up the atmosphere and ponder on the significance of past events and how they still bear an influence on the belief systems that influence many people's lives to this day. Continue our northern journey towards the Durra Border. Upon completing the necessary procedures, you will be warmly welcomed into Jordan. From there, proceed with the transfer to the charming town of Aqaba. Overnight in Aqaba. (B, D)

Enjoy breakfast at Wadi Rum in a Bedouin tent and experience the Wadi while enjoying a 4 x 4 ride. Check into your hotel in Petra for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Spend the day exploring the city of Petra. Its entrance passes through a long, narrow gorge known as the Siq and can only be accessed by carriage, horseback, or on foot. Once inside the city, marvel at the intricate detail of a city that was cut into the cliffsides of rose-colored rock. Travel to the Dead Sea for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Return home with incredible memories of the Middle East!