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This Saudi Arabia itinerary combines modern cities, ancient landmarks, luxury desert resorts, and untouched Red Sea beaches. Over ten days, you’ll travel through Riyadh, AlUla, the Red Sea Project, and Medinah.

Day 1: Arrive in Riyadh + Dinner at Gymkhana

Your Saudi Arabia itinerary starts in Riyadh with a flight to the capital.

Check into the St. Regis Riyadh. It isn’t costly, the rooms are extremely spacious and beautiful, and the service is truly exceptional.

For a late night arrival, walk through the connected mall to Gymkhana for dinner. The convenience alone makes it worth it, but the food and service are great as well. Gymkhana is open late, which is also perfect after a long travel day.

If you arrive earlier, try a romantic dinner at The Globe in the Faisaliah Tower.

Day 2: Local Food + Edge of the World Adventure

Day two of this Saudi Arabia itinerary starts slowly with lunch at Asseb Restaurant. Asseb is a local favorite and has the best Saudi food you’ll have on your entire trip. If you want a true local meal in Riyadh, don’t skip this.

If you’re more of the go-go-go type, book an early tour of the historic town of Diriyah, featuring the UNESCO World Heritage At-Turaif district.

In the afternoon, head out for the famous Edge of the World hike for sunset. Your guide will take you to the cliff formation in a 4×4. It takes about 2 hours to get there, with at least an hour of the trip on a gravel road. The tours include a short camel ride, a bat cave to explore, and a local dinner which make the drive feel much shorter.

I wouldn’t recommend this tour if you’re traveling with small children. There are steep drop-offs and large crowds at the top of the hike. The camel ride also had no real seating, and accessing the bat cave requires climbing a ladder. The tour offers incredible views, but it is not the safest setup for kids. As for adults with a fear of heights, it looks much worse than it really is.

Day 3: Fly to AlUla + Desert Luxury at Banyan Tree

Continue your Saudi Arabia itinerary with a flight to AlUla. Pick up a rental car at the airport and check into the Banyan Tree AlUla.

You’ll see a lot about Our Habitas AlUla on Instagram. Our Habitas does have a larger communal pool. However, I still recommend choosing Banyan Tree for the private plunge pool at your villa. This is a game-changer, especially during the hot mid-day hours. Both properties are in an excellent location near Maraya.

Banyan Tree’s Thai restaurant is also wonderful and makes for an easy, relaxed dinner after travel.

Day 4: Hegra, Pool Time & Elephant Rock at Sunset

This day of your Saudi Arabia itinerary focuses on history. You will start early with a guided tour of Hegra, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This tour must be booked in advance through the official AlUla website. The history alone makes this a must-do, and with an early time slot, temperatures are cooler.

After the tour, head back to the Banyan Tree for the amazing and included all-you-can-eat breakfast. Then, spend the afternoon relaxing by your room’s pool.

In the evening, head to Elephant Rock for sunset. While the rock itself is impressive, the surrounding seating areas were underwhelming. The lounge setups look great on Instagram, but up close, they look worn and not very clean. The food options also don’t stand out.

Instead, head to AlUla Old Town for dinner. You’ll park in one of the two parking lots on either side of town. Then, take one of the frequent shuttle cars into town. It’s easy, and the most efficient way to get around Old Town.

After exploring the town, have dinner at Tofareya. Torareya offers a private air-conditioned room, which is a welcome break from the heat. Don’t miss dessert at Wacafe. Wacafe’s Hasawi cookies are delicious and absolutely worth stopping for.

Day 5: Old Heritage Tour + Old Town

Day five of your Saudi Arabia itinerary begins with the Old Heritage Tour near Old Town. While there is some shade from date palms, it still gets hot quickly, so an early morning start is best.

After the tour, stop for coffee and macarons at Pink Camel Boutique. Their macarons will be some of the best you’ve ever had.

If you haven’t already, take a quick stop at Maraya, the iconic mirrored building in the desert. It’s primarily an event venue, but it’s worth a quick visit for photos. There is also a restaurant inside named Maraya Social.

Your afternoon will be dedicated to relaxing at your private pool. Then, take a pre-booked stargazing tour at Gharameel, including a grilled dinner prepared around a campfire.

Day 6: Drive to the Red Sea + Boat to Nujuma

This Saudi Arabia itinerary shifts gears as you’ll drive to the Red Sea Project for your stay at Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.

After check-in, you’ll take a 45-minute boat ride, managed by the Red Sea Project, to the island. Boat conditions can be rough depending on the weather, so choosing the right transfer option matters. The basic boat option can be bumpy and wet, while the mini yacht, as they call it, is enclosed. If available, consider the full yacht transfer, especially if you’re prone to motion sickness or are pregnant.

Celebrate your first night with dinner at Tabrah. Tabrah will provide the best evening dining experience on the island.

Day 7: Snorkeling & Spa Time

A highlight of this Saudi Arabia itinerary is waking up to Nujuma’s incredible breakfast. It is included, and so generous, you will be able to skip lunch entirely.

After breakfast, join a snorkeling tour. There are two reef options to visit. While you may be restricted to the closer reef due to wind, the outer reef will provide the most colorful coral and marine life.

Spend the afternoon at your private pool and enjoy a complimentary mini facial at the spa.

End the day exploring the dining options available at the neighboring St. Regis, if not already fully booked.

Day 8: Full Relaxation Day at Nujuma

Day eight of your Saudi Arabia itinerary is dedicated to pure relaxation. After breakfast, secure a cabana at the main pool with mocktails and ocean views.

After a full day of sun, learn about the history of Saudi Arabia during a history lesson offered by the resort. The lesson is provided by a very knowledgeable staff member, with no questions off limits, respectfully, of course.

Enjoy mocktails at Jamaa for sunset and dinner at Maia, which offers more American-style options. The bartenders at Jamaa and Maia make some of the most creative mocktails.

End the evening with a fascinating astronomy session led by an astrophysicist.

Day 9: Back to the Mainland + Drive to Medinah

As your Saudi Arabia itinerary begins to wrap up, soak up one last morning by the Red Sea.

After the boat ride back to the mainland, drive to Medinah for your onward flight. On this route, avoid driving at night; the mountain roads become extremely dark. Additionally, rest stop restrooms are not much more than a hole in the ground. Remember to bring toilet paper.

Non-Muslims can’t enter the holy area of Medinah. However, there are many hotel options outside of the holy area.

Day 10: Fly Home

The final day of your Saudi Arabia itinerary is spent flying home, leaving with a new appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s diversity, from ancient ruins to untouched beaches and world-class hospitality!