Sacred Cities and Desert Wonders Tour

Welcome to the revered city of Medina, a central hub for Islamic pilgrimage. On your arrival, we'll ensure a comfortable transfer to your hotel. Medina, one of Islam's two holiest cities, now welcomes visitors of all backgrounds, but it's important to dress modestly and show respect for local customs. After settling in, join us for a walk around the impressive Prophets Mosque, also known as Al Masjid an Nabawi. This magnificent mosque, built by the Prophet Muhammad himself, boasts ten minarets and accommodates up to a million worshippers. It is a site of profound spiritual significance as it houses the final resting place of the Prophet.Our next stop is Mount Uhud, a site of historical importance where the Prophet's army faced the Meccan forces. Here, you're welcome to traverse the vast plateau or even ascend the mountain, always mindful of the peaceful atmosphere created by countless pilgrims. We will then visit the Quba Mosque, acknowledged as the first mosque in Islamic history, although the current construction is more recent.Continuing our exploration, well proceed to the lush garden and historic well of Ethiq, where local tribes once greeted the Prophet upon his arrival in Medina from Mecca. Afterward, you'll have some leisure time to explore the city's centre. You might choose to wander through the vibrant shopping districts or perhaps visit the Hejaz Railway Museum, housed in a former Ottoman train station.Later in the afternoon, we'll explore the Al Madinah Museum to delve into the rich history of the city. As dusk settles, we'll head back to the Prophets Mosque, where you can once again absorb the tranquil yet electrifying ambiance as thousands unite for prayer, illuminated under the mosque's glowing lights. Dinner is included to conclude our first day in this spiritually profound city. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

After breakfast, we set off towards the east of the country, travelling through sparsely populated desert regions characterised by their stunningly varied landscapes. Our destination is Buraidah, the capital of the Al-Qassim Province, which is situated in a vast oasis and home to over 600,000 residents. Upon arrival, you'll have free time to enjoy lunch at your leisure. Following lunch, we embark on an exploration of Buraidah, a city whose economy thrives on the agriculture of oasis products such as dates, lemons, oranges, and wheat. During late summer, the city hosts a significant date market that draws buyers from afar. Today, we will visit the renowned "city of dates," where you can sample these sweet fruits, though its activity level varies with the seasons. Later, we will take a leisurely stroll through the city centre, where you can explore the bustling vegetable market, admire the grand mosque, and wander through the jewellery souks. Dinner is included this evening.

We begin our day by visiting the world's largest camel market in Buraidah, where you'll witness an essential aspect of Arabian culture. We then follow the ancient pilgrimage route from Iraq to Mecca, passing through historic towns and verdant oases. Our next stop is Ushaiqer, a significant rest point for pilgrims due to its natural springs and picturesque surroundings. Here, we'll explore the Heritage Village, renowned for its traditional Najdi architecture, distinguished by beautifully carved wooden doors and distinctive triangular roofs. We'll also visit a small museum showcasing the village's history.Enjoy an included lunch amidst the sand dunes before we journey to Shaqra. This city is evolving rapidly alongside its university but retains the charm of its fortified old town, complete with an evocative old marketplace and winding adobe alleys. Our exploration continues to Al Qasab, famed historically for producing salt and wheat, as well as for its poets. In this ancient walled city, we'll observe saline lagoons where vast quantities of salt are still harvested annually.Our evening concludes in Riyadh, the bustling capital of Saudi Arabia, home to nearly eight million residentsa vibrant and dynamic introduction to the city awaits.

Today, we explore Riyadh, the remarkable capital of Saudi Arabia, with activities varying based on the season. We start our day by ascending the Kingdom Centre, a striking tower that rises over 300 metres. Its unique bridge-shaped observation deck offers breathtaking views of the cityscape. Our journey then takes us to the National Museum, nestled within beautifully landscaped grounds. As the largest museum in the country, it offers a fascinating insight into Saudi Arabia's history, culture, and art.Next, we delve into Riyadhs past with a visit to the Masmak Fortress. The interior reflects the profound transformation of the city over the past century. Following this, we invite you to wander through the bustling neighbourhood, exploring its vibrant souks and commercial life. You'll have free time for lunch at a shopping centre, where you can choose from a wide array of restaurants offering diverse cuisines.In the evening, we visit the Al Rajhi Mosque, the largest in Riyadh, known for its Andalusian-style architecture. Here, we pause to observe a prayer and have an introduction to Islam, providing a deeper understanding of this faith. Our day concludes with an exciting transfer to Riyadh City Boulevard. This lively hub boasts numerous attractions, a myriad of restaurants serving international cuisines, vibrant live shows, and an enchanting display of illuminated fountains. You are free to enjoy dinner at your leisure as you soak in the atmosphere, before we return to our hotel.

As we leave the bustling outskirts of Riyadh, we venture into the historic district of Al Turaif in Diriyah, recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It served as the original capital of the Saudi dynasty, and today, we explore its remnants of lavish palaces and an urban landscape nestled alongside an oasis. Our journey continues along well-maintained highways toward the Al-Ahsa Oasis, also UNESCO-listed. Home to some three million date palms, this immense oasis has been inhabited since the Neolithic period. We arrive in Al Hofuf, the oasis's main city, and take a leisurely stroll through the traditional Al Qaisariya souq. This market is one of the oldest in Arabia and showcases the enduring commercial legacy of the region. As evening falls, we walk through King Abdullah Park, enjoying its serene atmosphere complete with an artificial lake and fountains that dance to musical rhythms. Dinner is included, providing a pleasant end to our day's adventures.

After enjoying breakfast, we begin our exploration of Al-Hofuf, a city steeped in history and culture. Our first stop is the Ibrahim Palace, a significant fortress built in 1556 by the Ottomans. Although it is currently undergoing restoration, its impressive white mosque still captures the imagination from the outside. We then make our way to the House of Allegiance, offering a glimpse into the style and character of a typical oasis palace.Next, you will have free time to explore the vibrant Mehaires Palace area, a lively hub filled with restaurants, shops, and parks popular with the local residents. The journey continues through the lush expanse of the oasis towards Al Qara. This historical location is renowned for its remarkable landscape featuring intricate labyrinths, narrow gorges, and fascinating mountain caves with a constant, pleasant temperature of approximately 25 degrees Celsius. Here, you will find the Land of Civilizations museum, which provides intriguing insights into the area's storied past.Heading in the direction of the Persian Gulf, we later arrive in the bustling city of Dammam, home to nearly a million people. En route, we pause at the astounding Ithra site, home to the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, an architectural marvel designed to resemble rock formations. This centre includes leisure facilities, museums, and a library.Once in Dammam, we stop by the sea to admire the Khobar water tower. A stroll along the modern promenade will lead us to the Heritage Village. This seaside fortress features a captivating museum housing collections of historic artefacts, including a noteworthy array of vintage automobiles. Your day concludes with a shared dinner, adding a delightful touch to your journey.

On the seventh day, following breakfast, we embark on a memorable journey as we traverse the 25-kilometre Friendship Bridge linking Saudi Arabia with the island nation of Bahrain. Upon completing border formalities, we find ourselves in the small yet historically significant country of Bahrain, covering only 765 square kilometres and with a population just under two million. Our first stop is MANAMA, the capital, where we begin our exploration of this compact, vibrant nation.We start by wandering through the historic neighbourhood of Muharraq, renowned for its picturesque pedestrian alleys lined with some of the most exquisite historical buildings, including well-preserved residences of royal and affluent pearl merchants. Our tour continues as we drive along the corniche, offering a panoramic vista of the ocean, leading us to Beit Al Quran, a fascinating museum dedicated to the Quran. We also explore the excellent National Museum of Bahrain, where we gain insights into the nation's art, ethnography, and traditions, appreciating its significant role throughout history. You will have some free time to enjoy lunch at the mall's food court, making your choice from a variety of options.In the afternoon, we visit the impressive Al-Fateh Mosque, the largest in Bahrain. Following this, we journey to QALAT AL BAHRAIN, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This coastal fortress has been occupied for over 4000 years, with its current structure having been built by the Portuguese. We then travel to one of the most prominent oil-producing regions globally, pausing to view one of the country's earliest oil wells. Our journey also takes us to the renowned "Tree of Life," a miraculous natural wonder in this desert land with a history of over 500 years.We return to Manama, where you have free time to enjoy the lively city atmosphere. In the evening, indulge in the vibrant Manama souq, bustling with life. We will also discover Little India, a neighbourhood teeming with cultural traditions, housing the Krishna temple and numerous small Indian dining spotsa nod to Bahrain's thriving Indian community, which numbers over 300,000.

On Day 8, you'll have a leisurely morning exploring Bahrain at your pace. This is your chance to take a stroll through the charming historic centre or perhaps visit one of the island's many intriguing museums. Later in the afternoon, we'll provide a transfer to the airport for your included flight to Doha, the vibrant capital of Qatar. Upon arrival in Doha, well transfer you to your hotel, leaving you with free time to begin discovering this dynamic city on your own.

In Doha, get ready to explore a city that beautifully blends tradition with modernity. Begin the day with a tour along the Corniche, where you can admire the stunning skyline adorned with skyscrapers and picturesque beaches. Our journey will take us past the ultramodern Al Thumama Stadium, a key venue during the 2022 World Cup. We will visit the National Museum to admire its remarkable architecture before making our way to the Museum of Islamic Art, which houses the largest collection of Islamic art globally.Discover the cultural practice of falconry at the Falcon Souq and enjoy a stroll through the Waqif Souq, a bustling market styled to resemble a 19th-century bazaar. Nearby, we'll visit the Arabian horse stables. During lunchtime, we venture to The Pearl, an artificial island in Qatar. Here, you can explore Porto Arabia and enjoy free time in Qanat, a Venice-inspired shopping district. Well wrap up our day at Katara Cultural Village, a unique area showcasing architectural replicas from around the world. It offers numerous dining options, as well as an opera house and an amphitheatre, making it a perfect end to our exploration of Doha.

In the morning, we'll transfer to the airport for our flight to Dubai, a vibrant city known for its impressive skyline and innovative spirit. Upon arrival, a transfer will be arranged to take you to your hotel, leaving the rest of the day open for you to relax or explore at your leisure. As evening sets in, we will take you to witness the dazzling Dubai Fountain show, where water dances in synchrony with music and lightsa spectacle not to be missed! This breathtaking display is set against the backdrop of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world standing at 828 metres. Following the show, you can enjoy an array of dining options in the vast Dubai Mall, choosing a meal to suit your taste before we return to the hotel.Please note, the flight from Doha may land at an alternate nearby airport such as Sharjah or Abu Dhabi.

Today offers an extraordinary exploration of the vibrant city of Dubai. We begin with a visit to the "Dubai Frame" viewpoint, where you'll enjoy breathtaking views from the world's largest photo frame. Following this, we'll head to Dubai's historic quarters, wandering through the Bur Dubai Souq and the aromatic Spice Souq. A traditional Abra boat ride takes us to the cultural heart of Al Fahidi, where a visit to the Centre for Cultural Understanding awaits. Here, under the motto "Open Minds, Open Doors," you will also enjoy a traditional meal, with groups larger than fifteen receiving an enlightening presentation on Emirati cuisine.In the afternoon, our journey continues past the magnificent Jumeirah Mosque, moving onto the iconic, sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel, and the remarkable Palm Jumeirah, an island designed in the shape of a palm tree. Experience a ride on the futuristic monorail, followed by a leisurely stroll through the lively La Marina area. We conclude the day's adventures with some free time to soak up the sun at Dubai's bustling and popular JBR Beach.

Today, after breakfast, we travel to Abu Dhabi, the most significant Emirate and the nations capital. En route, we make a stop to admire the exterior of Ferrari World, a theme park dedicated to the iconic racing brand. Our journey continues with a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the largest in the Emirates, spanning over 12 hectares and acting as a cultural bridge. As we proceed, we pass by the Capital Gate, renowned for being the world's most inclined building. From the scenic Corniche by the sea, we take in a panoramic view of Abu Dhabi's skyline.Next, we head to the Heritage Village (admission included), offering insights into traditional Emirati life. Here, we can explore its shops and small museums that narrate the Emirates' history, with lunch provided in the city centre. In the afternoon, we are treated to a tour of Qasr Al Watan, the grand presidential palace, boasting a stunning 37-metre dome and an opulent glass chandelier. Our exploration continues to the cultural district, home to several museums, most notably the Louvre Abu Dhabi with its remarkable seaside architecture and esteemed collection. We take a moment at the Abrahamic Family House to view its unique complex hosting a church, a mosque, and a synagogue in one space.As evening falls, we visit The Founders Memorial, dedicated to the first UAE president, Sheikh Zayed, where we marvel at The Constellation, a poignant tribute beautifully lit at night.

Today, we journey to the remarkable oasis city of Al Ain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After traversing the sandy desert for over two hours, we arrive in the city, where we begin our exploration with a visit to Qasr Al Muwaiji. This fortress-museum is the birthplace of Sheikh Zayed, the first president of the United Arab Emirates. Our next stop is the Al Jahili Fort, renowned as one of the most significant adobe fortifications globally. We will then explore the Sheikh Zayed Museum, which offers insights into life in the city a century ago. Lunch is included. In the afternoon, we delve into Al Ain's stunning oasis, taking a ride in small electric vehicles to admire its lush gardens, palm plantations, and intricate irrigation channels. Later, you have free time to shop in the local bazaars or relax by the hotel pool. Dinner is included.

After breakfast, we'll head to the bustling Camel Market, where the lively trade in livestock, including sheep, goats, horses, and particularly camels, will capture your interest. We'll then continue our journey through mountainous landscapes towards the Gulf of Oman, making a pause at the Al Hayl Fort nestled by a small oasis in a picturesque valley. Upon reaching Fujairah, youll have free time for lunch. In the afternoon, well discover this emirate capital, located near the Oman border. We'll visit the impressive Sheikh Zayed Mosque, notable for its 100-metre-high minarets. Our exploration will also take us to the historic Fujairah Fort and the Fujairah Museum, which offers insights into the city's origins. There will be time to stroll around the town centre and soak in the local atmosphere. Dinner is included.

Following breakfast, we journey along the coastline to Al Bidyah, home to the country's oldest mosque dating back to the 15th century. This historic adobe mosque sits at the foot of a fortress overlooking the sea. Our next stop is the charming city of Khor Fakkan, where you will have ample free time to relax on the beach, perhaps indulge in a swim in the warm waters of the Gulf, and enjoy lunch at one of the delightful local restaurants.Afterwards, we explore the site of the ancient Portuguese castle, stroll by the artificial waterfall providing a refreshing ambience, and admire the grand amphitheatre set against the backdrop of the sea. Continuing our journey, we enter the Emirate of Sharjah, honoured by UNESCO as the "Cultural Capital of the Arab World". Situated by a picturesque lagoon, our first stop in Sharjah is the Al Noor Mosque, reputed to be the most beautiful among the 600 mosques in the Emirate. We appreciate its Ottoman architectural design from the outside and enjoy a scenic walk around it while capturing photographs of the nearby green island of Al Noor, accessible by bridge.We then proceed to visit the Sharjah Fort, an intriguing fortress-turned-museum that offers insights into the history of the ruling family. A visit to the Museum of Islamic Civilization follows, where we delve into the rich culture and religion of the Arab and Islamic world. Before departing Sharjah, experience the innovative "Rain Room", a captivating art installation allowing you to walk through the rain without getting wet.Our journey concludes as we depart for Dubai, with an anticipated arrival around 18:30.

On our final day in Dubai, enjoy breakfast as we conclude our journey. This marks the end of our services, leaving you with lasting memories of our exploration together.