From the Nabataean Tombs to the Rose-Red City: Saudi Arabia and Jordan
11 Days – From Riyadh to AlUla, Petra, and Amman – A Cultural Odyssey Across the Arabian Desert
- • Duration: 11 days
- • Countries: Saudi Arabia
- • Cities: Riyadh, AlUla, Jordan, Amman, Petra
- • Valid Travel Dates: 1 January 2026 - 31 December 2026
Trip Summary
Eleven days connecting two of Arabia's most extraordinary landscapes, from Riyadh's dynamic capital to the rose-red city of Petra. Saudi Arabia opens the journey — the National Museum tracing the kingdom's story, the old quarter of Masmak Fortress, dinner with a cultural expert who offers real insight into a country in the middle of rewriting itself. AlUla is where the desert reveals its depths: Hegra's UNESCO-listed Nabataean tombs, Jabal Ikmah's ancient inscriptions, Dadan's pre-Nabataean ruins, and the Banyan Tree's stillness at the end of each day. Then Jordan — private guides through Little Petra and the great Treasury, local archaeologists who bring the city's history rather than its mythology. Amman closes the journey at the Ritz-Carlton, with Mount Nebo, Madaba's Byzantine mosaics, and a private chef-led culinary experience. Internal flights, all accommodation at Four Seasons, Banyan Tree, Mövenpick, and Ritz-Carlton, a Resident Tour Director, and all entrance fees are included throughout.
Countries
- Saudi Arabia
Cities
- Riyadh
- AlUla
- Jordan
- Amman
- Petra
Accommodation
- Banyan Tree AlUla – AlUla, Saudi Arabia
- Mövenpick Resort Petra – Petra, Jordan
- The Ritz-Carlton, Amman – Amman, Jordan
- Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Inclusions
- ✓Accommodation at Four Seasons Riyadh, Banyan Tree AlUla, Mövenpick Resort Petra, and The Ritz-Carlton, Amman
- ✓Daily breakfast and select lunches and dinners as per itinerary
- ✓Internal economy-class flights (Riyadh–AlUla–Amman)
- ✓English-speaking Resident Tour Director and expert local guides
- ✓Private airport meet and greet with ground transfers
- ✓All entrance fees and taxes
- ✓Luggage handling and Travelling Bell Boy® service
- ✓Traveller’s Valet® laundry service
- ✓24/7 on-call concierge support throughout your journey
- ✓Wi-Fi access in accommodations
- ✓11 days of fully thoughtfully chosen experiences across Saudi Arabia and Jordan
Exclusions
- ✗Personal expenses and optional activities not mentioned
- ✗Spa and wellness treatments
- ✗Premium beverages
- ✗Travel insurance
- ✗International flights to Riyadh and from Amman

Day-by-Day Itinerary
City: Riyadh
Arrive in the capital of Saudi Arabia, where ancient heritage meets modern elegance. A private airport transfer brings you to your hotel in the Kingdom Centre, with panoramic views over the desert city. Spend the evening at leisure, relaxing in your suite or dining privately.
City: Riyadh
Begin your journey at the National Museum, tracing Arabia’s story from early civilizations to the modern kingdom. Visit Masmak Fortress in the Old Quarter and stroll through Dirah Souk, known for its silks and fine textiles. In the afternoon, explore UNESCO-listed Diriyah, the ancestral home of the royal family, before an elegant welcome dinner where a local expert shares insights into Saudi Arabia’s evolving culture and creativity.
City: AlUla
Fly north to the ancient oasis of AlUla, framed by red sandstone cliffs and palm-filled valleys. Upon arrival, you are transferred to your luxurious tented villa. Spend the afternoon exploring the serene desert setting before dinner under the stars surrounded by candlelight and sandstone formations.
City: AlUla
Discover Hegra, the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Saudi Arabia and one of the great Nabataean cities. Wander among the towering rock-cut tombs, including Qasr al-Farid, carved directly into golden cliffs. Continue to AlUla’s Old Town, the Oasis Trail, and the majestic Elephant Rock, before returning to your lodge for an evening of quiet desert luxury.
City: AlUla
Journey through Jabal Ikmah, an open-air library of inscriptions and petroglyphs that tell stories from thousands of years ago. Visit Dadan, once a thriving capital of pre-Nabataean kingdoms, and learn about recent archaeological discoveries. Stop at Maraya, the world’s largest mirrored building, before watching the sunset from Harrat Viewpoint with fresh juice, Arabic coffee, or tea.
Fly to Amman and continue by road to Petra, the legendary city of stone. Settle into your hotel, located at the entrance to the ancient site. The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax before a quiet evening dinner surrounded by the sandstone glow of the desert.
City: Petra
Explore the monumental grandeur of Petra, once a key hub for the Nabataean spice trade. Enter through the Siq to reveal the Treasury, then visit the Temple of the Winged Lions, Palace Tomb, and hidden facades rarely seen by most visitors. In the evening, unwind at your resort or enjoy a private dinner with panoramic desert views.
Today is designed around your interests. Choose a Turkish bath and relaxation ritual, a visit to Little Petra followed by a scenic hike to the Monastery, or a guided exploration of Shobek Castle, a Crusader-era stronghold. Lunch is included with each experience, followed by free time to rest or explore the artisan markets nearby.
City: Amman
Travel toward Amman with a visit to Mount Nebo, where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land. Continue to Madaba, known as the “City of Mosaics,” to view its sixth-century map of the Holy Land crafted from two million stones. Conclude with a farewell dinner at your hotel, where Jordanian hospitality is celebrated in refined style.
Discover Amman, a city of contrast and continuity. Explore its Citadel, Roman Theater, and lively markets before joining a chef-led culinary experience, sampling modern Jordanian dishes inspired by tradition. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to shop or relax at your hotel’s spa and pool.
City: Amman
After breakfast, a private transfer escorts you to Amman Airport for your onward flight. Reflect on the landscapes, stories, and connections that have shaped your journey through Arabia.

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