One-month Saudi Arabia detailed itinerary – A Trip to Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is huge. It occupies most of the Arabian Peninsula, the original homeland of the Arabs, and the historic center of Islam. 

So figuring out where to go in a country as vast as Saudi is tricky! Therefore, here is a one-month Saudi Arabia itinerary you can use to plan your trip, which will most likely start in Riyadh or Jeddah, two of the Kingdom’s major cities.

You can start planning in advance and customize the trip based on your necessities. In terms of accommodation, you can make online hotel booking and get exclusive offers on your stay in Saudi Arabia. 

When it comes to booking your flight ticket, you can browse cheap flyadeal flights, and catch the best choices in flights to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

Detailed itinerary

Days 1-3: Jeddah 

Days 3-5: Medina  

Days 5-8: Al Ula 

Days 8-9: Wadi Disah   

Days 9-12: Al Bad’ town and Tabuk region 

Day 12-14: Jubbah and Hail 

Days 14-16: Buraidah

Days 16-18: Riyadh

Days 18-20: Al Ahsa

Days 20-23: Jazan and Farasan Islands

Days 23-25: Rijal Alma and Abha

Days 25-27: Dhee Ayn and Al Bahah

Days 27-29: Back to Jeddah

Transportation:

Renting a car and road-tripping is the best way to travel around the kingdom. However, you will need to connect between some of the cities using flights.

From Jeddah to Medina: 4 hours by car

From Medina to Al Ula: 3.5 hours by car

From Al Ula to Wadi Disah: 3 hours by car

From Wadi Disah to Tabuk region: 3 hours by car

From Tabuk region to Hail region: 8 hours by car 

From Hail to Buraidah: 3 hours by car

From Buraidah to Riyadh: 3.5 hours by car   

From Riyadh to Al Ahsa: By plane

From Al Ahsa to Jazan: By plane

From Jazan to Abha region: 3 hours by car

From Abha to Bahah: 5 hours by car

From Bahah to KAEC at Jeddah: 5 hours by car

Days 1-3: Jeddah 

Jeddah stands as the starting point for Hajj pilgrims, it has welcomed visitors for hundreds of years. 

It represents the commercial and entertainment capital of Saudi Arabia, offering an exceptionally wide range of sites and activities. It is also known for its scrumptious cuisine that is influenced by Islamic cultures worldwide. 

Where to stay in Jeddah

Ritz Carlton Jeddah.

Top things to do in Jeddah

• Al Balad or the old city: It is the historic center of Jeddah that consists of an endless maze featuring the Hijazi architecture through the mosques, mansions, and markets.
• Nasseef House: It is a massive heritage museum and cultural center. 
• Fatima Al-Zahra Mosque, known as the “floating mosque” is a combination of modern and old architecture and Islamic art. It  is one of the most visited mosques in Jeddah, especially by Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.

Day trips from Jeddah

• Desert Sea Divers: Only 48km away from the city, you can have a great snorkeling or diving experience at the Red Sea, which is full of colorful fish and coral.
• Boat trip around obhur creek, which is a creek located on the eastern side of the Red Sea, near Jeddah.

Days 3-5: Medina

Medina, known as the city of the Prophet, is one of the two holiest cities in the country besides Mecca. 

Where to stay in Medina

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Medina, an IHG Hotel.

Top things to do in Medina

• Al Masjid An Nabawi (Prophet’s mosque): A significant pilgrimage site for Muslims. Its towering minarets indicate where the Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) is said to be buried.
• Quba mosque is where Muhammed (PBUH) laid the first foundation stone after arriving in Medina in 622 AD.
• Quran exhibition showcasing a collection of original Qurans dating back hundreds of years.
• Al Baqi cemetery that is found next to the Haram, and said to include graves of Muhammad’s (PBUH) friends and family. 

Day tours from Medina

• Khaybar Fort is 175km to the north of Medina. It is a historical place as it witnessed many Muslim battles against Jewish tribes, its original inhabitants, which finally fell to Muslim forces in 629 AD.
• Black & white volcanoes also called “Harrat Khaybar”are located in the north of Medina. These fascinating volcanoes, which are some black, and others white, are made of silica-rich lava, called comendite.

Days 5-8: Al Ula

It is one of the oldest cities in the Arabian Peninsula and home to Madain Saleh, or Hegra, the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Saudi Kingdom. It was built more than 2,000 years ago by the Nabataeans. 

Where to stay in Al Ula

Shaden resort AlUla.

Top things to do in AlUla

• Jabal Ikmah, the largest “open library” in Saudi Arabia, sits tucked away in a remote canyon valley. It is home to the highest concentration of and most varied inscriptions in AlUla. 

• Dadan city dates back between the late 9th and early 8th century BCE (Kingdom of Dadan) and 5th–2nd century BCE (Kingdom of Lihyan). It was built detailedly from stone and astride the valley’s oasis.
• Elephant rock, which was hewn by natural forces of wind and water erosion, is set in Golden Desert sands and climbing three storeys into the Saudi Arabian Sky. 

Days 8-9: Wadi Disah

With crystal-clear streams, flowing springs, lush patches of green and towering palm trees, this canyon stands as one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the Kingdom. This protected area is situated in the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Nature Reserve. 

Where to stay in Wadi Disah

Camping is your best option.

Top things to do in Wadi Disah

• You can go hiking in the valley which is kilometres long, and climb the rock walls.
• If you want to discover the area’s history, it is said there are ruins in this village that dates back to the Nabatean era.

Days 9-12: Al Bad’ and Tabuk region

Tabuk’s history dates back to 5,000 years ago. It has long been a strategic stopping place for pre-20th-century hajj Jordanian and Egyptian pilgrims. 

Al-Badʿ is a town in Tabuk Region, Saudi Arabia. It is west of Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, between Tabuk and the Red Sea Coast.

Where to stay in Al Bad’ and Tabuk

If you choose to stay in Al Bad’, you will find modest apartments, and hotel apartments.

Meanwhile, staying in Tabuk will give you additional amenities and transportation options. For instance, Hilton Garden Inn Tabuk makes the best choice if you want a comfortable, and luxury stay.

Day tour from Tabuk region

• You can stop by Georgios G shipwreck that is known as Saudi Arabian Titanic. It is a small shipwreck meters off the shore of the stunning Red Sea coastline, where you can have a picnic or swim in the most beautiful waters in Saudi. 
• The Catalina seaplane wreck: You can get a look at this American military seaplane that was abandoned in the 1930s near the Ras Al-Sheikh Hameed between the Red Sea and the desert of Saudi Arabia for nearly 50 years. 
• Located on the Gulf of Aqaba, Magna, a charming coastal town located on the facing Egypt and the Sinai mountains. This town is popular for its wells that witnessed a significant episode in the life of the Prophet Moses.

Days 12-14: Jubbah and Ha’il

Jubbah houses some of the most well preserved ancient petroglyphs in the Kingdom, along with family-run heritage museums.

Ha’il is the capital city of the north-central region of Saudi Arabia and a popular stopping point during the pilgrimage to Makkah. It is also a good stop after visiting UNESCO World Heritage-listed rock art the ancient petroglyphs at Jubbah.

Where to stay in Ha’il

If you are on a budget, Al Eairy Apartments are the most convenient cheap accommodation option for you.

Top things to do in Ha’il

• Flea market or the haraj is one of the secondhand markets in Saudi Arabia that can be found on the edge of the city.
• Aarif Castle is a mud fortress that gives 360° views over Ha’il. It was a place where locals used to watch the new moon to signal the start and end of Ramadan.
• Shuwaymis is a UNESCO World Heritage site in the west of Ha’il that has more ancient petroglyphs.

Days 14-16:  Buraydah

Buraydah is the capital of Al-Qassim Region in north central Saudi Arabia. It is situated in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, on the edge of the Wadi Al-Rummah. 

It is an astonishing gem of agricultural fertility, that is passionate about its produce, including fruits and wheat, especially its well-known luxury dates.

Where to stay in Buraydah

Radisson Blu Hotel, Buraydah.

Top things to do in Buraydah

• Museum of Buraydah: It features the area’s heritage and culture from all different aspects of life, including a marvelous collection of historical artifacts. It also has a special section for belongings of the late King Abdul Aziz; the founder of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

• King Khalid Park and Garden: Located in the vicinity of the Museum, offering a wonderful and relaxing place to have an enjoyable picnic with friends or family.

• The Buraydah Water Tower houses an open floor at the top, allowing you to enjoy spectacular views of the city of Buraydah.
• Buraydah Dates Market: Located in the center of Buraydah, as the largest dates market in the world.

Days 16-18: Riyadh

The kingdom’s capital is an interesting blend of crumbling old and glittering new. It offers several impressive places nearby for day trips.

Where to stay in Riyadh

Centro Waha by Rotana.

Top things to do in Riyadh

• Kingdom Tower Sky Bridge: Extending 65 meters in length, the SkyBridge offers wonderful views over the whole of Riyadh, and is ideal to catch the sunset.
• Diriyah: Historical birthplace of the first Saudi state, and crossroads of pilgrims and traders.
• Masmak Fort and souk: Small fort in the city center involving a museum. 
• National Museum: Giving a background on the history of Saudi Arabia, Islam, and the Arabian Peninsula.

Day trips from Riyadh

• Ushaiger Heritage Village: Hidden in the heart of the Najd, about 2 hours drive to northwest of Riyadh. It holds many family-run heritage museums that provide a glimpse of a slow-paced Saudi society.
• Edge of the World: Epic cliffs about 90 km from Riyadh, which you can reach via winding desert trails that run along a ridge of the Tuwaiq escarpment. 

• Standing on the edge of precipice, these spectacular towering cliffs will give you uninterrupted views across the barren valley floor and to the horizon.
• The Empty Quarter: The world’s vast expanse of desert, covering about a quarter of the Saudi Arabia’s southeastern land surface. It is where you can find  ginormous sand dunes, and have the best safari experience.

Days 18-20: AlAhsa (Hofuf)

Al Ahsa is the largest governorate in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province in terms of area, for including the giant Empty Quarter desert. This desert has the world’s largest oil fields, and links the Kingdom with Qatar, the UAE, and Oman. 

Where to stay in AlAhsa

Somewhere Hotel Residence.

Top things to do in AlAhsa

• Ibrahim Palace: Constructed during the first Saudi state, and which architecture combines both traditional Arabic and military designs. Inside, you can find the Al-Qubba mosque that has a tiny museum displaying the rafters with artifacts, photographs and other displays.
• Qaisariah Souq: One of the oldest markets in the Kingdom, dating back to 1822. Its alleyways include more than 420 stores selling traditional handicrafts, spices, oils and local perfumes. 
• Asfar Lake: Also known as the Yellow Lake, is found perfectly on the edge of the city. It is home to some of the region’s most spectacular wildlife. While you are there, you can enjoy a kayaking session, and embark on a safari trip near the lake.
• Al Qarah Mountain and the caves: It is just a 25-minute drive from the main city of Al-Ahsa. This place is surrounded by palm tree farms and small villages. You can climb this 220 meters high mountain, and enjoy the spectacular views. 

Days 20-23: Jazan and Farasan Islands

Seaside Jazan (Jizan) is the capital of Jazan province. It stretches more than 200 kilometers along the tip of Saudi’s Red Sea coast, and it is best known as a jumping-off point for the clear Farasan Islands.

Where to stay in Jazan

For a budget-friendly accommodation option, Jazan Heart hotel is a comfortable one which is close to many small restaurants. For something more fancy, Grand Millennium Gizan is right on the Red Sea with unbeatable views.

Top things to do in Jazan

• Fish market: You can buy fresh fish in the market, then take it to one of the small restaurants nearby so you could taste it in Jazani style!
• The Heritage village: This place dates back to the 15th century. You can find there traditional houses made of mud and stones, ancient art, old market, and handicraft exhibition.
• Golden Beach: It is where you can indulge in diving, snorkeling, swimming and much more.

Day trip/overnight from Jazan: Farasan Islands

You can visit the remote Farasan Islands for an overnight or as a day trip. 

The Farasan area is a protected archipelago of islands and coral islets. It houses a plenty of wildlife and colorful marine creatures, and represents a haven for those who are willing to discover Saudi’s heritage and varied geography.

Moreover, you can also come across a few shops and small hotels in the main tourist area of the island. 

Days 23-25: Rijal Alma’a and Abha

Abha is situated at the southern end of the Red Sea coast. It stands as the culturally rich capital of the Asir region, and introduces a great base for exploring this mountainous part of Arabia.

Meanwhile, Rijal Alma’a is called a stone village because it was laboriously built from local stone. It was once an important stop for those travelling from Yemen to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. Today, it is one of the most distinguished cultural and archeological destinations in Saudi Kingdom, and is considered an architectural icon ever built by a human.

Where to stay in Abha

OYO 350 Ramz Abha Hotel.

Top things to do in Abha

• Black Mountain: It is the highest peak in Saudi Arabia, which stands at 3.3km high. It is considered the highlight of any trip due to its breathtaking vista of the city and the surrounding area.

• Shada Palace: It was built in 1927, and used to be the headquarters of the Amara of Abha province. Nowadays, it is a museum housing old planting and household tools, coins, many manuscripts and photographs of life in Abha in the second half of last century.
• Habala hanging village: It is one of the genuine wonders of Saudi Arabia. 
• It consists of sandstone houses hewn more than 370 years ago from local rock perches on a ledge 400m down a sheer cliff, which was accessible only by habal (rope ladders).

Days 25-27: Dhee Ayn and Al Bahah

Al Bahah is a high-altitude city west of Saudi Arabia in the Hejaz area region. It is a place of storied towers, beautiful lush forests, winding valleys, and stunning mountain scenery.

You can make your way down the zigzag winding road from Al Bahah, to the 400-year-old village “Dhee Ayn” or the “Marble Village”. This village is a collection of slate houses on a marble outcrop that can be easily located from a distance by the white glow it surrounds.

Where to stay in Al Bahah

Patto Suites, a basic but sufficient apartment hotel for an overnight stay.

Top things to do in Al Bahah

• Raghadan Forest Park: It is only 5 km away from Al Bahah, situated on a rocky slope 1,700 meters above sea level overlooking Tihamah. It is known for its tranquility, natural beauty, breathtaking green landscape and cascading waterfalls. 
• Sheda Village: Just 77 km away from Al Bahah, nestled halfway to the peak of Jabal Mussala Ibrahim, offering dramatic views across the green cliffs, and valleys of the Sarawat Mountains.

Days 27-29: Back to Jeddah

Upon your arrival to Jeddah, you can pay KAEC city a visit, which is located along the coast of the Red Sea, around just 100 km north of Jeddah.

For your stay, you can choose Bay La Sun Hotel & Marina and get to enjoy a luxurious unique accommodation experience.

After leaving this outstanding city, you can witness the beauty of the latest Asfan Ottoman Fort, lying on the sideroad on your way to Jeddah.

On your last day, you can go for a shopping spree at Red sea mall, and find all kinds of things you wish for.

If you are interested in discovering more itineraries, keep following newsanyway.com and plan your next vacation ahead.