Saudi Arabia has opened its doors to travelers, revealing a country where ancient caravan routes meet bold modern vision. In one week, you can stand amid mud-brick palaces in UNESCO-listed Diriyah, wander the Nabataean tombs of Hegra in AlUla, and chase sea breezes along Jeddah’s waterfront.

Expect big landscapes and bigger hospitality. Citrus-scented oases, mirrored wonders like Maraya, and coral-stone mansions in Al-Balad tell centuries of stories. Food is a highlight—think fragrant kabsa, smoky jareesh, and irresistible kunafa—alongside third-wave coffee that could impress any connoisseur.

Practical notes: Visitors can usually obtain an eVisa, and modest dress is advisable in public. Fridays have different hours, and prayer times shape the daily rhythm. Distances are large; flying between cities saves time. For flights, compare on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Riyadh

Riyadh is the Kingdom’s forward-looking capital: glass-and-steel towers, high-end dining, and sprawling museums stacked atop the birthplace of the Saudi state. Don’t miss Diriyah’s At-Turaif district, whose mud-brick lanes glow gold at sunset.

• Top sights: At-Turaif (Diriyah), National Museum & Murabba Palace, Masmak Fort & Souq Al Zal, Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge, Boulevard City.
• Food & coffee: Try Najd Village for traditional platters; modern Saudi at Suhail; Japanese grill at award-winning Myazu. For coffee, Camel Step Roastery is a local favorite.
• Stay near: Olaya (shopping/dining), the Diplomatic Quarter (green and quiet), or Diriyah (heritage + Bujairi Terrace dining).

Where to stay: Browse stays on Hotels.com (Riyadh) or villas/apartments on VRBO (Riyadh).

Getting in: Fly into RUH. Compare fares on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. Ride-hailing (Careem/Uber) is widely used; traffic can be heavy at rush hour.

Day 1: Arrival in Riyadh + Diriyah at Sunset

Morning: Fly to Riyadh (RUH). Hydrate—air is dry. Download a ride-hailing app for easy airport transfer.

Afternoon: Check into your hotel. Ease into the day at Bujairi Terrace, Diriyah’s stylish dining quarter with palm-lined views of At-Turaif.

Evening: Tour the lanes of At-Turaif (UNESCO) to understand the early Saudi state. Dinner options: Najd Village (floor seating, lamb kabsa, jareesh) or modern Saudi at Maiz in Bujairi. Finish with saffron-laced tea or a delicate kunafa.

Day 2: Museums, Souqs, and Sky-High Views

Morning: Coffee at Camel Step Roastery (try a Saudi-origin pour-over if available). Explore the National Museum and neighboring Murabba Palace—a masterclass in Arabian history and design.

Afternoon: Wander Masmak Fort and browse spices and antiques at Souq Al Zal. Lunch at Suhail (dates and smoked lamb shoulder are standouts).

Evening: Time the Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge for golden hour. Dinner at Myazu (wagyu tataki, robata corn, and yuzu notes), then a stroll through Boulevard City for lights and live entertainment.

AlUla

AlUla is a sandstone dreamscape—towering cliffs, green oasis, and a 2,000-year heritage etched into rock. Hegra (Madain Salih), the Nabataean city, is Saudi’s first UNESCO site and a Middle Eastern must-see.

• Top sights: Hegra (Madain Salih), Dadan & Jabal Ikmah, AlUla Old Town, Oasis Trail, Elephant Rock, Maraya (mirrored concert hall).
• Activities: Guided stargazing, sunrise hot-air ballooning (seasonal), zipline and Via Ferrata, helicopter flights over canyons.
• Eat & sip: Tama at Habitas (desert-chic), Suhail AlUla (heritage cuisine), Somewhere (Levantine), Pink Camel (pastries under palms).

Where to stay: Check desert resorts and camps on Hotels.com (AlUla) or villa-style stays on VRBO (AlUla).

Getting there from Riyadh: Morning flights take about 1h 45m; typical fares range ~US$80–180 one-way. Compare on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Day 3: Fly to AlUla + Hegra’s Tombs and Desert Sunset

Morning: Fly Riyadh → AlUla. Book a mid-morning flight; pick up a 4x4 transfer to your desert lodge.

Afternoon: Lunch at Somewhere (crisp fattoush, musakhan wraps). Join the guided tour of Hegra—see the iconic Tomb of Lihyan, carved facades, and inscriptions. Entry/tour typically ~US$25–35.

Evening: Sunset at Elephant Rock, where cliffs turn ember-red. Dinner at Tama at Habitas: open-fire cooking, local dates, and mint tea beneath the stars.

Day 4: Dadan, Jabal Ikmah, Oasis Wanders, and Stargazing

Morning: Coffee and croissant at Pink Camel among palm shade. Visit Dadan, capital of the Dadanite and Lihyanite kingdoms, then explore Jabal Ikmah, an “open-air library” with thousands of inscriptions. Combined tickets ~US$25–30.

Afternoon: Walk the cool Oasis Trail and browse AlUla Old Town for handicrafts and perfumes. Lunch at AlNakheel Restaurant (try saleeg—creamy rice with grilled chicken).

Evening: Guided stargazing or a short helicopter flight (30 min from ~US$200–250). Dinner at Suhail AlUla—lamb kabsa, date-pistachio desserts, and Arabic coffee service.

Jeddah

Jeddah, the Red Sea gateway, balances cosmopolitan flair with deep-rooted Hijazi culture. Al-Balad’s coral-stone houses and wooden rawasheen are a photographer’s dream, while the waterfront hums with evening life.

• Top sights: Al-Balad (UNESCO), Tayebat Museum, Jeddah Waterfront & King Fahd Fountain, Sculpture Museum, Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina.
• Food & coffee: Seafood at Twina, Levantine plates at Shababik, local favorite Al Baik (don’t skip the garlic sauce). Coffee at Medd Cafe & Roastery or Brew92.
• Sea time: Boat trips and snorkeling from Obhur Creek; private beach clubs and yacht charters available.

Where to stay: Search the Corniche and midtown on Hotels.com (Jeddah) or find apartments on VRBO (Jeddah).

Getting there from AlUla: Flights AlUla → Jeddah take ~1h 30m; fares around US$60–150. Compare on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Day 5: Fly to Jeddah + Al-Balad’s UNESCO Quarter

Morning: Fly to JED. Drop bags and grab an iced Spanish latte at Medd Cafe & Roastery or Brew92.

Afternoon: Guided walk in Al-Balad: see Beit Nassif, Beit Saloum (museum), restored mosques, and spice-scented lanes. Lunch at a Hijazi eatery—look for saleeg, mutabbaq, and tamarind drinks.

Evening: Casual dinner at iconic Al Baik (order spicy broast and shrimp). Stroll the Jeddah Waterfront and watch the King Fahd Fountain launch into the night sky.

Day 6: Red Sea Day + Corniche Culture

Morning: Head to Obhur Creek for a boat trip—snorkel coral gardens and spot butterflyfish. If you prefer land, visit the Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina and explore waterside cafés.

Afternoon: Lunch at Le Comptoir de Nicole or San Carlo Cicchetti by the marina. Then visit the open-air Sculpture Museum along the Corniche to see works by Moore and Miró.

Evening: Seafood feast at Twina (choose hammour or shrimp “sayadiyah” with caramelized onion rice). Dessert: saffron milk cake at a local pâtisserie.

Day 7: Museums and Markets + Departure

Morning: Breakfast at Knead (brioche and shakshuka). Explore the immersive Tayebat Museum for a fast-track dive into the Hijaz, Bedouin heritage, and Islamic art. Quick stop at Red Sea Mall or Souq Al Alawi for last-minute dates and spices.

Afternoon: Airport transfer and departure. If time allows, a final seaside coffee on the Waterfront.

Evening: In transit—review your favorite moments and photos from the desert and sea.

Practical Tips and Booking Notes

• Flights: For international and domestic legs, compare on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. Domestic fares are often best 2–6 weeks out.
• Best time: Oct–Apr is cooler; summer heat can be intense, especially inland.
• Etiquette: Dress modestly, especially in heritage areas. Friday hours vary; plan museum visits accordingly.
• Money: Cards widely accepted. Keep small cash for souqs and tips.
• Stays: Explore options on Hotels.com (Riyadh), Hotels.com (AlUla), Hotels.com (Jeddah) or villa-style stays via VRBO (Riyadh), VRBO (AlUla), VRBO (Jeddah).

In a single week, you’ll trace the Saudi story from mud-brick citadels to mirrored desert marvels and the sea-salted Corniche. Come for the history, stay for the hospitality—and leave with sand in your shoes and the taste of cardamom on your tongue.