This itinerary celebrates Ibn Battuta’s spirit of exploration, focusing on Saudi Arabia’s historical and spiritual landmarks.
Day 1: Arrival in Jeddah – The Gateway to Mecca
- Morning: Arrive in Jeddah, a historic city on the Red Sea.
- Afternoon: Explore Al-Balad, Jeddah’s historic district and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its coral houses and lively souks.
- Evening: Stroll along the Jeddah Corniche and enjoy dinner with views of the King Fahd Fountain.
- Overnight: Jeddah.
Day 2: Mecca (Optional Spiritual Visit) or Taif – Pilgrimage and Mountain Retreat
- Morning: Muslim travelers can take a spiritual journey to Mecca, visiting Masjid al-Haram and the Kaaba (non-Muslims can explore the nearby mountain retreat of Taif).
- Afternoon: In Taif, discover the Shubra Palace Museum and stroll through the fragrant rose gardens.
- Evening: Return to Jeddah for a relaxing evening.
- Overnight: Jeddah.
Day 3: AlUla – Ancient Trade Routes
- Morning: Fly to AlUla, an ancient region with breathtaking desert landscapes.
- Afternoon: Visit Hegra (Madain Saleh), a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Nabatean tombs and rock-cut architecture along historic trade routes.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional dinner under the stars in the serene desert.
- Overnight: AlUla.
Day 4: Medina – The Radiant City
- Morning: Travel to Medina, a city of deep spiritual and historical significance.
- Afternoon: Visit Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, the Prophet’s Mosque, and its serene courtyards. Learn about its history and importance in Islam.
- Evening: Explore the lively streets near the mosque, filled with shops and local eateries.
- Overnight: Medina.
Day 5: Medina – Exploring History and Heritage
- Morning: Visit the Quba Mosque, the first mosque in Islam, and the Qiblatain Mosque, where the direction of prayer was changed to Mecca.
- Afternoon: Discover Jannat al-Baqi, the ancient cemetery, and the Dar Al Madinah Museum, which showcases Medina’s rich history and the Prophet Muhammad’s era.
- Evening: Spend time at leisure, reflecting on the city’s spiritual atmosphere or enjoying a local dinner.
- Overnight: Medina.
Day 6: Riyadh – The Capital’s Blend of Tradition and Modernity
- Morning: Fly to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s dynamic capital.
- Afternoon: Tour the National Museum to learn about Islamic heritage and Ibn Battuta’s era. Visit the Masmak Fortress, a symbol of Saudi unification.
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner with traditional Najdi cuisine in a cultural setting.
- Overnight: Riyadh.
Day 7: Diriyah – The Cradle of the Saudi State
- Morning: Visit Diriyah, a UNESCO-listed site, and explore At-Turaif, the historic district showcasing traditional Najdi architecture and the birthplace of the Saudi Kingdom.
- Afternoon: Walk along Wadi Hanifa, a serene valley that offers a relaxing end to your journey.
- Evening: Transfer to the airport for departure, leaving with memories of Ibn Battuta’s spirit and Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage.