Saudi Arabia may be a relative newcomer to the tourist industry, but it has already welcomed over 100 million tourists, a remarkable feat achieved seven years ahead of schedule according to UN Tourism. It comes as no surprise – between its untouched deserts, underwater wonders, Nabataean sites, and rapidly developing cities, the opportunities for culture and adventure tourism are endless.
First-timers take note – you'll need at least two weeks to cover the Kingdom’s highlights. Any less, and you'll have to be more selective on your adventure. And that's where tour operators step in. Given Saudi Arabia is the largest country by area in the Middle East, most travellers rightfully prefer to leave the logistics of their trip to the experts instead of planning it themselves. The prospect of making cross-country arrangements can be a little daunting, after all.
Local guides can not only navigate the likes of transport and accommodation but also help you gain a good understanding of Saudi laws and customs, especially if you don't speak Arabic. Here, we reveal the journeys, both domestic and international, made possible thanks to the top tours to see the best of Saudi Arabia.
1. Edge of the World tour
Starting with an Edge of the World tour is a no-brainer. This aptly named geological wonder is ranked as one of the top things to do in Riyadh and for good reason. A 1,131-metre-high cliff at one end of the dramatic Tuwaiq Mountain range, it's located roughly 100km from the capital, making it a must-visit for residents and tourists alike. Edge of the World is a hit among hikers, famed for the uninterrupted horizon views offered by its clifftop.
You may even spot camels and herders in the distance, guided by a well-trodden path left behind by the ancient caravan route that once passed through its shadow. While visiting independently in a rented 4x4 is doable, hiring a qualified tour operator comes highly recommended due to the vicinity's wilderness – Riyadh Hiking wins our vote for its range of tours, both private and otherwise. The company organises morning and sunset visits, the latter featuring extras like stargazing and a traditional Saudi dinner.
2. Sunrise hot air balloon ride
Few sights on the planet can compete with that of AlUla from 1,200 metres up in the air, and a sunrise hot air balloon flight is how you get there. They're offered by AlUla’s official hot air balloon operator, Hero Balloon Flights, the company that organise the annual AlUla Skies Festival. As for what makes this tour unforgettable?
Over 200,000 years of human history have helped shape the region's surreal landscapes that span dramatic rock forms, spectacular canyons, and ancient tombs still shrouded in mystery – and nothing beats the bird's eye view of this living museum. It's also the ideal activity for most families. Not only are children aged five and above welcome to ride, but hot air balloon flights are also available all year round. We suggest booking your flight on your first full day in AlUla in case it gets postponed due to adverse weather conditions like fog or strong winds.
3. Red Sand Dunes trip
The definitive experience for first-time visitors, a desert safari is the best way to experience the splendour and stillness of Saudi Arabia's vast, arid landscapes. The standard offering is led by terrain experts and includes the thrills of dune bashing over and across rolling sand dunes in a 4x4 vehicle, quad biking, sandboarding, camel riding, and dining under the moonlit sky.
Not all deserts are created equal, though. Located 80km outside of Riyadh, the Red Sand Dunes are the ideal setting for desert tours thanks to the crimson, velvety smooth dunes, and those offered by RiyadhTrips win rave reviews every time. If you're prone to motion sickness, it's best to take your medicine 30 to 60 minutes before the desert safari begins – between dune bashing and quad biking, you're in for a couple of fast and bumpy rides.
4. Three-day Umluj package
Likened to paradise and situated on the Red Sea coast, Umluj is a laidback fishing village that belongs on any bucket list for its idyllic combination of pale sand, turquoise waters, and towering palm trees. Once a wonderful little secret shared by thalassophiles, it has come to the fore after landing a spot on the Golden Beach Awards 2024 list. And because Umluj is an archipelago, taking to the water to explore its pristine islands and islets is essentially mandatory – it's the best way to view the technicolour reefs and spectacular array of marine life that's teeming beneath.
While some are off-limits due to the ambitious Red Sea Project underway roughly 100km north of Umluj, this region is best explored with a highly rated local operator like Saudi Arabia Tours. Opt for the 3 Days Umluj Package that pairs a boat trip with excursions to the storied Old Town and hidden caves of Tabuk. Just be sure to bring your own diving or snorkelling gear with you.
5. Historic district tour with a local guide
While guided tours of the UNESCO-designated Al Balad in Jeddah are plentiful, those led by Ayat AlSharif of Ayat’s Tours are especially popular. A passionate guide whose Historic District Tour is listed on GetYourGuide, she's not only highly knowledgeable about the city's oldest neighbourhood, but also shares fascinating insights from the perspective of a Saudi woman.
You'll discover its wooden towers and coral-stone houses, many of which were built by Jeddah's mercantile elites and have evolved into museums and art galleries. Hidden gems in Al Balad’s vast squares and winding alleyways are also on the roster, as is sampling local delicacies and exploring Saudi crafts. The tour lasts four hours, leaving you plenty of time to browse the area's bustling souqs and quirky souvenir stores before refuelling with sobia – a cooling drink native to the Hejaz region – at the artistic Sobia Bar.
6. Celebration of Saudi food
To truly understand a culture is to dive into its cuisine, a fact echoed by the food tours offered by Dunes & Dates. The team here is dedicated to showcasing the Kingdom's way of life by curating gastronomic journeys like Celebration of Saudi. A fantastic introduction to local traditions, this multisensory tour delves into everything from native spice mixes and smoke-infused water to incense tinged with magic and award-winning honey varieties from the Asir region.
With storytelling at its heart, the grand finale is an elaborate feast from the Najd region – the origin story of each dish is revealed as guests are served in a family-style set-up, making for an authentic dining experience that's universally lauded.
7. Move between sands and shores
With over 800km between AlUla and the Red Sea, the logistics of exploring two of Saudi Arabia's most fascinating destinations aren't exactly straightforward. The solution is the Sands and Shores tour package by Roam. Headquartered in Jeddah, the destination management company is not only spearheading luxury exploration across the Kingdom, but also curating itineraries that combine the best in boutique hospitality, local culture and immersive experiences.
Sands and Shores, for starters, packs all the highlights of AlUla and the Red Sea coast into six days – archaeological treasures come courtesy of the Nabataeans, while culture walks and a trampoline art installation await at Habitas during the first half of your trip. The following days feature paradisiacal beaches, pristine coral reefs, and rejuvenating spa experiences at The St Regis Red Sea Resort. Adventurers, ask the Roam team about the Shark Cage Diving Experience for an up-close encounter guided by marine biologists.
8. Inside The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
For those travelling solo, but looking to visit Saudi Arabia with a group, Inside The Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia is a great organised tour to consider. Offered by Wild Frontiers, it's led by an expert in the Middle East and features knowledgeable local guides at every stage. The British adventure travel company caters to solo travellers, limiting most departures to a maximum size of just 12 people so that the group can get off the beaten path and use accommodation and transport that would be off-limits to larger groups.
Designed to offer first-time visitors a glimpse into the Kingdom, the 11-day itinerary covers all the essentials: immersing in local life at colourful bazaars, hiking down to the bottom of Hutaymah Crater, discovering iconic geological formations like Elephant Rock, and more. You’ll even brush up on your bartering skills at the world’s largest camel market – they may come in handy when you return.
