.A short stay in Riyadh, with visits to Ushaiqer and Ad-Diriyah, promises an enriching experience delving into Saudi Arabia's captivating heritage. Beginning in Riyadh, immerse yourself in the city's modernity, exploring towering skyscrapers and bustling malls. Then, venture to Ushaiqer, a picturesque historic village adorned with mud-brick houses and winding alleyways, offering a serene retreat into the past. Engage with locals and absorb the tranquil ambiance as you stroll through its ancient streets. Next, journey to Ad-Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the cradle of Saudi Arabia's founding history. Wander through its labyrinth of mud-brick structures, palaces, and forts, each echoing tales of the region's illustrious past.
Day 1, Sat: Riyadh
Arrival at Riyadh airport, after visa and immigration formalities our representative will meet and escort the guests to their air-conditioned vehicle for their transfer to the hotel. Dinner at leisure. Overnight in Riyadh.
Day 2, Sun: Riyadh (Ushaiqer) [127 miles]
Breakfast at your hotel. We depart to the traditional village of Ushaiqer after a two-hour drive. One of the most vibrant examples of Najdi architecture, Ushaiqer is typical of the central plateau of Saudi Arabia. Ushaiqer is one of the oldest towns, existing for “over a millennium” and it was a ma-jor stopping point for pilgrims coming from territories that are now Kuwait and Iraq to perform Hajj or Umrah in Makkah. We get the opportunity to roam its narrow alleyways that run between elegant traditional houses, palaces, and old mosques. We also visit a private collection of old an-tiques at a museum in one of the most beautiful old houses in the village. We conclude our visit from an impressive viewpoint overlooking the area. After that we will have an authentic Arabian lunch at leisure before returning to Riyadh. Dinner at leisure. Overnight in Riyadh. [B]
Day 3, Mon: Riyadh (Ad-Diriyah) [25 miles]
Breakfast at your hotel. We proceed into old Riyadh, starting in the downtown area, visiting the traditional Dirah Souq (famous for buying antique carpets and other useful Saudi heritage an-tiques). The walk is infused with the aromas of sandalwood fragrance and other scents of the ori-ent. The Souq is known for men’s clothing and it is entertaining to watch the auction which takes place every Friday. After this, we visit the Masmak Fort which is just walking distance from the Old Souq and whose importance is linked to the creation of the 3rd Saudi Kingdom, the modern one we live in. The fortified palace was built during the reign of Abdullah bin Rashid in the year 1895 A.D. to serve as a military garrison for the army of Abdullah bin Rashid. His Majesty King Abdulaziz, the father of the today’s nation, captured the fort in 1902, marking the beginning of the recon-quest of Arabia by the House of Saudi. Lunch at leisure. We drive for 30 minutes to Ad-Diriyah, lo-cated on the western bank of the Wadi Hanifah, a dry riverbed where water flows only after big rains. Ad-Diriyah used to be the capital of the Najd (the central plateau of the Arabian Peninsula) from the 15th century until the beginning of the 18th century. It is the birthplace of the first Saudi Kingdom and its importance in the history of the Arabian Peninsula was highlighted when it was listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site, in 2010, as the most brilliant example of Najdi architecture. The history of Ad-Diriyah goes back thousands of years as it was on an ancient trade and pilgrim-age route, acting as a meeting point for those travelling to or from Asia, Africa and Europe. Our visit to the site allows us to admire its incredible architecture before returning to downtown Ri-yadh. As we drive towards the city, we have the opportunity to admire the rapid development of this cosmopolitan capital, planned by the Saudi government to become the biggest metropole in the Middle East in the next 10 years. Return to hotel. Dinner at leisure. Overnight in Riyadh. [B]
Day 4, Tue: Riyadh
Breakfast in the hotel. Check out time 12:00 pm. Depending on the flight time, transfer to Riyadh airport for your departure. [B]
