5-day Itinerary to Explore Saudi

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Today, the world is your oyster. You can wear your travelling pants and carry your duffel bag full of wanderlust, and reach wherever you want to!

If Saudi is on your bucket list of places to visit, we have prepared for you the perfect itinerary.

With diverse places and a myriad of possibilities, a curated 5-day itinerary could be the perfect trip to explore culture, adventure and entertainment.

At SOTC, we have a selection of holiday packages to Saudi that one can choose from. Whether it is an extended vacation of several days, or a quick getaway, our travel curators know how to plan the best to make it the holiday of your dreams.

In today’s post, we bring you the perfect Saudi itinerary that lets you discover this stunning land in all its glory, in just 5 days.

An Amazing Itinerary for 5 days to Explore Saudi

Before we get into the 5-day itinerary for Saudi, may we quickly walk you through all the things you need to know before you embark on your trip.

Securing a visa is of course the first step when travelling to Saudi. Like most countries, Saudi too has suspended visa-on-arrival for international travellers. Therefore, you need to get your visa from the country of departure before setting sail.

A Covid-19 travel insurance is highly recommended too. We hope this doesn’t happen to you or your loved one, but in case you test positive during your holiday, the travel insurance will ensure that your quarantine expenses are covered. We believe that it is always best to be prepared for the worst.

A negative PCR test result is mandatory when travelling to Saudi. Make sure you take the test 72 hours before your departure and not earlier than that.

So now that we are done briefing you about the Covid-19 regulations, let’s get to the fun part. Here is the perfect 5-day itinerary for Saudi that we have curated for you:

Day 1: Arrive in Riyadh and schedule some “me time”

This Saudi itinerary begins with you landing in Riyadh. You will be arriving at the King Khaled International Airport, which is 35km north of the capital city. A little fun fact for you: The King Khaled International Airport was opened in 1983, and for one whole year, it was the largest airport in the world in terms of ground area.

After arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in accordance to your booking. We recommend spending the day easing into this new world and relaxing because soon the chock-a-block exhilarating schedule will begin.

Riyadh offers a beautiful amalgamation of both ancient and contemporary charms. From UNESCO World Heritage sites to the finest dining and entertainment experiences, to adventure experiences, Riyadh will woo you like no other.

Day 2: Explore Riyadh, the largest city in the Arabian Peninsula

Riyadh, or The Gardens, is brimming with must-see places and must-do activities. Begin your day going back in time by dropping in at the National Museum.

The perfect window into the legacy of Saudi, the National Museum will take you back several centuries and help you learn more about the history and the roots of Saudi. Explore centuries of Arabian prehistory, history, culture, and art at the country’s biggest and most entertaining museum. Housed within striking modernist architecture and flower-wreathed gardens. The National Museum gives visitors a magical interactive tour like nothing you have experienced before.

If you still want to know more about the history and culture, have a stop by to see the vast clay and mud-brick citadel that’s a favourite among tourists wanting to step back in time and explore Saudi’s roots. Afterwards, consider having a look at Souq Al Zal, the city’s most famous market as set in the historic enclave of Diriyah. End your afternoon by heading to Najd Village restaurant for a delicious Saudi cuisine. The dishes at Najd are prepared by talented local chefs for an unforgettable feast in an authentic space – Saudi dining at its most memorable.

Optional: If the city tour strangely leaves you more energetic than before, then we recommend going to the Nofa Wildlife Park in the evening for an amazing safari experience. The Arabian Desert is a life-changing encounter with over 700 animals on show, and therefore, we believe that it must be a part of your 5-day itinerary for Saudi.

Day 3: Travel to Jeddah, the Bride of the Red Sea

On the third day, bid farewell to Riyadh and fly to Jeddah. You will be arriving at the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. Since it is quite likely that you will be tired after your almost-two-hour flight, formalities at the airport, and transfer to your hotel, we recommend that you spend the day enjoying the luxurious facilities at your hotel. You could hit the spa or spend time by the pool. You could also relish the various cuisines of Saudi. Our top favourites are Kabsa, the national dish; Matazeez, a fine lamb preparation; and Maamoul, an ambrosial sweet dish that one never forgets once they have tasted it.

It is often said that when people travel from Riyadh to Jeddah, they feel like they are witnessing a different shade of Saudi. Jeddah is beguiling mix of old and new, and one that remains gloriously different.

Day 4: Rise and shine and get ready to paint the Bride of the Red Sea red!

A day in Jeddah can be spent in a number of delightful ways. One such activity would be shopping along the coast. Whether you want to fill your bags with spices and traditional ouds from Al Hada’s farmers’ markets, or spend your Riyals at the Boulevard, you have diverse experiences to choose from.

You could also go visit the open air museum, Al Balad in Jeddah. Declared as a World Heritage Site in 2014 by UNESCO, Al Balad is not your regular museum. It has some extraordinary shops where you can buy souvenirs for your friends or things for your home. Walk around and explore every nook of Al Balad as it is known to surprise its visitors every single time.

Jeddah is home to a number of wonders, the most remarkable being the tallest fountain in the world. How can this Saudi itinerary be complete without mentioning King Fahd’s Fountain? End day four by visiting this fountain after dusk to enjoy the enrapturing light show.

Day 5: Say goodbye to the mesmerising country

On the final day of this 5-day itinerary for Saudi, we want you to once again pause and absorb all that you’ve experienced. After a scrumptious breakfast, head to the airport for your flight back home.

This itinerary for 5 days to explore Saudi mentions the highlights of the country. However, we recommend that you visit this marvellous kingdom for a lengthier holiday too. That way, you could explore places like Ad Diriyah, the land of the royals; Taif, home to rose farms and deep valleys; and, the ancient city of AlUla.

Whether you pick a quick 5-day getaway or an extended vacation, our travel curators will always select the best experiences for you and turn your holiday into a visit to paradise.