Saudi Arabia tour by cars
🌍 Welcome to Saudi Arabia – the Birthplace of Islam
Saudi Arabia remains a relatively undiscovered destination that surprises with its authenticity and the warm hospitality of its people. Assalamualaikum! (Peace be upon you.) A land where faith is part of daily life, it leads us into a world of contrasts – from vast deserts to modern metropolises.
🚗 Adventure Begins in Jeddah
Our journey starts in Jeddah, where we pick up our cars. If we land early, we explore the historic old town and later soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the picturesque Corniche promenade. Jeddah is the capital of the western coast and a window into modern Saudi Arabia.
🏞️ Scenic Drive to Taif
We continue to the city of Taif, passing near the holy city of Mecca. We drive along the dramatic Al Hada mountain road, with an optional gondola ride offering spectacular views. We also visit Saiysad National Park, where local families relax and picnic in a peaceful setting.
🌋 Craters, Capitals, and Red Dunes
En route to Riyadh, we stop at the impressive Wabah Crater – the largest volcanic crater in the country. We visit the historic village of Ad Diriyah and the legendary Al Masmak Fort. We stroll past Deera Square and the Bin Abdullah Mosque. There’s also an option to drive to the awe-inspiring “Edge of the World” (Jebel Fihrayn), overlooking the endless desert.
🐪 Culture and Camel Markets
We continue to Hail, with stops in the village of Ushaiqer and the city of Buraydah, where we visit the world’s largest camel market. We sample local food at traditional markets and explore Jubbah Archaeological Park, home to 10,000-year-old petroglyphs. In Hail, we visit historic buildings such as Al-Qishla Palace and A’Arif Fort.
🏜️ Al Ula – Desert Oasis of Wonders
We head to the ancient caravan stop of Al Ula. We explore the stunning Wadi Deesah canyon and spend the night in desert tents under the stars. A walk through the old town of Ad-Deerah takes us back in time with its preserved atmosphere.
🏺 Mada’in Saleh – the Saudi Petra
Next is a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site – Mada’in Saleh (Hegra), featuring impressive Nabataean rock-cut tombs. In the afternoon, we explore the iconic Elephant Rock and the famed Maraya concert hall – the largest mirrored building in the world.
⛪ The Mystery of Medina
On the way to Medina, we stop at Khybar Fort, then view the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi mosque (from outside), visit the Al-Tabakha Market, and explore historic landmarks like Quba Mosque – the first mosque in the world – and Mount Uhud, site of a famous battle. We also visit the Shuhada Mosque and the Martyrs’ Graves.
🌊 Red Sea and the Charm of Jeddah
We head to the coastal town of Yanbu, where swimming in the Red Sea is possible. On the way back to Jeddah, we stop at the “ghost town” KAEC. Back in Jeddah, we enjoy a laid-back atmosphere – visiting the Floating Mosque (Alrahmah Mosque), Al Balad Old Town, and the bustling Bangalah Fish Market.
🌟 Final Glimpse of Arabia
After a visit to the Al Tayebat Museum, we enjoy a farewell lunch, return our cars, and head to the airport. A return flight home follows – filled with striking contrasts and unforgettable experiences.
🎒 Who is this trip for?
This program is for everyone who seeks a traveler’s, free-spirited, and explorative way of discovering the world. Saudi Arabia won’t leave you indifferent – expect surprises, contrasts, and genuine hospitality.
Highlights on the journey
Saudi Arabia – A non-touristic destination where the locals enchant us with their hospitality from the very start.
Jeddah – The pilgrimage, cultural, commercial, and musical hub of the kingdom that captivates us instantly.
Red Dunes – The sight of the desert dunes is a fantasy, and riding quad bikes is an extraordinary experience.
Edge of the World – A breathtaking view from towering cliffs on the edge of the known world.
Riyadh – The capital city with its contrasts certainly leaves a lasting impression.
Kingdom Tower – A magical view from the top of this “strange” skyscraper offers an unforgettable panorama of the city.
Ad Diriyah – A historical city built from mud bricks that surprises with its authenticity.
Deera Square – A market that provides a genuine interaction with locals, and until recently, was known for public executions.
Buraydah – Home to the largest camel market in the world.
Bin Hamoud Museum – A visit to this museum is an experience you won’t forget.
Wadi Disah – A canyon that will certainly leave you in awe.
Al Ula Tent Camping – Is commentary needed? 😉 (Tent camping is available depending on capacity.)
Mada’in Saleh (Hegra) – The “Saudi Petra,” created by the Nabataeans, who also built Petra in Jordan.
Elephant Rock – A natural wonder, a rock shaped like an elephant.
Ad-Deerah Heritage Village Market – A market in an ancient village with traditional products.
Swimming in the Red Sea – Enjoy swimming in the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia.
Medina – The second holiest Muslim city in the world.
Al-Masjid an-Nabawi – The second largest mosque in the world, with a capacity of 1,000,000 people!
Masjid Quba – Considered the first mosque in the world, supposedly founded by the Prophet Muhammad.
Mount Uhud – The site of the historic battle between Mecca and Medina in 625.
Masjid Shuhada – A mosque and famous martyrdom site with the graves of 70 martyrs.
Maraya – The largest mirrored building in the world, featured in the Guinness Book of World Records since 2020 (view from the outside).
Jubbah – Petroglyphs dating back up to 10,000 years
- - - IMPORTANT! - - -
Saudi Arabia is a country with rapidly developing tourism, which has only started in recent years.
Unmarried couples are allowed to stay together. For tourists, women are not required to wear an abaya or head covering but are expected to wear long pants and cover their arms and cleavage. Men can wear short sleeves (T-shirts) and long pants.
The locals are extremely hospitable and genuinely welcome tourists. In smaller towns, we might even be a fascinating attraction. Prices can vary, and providers may adjust rates based on demand, so the offered prices are informative, and final calculations will be made before departure.
There is a lot of ongoing construction and renovation, so some planned attractions may not be accessible. We generally choose inexpensive but hygienic restaurants (Indian, Arabic, Bangladeshi, Pakistani). Sometimes, to reduce costs, we use accommodations where up to 4 people share an apartment (2 bedrooms) or, if possible, stay with locals, where accommodation quality may be lower but the experience is higher.
Where possible, breakfast is included in the accommodation. If not, we will arrange a stop for breakfast on the way. Distances between cities in Saudi Arabia are large, so the journey involves considerable driving (mostly on highways).
The 12-day Saudi adventure is suitable for seasoned travelers who can start early in the morning if needed and handle long drives of 8 hours or more per day. To pick up a car, drivers must have an international driver’s license. The 12-day Saudi adventure is suitable for experienced drivers; some drives may be longer.
Driving in larger cities can be challenging due to local driving habits and can be stressful for inexperienced drivers. It is recommended that the driver is familiar with road navigation on their phone. With the purchase of a Saudi visa, you automatically receive additional health insurance coverage for Saudi Arabia (all information about the insurance will be provided with the visa purchase)
Where Do We Stay on the Journey?
Our hotels in Saudi Arabia have been carefully selected. We choose accommodations that are attractive, authentic, friendly, and offer good service. We use both double and multi-bed rooms, each with its own shower and WC. We also stay in apartments with separate rooms.
In Al Ula, we stay in a tent camp designed for tourists. The tents or outdoor sleeping arrangements (classified as “one million stars”) offer a unique experience due to the warm weather. Our accommodations vary in category, but the key is that we are always centrally located, ensuring that we are at the heart of the action.
Hotel photos
Why Travel with Us?
We’re heading to a new and exciting destination: Saudi Arabia. We’ll explore the country with rented cars and will be accompanied by an experienced guide. To ensure an enjoyable experience, it’s essential to respect and understand local culture and customs. Saudi Arabia is an Islamic state with strict rules, so adapting to their way of life is crucial for a smooth and enriching journey.
About the country
Saudi Arabia is eagerly awaiting our exploration. Anyone visiting this country must embrace its culture and customs. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a coastal country on the Arabian Peninsula. It borders Jordan, Iraq, and Kuwait to the north, the Persian Gulf, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates to the east, Oman and Yemen to the south, and the Red Sea to the west. The country is primarily known as an oil exporter.
In Saudi Arabia, Islam is the state religion, and Sharia law is still observed. Gender segregation is practiced to the extent that there are separate waiting lines, school classrooms, and public transport facilities. Alcohol is strictly prohibited and is only served at foreign embassies. Most of the land is covered by the Great Arabian Desert with semi-desert regions. The country has very few rivers or lakes; instead, there are numerous wadis (Arabic term for valleys) with some fertile river deposits. The national currency is the rial.
Visa and Vaccinations
Slovenian citizens require a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. The country has implemented an electronic visa system for tourism purposes only. The process can be completed via the website www.visitsaudi.com .For information on the necessary vaccinations for visiting Saudi Arabia, you can check here: www.zdravinapot.si COVID Entry Requirements: For the latest entry conditions related to COVID-19, please refer to the relevant updates on the official website here
Group and tour leader
You can check the detailed itinerary by clicking on the route map. The group is limited to a maximum of four to five cars. Borut will be leading the group—an experienced and trusted guide! The entire trip requires up to 12 days. Before the journey, there will be a mandatory meeting with everyone to avoid issues and ensure all participants are well-informed.
When to Travel?
The best times to visit Saudi Arabia are in the spring or fall. During the summer, temperatures exceed 40°C, and even locals tend to leave the country, causing life to slow down. In winter, daytime temperatures are around 21°C, but they can drop below freezing at night.
You can check the exact departure date under the “PRICE” tab or on the homepage under “DEPARTURES.” Availability is limited!!
PRICE
For curent prices please visit the Slovenian page. (CLICK HERE)
✅ Included in the Price:
- Organization and Slovenian guide for 12 or more travelers
- Rental of mid-sized cars (unlimited kilometers, CDW insurance)
- 11 nights in 2-3* hotels with breakfast
- All driving costs (fuel, parking fees, tolls)
- Jeep rides and trekking in Wadi Rum
- Local guides
❌ Not Included in the Price:
- Transfer to the airport costs between €60 and €100)
- The tourist visa and all entrance fees are approximately €200, with the visa alone costing €135,
- An optional excursion to the “Edge of the World” (Jebel Fihrayn) costs €70 per person
- The rental of a 4×4 vehicle for driving on the red dunes in Riyadh is approximately €10 to €15 per vehicle
- Luggage on the flight is an additional cost, with 10kg costing €40 and 20kg costing €60
- Non driver fee of 50€
- A refundable deposit of €100 per person for the car rental
Payment Method:
Upon registration, a deposit of €100 is required, along with a non-refundable registration fee of €10 per payment. This registration fee is non-refundable. The price applies to payments made via UPN (Universal Payment Order). By paying the deposit, you secure your place in the group. The departure is confirmed with a minimum number of participants. If the number of registrations is insufficient, the trip may be canceled or the price for organization and leadership may be proportionally increased. For 6-8 registrations, the price increases by €120, and for 9-12 registrations, by €90. This surcharge also applies to extensions.
If you cancel the trip, the cancellation terms specified in the general conditions apply. You can use the amount paid towards any of our trips within one year, provided you notify us 60 days before the trip or before the invoice is issued. More details on the general conditions can be found here.If the trip is canceled due to insufficient registrations, your deposit will be refunded.
Before departure, you will need to settle the costs of the airline ticket, escort services, trip preparation, insurance with assistance, and airport transfer. All other expenses are to be paid locally on-site.
Destinations are travel-oriented, and prices may fluctuate. There might be slight variations due to changes in prices or currencies; therefore, we only guarantee the price for organization and the airline ticket.
PHOTO MOMENTS
Video: Highlights from 12-day travel to Saudi Arabia
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Pozdravljeni,
Potovanje z agencijo Char je vedno avanturistično. K sreči, se vedno zbere odlična ekipa in potovanje je bilo prijetno. Borut se je kot vodič z izkušnjami pravilno odzival.
Prijetno je spoznavati čare nepoznane države. Presenetila me je pokrajina s hribi. Tega nisem pričakovala.
Nisem potovala z vami prvič in verjetno tudi zadnjič ne. Lep pozdrav vsem. Jelena
Kaj bi v programu spremenil/-a? V okviru omejenega časa, praktično nič. Žal nama je samo, da nismo uspeli videti dvorane Maraya.
Je bilo vodenje v redu? Zelo v redu.
Kako se je odrezal Borut? Zelo dobro.
Sonja in Miloš
Odlična destinacija, priporočava vsem, ki jim je blizu celodnevno aktivno raziskovanje države in jim velike razdalje niso v breme. Saudska naju je presenetila s svojimi naravnimi lepotami, arhitekturnimi stvaritvami, urejenostjo in atraktivno vožnjo po mestih:)) Ljudje so prijazni in nevsiljivi. Hrana je bila po zaslugi našega vodnika Boruta raznolika, odlična in poceni. V času, ki nam je bil na voljo smo videli ogromno. Borut je izkušen vodnik za to državo in ga priporočava, saj bi težko videli več.
Mirjana & Janez
Zdravo,
potovanje je bilo OK, tempo je bil kar konkreten, ampak meni je to všeč, ker le tako lahko dosti vidiš. Najbolj so me impresionirali razgledi in Hegra. Jaz bi tisti dolg dan vožnje razbil na dva dela in bi tako obiskal še krater. Vodenje je bilo odlično, Borut je zelo zanesljiv in odgovoren. Lp Igor
Potovanje Savdska Arabija
Potovanje, za katerega nisva imela posebnih pričakovanj, naju je navdušilo zaradi načina odkrivanja z rent a car ,s katerimi smo naredili cca 4000 km v 10 dneh in dodobra spoznali znamenitosti v osrednjem delu te velike države, ki se na tem delu pospešeno odpira turizmu s prikazom naravnih znamenitosti z vetrom obrušenih monumentalnih peščenjakov v ALULI, novo obnovljenih ulic v starih predelih mest s pridihom orienta, bogate arhitekture razvijajočih mest za 20 miljonov Saudijcev in 17miljonov delavcev iz azijskih držav in raznih strokovnjakov iz vsega sveta, ki uresničujejo tudi bizarne zamisli vladajoče kraljevine, kot je izgradnja novega nenaseljenega mesta za miljon in pol prebivalcev bodočega inkubatorja mladih družin, kjer ne živi niti 10000 ljudi, da ne govorimo o gradnji 1km visoke stavbe, kar kaže na tekmovanje med arabskimi državami za prestiž kdo je večji.
Vsekakor nama je po ogledu dvorišča največje mušeje v Medini žal, da zaenkrat ni možno priti v bližino Meke, kar pa bo enkrat možno, če bodo izginile napetosti in tekmovanje med verami.
Meni kot gradbeniku pa ostaja spomin na stotisoče kilometrov večvrstnih elektro daljnovodov iz termoelektraren do mest uporabe in bizarna uporaba 100 tisočev kilometrov betonskih ograjnih elementov New Jersy in seveda tudi plastičnih, ki ščitijo pred naletom vozil povsod, kjer obstaja minimalna možnost nesreče.
To potovanje odlikuje tudi izkušen vodnik Borut, ki brez odvečnega parlamentiranja suvereno vodi to intenzivno, zanimivo potovanje in dobro pozna islamski svet, ki ceni nenarejeno prijaznost zahodnjakov in Borut brez težav komunicira z njimi.
Jerica in Lado