DAY 1 - Arrive Riyadh (Saturday)

Welcome to Saudi Arabia. Arrive at Riyadh and transfer to hotel for check in at hotel. The rest of the evening is free for leisure. Overnight stay in Riyadh.

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DAY 2 - Ushayger 204 kms (Sunday)

Breakfast at your hotel. We depart to the traditional village of Ushaiger 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 major 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 antiques 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, have lunch at leisure (on your own) before returning to Riyadh. Dinner at leisure. Overnight stay in Riyadh.

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DAY 3 - Riyadh (Monday)

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 antiques). The walk is infused with the aromas of sandalwood fragrance and other scents of the orient. The Souq is known for men’s clothing and it is entertaining to watch the auction which takes place every Friday. Later Lunch at leisure (on your own). We drive for 30 minutes to Ad-Diriyah, located 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 pilgrimage 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 Riyadh. 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 the hotel. Dinner at leisure.

Overnight stay in Riyadh.

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DAY 4 - Departure (Tuesday)

In the morning, have breakfast at your hotel. Then, it’s time to check out & transfer to Riyadh Airport for your onward flight or back home.