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Saudi Arabia

From Riyadh to AlUla, a land of contrasts 4*

TourDiscovery

Deal negotiated for you

  • A stay of 6 days / 5 nights
  • Breakfast included
  • Flights departing from the city of your choice
  • the domestic flight Riyadh – Al Ula
  • Round-trip airport/hotel transfer
  • The services of an English-speaking driver-guide
  • The visits listed in the programme
Customise your trip on the Options page.

Your stay starts here

From Riyadh to AlUla, a land of contrasts 4*

Combining dazzling modernity with ancient heritage, the Riyadh and AlUla holiday package offers an unparalleled insight into the heart of Saudi Arabia. In Riyadh, the dynamic capital, futuristic skyscrapers, world-renowned museums and living traditions bear witness to the country's rapid transformation. The journey then continues to AlUla, an open-air museum of spectacular landscapes, Nabataean tombs and lush oases that tell the story of thousands of years of history. This package offers the perfect combination of urban excitement and desert magic for an exotic and unforgettable experience.

Day-by-day itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Riyadh

Day 2: Exploring Riyadh

Day 3: Riyadh – AlUla

Day 4: Discovering AlUla

Day 5: Day at leisure

Day 6: AlUla – return flight

Your detailed itinerary

Personalised welcome at the airport by a local team, followed by a private transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Riyadh.

Breakfast at the hotel.

You will start the day with a visit to the famous Ad-Diriyah, located about a 30-minute drive away on the western bank of the Wadi Hanifah. The former capital of Najd from the 15th century to the early 18th century, it is the birthplace of the first Saudi kingdom.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, Ad-Diriyah is a remarkable example of Najdi architecture and once held a key position on the ancient trade and pilgrimage routes.

After the visit, return to the hotel.

Lunch and dinner at leisure.

Overnight in Riyadh.

Breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning, you can make the most of the hotel’s facilities. Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to Riyadh airport for your domestic flight to AlUla. The standard check-out time is 12:00.

On arrival in AlUla, you will be met by our team at the airport, then transferred by private vehicle to your hotel.

Overnight in AlUla.

Breakfast at the hotel.

The day begins with a visit to Hegra (Madain Saleh), the first site in Saudi Arabia to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This former Nabataean city, located on the ancient caravan route, is home to many remarkably well-preserved monumental tombs.

You will explore this fascinating site through its tombs, ancient inscriptions and rock-hewn structures.

Lunch at leisure.

In the afternoon, departure to visit Dedan and Jebel Ikmah, famous for its impressive rock inscriptions, a true open-air library. Continue via the ancient oasis of Dedan, then stop at Jebel Al-Fil (Elephant Rock) for a relaxing break.

Return to the hotel.

Overnight in AlUla.

Breakfast at the hotel.

A free day in AlUla, the perfect opportunity to enjoy this exceptional site at your own pace. You can relax at the hotel, explore the oasis, admire the spectacular landscapes or take part in optional activities, depending on what you feel like doing.

Overnight in AlUla.

Breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning, you can make the most of the hotel's facilities. Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to AlUla airport for departure. The standard check-out time is 12:00.

Accommodation

You will be accommodated in 4-star hotels as listed or similar:

Riyadh: 4-star Grand Plaza Hotel, Riyadh – 2 nights

AlUla: 4-star Shaden Resort – 3 nights

GOOD TO KNOW

Entry requirements for Saudi Arabia:

Visa

Since 27 September 2019, Saudi Arabia has been issuing tourist visas to nationals of 49 countries, including France.

According to the Saudi authorities, it is possible to apply for this type of visa directly on arrival, using the dedicated kiosks in Riyadh and Jeddah airports.

However, French nationals wishing to travel to Saudi Arabia for tourism are advised to obtain an electronic visa before their trip via Saudi Visa (https://visa.visitsaudi.com/).

In all cases, visitors must be able to present the mandatory supporting documents on arrival, in particular proof of medical insurance.

The Saudi authorities do not issue visas to holders of passports bearing Israeli visas or entry/exit stamps.

Customs regulations

On arrival in Saudi Arabia, luggage is usually inspected in detail. Travellers must comply with the bans on importing certain items, in order to avoid confiscation and an intrusive search.

For any further information, it is advisable to contact the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in France (https://embassies.mofa.gov.sa/sites/France/FR/Pages/default.aspx).

Customs and traditions

Certain social and religious rules must be observed:

The import and consumption of alcohol and pork are strictly prohibited in Saudi Arabia. Imported cultural products (books, DVDs, magazines, etc.) must comply with local standards of decency.

Wearing an abaya (a long robe covering the whole body) is no longer compulsory for foreign women. However, women are advised to wear loose-fitting clothing and to avoid short sleeves and skirts or dresses above the knee.

Men must wear long trousers and avoid shorts or Bermuda shorts.

Islam is the only religion permitted in Saudi Arabia. Any public expression of adherence to other religions (worship, proselytising, symbols, etc.) is prohibited.

Only people of Muslim faith are allowed to travel to Mecca, access to which remains strictly controlled. As for Medina, access to the Prophet’s Mosque is forbidden to people who are not of Muslim faith.

During the month of Ramadan, travellers must pay particular attention to respecting Saudi customs and traditions.

Saudi citizens strictly observe the fasting period. It is therefore strictly forbidden to eat, drink or smoke in public, under penalty of arrest and expulsion. Women must take even greater care with their clothing.

Transport included
This price includes :
  • 6 days- / 5 nights-stay
  • Breakfast option
  • Flights departing from the city of your choice
  • Return airport/hotel transfer
  • The services of an English-speaking driver guide
  • the domestic flight Riyadh – Al Ula
  • Visits as listed in the programme
This price does not include :
  • Personal insurance (unless taken out at time of booking)
  • Personal expenses and gratuities
  • Excursions not included in the booking or purchased separately
  • Meals and drinks not mentioned in the description
  • And, more generally, everything not mentioned in the "This price includes" section above

Useful information

Useful information

Practical details

If you are travelling alone, you will be asked to pay a surcharge for a single room. This additional charge will be automatically included in your quote.
Child rates will be applied for children from 2 to 12 years old in the case where the child shares the room with two adults. If the child is travelling with just one adult, the surcharge may be applied on an adult basis. If your child or children do not fit into the age group mentioned above, the rate will be communicated to you at the time of processing your order. If the room is equipped with a bunk bed, the bed height is not suitable for children under 6 years of age.
For safety reasons, the wellbeing facilities of most establishments are not accessible to children under 16 years old. Similarly, it is possible that some amenities or services require an additional charge or are unavailable for exceptional reasons.
Unless otherwise stated in the service description, activities and any additional services available at destination are provided in the language of the destination country and in English.
The opening times and hours of the activities, restaurants and bars are provided as an indication only and may be subject to change. Contact the reception desk in order to be informed of any changes.
Appropriate dress is required. We remind you that gambling may involve risks of isolation, indebtedness, and dependency...
Any additional special requirements the traveller may request which are not included in the travel service description will be communicated to our service provider. Sending this information does not imply acceptance and PerfectStay.com cannot be held responsible for the fulfilment of these special requests. Only the service provider of PerfectStay.com can access this request on location and any additional costs may be paid locally by the traveller.
Unless expressly stated in the description of the services and accommodation, the hotel is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Travel documents

Once your reservation has been made, you will receive a confirmation e-mail before your travel documents are sent.
Regarding the transport documents (in the case of a reservation with transport included), we will provide you with all the information relating to check-in and luggage in the "Your travel documents" email, allowing you to leave with peace of mind.
To take advantage of all your reserved services (hotels, transfers, activities, etc.), you will receive one or more exchange vouchers to be presented to each supplier.
The contact details of the establishment will be specified in these documents, to help make your arrival at your destination as straight-forward as possible.

Transportation

Choose an offer and, according to your preferences, opt for a seat in economy, business or first class.
See the 'View flight info' section for details on each trip.
In order to best organise your time in the airport, we advise that you arrive 2 hours before boarding for a medium-haul flight, or 3 hours before boarding for a long-haul flight (more than 5 hours). Take advantage of your early arrival to pass through security and check your luggage.
You will be informed whether or not luggage is included at the time of your booking.
You will have the opportunity to add additional luggage for a fee.
There are several different cities that are typically offered as departure points. Your arrival destination will show in your travel documents.
Depending on the flight schedule, some arrivals or returns may be made at night with early arrival or late departure. You will not always be able to have your room available immediately and will need to refer to the check-in and check-out conditions of the hotel.
In the event that your transfer is not included in your hotel reservation, it may be offered at the time of your reservation as an additional option. Unless specifically mentioned, transfers may be made in groups of 15 to 55 people.
Important: the modification or the cancellation of a booking is only possible within the limits and including the fees outlined in our general conditions of sale.
Thank you for kindly taking note of the CO2 emissions produced by your means of transport: https://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx

Formalities

Please note that as part of the 2026 Hajj season, it is strictly prohibited for foreign nationals who do not hold a Hajj visa to enter or remain in the city of Mecca between April 11, 2026 and June 11, 2026. You may apply for a Hajj visa via the platform https://hajj.nusuk.sa/ (https://hajj.nusuk.sa/).

Visa

Everyone is welcome to apply for the tourist visa, which can be issued as an eVisa, visa on arrival, or through the embassy.

Tourist or business visa holders from the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and Schengen tourist or business visa holders are eligible for a Saudi tourist visa upon arrival.

Permanent residents of the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the European Union are eligible for a Saudi tourist visa on arrival.

GCC residents are welcome to apply for the tourist visa, which can be issued as an eVisa or through the embassy. As a GCC resident, you can apply for first-degree family members (husband, wife, parents, and children) using your account after you submit your application.

The tourist visa is a multiple-entry visa that is valid for one year and permits 90 days of stay.

The holy city of Makkah is reserved for Muslim visitors only, while Al Madinah is open to all tourists.

You can use the tourist visa to perform Umrah, but not during the Hajj season. Visitors may apply for Umrah or Ziyarah permits via the Nusuk platform at https://www.nusuk.sa/ (https://www.nusuk.sa/).

A health insurance policy, which covers COVID-19 medical treatment, is issued along with your eVisa, and its cost is included within the eVisa fee. Medical insurance coverage is valid for one year from the date of issue. It matches the validity of the tourist visa (one year from the date of issue).

For more information, please check your visa eligibility and entry requirements by visiting https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/plan-your-trip/visa-regulations (https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/plan-your-trip/visa-regulations).

Holders of diplomatic or special passports, from any nationality, are now required to apply for a tourist visa through a Saudi embassy. These passport types are no longer eligible for online visa applications.

For further information, please locate and contact the nearest Saudi Arabian Embassy by visiting https://www.mofa.gov.sa/en/Pages/default.aspx?csrt=2924095421683314422 (https://www.mofa.gov.sa/en/Pages/default.aspx?csrt=2924095421683314422).

Customs regulations

Upon arrival in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, baggage generally undergoes a thorough inspection. Prohibitions on the import of certain goods must be respected to avoid confiscation.

For further information, please visit the Saudi Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority at https://zatca.gov.sa/en/Pages/default.aspx (https://zatca.gov.sa/en/Pages/default.aspx)

Practices and customs

Everyone is welcome to visit Saudi Arabia. Visitors are expected to respect Saudi culture and traditions and follow Saudi laws as they would when visiting any other country in the world.

Saudi Arabia is a very safe country, with a welcoming culture and a low crime rate. All citizens’ and visitors’ safety, dignity, and well-being are protected by Saudi law.

The consumption of alcohol is illegal in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia offers a unique and authentic experience. Explorers, culture enthusiasts, and adventurers will be able to enjoy these without alcohol.

Just as in any other country, it is important to respect local customs and behave in a culturally appropriate manner. Unmarried couples can share accommodation. Visitors are not required to disclose their personal information, and visitors’ right to privacy is well respected.

For more information, please visit https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/plan-your-trip (https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/plan-your-trip).

Disclaimer

The information available to the public in this section aims to help our guests in their first steps in designing and preparing their travel plans. Given the changing nature of this information, we cannot guarantee that this information is accurate or up-to-date at all times. For this reason, our guests are always recommended to inquire directly with the corresponding national immigration, customs, and border control authorities regarding the regulations applicable to their particular case.


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