Plan the perfect two-week Saudi Arabia itinerary​

Planning the perfect two-week Saudi Arabia itinerary means unlocking the true variety of the Kingdom — a land where ancient deserts meet futuristic cities and centuries-old culture thrives beside modern innovation. Spanning almost a million square kilometres, Saudi Arabia offers travellers a journey through endless dunes, dramatic mountain ranges, hidden oases, coral-rich coasts, and historic towns that tell the story of Arabia’s evolution.

In two weeks, you can explore the cosmopolitan energy of Riyadh, wander through AlUla’s otherworldly rock formations, dive in the Red Sea at Jeddah, and savour the cool highlands of Asir. Travel east to Dhahran and Al-Khobar for a glimpse of Gulf life before circling back through desert heartlands and UNESCO-listed heritage sites. This thoughtfully paced Saudi Arabia travel guide blends famous highlights with lesser-known gems, local dining, and authentic cultural encounters — giving you a rich sense of the Kingdom’s landscapes, people, and spirit.

 
Two-week Saudi Arabia itinerary
Two-week Saudi Arabia itinerary

Pre‑trip essentials

The general travel advice outlined in the seven‑day itinerary applies equally to a longer journey. Apply for a tourist eVisa valid for one year and multiple entries, pack modest clothing suitable for varying climates and respect prayer times. 

October to April remains the ideal period, although the highlands of Asir and Taif offer respite from heat even in summer.

 Expect long drives – some days involve 300–500 km on highways – so carry snacks, extra water and an offline map. Finally, plan your budget: Saudi Arabia is no longer an ultra‑expensive destination, but attractions, flights and upscale dining can add up.

Week 1 – Riyadh and the central region

Spend your first two days in Riyadh, following the suggestions in the seven‑day itinerary: tour the National Museum and Masmak Fortress, browse the Deira souqs and dine in modern districts. 

On Day 3 drive or fly to Al‑Ahsa Oasis east of the capital. This UNESCO‑listed oasis covers roughly 85 km² and boasts about 2.5 million date palms nourished by artesian wells.

 Explore the palm groves on a bike, visit traditional farmhouses and taste local date varieties. In the city of Hofuf tour Ibrahim Palace, a 16th‑century fort blending Ottoman and Najdi architecture, and Jawatha Mosque, one of Arabia’s oldest mosques. 

The Thursday market in nearby Al‑Hufuf sells woven baskets, carpets and Hasawi rice. Stay in a renovated mud‑brick home or a modern resort in the new district.

Continue north toward Hail, stopping en route at Jubbah to admire ancient rock art. Petroglyphs depicting humans, animals and hunting scenes cover sandstone boulders; many are over 10,000 years old. In Hail itself, climb A’arif Fort for views of the city and the surrounding Shammar Mountains, then sample dates and camel’s‑milk sweets at the local souq. 

Day 6 is dedicated to the mountainous desert: drive through the rugged landscapes around Hail and camp under the stars in a Bedouin camp, learning about nomadic culture and stargazing with local guides.

Perfect Two‑Week Tour through Saudi Arabia’s Highlights
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Week 2 – Western and southern regions

Fly west to Jeddah and spend two days exploring Al Balad and the Corniche. 

Visit the Abdul Raouf Khalil Museum to see artefacts from pre‑Islamic times to the present, then relax at a seafood dinner on the Corniche. 

On Day 9 travel north to AlUla for a deep dive into Hegra’s tombs and the oasis’s rock formations. Spend an extra day hiking the oasis’s canyons or joining a hot‑air balloon ride for sunrise views.

Day 11 takes you high into the Hejaz Mountains. In Taif, perched at around 1,800 m, enjoy cool breezes and fragrant gardens. Visit rose farms during the spring harvest, tour Shubra Palace, built in 1905 and once used as King Abdulaziz’s summer residence, and ride the cable car down Al Hada Mountain’s winding road. 

Sample rose‑infused sweets and stroll through local markets selling dried fruit and honey.

Next head south to Abha in the Asir region. The city sits at an elevation of 2,270 m, earning it the moniker “Bride of the Mountain”.

 Explore its arts district, climb Green Mountain for panoramic views and ride the cable car to Jabal Sawda, Saudi Arabia’s highest point at 3,133 m.

 Visit Shadda Palace, originally built as a fortress in 1820 and converted into a museum showcasing traditional utensils and photographs. 

In the nearby village of Habala you’ll see houses built into cliffs accessed by rope ladders; today a cable car eases the journey.

 Continue to Rijal Almaa, where 60 stone towers adorned with white crystals and colourful Al‑Qatt Al‑Asiri murals preserve the memory of an ancient trade hub. 

The village’s heritage museum, housed in a 400‑year‑old palace, contains more than 2,000 artefacts. Restoration efforts and community tourism have earned Rijal Almaa recognition as one of the World Tourism Organization’s best tourism villages. Spend a night in a guesthouse and enjoy Asiri dishes such as haneeth and aseeda.

Finish your trip with two days on the Red Sea coast, either in Yanbu or the small town of Umluj. Yanbu, one of the oldest ports on the Red Sea, once served as a gateway linking East Africa, the Arabian Peninsula and the Mediterranean.

 Stroll through its old town, relax on white‑sand beaches and dive among coral reefs teeming with fish. 

Alternatively, base yourself in Umluj, where boat tours take you to uninhabited islands and clear lagoons often dubbed the “Saudi Maldives.”

Accommodation, dining and culture

Throughout your two weeks you’ll have the chance to stay in a variety of lodging: international hotels in Riyadh and Jeddah, heritage guesthouses in Al Balad and Rijal Almaa, desert camps in Hail and boutique lodges in Abha. 

Saudi cuisine varies by region: in the east you’ll taste sweet Hasawi rice, in the mountains hearty meat dishes, and along the coast fresh seafood. Join locals for spiced coffee and dates, and don’t be shy about trying camel stew or stuffed lamb. 

Traditional arts also differ – in Asir, women paint bright geometric patterns called Al‑Qatt Al‑Asiri, an art form inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2017.

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Transportation and practicalities

To cover the distances involved, use a mix of domestic flights and car hire.

 Fly between Riyadh and Jeddah, and between Jeddah and Abha or Tabuk to save time; book early for better fares. Renting a car for the segments between Al‑Ahsa, Hail and the Red Sea gives you freedom to stop at heritage villages and desert vistas. Purchase a local SIM card for navigation and emergency calls, and keep a portable charger handy. 

In remote areas such as the Empty Quarter or the Tabuk desert, travel with a guide, as dunes and unmarked tracks can disorient even experienced drivers. Always carry plenty of water, a spare tire and a basic toolkit.

F.A.Q.

The best two-week Saudi Arabia itinerary combines the country’s cultural heartlands and natural wonders. Start in Riyadh to explore its history, travel east to Al-Ahsa Oasis, continue north to Hail and AlUla, then fly to Jeddah, Taif, and Abha. End your trip relaxing on the Red Sea coast in Yanbu or Umluj.

The best time for a two-week Saudi Arabia itinerary is from October to April, when temperatures are mild. Winter offers pleasant weather for desert camping, sightseeing, and outdoor activities in AlUla, Taif, and Abha.

Use a mix of domestic flights and car rental. Fly between Riyadh, Jeddah, and Abha to save time, and drive the segments between Al-Ahsa, Hail, and AlUla to discover smaller villages and scenic desert landscapes along the way.

Pack modest, lightweight clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and layers for cooler evenings in mountain areas. A headscarf or shawl is useful for dusty regions or when visiting religious sites, and always carry water and an offline map for longer drives.

Yes. Saudi Arabia is one of the safest destinations in the Middle East, with low crime rates and modern infrastructure. Visitors should still follow local customs, respect prayer times, and keep valuables secure when exploring remote areas.

Make the Most of Your 48 Hours in Riyadh

As your 48 hours in Riyadh come to an end, you’ll realise how much this dynamic city offers in just a short stay. From exploring the ancient walls of Diriyah and admiring the skyline from the Sky Bridge to discovering world-class museums, cafés, and shopping districts, every moment reveals another side of the Saudi capital. This weekend itinerary blends culture, history, and modern life—showing why Riyadh is more than just a stopover; it’s a destination in itself. Whether you’re planning a Riyadh city break, a quick business trip, or a cultural escape, use this Riyadh travel guide to craft your perfect two-day adventure. End your journey with one last panoramic view of the city lights and a promise to return—because 48 hours is only the beginning of what Riyadh attractions have to offer.