saudi arabia tour

THE 10 BEST Saudi Arabia Tours & Excursions

Saudi arabia tours.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Private Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Edge Of The World Tour including Dinner and Hike from Riyadh

2. Edge of the World with 4x4 vehicles and dinner

3. Experience Madinah’s Culture and Historical sights

4. Edge Of the World off road trip

5. Umrah Guide

6. Edge Of The World Tour (Private Tour)

7. Makkah's Holy & Historical Places: Ziyarat Private Tour

8. Cook with the Jeddawi

9. Edge of the World and Huraymila National Park Tour

10. Private Riyadh City Tour with Lunch or Dinner

11. Dining in Riyadh at The Globe Restaurant with Pick Up

12. Full Day Hegra and Dadan & Ikmah Tour

13. Edge Of The World Trip

14. Jeddah historical Walking Tour AL-Bald

15. Original Local Tour in Riyadh

16. Quad Biking and Camel Riding in Riyadh Desert

17. Private Historic District Tour in Jeddah by a Local Guide

18. Private Historical Tour in Jeddah

19. Red Sand Dunes Tour

20. Makkah City to Madinah City (Private)

21. Riyadh Full City Tour

22. Historical & Heritage Tour in Jeddah Al Balad

23. Private Horse Riding Experience at Red Sea

24. A tour in Al Ahsa the largest Oasis in the world

25. Edge of the World Tour from Riyadh Private 4x4 Car Pick up

26. City Sightseeing Al Madinah Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

27. Dar Al Madinah Museum

28. Private Tour to the Yellow Lake and Sand Dunes

29. Edge of The World Riyadh Sunset Hiking & Mystery Bat Cave Visit

30. Guided Tour in Jeddah by local woman

What travelers are saying.

Saudi Arabia Tours & Holidays

The road less travelled leads all the way to this Middle Eastern kingdom.

Saudi Arabia is a lot of things: a spiritual sanctuary, a culinary haven, a beach-lover’s oasis and a cultural melting pot. And now it’s open to curious travellers who are looking for a different kind of adventure in the Middle East . From sandy desert landscapes and endless turquoise coastlines to ancient settlements and concrete jungles, there are plenty of memories to be made and extraordinary places to explore in Saudi Arabia. 

Our Saudi Arabia trips

Let's create an exclusive trip for your group.

Articles of Saudi Arabia

Sara Omar wants the whole world to know her Saudi Arabia 

Intrepid’s new Women’s Expedition is exploring Saudi Arabia through a different lens 

Saudi Arabia at a glance

Capital city.

Riyadh (population: 7,682,000)

Saudi Riyal (SAR)

Modern Standard Arabic

(GMT+3:00) Riyadh

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin) Type B (American 3-pin)

Learn more about Saudi Arabia

Best time to visit.

The best time to visit Saudi Arabia is during the winter (from November to February) when temperatures are around 22°C to 28°C and it’s comfortable enough to spend long periods of time outside. Saudi Arabia’s climate is classified as arid desert, so this means extremely hot summers (it’s not advisable to travel during this time).

Culture and customs

Saudi Arabia is a highly conservative country when it comes to social rules and there is an expectation for men and women to dress modestly like in the surrounding Middle Eastern countries. Saudi Arabia in general is influenced by Arab and Islamic culture with a core focus on faith, traditional roles and a family-orientated mindset.

Music and dance are a feature of everyday life, with traditional instruments played and dances performed at celebrations and cultural holiday festivities. Along with the thriving arts scene in Saudi Arabia, sport is huge throughout the kingdom with football (soccer) being the most popular.

History and government

Saudi Arabia shares a lot of its early history with much of the Arabian Peninsula, experiencing the rise of Islam in the 7 th century and the establishment of Muslim states in the 15 th century. However, due to its remote location and poverty, the country remained somewhat isolated from the general military and political trends from the 16th century onwards.

Fast forward to the 18 th century when the Saud dynasty (house of rulers in the 18 th and 19 th centuries) came into power, conquering much of Arabia until their defeat at the hands of the Ottoman Sultan and the Viceroy of Egypt in 1818. A second Saudi state was created by members of the Saud dynasty in 1824 but civil wars eventually ensued after succession disputes and the state fell out of Saudi hands until 1902. The kingdom of Saudi Arabia was royally decreed in 1932 and is still ruled by the monarchy, with a judicial system that's based on Islamic law (Shari'ah).

Eating and drinking

Saudi Arabian cuisine draws influences from surrounding Persian Gulf countries, but religion plays a role in culinary practices too. For instance, as per Islam, Muslims don’t eat pork or drink alcohol and other meats like lamb, beef and chicken has to be prepared in a specific way (halal).

But there are plenty of traditional meat dishes that locals love and that travellers to the country must try. Kebabs are big in Saudi Arabia and so is shwarma, both made with meat (such as chicken or lamb) that’s been roasted on a spit and served, either by itself or in pita bread as a sandwich.  

Saudi Arabians also eat a lot of seafood, particularly fish and shrimp, so you’ll likely see dishes like machbous (rice with seafood) on most restaurant menus. Also be prepared to eat flat bread with every meal, followed by a selection of fruit (usually dates, watermelon and grapes) as dessert.

To wash it all down, locals love to drink coffee in the traditional Turkish way.

Geography and environment

Saudi Arabia is situated in Western Asia, bordering the Red Sea on the west, Yemen and Oman on the south, the United Arab Emirates and the Persian Gulf on the east and Iraq and Jordon on the north.

Its terrain is largely uninhabited sandy desert with frequent sand and dust storms. Saudi Arabia is rich in natural resources including petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold and cooper, and due to the production of these materials, the country experiences a range of environmental issues such as ground, water and air pollution, as well as extreme fossil fuel usage, deforestation and desertification.

If it’s shopping you’re after, you can’t go past two of Saudi Arabia’s biggest cities: Riyadh and Jeddah. Both cities have upscale shopping centres and department stores you can easily get lost in, as well as local markets full of traditional ingredients and souvenirs.

Popular shopping locations in Riyadh for both luxury lovers and families:

• Centria Mall
• Kingdom Centre
• Al Nakheel Mall
• Granada Mall
• Souq Makkah

Popular shopping locations in Jeddah for both bargain hunters and electronic fiends:

• Mall of Arabia
• Read Sea Mall
• Jeddah International Shopping Center
• Al Balad district
• Gabel Street Souq

Further reading

• Girls of Riyadh , by Rajaa Alsanea
• Road to Mecca, by Muhammad Asad
• Being Young, Male and Saudi: Identity and Politics in a Globalised Kingdom , by Mark Thompson
• Inside the Kingdom, by Robert Lacey
• Cities of Salt, by Abdul Rahman Munif

Saudi Arabia travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Why is Intrepid launching a trip to Saudi Arabia now?

Saudi Arabia opened its doors to international tourism in 2019 and we know that many of our travellers are curious about visiting there. Our aim was to create a trip that would offer our customers unique and authentic experiences that have a positive impact on local communities, particularly women.

With their emphasis on local interaction and cultural insights, we felt Women’s Expeditions was our ideal first product in Saudi. We carried out firsthand research on the ground, including speaking to local people from all walks of life. As with all Women’s Expeditions, the trip creates opportunities for local female leaders and guides while also supporting women-owned and operated businesses across our supply chain. 

Do I need a visa to travel to Saudi Arabia?

As a general rule, travellers will need to obtain a visa before arrival in Saudi Arabia. However, there are a range of nationals that can apply for an eVisa online to make the process as easy as possible, so you don’t need to spend time at embassy and consulate appointments. The visa application process will require you to provide information about your trip, return travel plans and accommodation details and might prompt you for bank account information and employment contracts.

Is tipping customary in Saudi Arabia?

Tipping is common in service-oriented businesses such as restaurants, hotels, and taxis, but it is not routine; but rather a way to show appreciation for good service. It is also not required if a service charge is already included in the bill. Saudis usually tip expatriate service people and individual services in hotels despite the overall service charge. Taxis and ride-hailing services such as Uber and Careem usually have a built-in tip option, but you can also tip in cash if you prefer.

Tipping guides, drivers and other tourism services providers is also common and it's a way to show appreciation for their services. It's worth noting that tipping in Saudi Arabia is a cultural and personal decision, and it's always a good idea to follow the local customs and traditions, and to tip in line with your budget and satisfaction with the service received.

What’s the internet access like in Saudi Arabia?

Internet access is widely available in Saudi Arabia, and the country has a well-developed infrastructure for telecommunications. The country's internet penetration rate is quite high and most people have access to high-speed 4G and 5G internet.

The government of Saudi Arabia regulates the internet, and there are some restrictions on access to certain websites and online content, such as those related to political dissent, pornography, gambling, and other sensitive topics. Social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, are widely used in the country, but they are also subject to government censorship. WhatsApp is commonly used for chat but cannot be used for calls and video calls.

Will my mobile phone work in Saudi Arabia?

Mobile phone networks are widely available in Saudi Arabia and getting a local SIM card for your phone is relatively easy. Upon arrival, you can purchase a SIM card at the airport or at any of the mobile phone stores located in most major cities and towns. The process is straightforward and you will need to provide a passport or a valid ID to register your SIM card.

Can I drink the tap water in Saudi Arabia?

The water supply in the major cities and towns is treated and is safe to drink in theory, but because of older pipe-systems even many locals refrain from doing so. In some rural areas or remote regions, the water may not be treated and may not be safe to drink. It's also worth noting that in some places, the water may have a high mineral content, which can affect its taste and may not be suitable for everyone.

What is ATM access like in Saudi Arabia?

The country has a well-developed banking system, and ATMs are widely available in most cities and towns. You can find ATMs in banks, airports, shopping centres, and other public places.

Most ATMs accept international cards such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, etc. However, it's always good to check with your bank if your card will work in Saudi Arabia, and also to inform them of your travel plans. You should also note that ATM withdrawal limits may vary depending on the bank and the type of card you are using.

It's also common to find that some ATMs have a limit per transaction, while others have a daily limit, so you may have to withdraw money in multiple transactions.

Are all credit cards accepted in Saudi Arabia?

You can use credit or debit cards, or even international credit cards in most of the shops, restaurants and hotels in Saudi Arabia, however, it's always good to check with the specific establishment if they accept foreign cards.

It's also worth noting that Saudi Arabia was, until recently, a cash-based society, and it's always good to have some cash on hand, especially when travelling to rural or remote areas of the country where access to ATMs and other banking services may be limited.

What are the toilets like in Saudi Arabia?

Western style bathrooms are found all across the country with the same amenities and facilities you’d expect elsewhere.

What will it cost for a...?

Expect to pay on average 8AUD for cup of coffee. Sit down meals will vary from 38AUD to 123AUD per person depending on the location and type of establishment. While street food, especially in smaller towns and cities could be as little as 8-15AUD.

Is Saudi Arabia safe for female travellers?

It’s generally considered safe for female travellers to visit Saudi Arabia, whether solo or as part of a group as, o verall, the rate of crime in Saudi Arabia is low. 

As with any destination, there are a few do’s and don’t’s that all travellers should follow, such as adhering to local laws, dressing appropriately in places of worship and respecting cultural traditions. However, women should behave and dress in a similar way to locals and stick to well-populated areas, especially when venturing out at nighttime.

Saudi Arabia’s judicial system is based on Islamic law (Shari'ah) and this may be different from what travellers’ are accustomed to in their own countries. Travellers should check their own country’s travel advisory for details, before travelling.

It's against the law to have sexual relations or live together outside of marriage.  

Are there any local laws I should be aware of?

Saudi Arabia welcomes tourists – as with all destinations, travellers to the country should check their own country’s travel advisory for details, before travelling.

Saudi Arabia’s judicial system is based on Islamic law (Shari'ah) and this may be different from what travellers’ are accustomed to in their own countries.  

In general, when it comes to Saudi Arabia's laws and social rules:

• It is illegal to preach or publicly practice a religion other than Islam.  
• Refrain from questioning religious values or public morals. 
• Don't criticise the country, its royal family or practicing religion in public (including on social media). 
• Dress modestly in public. 
• Alcohol is prohibited in Saudi Arabia.  

Same-sex relationships are illegal. Saudi Arabia does not recognise or allow same-sex marriages and rights.  

What should I wear in Saudi Arabia?

Travellers should be aware of the socially conservative rules when it comes to the dress code in Saudi Arabia. It is no longer a legal requirement for women to cover their hair and wear an abaya (long sleeved robe) in Saudi, but w omen should still dress modestly when out and about (especially when visiting places of worship), covering their shoulders, chest and knees, as well as wearing any loose-fitting dresses or pants.

Due to the hot climate in Saudi Arabia, pack lightweight clothing like cotton and linen, so you're not uncomfortable when you're exploring during the day.

Is Saudi Arabia LGBTQIA+ friendly?

Unfortunately, LGBTQIA+ rights aren’t recognised in Saudi Arabia and a high degree of caution should be undertaken when travelling. Homosexuality remains illegal and carries a heavy penalty such as imprisonment and deportation.

Additionally, being transgender is not recognised in Saudi Arabia. You will not be able to enter Saudi Arabia if your passport shows 'X' in the gender field. Transgender people could also face difficulties with dress code and access to medical care.   

What public holidays are celebrated in Saudi Arabia?

• 21st April Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
• 27th June Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)
• 23rd September (National Day)

Please note these dates may vary. See the current list of public holidays in Saudi Arabia.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Are Intrepid trips accessible for travellers with disabilities?

We are committed to making travel widely  accessible , regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilise school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

Destination Arabia

Begin Your Saudi Journey

offering tailored adventures for all, from group explorations to exclusive, bespoke private tours. Dive deep into the beauty and heritage of Saudi Arabia with experiences crafted for intimate discovery. Each journey immerses you in the rich Saudi culture, history, and landscapes, promising unforgettable adventures. Explore the luxury of discovery with us, where every tour is a unique venture into Saudi’s essence and wonders.

DESTINATIONS

Experiences.

Formula 1 Experience

Red Sea Retreat

Shark Cage expereince

Lagoon cruise

Seabreacher.

Diving Expereince

Jeddah’s Historic Heartbeat

Saudi Cuilnary Experience

Riyadh History Tour

Kingdom Tower Visit

Journey through Diriyah’s Roots

Edge of the world

Khaybar by hilocaptar

AlUla Heritage Trail: Old Town to AlJadida

Sharaan Reserve natural safari

Maraya Culinary Symphony

Dadan Discovery Tour

Hegra Ancient Wonders Tour

Hot air balloon

Get in touch.

Reach out to us, and let’s start crafting your seamless experience.

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[email protected]

+966 56-6326-234

© Destination Arabia 2024. All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions

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Saudi Arabia

Ways to explore saudi arabia, discover our saudi arabia tours, our saudi arabia tours, explore the kingdom of saudi arabia.

What to expect from the adventure travel experts

Unforgettable experiences

From big wows to hidden gems, our tours leave you feeling that you've really explored.

Expert local guides

Chosen for great knowledge of their country, and a passion to make your trip extraordinary.  

Small groups & private trips

Group tours average just 12 people & various private trip options are available too.

We do the right thing

How we operate sets us apart; our flexible booking policy, loyalty scheme & sustainable approach.

Highlights of Saudi Arabia

An adventure travel company you can trust.

From big wows to hidden gems, our tours leave you feeling that you've really explored.

Expert tour leaders

Chosen for their great knowledge of your destination and a passion to make your trip extraordinary.

Small groups

Average groups of 11; solos, couples and friends, united by a desire for authentic experiences.

Responsible at heart

How we operate sets us apart; our flexible booking policy, our loyalty scheme & sustainable approach.

Deals of the Week   European Long Weekends   Up to 50% OFF

Saudi Arabia 15 day Group Tour

• In-depth Cultural
• Fully Guided
• Christmas & New Year

• Introduction
• Day 1 RIYADH - NATIONAL MUSEUM - MURABBA PALACE - KINGDOM TOWER - NAJDI VILLAGE
• Day 2 RIYADH - MASMAK FORTRESS - LOCAL MARKETS - EDGE OF THE WORLD
• Day 3 USHAIGER HERITAGE VILLAGE - BURAIDAH
• Day 4 BURAIDAH CAMEL MARKET - HAIL
• Day 5 JUBBAH ROCK ART - ALULA
• Day 6 ALULA - HEGRA - MADAIN SALEH - LION TOMBS OF DEDAN - ELEPHANT ROCK
• Day 7 HEJAZ RAILWAY - LAWRENCE OF ARABIA SITES - MEDINA
• Day 8 AL WAHBA CRATER - TAIF CITY OF ROSES
• Day 9 TAIF ROSE FARM - JEDDAH - AL RAHMA FLOATING MOSQUE - KING FAHD’S FOUNTAIN - CORNICHE
• Day 10 JEDDAH - AL BALAD OLD TOWN - AL SHAFEE MOSQUE - NASEEF HOUSE - TAYEBAT MUSEUM
• Day 11 FLY TO JAZAN - FERRY TO FARASAN ISLANDS
• Day 12 FARASAN ISLANDS BOAT TRIP - PEARL MERCHANTS HOUSE - QASSAR SANDSTONE VILLAGE
• Day 13 FERRY TO JAZAN - RIJAL ALMAA & THE FLOWER MEN - MUHAYIL
• Day 14 MT. SOUDAH - ASIR NATIONAL PARK - AL HABALA - AL YANFA - ABHA
• Day 15 FLY TO RIYADH - TOUR ENDS IN RIYADH

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Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Customer Photos

Operated by Madventure

Affordable group travel & epic overland tours suitable for all ages, gap year tours & career breaks

Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Excellent 4.4
• Itinerary Excellent 4.5
• Guide Good 3.8
• Transport Excellent 4.5
• Accommodation Good 4.0
• Food Good 3.8
• Tour Operator Madventure 4.6
• AB Anneliese · 20th February 2024 Fahrer super gut und unheimlich nett und zuvorkommend, Guide genial - tolles Wissen, sehr umsichtig, Hotels sehr gut, es wäre fein gewesen mehr Zeit in Medina zu haben - zumindest einen ganzen Tag (am Tag davor, die Besichtigung des Löwentempels hätte... Show more Trip date: November 2023 Review collected by Madventure

Dates & Availability

Pay-by-instalments

Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Learn More

• Upcoming departures
• November 2024
• January 2025
• Get Instant Confirmation Saturday 9 Nov, 2024 Saturday 23 Nov, 2024 English €4,013 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Saturday 18 Jan, 2025 Saturday 1 Feb, 2025 English €4,013 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Saturday 29 Mar, 2025 Saturday 12 Apr, 2025 English €4,013 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates

Frequently Asked Questions

We are there for you! If you have any questions about this tour, then please don't hesitate to contact us 24/7 and we will get back to you latest within 2 hours!

Got a question about this tour?

Reach out to our travel experts.

Good to Know

• Currency ر.س Saudi Riyal Saudi Arabia

As a traveller from USA, Canada you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F, G. As a traveller from England you will need an adaptor for types A, B, C, E, F. As a traveller from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types A, B, C, E, F, G.

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Typhoid - Recommended for Saudi Arabia. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Hepatitis A - Recommended for Saudi Arabia. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Hepatitis B - Recommended for Saudi Arabia. Ideally 2 months before travel.
• Rabies - Recommended for Saudi Arabia. Ideally 1 month before travel.
• Meningococcal meningitis - Recommended for Saudi Arabia. Ideally 3 weeks before travel.
• Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission for Saudi Arabia. Ideally 10 days before travel.
• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 11th August 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 11th August 2024, a minimum payment of €340 is required to confirm your booking with Madventure. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 120 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Madventure will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "Madventure" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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Travel to the birthplace of Islam on one of our Saudi Arabia group tour. This undiscovered gem encompasses a vast expanse of arid desert and mountains. The second largest country in the Arab world (after Algeria), it covers some 2,150,000 square kilometres and is the only nation with coastlines on both the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. Home to Mecca and Medina, the Kingdom is the spiritual caretaker of the two holiest shrines in the Islamic world, a role it takes very seriously. Staunchly ...

Travel to the birthplace of Islam on one of our Saudi Arabia group tour. This undiscovered gem encompasses a vast expanse of arid desert and mountains. The second largest country in the Arab world (after Algeria), it covers some 2,150,000 square kilometres and is the only nation with coastlines on both the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. Home to Mecca and Medina, the Kingdom is the spiritual caretaker of the two holiest shrines in the Islamic world, a role it takes very seriously. Staunchly traditional, the country’s citizens are required by law to be Muslims and it is one of the few places on earth that has a ‘religious’ police force.

But this is also a land with a vibrant cultural pedigree. Away from the glamour and glitter of its oil-rich modern cities, the country is strewn with World Heritage sites and remote mountain villages. Amongst the rock-hewn splendours of Madain Saleh you can find Nabatean treasures on a par with those at Petra, while the mud-brick ruins of Diriyah provide a fascinating insight into the origins of the Saud Dynasty. The mountains of the south-west are home to a surprising collection of traditional villages that still evoke echoes of the past, whilst the haunting ruins of Al Ula provide a chance to explore one of the most impressive ghost towns anywhere in the Middle East.

Enigmatic and intriguing, Saudi Arabia by its very nature is one of the last great adventures left to discover. Be one of the first to discover it on a Wild Frontiers small group tour to Saudi Arabia.

Meet the Expert

Start your journey, group tours.

Travel to Saudi Arabia with like-minded people on one of our Saudi Arabia group tours (usually max size 12), featuring knowledgeable local guides and an expert tour leader.

HIGHLIGHTS OF SAUDI ARABIA

Best experiences.

Visit the rock-cut city of Hegra

Discover the Nabatean city of Hegra, with its rock-carved buildings, built in the same style as Jordan's Petra.

The souqs of Riyadh

Go for a spot of shopping and explore a colourful labyrinth of stalls and walkways making up the many souqs and bazaars of Riyadh.

Visit a volcanic crater

Visit the spectacular Al Waba Crater, a dramatic volcano formation with a salt field at its centre. Here there is the option to circumnavigate part of the crater or you may opt for the more challenging steep climb down to the basin and then back up again.

Stand on the edge of the world

Embark on a journey through dusty tracks and rocky plains to Jebel Fihrayn, otherwise known as "The Edge of the World." As you ascend by 4x4, you come to a cliff edge that is 300 metres high and 800 kilometres long.

Discover more

Given the extreme summer heat of the desert, October to March is definitely the optimum time for visiting Saudi Arabia. At these times of year typically you can expect daytime temperatures to reach 20 - 30oC with night times being surprisingly cool, often in the single digits. Rain is rare although not unheard of!

Meet the expert, Dan

Dan is our Middle East expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.

Speak to Daniel by calling +44 (0)20 3944 6258

USEFUL INFORMATION

Health and Vaccinations   

There are no mandatory immunisations for travellers to Saudi Arabia though you should be up-to-date with Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A. We recommend you seek advice from your local GP or travel centre as to the correct immunisations and preventative treatments. 

Currency  

In Saudi Arabia the official unit of currency is the Saudi Riyal, which is subdivided into 100 halala. 

To check out the latest exchange rate for the places that you are visiting you can go to www.oanda.com . 

Cultural Sensitivity  

On our tours you will frequently interact with local people, each with their own distinct customs and traditions. We therefore ask you to be considerate and to treat them with respect. Your tour-leaders and guides will always be able to advise you accordingly.  

Saudi society is going through some major changes at the moment so please bear in mind that any considerations raised here may alter at any time. Ultimately the Kingdom remains a deeply conservative country and is likely to be different from any other destination to which you may have travelled. 

Tourism (other than for religious purposes) is a new concept for the Kingdom so come expecting enthusiastic but inexperienced levels of service. Encouragingly, in contrast to previous edicts, there are no current restrictions placed on adult women travelling solo and while it is expected that foreign visitors will dress conservatively, women will not have to wear an abaya (the long black dress covering the body from shoulders to feet) and they will not have to cover their hair. 

Alcohol however is still currently forbidden and should not be brought into the country; you should also not arrive into Saudi Arabia under the influence of alcohol. 

Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country in which Islamic law is strictly enforced. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend. 

Public displays of affection are not considered as being consistent with local culture and traditions. 

Both men and women are asked to dress modestly in public, avoiding tight fitting clothing or clothes with profane language or images. Women should cover shoulders and knees in public. 

The public practice of any form of religion other than Islam is illegal including wearing religious jewellery for example a crucifix.  So please be mindful of anything that may be interpreted as religious iconography. 

Language & Religion  

In Saudi Arabia, the major language is Arabic, although English is commonly spoken in larger cities. Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country in which Islamic law is strictly enforced and the public practice of any form of religion other than Islam is illegal. 

Time  

Saudi Arabia is 3 hours ahead of GMT. 

A useful website to check the time zone differences is www.worldtimezone.com .  

Food and drink  

Food in Saudi Arabia is full of flavour and packed with spices, dishes are often rice-based with flat breads and meats such as lamb, goat, chicken and beef. 

Food can vary from region to region, but Kabsah is considered by many to be national dish.  Kabsah compromises of rice, meat, vegetables and a mixture of spices.  The spices can differ depending on location but cloves, cardamom, saffron and nutmeg are often used.  Some varieties may be enhanced with nuts such as peanuts, almonds, pine nuts etc. 

Lunch is considered the main meal of the day.  Traditional dishes are preferred but in larger towns a full range of international cuisine is available.  Pork and alcohol are forbidden under Islamic law.   

There is a traditional and unique “coffee culture” in the Kingdom.  Offering guests coffee is a display of hospitality and generosity which is very much entrenched in the culture so expect to be served Arabic coffee with nearly all your meals.   

It is customary for Saudi coffee to be served from a dallah (coffee pot) in a ritualistic manner. The flavour is very distinctive due to the addition of other elements such as cardamom, cloves or saffron. 

Travelling Solo In Saudi Arabia

All of our   small group tours   are designed to cater for   solo travellers : the number of solo travellers will vary from tour to tour, but usually over half will be travelling alone. Get all of the excitement of discovering new places combined with the security of travelling with an organised group, with like minded people.

The 6 Best Saudi Arabia Tours For Unforgettable Adventures That Are Achievable & Affordable

Posted on Last updated: October 13, 2023

Categories Tours , Middle East , Saudi Arabia

Expert travel storyteller Jordan Adkins, founder of InspiredByMaps.com, brings a decade of adventures across 101 countries and 450+ UNESCO sites into rich, off-the-beaten-path narratives, melding ecological expertise with genuine, seasoned travel insights. His full bio can be found here.

Welcome to Saudi Arabia, a captivating nation that skillfully mixes historic traditions with modern advancements. Saudi Arabia has significant religious significance as the country that gave rise to Islam and is currently the location of its two holy cities, Mecca and Medina. Its varied environments, from the huge Rub’ al Khali deserts to the breathtaking Red Sea shoreline, provide exciting outdoor adventures to all visitors. 

Visit the stunning rock formations of the UNESCO-listed Madain Saleh, or explore the architectural marvels of Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Ula. Saudi Arabia encourages you to explore its untapped resources and take in its special beauty thanks to its rich cultural past, kind people, and forward-looking outlook.

Saudi Arabia attracts visitors for a variety of reasons. Visitors from all over the world come to the country to see its rich cultural history, historical sites, and religious significance. 

Saudi Arabia is becoming a more accessible and alluring destination for tourists looking for an authentic Middle Eastern experience.  A multi-day tour is the best way to see the country. A multi-day trip to Saudi Arabia is a great idea for several convincing reasons.

First, the nation has a wide variety of attractions to suit different interests. There is something for everyone, from seeing historic archaeological sites like Madain Saleh UNESCO World Heritage sites, and more. 

Saudi Arabia is also a fascinating travel destination due to its rich cultural heritage and Islamic past. The vibrant local customs, majestic mosques, and historical sites, as well as the warmth of the Saudi people, may all be experienced by visitors.

Additionally, recent years have seen a substantial improvement in Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure and transportation, making it simpler to enter and move about the nation. The construction of new roadways, airports, and tourist-related amenities has enhanced travelers’ overall travel experiences. That said, here are the top six best tours in Saudi Arabia. 

Page Contents

5 Days Riyadh, Jeddah, and Abha

Saudi arabia classics, saudi arabia treasure tour, saudi arabia: the complete, saudi arabia 15-day group tour, the landmark tour – saudi arabia, saudi group.

Enjoy this exciting 5-Day Riyadh, Jeddah, and Abha tour, highlighting the country’s many natural treasures. This expertly planned itinerary welcomes you to see three famous cities, each providing a different window into the rich history and cutting-edge advancements of the Kingdom.

Start your journey in the energetic capital of Riyadh, where cutting-edge architecture harmoniously coexists with age-old customs. Travel to Jeddah next, a thriving coastal city renowned for its medieval neighborhoods and stunning Red Sea coastline.

Finally, let yourself be completely engrossed in Abha’s mountains’ beauty, rich vegetation, and unique cultural experiences. This 5-day tour, conducted by professional guides, offers an immersive and educational experience that will enable you to discover Saudi Arabia’s varied beauty and alluring appeal. Here is a look at your full itinerary for this tour. 

Day One: Arrive in Riyadh. 

Day Two: Enjoy a city tour of Riyadh and all of the city’s highlights. 

Day Three: Embark on a Riyadh and Abha City tour. 

Day Four: Enjoy an Abha and Jeddah Historical Tour.

Day Five: Your tour ends here. 

You will treasure the memories of an extraordinary adventure that revealed the special attractions of Saudi Arabia as your visit comes to a close. The well-planned itinerary of this tour sets it apart by allowing you to visit three different cities and take in the unique cultural and natural wonders of the Kingdom.

Every location, from the crowded streets of Riyadh to the old-world neighborhoods of Jeddah and the breathtaking mountain scenery of Abha, presents an enthralling fusion of traditional practices and contemporary innovations.

This journey offers a deeper understanding of Saudi Arabia’s rich past, vibrant culture, and magnificent landscapes under the guidance of professional guides. This can easily be considered one of the best tours in Saudi Arabia. 

Europamundo

Join the Saudi Arabia Classics trip to experience an unforgettable journey that explores the rich history and timeless treasures of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Explore the historical, cultural, and environmental attractions distinguishing Saudi Arabia on this interactive journey. You will see the architectural wonders, historic ruins, and thriving markets that characterize the nation’s history, from the humming modern city of Riyadh to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Diriyah.

This tour, led by experts, provides a fascinating look at Saudi Arabia’s past, present, and future while displaying its customs, hospitality, and astounding change. Join the Saudi Arabia Classics tour to discover this fascinating country’s secrets. Here is a look at your full itinerary for this tour. 

Day One: In the evening, we will include a transfer with an entrance ticket to Boulevard Ryadh.

Day Two: You will visit the impressive capital of Saudi Arabia, with visits to the Kingdom Centre, the national museum, and the Masmak Fortress. You will visit the Al Rajhi Mosque.

Day Three: Take a flight to Al Ula, where you will visit the enclosure of HEGRA and have free time in “Al-’Ula Heritage Village. We will go to The Elephant Rock at dusk, “Jabal Al-Fil.”

Day Four: We travel to the holy city of MEDINA. In the afternoon, we will visit the Al Madinah Museum. At the end of the afternoon, we will go to see -from outside- the Al-Masjid mosque.

Day Five: We will explore Medina. We will walk around the immense Prophet´s Mosque. From here, we will walk to the nearby garden and well of Ethiq. Afterward, we will have some free time in the city.

Day Six: Enjoy a Full day tour in Jeddah.

Day Seven: Depart from Jeddah.

As one of the top tours, Saudi Arabia Classics by Europamundo stands out for its thorough examination of the Kingdom’s historical and cultural assets. With this journey, tourists may see Saudi Arabia’s fascinating history, from the prehistoric Nabatean ruins of Madain Saleh to the vibrant markets of Riyadh and the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Diriyah and Jeddah.

This well-planned tour, led by knowledgeable guides, provides the ideal mix of well-known sights, authentic local encounters, and cultural immersion.

The Saudi Arabia Classics tour promises an amazing and enriching journey, giving a thorough insight and appreciation of the country’s legacy and change, thanks to Europamundo’s attention to detail, comfortable accommodations, and knowledgeable crew. This tour is one of the best tours in Saudi Arabia. 

Agate Travel

Enjoy the Saudi Arabia Treasure Tour, a remarkable tour that reveals the Kingdom’s undiscovered treasures and cultural wealth. On this tour, you will go on a riveting journey through Saudi Arabia’s many landscapes and historic attractions.

You’ll learn about the nation’s rich history and architectural wonders as you travel from the breathtaking rock formations of Al Ula to Diriyah and Madain Saleh, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Get lost in Riyadh’s lively souks and discover Jeddah’s seaside beauty.

This treasure-filled trip, conducted by experts, offers a special and educational experience, giving visitors a comprehensive understanding of Saudi Arabia’s cultural history and priceless jewels. Join the Saudi Arabia Treasure Tour to discover this unique country’s secrets. Here is a look at your full itinerary.

Day Two: Enjoy a  Riyadh historical city tour

Day Three: visit Al Ahsa Oasis in Al Hafuf. Later, we will also visit Ibrahim Palace, an Arabic masterpiece that once served as a military base.

Day Four: Visit the cradleland of Saudi Arabia – Old Diriyah. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Al Rajhi Grand Mosque and the King Fahd National Library. 

Day Five: Fly to Al Ula. You will visit Madain Saleh, the Nabatean ruins, and Al Diwan (Ethleeb Mountain).

Day Six: Visit the Al Deerah Heritage Village. Then we’re to see old mud houses and Elephant Rock.

Day Seven: Visit the Rock Art in Hail district with free time in the evening.

Day Eight: Enjoy a Jeddah Highlights tour.

Day Nine: Departure from Jeddah. 

You’ll take the memories of an outstanding tour that revealed the Kingdom’s hidden jewels with you as your Saudi Arabia Treasure Tour ends. This tour stands out for its precise planning, which enables you to discover Saudi Arabia’s varied landscapes, age-old wonders, and rich cultural history.

Each place displays the distinctive beauty of the nation, from the breathtaking rock formations of Al Ula to the ancient wonders of Diriyah and Madain Saleh.

This tour will give participants a thorough grasp and appreciation of Saudi Arabia’s legacy because of Agate Travel’s knowledgeable guides, cozy accommodations, and engaging experiences. Agate Travel’s Saudi Arabia Treasure Tour is a genuinely exceptional trip that provides a rare look into the cultural treasures of this alluring location.

Grayline Uae and Oman Tours

Welcome to Saudi Arabia: The Complete Tour, a remarkable adventure that immerses you in the country’s varied landscapes, fascinating past, and dynamic culture. Discover the undiscovered treasures and recognizable landmarks that distinguish Saudi Arabia on this interactive journey.

This tour demonstrates the intriguing fusion of tradition and progress in the nation, from the ancient ruins of Madain Saleh to the cutting-edge city of Riyadh and the coastal attractiveness of Jeddah. You will explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, learn about the Kingdom’s history, and experience the welcoming culture of Saudi Arabia under the guidance of experts.

Join Saudi Arabia: The Complete Trip to explore this fascinating country’s wonders. Your journey starts in Riydah and ends in Jeddah. You’ll have nine days to discover the wonders of Saudi Arabia with a chance to visit 5 Saudi Cities. Here is a look at your full itinerary for this tour. 

Day Two: We will start our tour of mystic Riyadh by visiting the National Museum. We will stop then for lunch in a typical local Saudi restaurant. Afternoon we will continue our tour of mystic Riyadh by visiting the Masmak Fort and its museum. At the end of the afternoon, we will pass the kingdom tower & the Faisaliah.

Day Three: depart for Riyadh’s railway station and board the train for Ha’il. We will visit the A’Arif Fort and the nearby heritage museum. Then we will have a walk at the traditional market where we will find the local delicacies. 

Day Four: This morning, we will start our journey to Jubbah. We continue our route to the famous Al Ula area.

Day Five: We will start our exciting day with a visit to two ancient carving sites in Al-Ula, then pass by the ancient city of Dedan. We continue then to the Old City of Al-Ula. Then visit the ancient sites of Ekma and Abu ‘Aoud.

Day Six: Today, we will start our journey with a visit to the famous Hegra (Madain Saleh). Lunch on your own will follow our visit before we continue to explore many sites around ALULA as Leopard Trail and many others. In the afternoon, we will drive towards MEDINA, passing the old HIJAZ route railway. 

Day Seven: This morning, we will visit the holy city of Medina. We conclude the day with a short walk near Mount Uhud to enjoy the sunset over the city. We will also visit the DAR AL MADINA museum. Then you will depart for Jeddah.

Day Eight: We will start our tour with a visit to the Abdul Raouf Khalil Museum. We will then hit old Jeddah, where you will enjoy a walking tour. While visiting Al-Balad, visitors will be taken to see Beit Nassif (from outside), one of the prominent renovated structures in the old city, which dates back to the mid-1800s. Your tour will end shortly after.

Day Nine: Departure from Jeddah.

You’ll take the memories of a very extraordinary and engaging journey through the Kingdom as your tour concludes. Thanks to this extensive tour, you have had the opportunity to travel around Saudi Arabia’s different landscapes, delve into its fascinating history, and encounter its dynamic culture.

Each place has offered a distinctive viewpoint on this alluring nation, from the ancient glories of Madain Saleh to the modernity of Riyadh and the maritime appeal of Jeddah.

This tour has provided a deeper insight into Saudi Arabia’s heritage and the friendly hospitality of its people, led by skilled guides. As this tour has shown off its best features, you will have a lasting respect for this magical country’s alluring beauty and cultural treasures. 

Enjoy the Saudi Arabia 15-day Group Tour, an unforgettable voyage that immerses you in the different landscapes, rich cultural history, and cutting-edge innovations of the Kingdom. You may experience Saudi Arabia’s alluring fusion of heritage and progress on this precisely designed tour, which takes you deep into the country’s hidden gems and famous landmarks.

This tour highlights the historical sights, natural wonders, and dynamic local culture, from the ancient wonders of Al Ula and Madain Saleh to the busy metropolis of Riyadh and Jeddah.

This 15-day group tour, led by knowledgeable advisers, promises to be an amazing excursion that will give you profound insight and respect for Saudi Arabia’s past, present, and future. Set out on this amazing tour to discover Saudi Arabia’s hidden gems. Here is a look at your full itinerary for this tour. 

Day One: This afternoon, we will visit the National Museum and Murabba Palace. This evening we will take the 180kph to lift up the 99th floor of the Kingdom Tower. Then we will end our evening at the Najdi Village.

Day Two: This morning, after breakfast, we will venture into the old part of the city and visit Masmak Fortress. We continue to the town of Diriyah. Then This afternoon, we will take 4×4’s to visit The Edge of the World.

Day Three: After breakfast, travel to the cultural heritage village of Ushaiger. We end our day in the town of Buraidah.

Day Four: we are off to the world’s largest camel market on the dusty outskirts of Buraidah. This afternoon we reach the town of Hail.

Day Five: visit the ancient rock art at Jubbah. In the afternoon, we continue our journey to the oasis of AlUla.

Day Six: start the day by visiting the UNESCO world heritage site of Hegra (Madain Saleh). This afternoon we will visit the Lion Tombs of Dedan.

Day Seven: Drive through Lawrence of Arabia country. We will stop at a historic site that displays the remnants of this bygone era, including rusting train carriages and an abandoned train station. This afternoon we will arrive at the holy city of Medina. 

Day Eight: visit one of Saudi’s most dramatic natural wonders, the Al Wahbah crater. This afternoon we visit Taif, the City of Roses. This evening you are invited to a group dinner.

Day Nine: This morning, we will visit a rose farm in Taif before reaching the ancient port of Jeddah.

Day Ten: we will visit the UNESCO-listed historic center of Jeddah, Al Balad, and This afternoon we take a trip to the Tayebat City Museum.

Day Eleven: This morning, we will fly to Jazan in the southeastern part of the country, and from there, we will catch the afternoon ferry to the Farasan Islands

Day Twelve: This morning, you are invited to join the group for a 4-hour boat tour to enjoy the best beaches & snorkeling. After lunch, we will then visit Al Qassar sandstone village.

Day Thirteen: catch the early ferry back to Jazan, where we meet our bus and continue up to Rijal Almaa.

Day Fourteen: This morning, a snaking road leads us up to the Asir province. We head directly into the beautiful Asir National Park. After lunch, we visit the hanging village of Al Habala and Al Yanfa, a village that sits atop a warren of underground tunnels.

Day Fifteen: catch a flight from Abha to Riyadh, where our tour ends upon arrival at Riyadh airport.

You will truly enjoy this unique and intense voyage that reveals the various wonders of the Kingdom as your 15-day group tour of Saudi Arabia ends. The in-depth immersion in Saudi Arabia’s rich history, stunning scenery, and vibrant culture has been made possible through this extensive tour.

Each location provided a different viewpoint on this interesting country, from the ancient wonders of Al Ula and Madain Saleh to the vibrant cities of Riyadh and Jeddah. This journey, led by experts, promoted a greater comprehension of Saudi Arabia’s history and the friendly hospitality of its people.

You now have a profound respect for the nation’s priceless assets and amazing modern advancements as a result of the 15-day group tour of Saudi Arabia.

Destination Arabia

The Landmark Tour is a remarkable excursion that reveals the country’s famous sites and undiscovered gems. During this comprehensive tour, you are invited to visit the most well-known historical and cultural places that represent Saudi Arabia’s history.

This tour highlights the nation’s diverse landscapes and complex tapestry of cultures, from the age-old rock formations of Al Ula and the magnificent Nabatean remains of Madain Saleh to the bustling modern cities of Riyadh and Jeddah.

This painstakingly planned itinerary, led by professional guides, is a special chance to delve into the fascinating history, architectural wonders, and gracious hospitality that make Saudi Arabia a wonderful destination.

Join The Landmark Tour and experience a once-in-a-lifetime journey through Saudi Arabia’s heart. This tour starts in Riyadh and ends in Jeddah. Spend 11 days discovering Saudi to the fullest with stops in five different Saudi cities. Without further adieu, here is your full itinerary for this tour. 

Day One: In and around Riyadh

This tour starts in Riyadh. This afternoon we will then visit the National Museum and Murabba Palace.

Day Two: venture into the old part of the city and visit Masmak Fortress. We continue to the mud-brick ruins of the ancient town of Diriyah.

Day Three: After breakfast, we travel to the cultural heritage village of Ushaiger, and We end our day in the town of Buraidah.

Day Four: An early rise today, and we are off to the world’s largest camel market on the dusty outskirts of Buraidah. This afternoon we reach the town of Hail.

Day Five: This morning, we will visit the ancient rock art at Jubbah. In the afternoon, we continue our journey to the oasis of AlUla.

Day Six: We start the day by visiting the UNESCO world heritage site of Hegra (Madain Saleh). This afternoon we will visit the Lion Tombs of Dedan.

Day Seven: Today, we will drive through Lawrence of Arabia country and in the afternoon, we will arrive at the holy city of Medina. 

Day Eight: This morning, we will visit one of Saudi’s most dramatic natural wonders, the Al Wahbah crater. This afternoon our journey ascends into the mountains to Taif, the City of Roses.

Day Nine: This morning, we will visit a rose farm in Taif before reaching the port of Jeddah. This evening you are invited to a traditional Arabic group dinner at a popular local restaurant.

Day Ten: This morning, we will visit the UNESCO-listed historic center of Jeddah with visits to two popular museums. This afternoon we take a trip to the Tayebat City Museum.

Day Eleven: The tour ends in Jeddah.

You’ll take the memories of an exceptional exploration of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The rich history, breathtaking architecture, and vibrant culture of Saudi Arabia are thoroughly explored throughout this planned tour.

Each monument displays the distinctive appeal of the nation, from the ancient wonder of Al Ula to the busy cities of Riyadh and Jeddah. This tour will give participants a thorough insight into Saudi Arabia’s history and welcoming culture. This is one of the best tours in Saudi Arabia. 

With the top six tours in Saudi Arabia, set out on a remarkable journey through the nation’s captivating landscapes and rich cultural history. These tours were created to showcase the highlights of Saudi Arabia and all its undiscovered gems.

Each journey offers a distinctive fusion of history, culture, and natural beauty. These tours, which are guided by professional guides, offer a seamless synthesis of tradition, allowing you to experience the warmth of Saudi Arabian hospitality and learn more about the history and modernization of the nation.

Each trip offers a memorable adventure, and you can be sure that taking one of these top six Saudi Arabia tours will give you an extraordinary glimpse into the country’s unique tapestry of natural splendors, history, and culture. Visit Saudi Arabia; Hello, Saudi Arabia.

If none of these tours work for you in Saudi Arabia, please do not worry. There is a wide variety of tour options in the country, and we are confident that there will be something that fits your needs and interests.

Take a look at all the group tours in Saudi Arabia now , which you can sort by private or group, maximum sizing, budget, dates and much (much more). The team at TourRadar is also always more than happy to answer any questions, provide further information or assist in any way in finding the perfect tour for you.

Saudi Arabia Travel and Tours

KSA (the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) Travel and Tours

We provide real, guided, safe, insured, comfortable, and amazing Arabian holidays in KSA (Saudi Arabia.) From voyaging on the Red Sea or caravaning the Empty Quarter, to Excellent Hajj and Umrah to Makkah (Mecca) and via Medinah. History of the birth of Islam and Trade in Jeddah and the Persian Gulf, to Rock Palaces and Oases in the Natural Wonders of Lost Arabia, to spectacular and original Saudi Wilderness and Wildlife Safaris. Travel to the modern Kingdom too and see the roaring economic reality, the modern 30th century architecture, and step out and back into lost kingdoms and ancient desert cultures. This is real and exhilarating Arabia, and its most remote reaches, friendly people, and beautifully alien landscapes. Come see it all safely and affordably with Saudi Arabia Travel and Tours.

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Saudi Arabia Tour Operators | Saudi Arabia Tour Guides | Saudi Arabia Locals

SATT’s guides come from Saudi Arabia and have been working in the inbound and domestic tourism industry as operators and private guides for generations now, with an in-house and trusted networked fleet of vehicles and vessels, hyper-local town guides, farmers, pilots, and years of experience and exploration in the deepest reaches of the desert. The team taps a knowledge of everything in KSA from new archeological and dinosaur bone sites to rock art, Arab nomadic culture, to gold and jewelry. Want to go direct and land in KSA with licensed, registered, vetted guides and operators, who deliver the best, most comprehensive catalog of tours in the country – Safely AND affordably?

SATT is an emporium and Bazaar for Directly Led and operated tours and Packages with Saudi locals who are the best in the business and welcoming to the world. All guides and operations are led by experienced passionate professionals responsible on the ground to run the best of the best, who take everybody from statesmen to rap and movie stars to scientists to film crews and historians. All tour guides are Saudi, local, lovely, and lively!

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Small Group Saudi Arabia Tours

• Middle East
• The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

3 Tour Options

The kingdom of saudi arabia tour code: ks1, saudi arabia & the sultanate of oman tour code: ks2, the arab gulf states tour code: gs9.

Welcome to 

A New View of the Kingdom

Northern Tour

Length: 5-6 days

Custom Tour

Length: 5-10 days

Hejazi Tour

Length: 3-5 days

This tour offers guests an adventure in the north--  journeying from Jeddah to Tabuk to see Biblical sites from the historic land of Midian. See the Split Rock of Moses, Jabal Louz, The Wells of Elam, and Moses’ Well, among other sites of historic value and natural beauty. Camping/Hiking/Climbing activities included.

This tour immerses guests in the culture and beauty of the Hejaz region, basing out of Jeddah with multiple day trips to the surrounding areas. Visitors will experience the bustling city of Jeddah, the mountains of Taif, as well as the adventure of hiking and diving in the sea and desert mountains. Interspersed with cultural experiences with local hosts, you will leave with a deep appreciation of the Hejazi land and its people.

Connect with our staff today to develop a tour made just for you. We promise that no matter where you go, you’ll get a new view of the Kingdom—whether in the green mountains of Abha, date farms of Medina, modern marvels of luxurious Riyadh, or exploration of desert and sea in their pure and raw form—allow us to open the door to a grand adventure fit to your interests and passions.  

Meet The Team

Adventures in Saudi Arabia await!  We specialize in crafting experiences that immerse you  in the hospitality, richness, and charm of Arab culture. Whether  exploring Biblical sites and historical treasures, experiencing the breathtaking beauty  of varied landscapes, or  immersing yourself in local culture  and cuisine— we ensure that every detail of your trip to the Kingdom is planned for —so that you can relax and enjoy it! Venture into rugged deserts, ancient kingdoms, and biblical history with us.

Marisa McCarty

 [email protected]

Zachary Fortunato

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Peak Experiences

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Saudi Arabia

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Saudi Arabia Tour: The Forbidden Kingdom

The Saudi Arabia tour is a journey into the forbidden kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

As the birthplace of Islam, Saudi Arabia has been shielding itself from the eyes of the west for a long time. Now the Kingdom is moving in huge steps towards modernization and openness.

Saudi Arabia is a country with a with a long and rich history. It has a vibrant cultural pedigree aside from its glitzy oil-rich modern cities.

Explore Nabatean heritage equal to what Petra offers in terms of Nabatean architectural remains.

See the rock-hewn splendors of UNESCO World Heritage site Mada’in Saleh and Mada’in Shoeb.

Most of the great empires of the ancient world traded with the Arabian Kingdoms that commanded the important spice trade routes in the peninsula.

Experience colorful markets, desert landscapes, rock engravings, ancient monuments. In addition, visit traditional mud-brick cities and imposing fortresses.

Choose to visit Saudi Arabia now! Explore its enigmatic and intriguing culture. You will be richly rewarded.

Visit, Saudi Arabia, a nation that is seldom exposed to the eyes of the outsiders.

• UNESCO World Heritage site of Madain Saleh
• Mount Souda, Khamis Mushayt, Habala & Hamsan Villages
• Ushaiger Historic Village
• Al Ahsa/Al Hafuf, considered the largest oasis in the world

Extension to Gulf States Offered

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• Saudi-Arabia-Tour-2023

Mada’in Saleh, Saudi Arabia Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Jeddah

Arrival transfer to hotel.

Day 2: Jeddah

Full day tour. We start with a four hour walking tour of the Historic Al Balad District, situated on the eastern shore of the Red Sea. Visit the colorful bustling Bangalah Fish Market. Experience lunch at the fish market’s on-site restaurant. You can enjoy the fresh catch as you prefer.

Continue exploring the port and cornice

Day 3: Fly to Abha

We visit Muftaha Village (artists’ colony) and traditional markets/art galleries.

Day 4: Abha

Visiting Mount Souda, Khamis Mushayt, and Hamsan Village. We first stop at the top of Mount Souda, located in the Hejaz Mountains; then continue to Khamis Mushayt. Continue to Al Hamsan Traditional Village.

Day 5: Fly to Al Ula

Al Ulla is located in the Wadi Al-Qura, a valley oriented north-south between the lava fields of the Harrat 'Uwayrid, and the sandstone massif of the Jibal Ath-Thumayid.

Day 6: Al Ula

We visit the Lion Tombs of Dadan. Following this visit we continue to Jabal Ikmah (mountain). Our day ends with a stroll through the outdoor Old Town Market featuring local artisans, entrepreneurs, handicraft stores, local specialty foods, cafes and more.

Day 7: Al Ula - Hegra (Madain Saleh)

We depart for a 3 hour exploration of the immense archaeological site of Hegra/Maiden Saleh. Afterwards, we visit the Hijaz Railway #21. Dinner at a local restaurant. Return to the hotel.

Day 8: Drive to Hail

Hail has been the gateway to the desert. From the city you can see the Aarif citadel on a mountain. Visit the Earif Fort and the Qashlah Fort, which can only be viewed from the outside

Day 9: Hail – Jubbah – Sakaka

We drive to the UNESCO World Heritage site Jubbah, which features some of the best rock-art in Saudi Arabia.

Then visit Jubbah Naif Palace Museum. Afterwards, drive to the town of Dumat Al Jandal, which dates to the 10th century B.C.

Visit the sites and onward to Sakaka, one of the longest-inhabited places on the Arabian Peninsula.

Day 10: Buraydah - Hail

Depart at 800 am to visit Buraydah’s lively camel market located just a short distance outside modern-day Buraydah. Return to the city and enjoy a visit to the Dates Market. Afterwards visit Al Mudaifar Mosque. Also visit the 11th century Al-Shenana Tower.

Day 11: Ushaiger - Riyadh

Drive to Riyadh in route visit Ushaiger and en-route we visit Al Musaugef Museum. We visit the Al Salem Museum then a walking tour through Ushaiqer Heritage Village. Lunch at a local restaurant and continue three hours to Riyadh. Arrive Riyadh dinner at local restaurant and transfer to the hotel

Day 12: Riyadh

A full day tour. Visit The Saudi National Museum, The King Abdul Aziz Historical Center (including Murabba Palace and Al Masmak Fortress), Sky Bridge in Kingdom Center and Dira Souq.

Day 13: Riyadh - Al Hafuf

Early departure by road to Al Ahsa/Al Hafuf, (3 hr drive). Visit the Al Qara caves, consisting of calcareous sandstone, and sedimentary rock of clay and lime. Continue to the Ottoman Turkish Fort (see outside only)17th Century AD and the mosque it houses within its walls built in 1571 A.D. Onward to the traditional Qysaryyah Souq, the most popular market. Then dinner at local restaurant.

Day 14: Al Hafuf - Dammam

This morning drive approx. 1 hr 45 minutes to Dammam, the oil hub of Saudi Arabia. Visit King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture located in Dhahran, en-route. We also visit the museum of Dammam or one of the other private museums. Transfer to hotel. Evening at leisure.

Day 15: Depart

Transfer to the airport for the flight home.

Trip Length

15 days Begins in Jeddah and ends in Riyadh. Or continue onto our Gulf States tour.

February 14-27 & October 31-November 13, 2023

2023: $8850. Price based on group size 6-12 participants. Single Supplement: $1320 Plus flights within the tour (estimate): $335

Accommodations

4- 5* Hotels or best available 3-4* in smaller towns.

Maximum 12 guests

Included Meals

All Breakfasts, 13 Lunches

Reading List

Saudi Arabia Reading List

Trip Preparations

Saudi Arabia E-Visa Information

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Abha Saudi Arabia

Al Ula Saudi Arabia

Al Jouf Saudi Arabia

Al Qassim Saudi Arabia

Ushaiger Saudi Arabia

Riyadh Saudi Arabia

Dhahran Saudi Arabia

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Saudi Arabia complete deal to host WTA Finals: The background, the backlash and the money

The women’s professional tennis tour will hold its season-ending WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia for the next three years, marking the latest step in the country’s huge investment in the elite level of the sport.

WTA Tour chief executive Steve Simon made the announcement in a statement released on Thursday, following more than a year of discussion with Saudi officials. The WTA was close to a deal with Saudi Arabia last summer but pivoted at the last minute amid public pressure from some of the most prominent women in the sport. They criticized the tour for choosing money over principles and doing business in a country with a history of repressive laws against women, that criminalizes homosexuality and free speech, and that in 2018 murdered Jamal Khashoggi, a dissident journalist who had travelled to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, to get documents he needed for a marriage license.

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The WTA Finals deal is part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to become a major destination for international sports and could also signal the beginning of the country landing more official tennis events, rather than the lucrative exhibitions that have taken place there in the past. In recent years, the government has been spending millions of dollars to tempt many of the best players in the world, especially on the men’s side. In December, some of the biggest stars in the sport, including Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka and Ons Jabeur, played an exhibition in Riyadh, the Saudi capital, and the country’s Public Investment Fund is currently bidding to host a top-level Masters tournament that would likely include both men and women as soon as 2026.

The WTA was founded half a century ago by Billie Jean King and eight other women committed to equality for women both on and off the court. With a proud history of openly lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer champions, partnering with Saudi Arabia will, fairly or unfairly, surely garner a significant backlash from some of the sport’s biggest stars, such as the 18-time Grand Slam singles champions Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert. For more than a year, leaders of the WTA Tour have tried to balance those sentiments with its needs to shore up its finances following the lean years of the Covid-19 pandemic and demands from players to receive the same prize money as the ATP Tour awards the men.

Saudi Arabia’s tennis federation and the country’s sports ministry have committed to awarding $15.25million (£12m) at the WTA Finals in 2024, with further increases in 2025 and 2026. That prize money is $6.25million more than what the top women players received at the 2023 event in Cancun and is on par with what the men will receive at the 2024 ATP Finals in Turin, Italy. The Saudi contract is significantly shorter than previous deals the tour has signed with cities to host its premiere event, giving both sides the flexibility to move on relatively quickly if the tournament proves a poor fit.

“We do compete in many countries that certainly reflect different cultures and value systems,” said Steve Simon, the chief executive of the WTA Tour. “We certainly understand and respect that Saudi is something that provokes some very strong views.”

Simon said tour officials have spoken with Navratilova and Evert and understand their concerns, especially those involving women’s rights and LGBTQ+ rights. “We’re sensitive to those,” he said. “We do have assurances that everyone’s going to be welcome at the finals and I don’t anticipate anything more than positive experiences. We have assurances that everybody is welcome in the country to come and compete and work and do what needs to be done. They don’t judge anyone coming in. We’ve checked with past events that have happened within the region, such as other athletes that have been there, and they’ve only had positive experiences.”

Such assurances have never been enough for Navratilova, who in recent weeks has doubled down on her position that Saudi Arabia, despite some loosening, has not done nearly enough to put women on equal footing or to decriminalize homosexuality and allow freedom of speech and expression.

“Bigger change needs to happen first,” Navratilova said in an interview last month.

Current players, too, have voiced misgivings.

“Definitely don’t support the situation there,” Coco Gauff, the reigning U.S. Open women’s singles champion, said in January. “But I hope that if we do decide to go there, I hope that we’re able to make change and improve the quality there and engage in the local communities and make a difference.”

Simon said he had received assurances that there would be opportunities for players to meet and work with young female players and athletes within the region.

“Hosting the WTA Finals is absolutely huge for the future of tennis in Saudi Arabia and growing sport in general, especially amongst our young girls,” Arij Mutabagani, president of the Saudi Tennis Federation and the first elected female president of any Saudi Arabian sports federation, said in a statement. “That’s entirely our focus, to inspire future generations of players and celebrate women’s tennis. We want to help them to believe that they too belong on Centre Court, as seeing is believing. Through the tournament, we have the potential to power the dreams of millions of young people who are looking to a bright future and a world of new opportunities.”

There is no guarantee, though, that large numbers of people will ultimately see the competition. Saudi Arabia is hardly a top tourist destination. Also, television executives have for years complained about the devil’s bargain the WTA has made in collecting lucrative payments to bring its tournaments to countries where creating interest in tennis is still a work in progress. Players get plenty of prize money but play in front of half-empty stadiums, which makes the events look unappealing and small-time to the rest of the world.

There are no guarantees that fans will show up in Riyadh, but Simon said the Saudis were as “committed as we are to build and have good attendance for the event.”

That would play into another major focus for Saudi Arabia’s recent string of investments in sports — to shift its image and economy from one built largely around petroleum into that of a modern society with broad cultural and economic interests that is open to the world.

In soccer, Saudi’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) purchased the Premier League team Newcastle United in 2021 and some of the biggest names in soccer have moved to clubs in the Saudi Pro League, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. Saudi Arabia is also set to host the 2034 World Cup.

In golf, Saudi Arabia pledged to spend $2billion on a new competition, LIV Golf — again attracting some of the sport’s biggest names to take part — and the country has become the home of elite boxing in recent years. Formula 1 has held races in the city of Jeddah since 2021 and there has also been considerable Saudi investment in Formula E. The country also hosted the ATP Tour’s Next Gen Finals — which pits the best young male tennis players against one another.

Saudi Arabia has passed a series of reforms in recent years aimed at making women a more substantial part of public life, including allowing them to drive, own businesses, and socialize in public with men. But it has maintained other restrictions. Women cannot marry without the permission of a male guardian and must obey their husbands if those men do not want to allow them to practice the rights the government has granted. The laws against homosexuality remain, as they do in other countries in the region. That has not prevented the WTA from holding tournaments in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

Despite all that, the government and the WTA scored a major coup last June when Billie Jean King, who is gay and married to a woman, Ilana Kloss, threw her support behind the idea of the WTA holding its signature event in Saudi Arabia. King argued that engaging with countries that do not share the same beliefs is the only way to bring about change.

Beyond tennis, others have cited that argument in regards to western financial ties to China, Saudi Arabia and other countries that severely restrict basic human rights. However, especially in the case of China, crackdowns on human rights have worsened in recent years despite growing investment from the U.S. and other western nations. In addition, the policy of isolation and boycotts has a record of success. The international sports and entertainment industries largely boycotted South Africa through decades of apartheid. The country’s government finally abandoned it in the early 1990s amid worldwide pressure and a declining economy.

“We fully appreciate the importance of respecting diverse cultures and religions,” Evert and Navratilova wrote in an opinion piece in The Washington Post in January. “It is because of this, and not despite it, that we oppose the awarding of the tour’s crown jewel tournament to Riyadh. The WTA’s values sit in stark contrast to those of the proposed host.”

Sport, though, has since been largely unable to resist the largesse that such countries have offered and the WTA was no different. The tour has needed to find new investors and sources of cash for years, especially since Shenzhen, China, terminated its 10-year deal with the tour. That termination was in response to the tour’s decision to boycott the country for 18 months over China’s refusal to investigate whether a former top government official had sexually assaulted the former doubles player Peng Shuai.

The WTA has been reeling since the pandemic hit in 2020 when its players competed for months in largely empty stadiums. Last year, it sold a 20 per cent stake in its business to CVC Capital Partners, the Luxembourg-based private equity firm, for $150million. The last-minute scramble last fall to hold the WTA Finals in Cancun, Mexico, outdoors during the rainy season, turned out to be disastrous. Players complained of a shoddy and unsafe court. The stands were largely empty through much of the week.

Most players initially expressed varying degrees of resistance or ambivalence to going to Saudi Arabia. In June, Sloane Stephens, a former member of the Player Council, said players needed to be certain that everyone would feel safe and the tour had yet to ensure them that was the case.

In recent months though, players have spoken about Saudi’s involvement in the sport as inevitable. They have adopted King’s line about being a part of the process of pushing for changes that can make the lives of the current generation of girls in Saudi Arabia different from those women who came before them. To generate more enthusiastic support, the WTA in recent weeks has facilitated discussions among top players and prominent women from the region, who explained how the event could fit in with the larger dynamics of a changing world.

“We’ve had some of those conversations with the leading women within the region and the players who have shared their experience and shared the significant changes that are happening and have made some suggestions that are being worked on right now,” Simon said. “I believe we’ll have a very comprehensive program.”

(Top photo: Tom Pennington/Getty Images for WTA)

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Matthew Futterman is an award-winning veteran sports journalist and the author of two books, “Running to the Edge: A Band of Misfits and the Guru Who Unlocked the Secrets of Speed” and “Players: How Sports Became a Business.”Before coming to The Athletic in 2023, he worked for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Star-Ledger of New Jersey and The Philadelphia Inquirer. He is currently writing a book about tennis, "The Cruelest Game: Agony, Ecstasy and Near Death Experiences on the Pro Tennis Tour," to be published by Doubleday in 2026. Follow Matthew on Twitter @ mattfutterman

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The future of tennis: What we know about the two proposals that may change the sport

• D'Arcy Maine, ESPN.com

The sport of tennis might be on the verge of some major changes.

Over the past several years, players have become increasingly vocal about their concerns, ranging from equal pay to challenging travel and tournament conditions to economic hardships for lower-ranked players.

Now, it seems that the sport might be on the brink of substantial changes that could address some of those complaints -- and increase revenue for all of the sport's shareholders.

There have been two different proposals gaining traction -- one backed by the four Grand Slam tournaments and the other by the ATP and WTA tours -- and both could have significant effects on the tennis landscape for years to come.

So, what does this all mean? ESPN spoke to several sources involved in the sport -- both on and off the record -- and here's what we know so far about the proposed changes in tennis.

What are the proposals currently being discussed?

While many of the specific details remain unknown, there are two -- not entirely mutually exclusive -- proposals that have gained momentum in recent weeks among tennis' chief governing bodies. The first involves the inclusion of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) and a 1000-level event (the highest level of tournament outside of the majors and the year-end finals) for both the ATP and WTA in the country. It would also combine commercial assets, including media rights, between the ATP and the WTA.

The second, perhaps more radical, idea has come from the four Grand Slams (Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open) and their respective federations, and would create what is currently being called the "Premier Tour." The tour would essentially supplant the ATP and WTA and would hold approximately 10 tournaments, in addition to the four majors, as well as an international team event and a year-end final, all featuring the top men and women and offering equal prize money. A lower-tier tour would also be created for players outside the expected cutoff of the top 100.

What more do we know about the one involving Saudi Arabia's PIF?

Essentially, Saudi Arabia wants to host a 1000-level event -- the highest tournament tier outside of the majors and the year-end finals -- for men and women, awarding equal prize money. As the tennis calendar is mostly full of events around the globe and a seemingly ever-shortening offseason, the tournament would likely be held in January, ahead of the Australian Open and during the time frame that the United Cup, the Adelaide International and the Auckland Open traditionally take place.

Over the past few years, the PIF has become increasingly involved in global sports , including golf, soccer and Formula One, in addition to tennis. In 2023, Jeddah became the host city for the ATP's Next Gen Finals, and in February, it was announced that the PIF had signed a five-year deal for the naming rights for the ATP's rankings, as well as courtside branding at various events, including Indian Wells and Miami. Earlier this month, the WTA announced it would be holding its year-end finals for the next three seasons in Riyadh.

"Hosting the WTA Finals is absolutely huge for the future of tennis in Saudi Arabia and growing sport in general, especially amongst our young girls," Arij Mutabagani, the president of the Saudi Tennis Federation, said in a statement. "And that's entirely our focus, to inspire future generations of players and celebrate women's tennis."

The potential 1000-level tournament would bring in more involvement, and money from the PIF -- over one billion dollars - and would also see further cooperation between the ATP and WTA. While many, such as Billie Jean King and Roger Federer , have called for a formal merger between the two organizations in recent years, and some initial reports indicated that possibility was being discussed, multiple sources told ESPN they would remain separate but would pool elements like sponsorships and media rights.

The PIF did not respond to requests for comment.

Would this be similar to LIV Golf? What makes it different?

By all accounts, this would not be like LIV Golf. While LIV Golf is its own independent tour , separate from the PGA Tour and with players barred from being members of both, this proposal fits directly into the current ATP and WTA framework, and there is already formal cooperation between all parties.

At least some involved in tennis have been closely watching what has happened in golf and want to ensure the sport doesn't follow suit.

"I don't think every single person is going to agree with [partnering with the PIF]," current world No. 5 and WTA player council member Jessica Pegula told reporters at the Miami Open last month. "But at the same time, for the protection of our sport and what we saw happen with golf and all of that stuff, I think it's something that we kind of have to deal with. I don't think we can kind of just say, 'Oh, it's never going to happen.' I think after what happened with golf, we've kind of had to take on a different side of that instead of totally ignoring them."

Three-time major champion Andy Murray echoed Pegula's sentiments in an interview with Sky Sports .

"If the sport doesn't allow the Saudis to have some involvement then what will they do in response to that," Murray said. "Will it be like golf where there's like a huge fracturing within the sport? That's obviously not good. No one wants that. I wouldn't want any of the top players leaving the ATP Tour to go and play elsewhere."

What do we know about the Premier Tour idea?

Looking to build on the popularity of the major tournaments, the four Slams came together with the Premier Tour proposal. The tour would likely feature the top 100 men and women, and there would be a lower-level tour for those ranked outside of the cutoff. Both tours would include combined tournaments and equal prize money -- something that doesn't currently exist at every tournament -- and there would be some sort of promotion and relegation for players, like in the Premier League in soccer, at the end of every season. There is also promise of at least a two-month offseason for players.

Lew Sherr, the CEO of the U.S. Tennis Association, declined to speak to ESPN for this article but he told The Associated Press in a recent interview that the sport was currently "underperforming" and in need of reform "to unlock what we think is an enormous potential." He cited a recent study that interviewed more than 5,000 tennis fans around the world and found that 70% watch only the major tournaments.

"The conclusion was that the season lacks consequence, that tennis is confusing to follow, and that fans don't understand which tournaments matter, and which don't, at any given point in the season," Sherr said. "They know the four Slams. But other than that, there's not a compelling narrative. We dilute and compete with ourselves by having two, three, four, five, six tournaments going on at any one point in time. And we're competing with our own product."

At present, tennis has multiple governing bodies -- the four Slams, the two tours, as well as the International Tennis Federation (ITF) -- and all have their own interests, priorities and sponsorship and media deals. The proposal would seek to streamline the sport and create a centralized, singular organization at the helm. It would also, according to Sherr and his peers, make it accessible and easy for fans to follow throughout the year. Currently, in any given week, there can be multiple tour-level events in various countries. Last week, for example, there were three ATP tournaments and two WTA tournaments held in four different continents and across multiple time zones.

Few financial details about the Premier Tour are currently known, including where the initial funding would come from and if the various corporate and media partners already working with the individual Slams would be involved.

These sound like two separate ideas, are they mutually exclusive?

While in many ways these proposals contradict one another, and a Premier Tour seems to directly challenge the continuation of the ATP and the WTA, there is some room for these ideas to coexist.

First, and perhaps most easily, because the Premier Tour would likely host 10 tournaments, in addition to the Slams, many believe the current 1000-level events would at least be in consideration for those slots. There are six 1000-level tournaments that are combined for the ATP and WTA -- with the ATP holding three others and the WTA four additional -- and Saudi Arabia could certainly be a viable contender to host one of those Premier Tour tournaments.

Additionally, those involved in the Slams do not have the experience of running a yearlong tour, and Sally Bolton, the CEO of the All England Club, said they have no interest in doing so. "Certainly not," she told the AP . Perhaps the ATP and WTA, or a combined form of them, could be tasked with the operations and even remain in existence to some extent under this structure.

What are players saying? Do they feel strongly about either idea?

According to Ahmad Nassar, the executive director of the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), players have questions about the specifics of both. With the Premier Tour and the lack of concrete details, they want to know primarily how it will work, who will oversee the day-to-day operations and what it means for those ranked outside the threshold, as well as for doubles specialists.

John Isner , the former world No. 8 who retired in September after 17 seasons on tour, remains involved with the PTPA, and he told ESPN he was also interested in what would happen to the 500- and 250-level events on tour.

"My concern with the Premier Tour is what the other tournaments will look like," Isner said. "How will they be valued? Where will they fit in the calendar? Who can play in them? Would they be a complete afterthought or would the tour put a lot of effort into them? I'm just not sure."

But many involved in the sport are also concerned about the possible addition of a mandatory 1000-level event at the start of the season in Saudi Arabia, especially because it would be over 7,000 miles away and in a time zone seven hours behind the Australian Open, which would start soon after. Players have complained about the physical and mental toll of the relentless globetrotting nature of the tour, and this seems to only add to that.

"I understand that it's business and billions with a B are in the mix, but for me, I just want things to be fair and there to be an understanding that we are still people and we still get tired and fatigued," Taylor Townsend , currently ranked No. 57 in singles and No. 12 in doubles, told ESPN. "I hope there's an understanding that if you're adding [another 1000-level event], something needs to be taken away so players don't get overworked. Even if we're getting paid more, we might not be able to play our best and it won't be as good of a show [for fans]."

And for others, there remain crucial questions about personal safety and well-being in Saudi Arabia. Daria Kasatkina , currently ranked No. 11 in the world, is openly gay and her team has been uneasy about the possibility of her playing in the country since it was first rumored to be hosting the WTA Finals.

"I love Dasha like a little sister or a daughter or a niece, it's more than just a business relationship," said John Morris, Kasatkina's agent. "I genuinely love and care about her as a person and I would be worried or fearful of her being there with her girlfriend. I'm not asking them to roll out a rainbow carpet for her, but I want to know that she's going to be absolutely safe. If she holds her girlfriend's hand in the hotel lobby or wins a match and kisses her, I need to know she is going to be safe. We have raised these issues with the WTA and they have assured us these [topics] have been discussed and are OK."

Morris, who is the director of SeventyTwo Sports Group and represents several tennis players, said he also asked the WTA about the safety of players traveling and sharing a hotel room with their unmarried partners but was assured of their protection as well.

Former players Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova voiced their opposition to the WTA's involvement with Saudi Arabia in an open letter in The Washington Post in January, citing the nation's treatment of women and those in the LGBTQ+ community, and calling the decision to hold the WTA Finals there "significant regression." However, current players have not been as publicly opposed.

Isner referenced China, another country in which the ATP and WTA both host a number of events annually, and its history of human rights violations as part of his reasoning for not being against Saudi Arabia's involvement. "Where do you draw the line on human rights?" he asked.

Sloane Stephens , the 2017 US Open champion and a former WTA player council member, said she simply wanted what would ensure the longevity and success of women's tennis.

"I think sports in general is evolving, is changing. I think the sport is going to go to Saudi Arabia with or without [the WTA]," Stephens said. "Obviously, men are playing tons of exhibitions and they've already played there. We're kind of left behind. I think if we don't start to understand better and make the same adjustments or movements in that direction, again, the WTA tour, the women will get left behind regardless, which I think is unfair. ... I think we need to do whatever is best for our tour. Not only now but for the next generation of players."

When will any decisions be made?

Officials from the ATP and WTA will meet later this month in Madrid to further discuss the possibility of a tour event in Saudi Arabia, as well as potentially pooling assets.

The ATP and WTA said in a statement to Reuters that they are "exploring discussions that would enable us to leverage assets across both Tours via the creation of a new joint commercial entity, delivering more value to players, tournaments, and fans, while remaining as separate Tours."

The Premier Tour's outlook remains more unclear. Bolton said nothing will happen "any time before 2026" but believed the process could be accelerated with widespread support. However, no one who spoke to ESPN, on or off the record, was certain about what the next steps were for the tour or what would happen next.

So, what happens next?

First and foremost, there are many questions that need to be addressed, and conversations are expected to continue between all parties. But beyond that is simply unknown.

"I look at this time as an opportunity to have a complete reset," Morris said. "If everyone can take their egos out of it and do what's best for tennis, and view this as a blank page, we can improve the sport for players and fans, and then we will all benefit."

Still, those involved in the sport are optimistic these proposals don't lose momentum and real change eventually occurs.

"A lot of these discussions aren't particularly new, but it does feel different this time," Nassar said. "I took the job [with the PTPA] because I thought something like this was on the horizon. And the players thought something like this was on the horizon. That's why they started the PTPA. What appealed to me about the job was that this doesn't happen often in already established global sports. And so being part of hopefully a solution or change for the better is definitely exciting.

"But it will be really disappointing if in a year from now we've fumbled this opportunity. This is our window. Let's go figure something out."

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Premier Tour proposals signify Saudi influence and a tipping point for tennis

Proposal has powerful backers and would revolutionise a sport attracting attention from the Saudi Public Investment Fund

D uring her glory days as a professional tennis player, Gabriela Sabatini evolved from a child prodigy to an icon. By her 26th birthday, though, the 1990 US Open champion was burnt out . Among her frustrations was a refrain that has echoed from too many players across the decades: the season was too long. “The only free month was December but because matches start again in January you have only 10 days off then you have to train,” Sabatini said in an interview with the Guardian in 2003.

For decades, the length of the season has put a strain on players and it is one of numerous complaints that have gone unresolved. Players outside the top 100 also still struggle to break even, with inflation devouring the modest prize money on the ITF World Tennis Tour. The calendar is fractured and illogical, failing to minimise travel distances between tournaments along with the sport’s carbon footprint.

Meanwhile the sport’s governing bodies – the four grand slam tournaments, the Association of Tennis Professionals, the Women’s Tennis Association and International Tennis Federation – have often been in competition rather than working together to improve the sport. Since the dawn of the Open era more than 50 years ago, one of the few points of agreement is that the sport has been too fractured to live up to its potential.

Enter the Premier Tour, a new format now being pushed by the four grand slam tournaments. If they succeed, it would overhaul the current system and change the face of the sport.

While the proposals are not fully developed, the proponents of this tour want to create a streamlined product to replace the current inefficient, sprawling 48-week affair. The tour would be reduced to 10 large events with 96-player draws for both men and women alongside the four majors, a year‑end final and a team event. Around 100 players would qualify each year, with lesser players competing on a separate developmental tour and being eligible to reach the Premier Tour come the end of the year.

Tennis often seeks inspiration from other sports and the Premier Tour is plainly an attempt to copy Formula One’s grand prix format. There are merits to these ideas, such as a shorter season and the alignment of men’s and women’s tours with equal prize money, but it also feels like the tennis version of the European Super League proposed in football. It has the makings of a tour focused on elite players, and may make a lot of money, but threatens to erase many of the sport’s current virtues.

One of the key reasons tennis is so popular is its global reach. Despite this, some of the sport’s leaders seem interested only in Anglo countries, parts of western Europe, and piles of money provided by oil‑rich Middle Eastern countries and China.

This was evident in Sports Illustrated’s interview with Lew Sherr , the US Tennis Association’s chief executive, who tried to explain the merits of the Premier Tour. “You might have six events in a given week,” he said. “Fans struggle to know where they should be watching. Why is [Jannik] Sinner playing in Rotterdam and [Carlos] Alcaraz is somewhere in South America?”

The unmentioned locations in South America that had the opportunity to glimpse Alcaraz’s greatness: Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro, two major, global cities.

The fluidity of the rankings is also part of the magic of the tour, with lower-ranked players able to rise swiftly at any point in the year. One day a player can be competing on the ATP Challenger tour, the next day they are toppling Alcaraz in a major tournament. The 500- and 250-level tournaments would be crushed, and players outside the top 30 would largely become cannon fodder for the elite, with opportunities for them to win tournaments significantly reduced.

As officials ponder the possibility of the Premier Tour, these ideas are in some ways a response to the emerging presence of Saudi Arabia in the sport. The initiative has particularly been orchestrated by Craig Tiley, chief executive of Tennis Australia, whose organisation would take a significant blow if Saudi Arabia hosts a Masters 1000 event at the beginning of the year.

After signalling their interest with a number of exhibitions in recent years, including a match between Novak Djokovic and Alcaraz in Riyadh in 2023, and Rafael Nadal’s appointment as an ambassador of the Saudi Tennis Federation, the Saudis have finally arrived in tennis.

In February the ATP and the Public Investment Fund, the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, struck a lucrative strategic deal, incorporating PIF in a number of its initiatives, including as title sponsor of its rankings. At the Miami Open its presence was conspicuous, from its logo on the back board to the incessant sponsored social media posts.

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Saudi Arabia’s growing profile in professional tennis could take the sport in a completely different direction to the proposed Premier Tour. PIF is keen to host a significant event on the calendar and to have a strong presence in the tennis ecosystem. Meetings conducted with Andrea Gaudenzi, the ATP chief executive, in Saudi Arabia culminated in PIF offering more than $1bn (£790m) combined to the ATP and WTA.

The ATP confirmed to the Telegraph that it has opened the bidding process for a 10th Masters 1000 event, and it is clear that relevant parties include Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Tennis Australia. While discussions surrounding the Premier Tour are still at an early stage and it is uncertain how far they will go, Saudi Arabia’s growing presence and influence in tennis is undeniable.

On Thursday, Saudi Arabia made its biggest move within the sport as the WTA finally confirmed that the WTA Finals will be held in Riyadh in a three-year deal starting in 2024.

For months it has been an open secret that its flagship event would be held in Saudi Arabia, prompting the WTA last year to supply players with talking points on the subject. While the majority of players either echoed those talking points or declined to comment, at Wimbledon a dissenting opinion came from Daria Kasatkina, the highest ranked out gay singles player.

“It’s easier for the men because they feel pretty good there,” said Kasatkina, who travels with and vlogs alongside her girlfriend, the figure skater Natalia Zabiiako . “We don’t feel the same way. Money talks in our world right now. For me, I don’t think that everything is about the money.”

As another European clay-court season begins, tennis stands at a tipping point with multiple possibilities ahead and, with them, ample uncertainty and doubt.

Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our letters section, please click here .

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PGA Tour sold out to LIV Golf and the Saudis. Pro golf will never be the same.

In less than a year, the saudis went from disruptors to forcing a complete capitulation that laid the pga tour’s moral high ground to waste. from top to bottom, they own professional golf now..

Editor's note: For the latest on the LIV Golf and PGA Tour merger, follow USA TODAY Sports' live updates here.

Frauds, all of them. But frauds now united in the only thing that actually matters to the world of professional golf: Making money. 

In the end, it didn’t actually matter to PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan that the money came from a country, Saudi Arabia, that treats human rights like an inconvenience. The tradition and history of the PGA Tour, in fact, didn’t matter all that much to those who argued that LIV Golf was an unworthy, unserious rival whose guaranteed money and 54-hole events were mocking competition.

And as for the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Greg Norman, they did not, in fact, care all that much about growing the game. They wanted to own it. Now they do: The PGA Tour, brought to you by Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.

They sold out. Professional golf will never be the same. 

MAJOR MOVE: PGA Tour, Saudi-backed LIV Golf announce merger in stunning move

Oh, you can already hear the preening and high-fiving from those even nicer private jets that have been paid for with Saudi oil. And why not?

A year ago, Monahan stood up in front of the world and argued that the way Saudi Arabia treats women, gay people and journalists should matter in a player's decision whether to jump at the guaranteed payday that came with a LIV invitation.

“I would ask any player that has left or any player that would consider leaving, have you ever had to apologize for being a member of the PGA Tour?”

Today? Not so much. 

“We are pleased to move forward, in step with LIV and PIF’s world-class investing experience, and I applaud PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan for his vision and collaborative and forward-thinking approach that is not just a solution to the rift in our game, but also a commitment to taking it to new heights.”

World-class investing experience? Are we talking about the future of pro golf or shares of Vandalay Industries? 

In its stunning announcement Tuesday, the PGA Tour positioned it as a merger. On paper, it looks more like a hostile takeover.

The full details, and exactly what it means for golf fans, are lacking at this point. It’s clear from the immediate reaction of PGA Tour players on social media that this decision came from out of the blue and was made well above their pay grade.

SPEAKING OUT: Mickelson, Koepka, Morikawa, others react to PGA Tour, LIV Golf merger

“Nothing like finding out through Twitter that we’re merging with a tour that we said we’d never do that with,” world No. 67 Mackenzie Hughes said. 

Are the three entities still going to operate separately while being in business together? Will players go back and forth at will to play whatever tour they want in a given week? Or does the merger set up the top level pro golf as a globetrotting international tour that will regularly bring all the best players to Australia, Asia, the Middle East and Europe?

What does that mean for the mid-tier tournament in your hometown that brought thousands of tourists in for a weekend? What does it mean for television rights? And does it mean fans will now be subjected to more of LIV’s interminably boring team competition? 

There’s also the Donald Trump angle to figure out since the former president’s ties to LIV have been part of the Justice Department’s probe into his handling of classified documents, according to The New York Times. With his third bid for the presidency underway, Trump will no doubt be front and center claiming credit for the reunification of his favorite sport. 

From top to bottom, this is a solution that may indeed hold some benefits for players and fans. But underneath the hood, the details are guaranteed to be so unsavory you’d need a bottle of Maalox just to get through the day.

For the PGA Tour, though, it is undeniably the most convenient end game. With LIV’s limitless resources, the Saudis could muck things up with years of messy and expensive antitrust litigation, not to mention the ever-present threat of poaching more stars like Brooks Koepka. 

And any time the Saudis wanted to ratchet up the pressure, the PGA Tour was going to have to tap into reserves or hit up sponsors for more cash to keep the peace within its own ranks. 

Maybe Monahan and his employers saw an unending fight with no clear path to victory. Or maybe they just got tired of the fight. 

Either way, in less than a year, the Saudis went from disruptors to forcing a complete capitulation that laid the PGA Tour’s moral high ground to waste. From top to bottom, they own professional golf now. As was probably the intent all along, everyone else is just along for the ride. 

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Saudi Arabia will host the women’s tennis WTA Finals for the next three years

FILE - WTA CEO Steve Simon sits for an interview during the WTA Finals tennis tournament in Fort Worth, Texas, Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022. Saudi Arabia will host the WTA Finals as part of a three-year deal announced Thursday, April 4, 2024, by the women’s professional tennis tour that will increase the prize money for this November’s season-ending championship to a record $15.25 million, a 70% increase from 2023. (AP Photo/Tim Heitman, File)

FILE - Former tennis players Martina Navratilova, left, and Chris Evert are introduced before the start of the women’s championship match at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York, Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010. Saudi Arabia will host the WTA Finals as part of a three-year deal announced Thursday, April 4, 2024, by the women’s professional tennis tour that will increase the prize money for this November’s season-ending championship to a record $15.25 million, a 70% increase from 2023. The event for the top eight singles players and top eight doubles teams will be held in Riyadh from 2024-26, part of a recent wave of investment by the kingdom in tennis and various sports, despite questions about LGBTQ+ and women’s rights there raised by Hall of Famers Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova and others. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)

FILE - Iga Swiatek poses with her trophy after her victory over Jessica Pegula in the singles final of the WTA Finals tennis championships, in Cancun, Mexico, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023. Saudi Arabia will host the WTA Finals as part of a three-year deal announced Thursday, April 4, 2024, by the women’s professional tennis tour that will increase the prize money for this November’s season-ending championship to a record $15.25 million, a 70% increase from 2023. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano, File)

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Saudi Arabia will host the WTA Finals as part of a three-year deal announced Thursday by the women’s professional tennis tour that will increase the prize money for this November’s season-ending championship to a record $15.25 million, a 70% increase from 2023.

The event for the top eight singles players and top eight doubles teams will be held in Riyadh from 2024-26, part of a recent wave of investment by the kingdom in tennis and various sports, despite questions about LGBTQ+ and women’s rights there raised by Hall of Famers Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova and others.

“We’re going into this eyes wide open that the investment in sport by Saudi certainly provokes strong views from people,” WTA Tour Chairman and CEO Steve Simon told The Associated Press. “We’ve met with Chris and Martina and listened to their concerns and we have shared their concerns through our stakeholders as well, without prejudice. We’ve also shared the concerns around women’s rights and LGBTQ+ rights within the Kingdom of Saudi. Our focus is on how we develop women’s tennis for the benefit of everybody involved in the game. The reality of it is ... we are truly a global tour, a global business. We have players from over 90 nations now. We have over 90 events. ... We participate in many countries that have different cultures and values systems across the board.”

As for any concerns about Saudi Arabia that current players might have, Simon said: “We don’t plan to do any persuading. The players need to make their own choices, and we do believe that everyone who qualifies is going to want to play.”

Locations in Europe, North America and Asia also were considered as possible new sites for the WTA Finals, which have moved around to five cities over the past five editions after a deal to put the tournament in Shenzhen, China, through 2030 was disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic and concerns over the safety of retired Grand Slam doubles champion Peng Shuai , who accused a Chinese government official of rape.

The cities that hosted in 2022 (Fort Worth, Texas) and 2023 (Cancun, Mexico) were not revealed until September each year, and last November’s event was strongly criticized by players . Four-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek beat Jessica Pegula in last year’s title match ; U.S. Open champ Coco Gauff and Australian Open winner Aryna Sabalenka were among the other participants.

Simon said Riyadh was selected by the WTA in late December, but the details of the agreement were just completed.

“This partnership will build on our exposure to a market and a region whose impact on the sports industry is certainly growing rapidly,” Simon said. “We certainly expect that you’ll see more events coming there in the future. So at the end, we believe that the WTA should be a part of this development, versus being on the outside.”

Saudi Arabia’s Private Investment Fund (PIF) formed the LIV Golf tour and put money into soccer, for example, and the kingdom’s role in tennis has been rising. The ATP Tour moved its Next Gen Finals for leading 21-and-under players to Jedda in November; the PIF is the title sponsor for the men’s rankings; 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal recently became an ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation; he will join 24-time major champ Novak Djokovic and rising stars Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner at an exhibition event in Riyadh in October. There have been discussions about placing a top-tier Masters 1000 tournament in Saudi Arabia, too, part of a possible larger restructuring involving the WTA, ATP and the country.

Rights groups say women continue to face discrimination in most aspects of family life and homosexuality is a major taboo, as it is in much of the rest of the Middle East.

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has enacted wide-ranging social reforms, including granting women the right to drive and largely dismantling male guardianship laws that had allowed husbands and male relatives to control many aspects of women’s lives. Men and women are still required to dress modestly, but the rules have been loosened and the once-feared religious police have been sidelined. Still, same-sex relations are punishable by death or flogging, though prosecutions are rare.

In an opinion piece published in The Washington Post in January, Evert and Navratilova urged the WTA to stay out of Saudi Arabia because, they wrote, staging the Finals there “would represent not progress, but significant regression” and asked whether “staging a Saudi crown-jewel tournament would involve players in an act of sportswashing merely for the sake of a cash influx.”

In response, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United States , Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud, said the two former athletes relied on “outdated stereotypes and western-centric views of our culture” and “turned their back on the very same women they have inspired and it is beyond disappointing.”

The ambassador joined the head of the Saudi Tennis Federation and other women in a video conference with current WTA athletes to “speak to the changes that are happening and to what still needs to be done within the region,” Simon said.

The WTA said the Finals prize money will help work to meet the tour’s pledge, made last year, to increase pay and put it in line with what men earn in tennis. The $15.25 million on offer from Nov. 2-9, 2024 — an amount set to increase in 2025 and 2026 — is up from last year’s $9 million and eclipses the event-high $14 million at Shenzhen in 2019.

Howard Fendrich has been the AP’s tennis writer since 2002. Find his stories here: https://apnews.com/author/howard-fendrich .

AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

Asia Tour remains an option for LIV golfers looking for ranking points

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