6 Days • 5 Nights
Saudi Desert & the Empty Quarter: Dunes, Cliffs & Camps
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- The vast, towering dunes of the Empty Quarter, the largest sand desert on earth, are the awe-inspiring heart of this journey. The Rub al Khali, the 'Empty Quarter', is the largest continuous sand desert on the planet, a boundless sea of towering golden and orange dunes, some among the tallest on earth, stretching endlessly in profound silence and majesty. You journey deep into this legendary desert by 4x4, cresting and descending giant dunes, taking in the awe-inspiring scale and beauty, and experiencing the profound silence of one of the emptiest places on earth. The scale and majesty are overwhelming.
- The spectacular Edge of the World, where cliffs plunge to an endless plain, is a breathtaking highlight. The Edge of the World (Jebel Fihrayn), in the desert near Riyadh, is one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in Arabia, where the dramatic cliffs of the Tuwaiq escarpment plunge hundreds of metres to a vast, endless plain stretching to the horizon, giving the feeling of standing at the very edge of the earth. You journey by 4x4 to this spectacular place, standing atop the cliffs and taking in the awe-inspiring views. The scale and drama are breathtaking.
- Sleeping under brilliant stars at a desert camp in the Empty Quarter is a magical highlight. Deep in the Empty Quarter, you sleep at a desert camp amid the towering dunes, beneath some of the clearest, most star-filled skies on earth, far from any light. You dine beneath the desert sky, experience warm Bedouin hospitality, and gaze up at a breathtaking canopy of countless stars and the Milky Way, immersed in the profound silence and majesty of the great desert, waking to a spectacular dawn over the endless dunes. The magic and majesty are unforgettable.
- Exploring by 4x4 and camel and riding the giant dunes is an exhilarating highlight. The great deserts of Saudi Arabia invite exhilarating adventure. You journey by 4x4 across the dunes, cresting and descending the giant sands in an exhilarating desert drive, ride camels across the sands as the Bedouin have for centuries, and climb the towering dunes for spectacular views over the endless landscape, perhaps sandboarding down the slopes. The adventure and scenery are exhilarating. Exploring the great deserts by 4x4 and camel, riding and climbing the giant dunes of the Empty Quarter for spectacular views.
- The warm hospitality of the Bedouin and the profound silence of the desert are a deeply rewarding highlight. Deep in the great deserts, you experience the warm hospitality and timeless way of life of the Bedouin, who have lived in the sands for centuries. You share Arabic coffee and dates, learn about their desert traditions and camels, and experience their genuine, famous warmth and generosity, amid the profound silence and majesty of the desert. The warmth and authenticity are deeply rewarding. Experiencing the warm hospitality and timeless desert life of the Bedouin, sharing coffee and dates amid the profound silence and majesty of the great sands.
- Above all, this journey immerses you in some of the greatest and most remote deserts on earth. Saudi Arabia is home to some of the most spectacular deserts on earth, and this journey immerses you in them. Over six days you venture to the spectacular Edge of the World and the Red Sand Dunes, and journey deep into the legendary Empty Quarter, the largest sand desert on the planet, exploring by 4x4 and camel and sleeping under brilliant stars, guided by expert desert guides and warmed by Bedouin hospitality. The combination of dramatic cliffs, towering dunes, profound silence and warm Bedouin culture makes this an awe-inspiring adventure.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 6-day journey.
Your Saudi desert adventure begins as your flight arrives at Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport, where you are met and transferred to your hotel in the capital. Saudi Arabia is home to some of the most spectacular deserts on earth, and the sense of arriving in this extraordinary, pioneering destination is palpable, warmed by genuine hospitality. Spend the rest of the day settling in and relaxing after your journey, perhaps taking a first glimpse of Riyadh's gleaming skyline or relaxing at your hotel. This evening, a welcome dinner introduces you to the rich flavours of Saudi cuisine and to the desert adventure ahead through the Edge of the World and the vast Empty Quarter. As you settle in, the anticipation of the great deserts, and the warmth of Saudi hospitality, work their magic. Rest well, for tomorrow you venture to the spectacular Edge of the World and the red dunes.
Today you venture into the desert near Riyadh, to the spectacular Edge of the World and the Red Sand Dunes. You journey by 4x4 across the desert to Jebel Fihrayn, the 'Edge of the World', one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in Arabia, where the dramatic cliffs of the Tuwaiq escarpment plunge hundreds of metres to a vast, endless plain stretching to the horizon. You stand atop the cliffs, taking in the awe-inspiring views and profound silence, and walk along the escarpment. You also explore the striking Red Sand Dunes, with their vivid red sands, riding camels and taking in the beautiful desert. The scale and beauty are breathtaking. As the day ends, you return to Riyadh, awed by the Edge of the World. This evening, savour dinner in Riyadh. Rest well, for tomorrow you journey deep into the legendary Empty Quarter.
Today you journey deep into the legendary Empty Quarter, the largest sand desert on earth. You take a domestic flight south and transfer by 4x4 into the Rub al Khali, the 'Empty Quarter', a boundless sea of towering golden and orange dunes, some among the tallest on earth, stretching endlessly in profound silence and majesty. You journey deep into this legendary desert by 4x4, cresting and descending giant dunes, taking in the awe-inspiring scale and beauty, riding camels, and climbing the towering dunes for spectacular views. As the sun sets over the endless sands in a blaze of colour, you arrive at your desert camp amid the dunes, dining beneath a canopy of brilliant stars with warm Bedouin hospitality. As the day ends, you settle into the magical desert, sleeping beneath the star-filled sky amid the profound silence. Rest well amid the majesty of the Empty Quarter.
Today you explore deep into the vast, majestic Empty Quarter. You spend the day journeying through the boundless sea of towering dunes by 4x4, cresting and descending giant sands, riding camels across the desert, and climbing the tallest dunes for breathtaking views over the endless landscape, perhaps sandboarding down the slopes, immersed in the profound silence and majesty of one of the emptiest places on earth. You experience the warm hospitality and timeless way of life of the Bedouin, sharing coffee and dates in the shade. As the sun sets over the endless sands, you enjoy a final desert night at your camp, beneath the brilliant stars. As the day ends, you savour the majesty of the great desert. Rest well beneath the star-filled skies of the Empty Quarter, deep in the largest sand desert on earth.
Today you savour a final desert dawn, then journey back to Riyadh. You wake to a spectacular sunrise over the endless dunes, savouring the majesty and silence of the great desert one last time, perhaps with a final camel ride. You then journey out of the Empty Quarter and fly back to Riyadh. In the capital, you might explore Diriyah, the UNESCO World Heritage birthplace of the kingdom, with its beautifully restored mudbrick palaces, a fascinating contrast to the desert, or relax after your desert adventure. As the day ends, you settle into your Riyadh hotel, reflecting on the majesty of the Empty Quarter. This evening, savour a final dinner in Riyadh, reflecting on the great deserts you have experienced. Rest well ahead of your departure tomorrow, the majesty of the sands vivid in your memory.
After a final morning in Riyadh, perhaps a last visit to a site or souk, you are transferred to King Khalid International Airport for your onward international departure. You leave having immersed yourself in some of the greatest and most remote deserts on earth, the spectacular Edge of the World, the vivid Red Sand Dunes, and the vast, majestic Empty Quarter, the largest sand desert on the planet, explored by 4x4 and camel and slept beneath brilliant stars, all warmed by genuine Bedouin and Saudi hospitality. The images stay vivid long after you land, the dramatic cliffs of the Edge of the World, the endless towering dunes of the Empty Quarter, the camel treks, and the brilliant star-filled skies. Saudi Arabia offers some of the most spectacular and remote deserts on earth, and you depart deeply moved by their majesty and silence, already dreaming of a return to the great sands of Arabia.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 5 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, full board in the desert and a welcome dinner
- Airport and land transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
- Touring and sightseeing as per itinerary with expert local guides
- Entrance fees, permits and site tickets as per itinerary
- private touring with expert desert guides and 4x4, an Edge of the World and Red Sand Dunes excursion, a domestic flight and 4x4 journey into the Empty Quarter, a desert camp with camel rides, a Diriyah visit, and all permits
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Some lunches and dinners in Riyadh not specified
- Optional experiences and tips for guides and drivers
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Many nationalities can obtain a Saudi tourist eVisa quickly online (or a visa on arrival), valid for a year with multiple entries, with a passport valid for at least six months. Requirements can change, so we confirm the exact process for your nationality and help arrange the eVisa
- Currency: The currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR); cards are very widely accepted in cities, hotels, malls and restaurants, but carry some cash for souks, small shops, tips and remote areas. ATMs are plentiful in cities and towns, and Saudi Arabia is increasingly cashless
- Best time to visit: October to March is ideal, with warm, sunny, comfortable days perfect for Riyadh, AlUla, Jeddah and the desert; summer (May to September) is extremely hot inland (though the Asir mountains in the south-west stay cooler and greener, and the Red Sea remains warm)
- Dress & etiquette: Saudi Arabia is a conservative Muslim country; modest dress is expected in public for all (cover shoulders and knees). Women are no longer required to wear an abaya, but modest, loose clothing is respectful; a headscarf is not required for tourists but is appreciated at some religious sites. Public displays of affection are best avoided
- Mecca & Medina: The holy cities of Mecca and Medina are open only to Muslims; this tourist journey does not include them. Non-Muslim visitors explore Saudi Arabia's extraordinary archaeological, natural and cultural sites, such as AlUla, Diriyah, Jeddah's old town and the deserts and mountains
- Alcohol & Ramadan: Saudi Arabia is a dry country: alcohol is strictly prohibited and not available anywhere, and this should be respected. During the holy month of Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking in public during daylight are not permitted, and hours change; we advise on timing and etiquette, and travel outside Ramadan is often easier for touring
- Prayer times & culture: Muslims pray five times a day, and some shops and sites briefly close during prayer times; we plan around these. Saudis are warm and hospitable, and the country is opening rapidly to tourism with excellent new infrastructure. Respect for local customs, prayer times and photography etiquette (ask before photographing people) is appreciated
- Getting around & power: Saudi Arabia is vast; touring combines private air-conditioned vehicles, 4x4 for deserts, and domestic flights between regions (Riyadh, AlUla, Jeddah), which we arrange. Power is 230V with UK-style type G plugs, so bring an adapter. Arabic is the language, and English is widely spoken in tourism and cities
Frequently Asked Questions
How remote is the Empty Quarter, and is it comfortable?
The Empty Quarter (Rub al Khali) is one of the emptiest places on earth, a vast, remote sea of towering dunes, reached via a domestic flight south and a 4x4 journey into the sands. Despite its remoteness, we arrange comfortable desert camps with good food, warm Bedouin hospitality, and magical, star-filled nights, and expert desert guides ensure safety throughout. Desert nights can be cool, so we advise bringing layers. It is an awe-inspiring, majestic and unforgettable wilderness experience.
How strenuous is this desert journey?
The journey is adventurous but not technically demanding: much is by 4x4, with optional dune climbing, camel rides and sandboarding that can be tailored to your energy. The exhilarating dune driving is done by expert desert drivers. The main considerations are the heat (so we travel in the cooler months and manage timings) and the remoteness, which is part of the majesty. We tailor the activity level to you, so lovers of wilderness of most fitness levels can experience the great deserts.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary (such as dinners at desert camps or remote stays). Saudi cuisine is rich and delicious, from kabsa (spiced rice with meat) and grilled meats to fresh dates, Arabic coffee and regional specialities, and the cities have a growing, cosmopolitan food scene. We usually leave meals free for you to explore, recommending the best restaurants at every stage.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Your journey is private by default, with your own expert local guide and air-conditioned vehicle (and 4x4 for deserts), giving you flexibility and a pace tailored to you; small-group options can be arranged. Saudi Arabia's knowledgeable guides bring the extraordinary sites of AlUla, Diriyah, Jeddah and the deserts vividly to life, and licensed rawis (storytellers) guide the AlUla heritage sites.
Do I need a visa for Saudi Arabia?
Many nationalities can obtain a Saudi tourist eVisa quickly online, valid for a year with multiple entries, or a visa on arrival, with a passport valid for at least six months. We confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality and help arrange the eVisa, so entry is smooth. Saudi Arabia has opened dramatically to tourism, and visiting is now easy and welcoming.
Is Saudi Arabia safe to visit?
Saudi Arabia is a very safe country for tourists, with low crime and a warm, hospitable culture, and it has invested heavily in excellent tourism infrastructure as it opens to the world. We use trusted local guides and drivers and follow official guidance at all times. Travellers are often struck by the genuine warmth of the Saudi welcome and the ease and safety of touring this extraordinary, long-hidden country.
When is the best time to visit?
October to March is ideal, with warm, sunny, comfortable days perfect for AlUla, Riyadh, Jeddah and the deserts, and the season for AlUla's festivals and events. Summer is extremely hot inland, though the Asir mountains stay cooler and the Red Sea remains warm. We advise on the best timing for your interests and the regions you wish to see, and can time your visit to events like Winter at Tantora in AlUla.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of AlUla's Nabatean wonders, Riyadh and Diriyah, Jeddah and the Red Sea, the Asir mountains and the deserts, add luxury stays, diving or desert camps, and tailor the pace, comfort and focus to you. Saudi Arabia is vast and varied, and every itinerary is a flexible starting point for your ideal journey through this extraordinary, newly opened land.
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