Riyadh: Private City Layover Tour
Your tour leader/driver will be waiting for you, holding a sign with your name. There’s no need to search for them—they will find you. From the moment your tour begins, your tour leader will provide their full attention, sharing insights about the journey and your Riyadh layover experience. Your first stop is the National Museum of Saudi Arabia, established in 1419 as part of the King Abdulaziz Historical Center. This remarkable museum presents Saudi history, the royal family, and the formation of the kingdom through eight main halls, including Man and the Universe, Arab Kingdoms, Pre-Islamic Era, Prophet’s Mission, First Saudi State, Unification of the Kingdom, and Hajj & Two Holy Mosques. Explore an extensive collection of antiques, manuscripts, and documents, all chronologically arranged. The museum also showcases fascinating artifacts such as a prehistoric elephant skeleton, a meteorite from the Empty Quarter, rock carvings from the Hejaz region, a copy of the Rosetta Stone, and examples of Mada’in Saleh’s rock-cut tombs. Next, enjoy a stroll through the National Museum Park, one of Saudi Arabia’s finest gardens, before visiting the Hall of King Abdulaziz, where a collection of his historic cars is displayed. Continue to Murabba Palace, one of King Abdulaziz’s most significant residences, built in the traditional Najdi architectural style using local materials. Capture stunning photos inside this beautifully preserved palace. Then, visit the Dira Souq, a vibrant traditional Saudi market known for its collection of antique copper and brass artifacts, silver Bedouin jewelry, and traditional dresses. The air is filled with the aroma of sandalwood, making the market a great place to shop for authentic Saudi handicrafts and carpets. Your next stop is Al Masmak Fortress, a historic site that played a crucial role in the unification of Saudi Arabia. Explore exhibitions featuring maps, historical artifacts, and audiovisual presentations, including a short documentary reenacting King Abdulaziz’s capture of the fortress. Don’t miss the famous spearhead still embedded in its wooden gate. Conclude your tour at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque, one of Riyadh’s largest mosques, accommodating up to 17,000 worshippers across 16,800 square meters. After an enriching exploration of Riyadh, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Riyadh.