Murabba Historical Palace

We start our tour of Riyadh by visiting the primary custodian of the Saudi national heritage and culture, the National Museum. Today it is a place of learning and discovery that hosts a unique collection of artifacts and covers the whole history of the Arabian Peninsula up to the modern era. After this, we continue to the nearby Murrabba Palace which used to be the royal residence where King Abdulaziz hosted his court. The palace was named after it's square 40 by 40 meters shape and is now one of the city’s major museums. Adjacent to the palace, a modern building hosts a collection of King Abdulaziz’s personal items that we will briefly tour. These places are at the heart of the birth of the Saudi nation. Lunch in the city. In the afternoon we delve further into old Riyadh by going to the downtown area, visiting the old “Souq” the Dirah Souq famous for buying antique carpets and other useful Saudi heritage antiques, while walking we will always smell sandalwood fragrance and the scents or orient. The Souq is known for men’s clothing and one of the entertainments is to watch the auction which takes place every Friday. Then we will visit the Masmak Fort which is just walking distance from the Old Souq and whose importance is linked to the creation of the 3rd Saudi Kingdom, the modern one we live in. The fortified palace was built during the reign of Abdullah bin Rashid in the year 1895 A.D. to serve as a military garrison for the Abdullah bin Rashid army. His Majesty King Abdulaziz, the father of today’s nation, captured the fort in 1902, marking the beginning of the reconquest of Arabia by the House of Saud. From there we will head to the famous Kingdom Tower and its Sky Bridge to see Riyadh from a panoramic viewpoint nearly 300 meters above the city.

In this tour we will visit the Murabba Historical Palace, which was the official workplace and residence of King Abdulaziz. Then, we will head to the National Museum, where we will travel through the history of Saudi Arabia, starting from the origin of the universe and the solar system, and going through all the Ancient Arab Kingdoms and the pre-Islam era, until the unification of Saudi Arabia. After that, we will visit Souq Al Zal and see the traditional goods and learn about their usage and meaning.

Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Riyadh with our comprehensive city tour. Begin your adventure by delving into the historic roots of the city at the Al-Masmak Fortress, a symbol of Saudi Arabia's heritage and resilience. Step into the lavish world of Saudi royalty with a visit to the magnificent Al Murabba Palace, once the residence of King Abdulaziz. As you explore Riyadh's cultural landmarks, such as the National Museum and the King Abdulaziz Historical Center, gain a deeper understanding of the Kingdom's rich heritage and traditions. Learn about the country's ancient civilizations, Islamic heritage, and Bedouin culture through interactive exhibits and immersive displays. Next, immerse yourself in the opulence of modern Riyadh as you admire the gleaming skyscrapers and futuristic designs that define the city's skyline. Visit the Kingdom Centre Tower, an architectural masterpiece that offers panoramic views of the metropolis below. Throughout your journey, our knowledgeable guides will provide fascinating insights into Riyadh's past, present, and future, offering a unique perspective on this dynamic city. Whether you're a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or simply curious traveler, our Riyadh city tour promises an unforgettable experience filled with discovery and wonder.

From the moment your tour starts, your tour leader will give you full attention. Once in the car, your tour leader will talk to you about all the things on the way as well as other aspects of your tour that will interest you. Start your tour visiting the National Museum of Saudi Arabia which has been established in 1419 as a significant part of the king Abdulaziz historical center in Riyadh. Very impressive and important museum about the entire Saudi history, Saudi royal family, the kingdom formation, and everything regarding the political context. you will be led to numerous antiques, manuscripts, and documents that are all chronologically organized. It includes eight main halls: Hall of Man and the Universe, Arab Kingdoms, Pre-Islamic Era, Prophet’s Mission, First Saudi State, Unification of the Kingdom Hall & Hall of Hajj and Two Holy Mosques. The museum includes interesting examples of Arabian and Islamic art as well as architecture. The masterpieces include Prehistoric Elephant Skeleton, huge meteor found in the Empty Quarter in Saudi Arabia desert, Rock Grafitti from Hejaz region backdate to pre Islamic era, Copy of rosetta stone, an example of Madaian Salah Rock-cut tombs. Then enjoy the National museum park walks through the outdoor gardens one of the best gardens you will visit in Saudi Arabia. King Abdulaziz’s historical park is an open area that you can enjoy with your family. Then proceed to the Hall of King Abdulaziz where there is a showroom of old cars that were used by the king. Then we will move to the next visit to Murraba palace is among the most important palace built by King Abdulaziz. This Palace was to accommodate his family. It was built on the local traditional Najid style by using local building material only. enjoy amazing photos here inside Murraba palace. Then you will visit the Dira Souq traditional Saudi market which is famous for its variety of old copper and brass objects including silver daggers, silver Beduin’s Jewelry and dresses. While entering from main access, one always smells sandalwood fragrance. Dira Souq is worth buying antique carpets and other useful Saudi heritage antiques. Then visit the Al Masmak, Enjoy and step back in time and explore Saudi Arabia’s roots. Fascinating exhibitions on display show maps and photographs of Saudi Arabia, alongside a range of historical artifacts, artworks and audiovisual attractions. A short documentary also re-enacts the capture of the fortress by King Abdul Aziz, whose spearhead you can still see embedded in its wooden gate. At the end photo stop at Al–Rajhi Mosque is one of the most famous and largest mosques in the city of Riyadh. Travel in comfort back to your hotel, Riyadh has so much to see, feel, eat and buy so if you have time and want to add more to your itinerary – just let us know what you are interested in and we will arrange it for you.

Day 1: Arrival After you arrive in Riyadh and go through customs and immigration, meet and greet your guide at the airport. Get private transportation to the hotel and ensure that you have everything that you need to get settled in. Day 2: Diriyah & the Kingdom Centre Discover the history of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and explore its capital city, Riyadh. Head to Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the place where it all started. About 300 years ago, the First Saudi State (the predecessor to modern-day Saudi Arabia) was initially established in Diriyah, the hometown of the Royal Family. Afterwards, head to the Kingdom Centre, one of the tallest towers in Saudi Arabia. Day 3: Al Masmak & Al Muraba'a Fortresses Further delve into the Kingdom's history by touring these two historical fortresses: Al Masmak Fortress: A 150-year-old fortress was one of the first battlegrounds in King Abdulaziz’s campaign to unify Saudi Arabia. Al Muraba'a: The official residence of King Abdulaziz (modern-day Saudi Arabia’s founder) and a place for the King to greet and host world leaders and foreign delegations. Day 4: Goodbye Riyadh, Hello Al Ula After having breakfast at the hotel and checking out, head to the airport for your flight to al Ula, an ancient oasis town in the northwest of Saudi Arabia. Day 5: Al Ula Explore the history and natural beauty of al Ula. Visit Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first-ever UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is rich with tombs, artistic drawings, and imagery that date back to the 1st century AD. After that, walk along the Heritage Oasis Trail, which is covered by native palm trees and surrounded by picturesque mountains and rocks. Day 6: Drive to Medina Start your day by having breakfast. Afterwards, start driving towards the next destination: Medina, the first capital of Islam (622-661 AD) and home to the Mosque of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), the second holiest site in Islam. In Medina, have an open day to allow you to explore and discover this historically and religiously significant city. Day 7: Head to Jeddah After having breakfast and checking out of the hotel, start the journey towards Jeddah via the scenic route along the beautiful Red Sea coast. Day 8: Al Balad Get an authentic taste of local and Islamic history in the Old City of Jeddah (al Balad). A UNESCO World Heritage Site, al Balad is rich with 500-year-old buildings, Umayyad, Abbasid and Ottoman-era architectural designs, cultural centers, and museums. Day 9: The Corniche & Tayebat Museum Alongside discovering Islamic and local history at the al Tayebat Museum, spend the day at the Jeddah Corniche. Walk along the beautiful and scenic coast of the Red Sea, and choose between many types of authentic cuisines to satisfy your taste buds, a variety of designer stores to shop at, and multiple live music venues to enjoy. Day 10: Departure After having breakfast and checking out, get transportation to the airport based on your flight's departure time.