Stand before Al-Khazneh at Petra, then drive to Hegra (Madain Saleh) to see 131 virtually identical Nabataean tombs with virtually no crowds
Jordan Saudi Arabia Ancient Kingdoms: Discover Jordan and Saudi Arabia on this exclusive 13-day Ancient Kingdoms Trail.
Continue planning with our Saudi Arabia tours, and consult the official Jordan Tourism Board for current destination information.
Step into the Arabia that few travelers have ever seen. The Ancient Kingdoms Trail connects two masterpieces of Nabataean civilization: Petra in Jordan and Hegra (Madain Saleh) in Saudi Arabia. This 13-day journey is the most exclusive multi-country experience in the Jordan Journey portfolio, designed for discerning travelers who seek profound cultural immersion in a land newly opening to the world. Begin in Jordan, where Petra's Treasury has captivated visitors for centuries and Wadi Rum's desert silence speaks of Bedouin wisdom. Cross the Al Hadithah border into Saudi Arabia's vast northwest, where AlUla's sandstone tombs rival Petra in grandeur yet remain blissfully uncrowded. Explore Riyadh's historic Diriyah, birthplace of the Saudi kingdom, where mud-brick palaces and winding alleyways tell stories of desert diplomacy. End in Jeddah's Al-Balad, a UNESCO-listed old town where coral-stone houses with wooden latticed balconies (rawasheen) create one of the most atmospheric cityscapes in the Gulf. Throughout, Jordan Journey handles every complexity: Saudi visas, border logistics, gender-appropriate guides, cultural sensitivity briefings, and partnerships with the Kingdom's most experienced operators. This is not just travel. It is exploration at its most refined, in a land where ancient rock art, Nabataean tombs, and modern Vision 2030 ambition converge.
Key details for planning this private journey experience.
Stand before Al-Khazneh at Petra, then drive to Hegra (Madain Saleh) to see 131 virtually identical Nabataean tombs with virtually no crowds
Sleep under stars in a luxury Wadi Rum camp, then transfer to AlUla's Habitas or Banyan Tree tented resort for desert luxury at its finest
Cross the Al Hadithah border with Jordan Journey guide accompaniment and Saudi partner DMC seamless handover
Explore AlUla Old Town: 900 mud-brick houses, the ancient marketplace, and the 10th-century AlUla Fort overlooking the oasis
Visit Jabal Ikmah, the 'Library of Arabia': thousands of ancient inscriptions and rock art from Dadanite, Lihyanite, and Nabataean civilizations
Walk through Diriyah's At-Turaif district in Riyadh: mud-brick palaces, the Salwa Palace, and the historic mosque where the Saudi state was born
Stroll Jeddah's Al-Balad old town: coral-stone merchant houses, the 650-year-old Nasseef House, and the bustling Souk Al-Alawi
Experience single-point coordination: Jordan Journey handles Saudi visa invitations, e-visa processing, and all inter-country logistics
A simple view of what is covered in this journey and what should be planned separately.
Jordan Journey representative meets at arrivals with branded sign, cold towels, and welcome kit.
Rest and refresh.
Citadel (Temple of Hercules, Umayyad Palace), Roman Theater, Rainbow Street.
Hadrian's Arch, Oval Plaza, Colonnaded Street, Temple of Artemis, South Theater.
Free time for souk shopping downtown.
Moses Memorial Church and panoramic Promised Land viewpoint.
St. George's Church and 6th-century mosaic Holy Land map.
Check into 5-star resort.
Spa treatment optional.
Morning float or spa treatment.
Depart for Petra (150 miles, 3 hours via Desert Highway).
Siq walk, Treasury, Royal Tombs, Colonnaded Street.
Check into 5-star hotel at Wadi Musa.
Treasury in solitude.
850 rock-cut steps, 45-minute ascent to 148-foot facade.
Nabataean suburb with painted frescoes.
Rest.
Petra by Night (Mon/Wed/Thu): candlelit Siq walk.
Transfer to 4x4 open-back vehicles.
Lawrence's Spring, Khazali Canyon (ancient inscriptions), Red Sand Dunes.
Bedouin zarb (underground barbecue) in desert shade.
golden hour photography.
Private tent with ensuite bathroom.
Stargazing with telescope.
Saudi partner DMC meets with vehicle and refreshments.
Lunch en route.
Check into 4-star hotel. Rest after long travel day.
Cultural briefing on Saudi customs and etiquette.
Ottoman fortress with views of the surrounding desert.
Scenic drive through Hijaz mountain range.
private villa with pool and canyon views.
Spa treatment optional.
rock formations glow golden-orange.
Saudi and international cuisine under desert stars.
UNESCO World Heritage site. 131 Nabataean tombs carved into sandstone outcrops. Guide explains Qasr al-Farid (the Lonely Castle), the largest and most iconic tomb.
the 'Library of Arabia.' Thousands of inscriptions from Dadanite, Lihyanite, and Nabataean civilizations dating to 1,000 BCE. Guided walking tour through rock-art galleries.
ancient capital of Dadan and Lihyan kingdoms, lion sculptures.
natural sandstone formation.
900 mud-brick houses, narrow alleyways, the ancient marketplace (souk), and 10th-century AlUla Fort.
date palm groves, traditional irrigation systems (qanats), local farms.
Transfer to 5-star hotel in King Abdullah Financial District or Diplomatic Quarter.
mud-brick palaces, Salwa Palace, historic mosque.
traditional Saudi architecture with modern dining overlooking At-Turaif.
8 galleries spanning Arabian history from prehistory to modern kingdom.
19th-century clay and mud-brick fort, site of Ibn Saud's 1902 conquest of Riyadh.
Evening at leisure.
Riyadh Boulevard or Edge of the World day trip (additional 150 USD).
Transfer to 5-star hotel on Corniche or in Al-Balad district.
Nassif House (650-year-old coral-stone mansion with distinctive rawasheen balconies), Makkah Gate, traditional souks.
museum in restored merchant house.
Saudi seafood and Hijazi cuisine.
King Fahd Fountain (tallest in the world, 1,000 feet high), floating mosque, Red Sea views.
Red Sea boat trip or snorkeling (additional 85 USD).
Saudi partner DMC assists with check-in.
Everything important for planning, comfort, access, timing, and on-the-ground expectations.
Arrival: Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), Amman. Jordan Journey representative meets at arrivals hall with branded sign.
Departure: King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED), Jeddah. Transfer arranged by Saudi partner DMC.
Border Crossing: Al Hadithah border crossing (approximately 110 miles from Aqaba, 2.5-hour drive). Jordanian exit formalities: 30-45 minutes. Saudi entry formalities: 45-60 minutes. Total crossing: 1.5-2 hours. Our guides coordinate all documentation.
Inter-Country Transfer: Al Hadithah to Tabuk by road (120 miles, 2 hours). Domestic flights within Saudi Arabia: Tabuk to AlUla (not direct, via Riyadh or Jeddah in some schedules). AlUla to Riyadh (2 hours). Riyadh to Jeddah (1.5 hours). Jordan Journey coordinates all flight bookings.
13 Days total (fixed for optimal pacing). Jordan portion: 6 days (Amman, Jerash, Dead Sea, Petra, Wadi Rum). Saudi Arabia portion: 7 days (Tabuk, AlUla, Riyadh, Jeddah). This duration balances comprehensive site coverage with reasonable daily travel times. Shorter versions available on request but sacrifice significant content.
Private tours: 2-8 passengers in Toyota Land Cruiser or Mercedes Vito with dedicated driver and guide
Small groups: 9-16 passengers in Mercedes Sprinter minibus with second support staff
Wadi Rum: Local 4×4 open-back vehicles with Bedouin drivers (6-8 passengers per vehicle)
Saudi Arabia portion: Air-conditioned Toyota Land Cruiser or GMC Yukon for desert driving
AlUla resort: Electric golf buggies for guest transport within resort grounds
Moderate to Moderate-High. Petra main trail: 5-6 miles on uneven stone with 650-foot elevation gain. Monastery trail (optional): 850 rock-cut steps, 45-minute ascent. Wadi Rum: minimal walking, primarily 4×4 travel. Hegra and Jabal Ikmah: walking on sandy and rocky desert terrain, 2-3 miles per day. AlUla Old Town: uneven mud-brick surfaces. Riyadh and Jeddah: minimal walking, primarily vehicle-based city touring. Not suitable for wheelchair users due to Petra and desert terrain. Minimum recommended age: 12 years.
| Group Size | Base Package | Enhanced (+$300) | Signature (+$750) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 pax | From $7,850/person | From $8,150/person | From $8,600/person | Private vehicle/guide |
| 4 pax | From $6,250/person | From $6,550/person | From $7,000/person | Shared vehicle |
| 6 pax | From $5,450/person | From $5,750/person | From $6,200/person | Minibus |
| 8 pax | From $4,950/person | From $5,250/person | From $5,700/person | Minibus |
Child policy: Under 12 years at 50% of adult price. Infant under 2: free (no separate seat). AlUla hot air balloon: add 250 USD per person. Edge of the World day trip: add 150 USD per person. Prices in USD, subject to exchange rate fluctuations. Single supplement: add 40% for solo room occupancy. Saudi Arabia tourism tax (5%) included in all prices.
October-April: Ideal weather (65-85°F), comfortable for all activities. Peak season: book 120+ days ahead. AlUla resort availability is limited.
May-September: Hot (95-110°F), lower prices, minimal crowds. Early morning site visits essential (6:00-10:00 AM). Book 60 days ahead.
December-February: Cool days, cold desert nights (40-50°F). Possible rain in Jordan. Book 90+ days ahead.
Saudi National Day (September 23): Festivities in Riyadh and Jeddah. Hotels book quickly.
Booking: 50% deposit at confirmation, balance 30 days before departure. Saudi visa processing requires 14-21 days: book accordingly.
Cancellation: 100% refund more than 60 days, 50% refund 30-60 days, no refund less than 30 days.
Wadi Rum and AlUla camps: Non-refundable within 21 days due to limited luxury tent and villa capacity.
Saudi domestic flights: Subject to airline cancellation policies. Typically non-refundable within 14 days.
Border crossing delays: Jordan Journey not responsible for customs delays beyond our control.
Travel insurance: Mandatory with medical evacuation coverage for Saudi Arabia.
Petra: Not wheelchair accessible due to uneven stone paths, steps, and narrow Siq sections. Alternative: horse-drawn carriage to Treasury (40 USD). Wadi Rum: 4×4 vehicles accommodate most mobility needs. Luxury camp has paved walkways and accessible bathroom. Hegra and Jabal Ikmah: Vehicle access to main sites. Some tombs require climbing steps. AlUla resorts: Fully accessible villas available with advance booking. Riyadh and Jeddah: Museums and hotels have elevators and accessible restrooms. Vision-impaired: Guide assistance throughout. Hearing-impaired: Written materials provided. Dietary: Vegetarian options available. Pork and alcohol prohibited throughout Saudi Arabia. We ensure suitable alternatives.
Ramadan: Reduced restaurant hours in Saudi Arabia. Some sites close early. Plan meals and site visits accordingly.
Saudi National Day (September 23): Festivities, fireworks, road closures in Riyadh and Jeddah. Book hotels 90+ days ahead.
Photography: Drones prohibited without special permits. Respect local customs when photographing people.
Dress code: Modest dress essential throughout Saudi Arabia. Shoulders and knees covered. Abaya provided for women at religious sites if requested.
Border documentation: Passport must have 6+ months validity. Saudi e-visa required for most nationalities. Jordan Journey handles applications.
Health: No mandatory vaccinations. Tap water not recommended. Bottled water provided daily.
Currency: Saudi Riyal (SAR). ATMs widely available. Credit cards accepted at all hotels and major restaurants.
Useful labels that help compare this journey with other Jordan Journey experiences.
Clear answers before you reserve your journey.
Saudi Arabia now offers e-visas for tourists from many countries, including the US, UK, Canada, EU, and Australia. The process takes 3-5 business days and costs approximately 130 USD. Jordan Journey handles the entire application for you, providing invitation letter support and step-by-step guidance. We recommend applying at least 30 days before travel to allow for any complications.
Saudi Arabia has modernized significantly. Women no longer need to wear abayas in most public places, though modest dress (loose clothing covering shoulders and knees) is expected and appreciated. Women can drive, travel independently, and dine in mixed-gender restaurants. At religious sites, abayas are provided if needed. Our female guides and staff are available for women travelers who prefer female company.
The Al Hadithah crossing is the primary land border between Jordan and Saudi Arabia near Aqaba. Jordanian exit formalities take 30-45 minutes. Saudi entry takes 45-60 minutes including visa verification. Total crossing: 1.5-2 hours. Our Jordanian guide accompanies you to the Jordanian terminal. Our Saudi partner meets you immediately after Saudi immigration with a new vehicle and refreshments. We schedule crossings mid-morning to avoid delays.
No. Saudi Arabia prohibits alcohol throughout the country. Our farewell dinner in Jeddah and resort meals are alcohol-free but feature exceptional Saudi coffee, fresh juices, and traditional beverages. In Jordan, alcohol is available at hotels and restaurants. Many travelers use the Jordan portion as their opportunity to enjoy wine with dinner.
Hegra (Madain Saleh) was the southern capital of the Nabataean kingdom, while Petra was the northern capital. The architectural style is virtually identical, but Hegra has 131 tombs compared to Petra's thousands of structures. The key difference: Hegra receives fewer than 50,000 visitors per year, while Petra receives over 1 million. At Hegra, you will often have entire tomb complexes to yourself. The scale, serenity, and desert setting create an entirely different emotional experience.
This is a cultural and archaeological tour, not a pilgrimage. However, if you hold a valid Hajj or Umrah visa, we can arrange pre- or post-tour extensions to Mecca and Medina through licensed pilgrimage operators. Note that non-Muslims are not permitted to enter Mecca or Medina's central holy sites. We respectfully decline requests to circumvent these regulations.
Saudi Riyal (SAR) is the official currency. USD is accepted at tourist sites but change may be given in Riyals. We recommend carrying 300-400 USD equivalent in Riyals for tips, souvenirs, and small purchases. ATMs are widely available in Riyadh and Jeddah. Credit cards accepted at all hotels, resorts, and major restaurants. Your guide assists with currency exchange.
Photography is welcome at all archaeological and tourist sites including Hegra, Jabal Ikmah, Diriyah, and Al-Balad. However, always ask permission before photographing local people, especially women. Do not photograph government buildings, military installations, or airports. Drones require special permits and are best left at home. Our guides advise on appropriate photography etiquette.
