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Behind the curtain of the spiritual Islam: A glance of Saudi Arabia

8 days
From Jeddah to Riyadh
3.9
12 traveler reviews
Behind the curtain of the spiritual Islam: A glance of Saudi Arabia - Penguin Travel
From
US $2,135
+ $209 Local payment
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Price based on per person in DBL/TWIN for departure 15 November 2025

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Plan your adventure:
Fully Guided
An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Guided in English
Group Size 4 - 14
Age range 18 to 99
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Highlights

  • Explore Jeddah's historic Al-Balad district
  • Visit King Fahd's Fountain, the world's tallest
  • Tour the ancient Nabataean tombs in Al-Hijr
  • Discover Riyadh's Masmak Fort and Kingdom Centre
  • Hike to 'The Edge of the World' for stunning views

Itinerary

Expand All
  1. Introduction
  1. Day 1 Arrival in Jeddah
  2. Day 2 Jeddah
  3. Day 3 Jeddah - Medina
  4. Day 4 Medina – Al Ula
  5. Day 5 Al Ula - Madain Saleh - Jabal Ikmah - Dadan - Riyadh
  6. Day 6 Riyadh
  7. Day 7 Riyadh/ Day tour to "the Edge of the world"(optional)
  8. Day 8 Departure
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What's Included

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  • Accommodation
  • Flights
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Transport

What's Not Included

  • Insurance
  • Optional
  • Additional Services

Customer Photos

Operated by

Penguin Travel

Number of tours

35

Age Range

18 to 80 years old

Response time

within 1 day

Response rate

100%

Established in 1989 in the heart of Copenhagen (Denmark), Penguin Travel rose...

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Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Customer Reviews

  • Most Recent
  • Most Popular
  • Highest First
  • Lowest First
  • JV
    · February 26th, 2024
    I thoroughly enjoyed the tour of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Considering this was a budget tour, the hotels, clean, comfortable rooms and bathrooms with good breakfasts. As we were only a group of 4 we travelled by car with a guide/driver. Salman in Riyadh was exceptional. What I appreciated most was the availability of Neis via WhatsApp or email. We had the odd hiccup which could be easily resolved. Great customer service. If opting for the Bahrain extension and traveling across the border by road, its very easy to obtain the visa at the border and you can even pay with Saudi currency – which is widely accepted in Bahrain. Tours in Bahrain are limited or quite costly, but we found it easy to get around to the places we wanted to see with Uber – efficient and reasonable prices. As I didn’t have global roaming I purchased an Esim in both of the countries – also simple and cheap.
    Show more
    Penguin Travel commented on this review
    Thank you for the feedback. We will be looking forward to having you on another tour in the future
    Trip date: February 2024
  • GN
    · December 2nd, 2023
    The itinerary includes some wonderful sites, particularly in Al Ula. We've given an average rating because of recurring issues around the tour plan and schedule, which wasted a lot of valuable time. We found that extremely rating every day. One example: a schedule change meant a full day travel to Al Ula. Rather than put us on a bus all day, we started with the high speed train from Jeddah to Medina (a good idea) , but once there we waited an hour and a half at Medina train station for the bus to arrive. The first stop was a Museum we could have easily gone to by a five minute cab ride but instead we wasted time which took time away from the most interesting sites in Medina, including the Mosque of the Prophet which became a frustrating 25 minute pit stop. Other examples were kiling 45 minutes at a square of coffee shops in Riyadh after we'd just had breakfast , waiting for a venue to open, Again this short changed us on more interesting venues later. In Jeddah we waited 40 minutes for a currency exchange to open because we arrived too early, again short changing us on other sites that afternoon. The Saudi guides accompanying us were efficient at meeting us at the airport but quite distant and uncommunicative and had to be prodded about the schedule so we knew what to expect, and the times involved. To their credit, their choices of restaurants for lunch and dinner were excellent. Hotels were basic and clean -- except for Al Ula where changes placed us in the Orange Hotel which was not even officially open yet. Arriving at 11:00 pm, rooms did not have towels or toilet paper, and some had no hot water. Fortunately the Al Ula site visits are the most interesting on the tour, and the guides who worked with us at those venues were far superior to the ones assigned to our tour. One definite plus was the optional tour arranged to visit the Edge of the World outside of Riyadh which was an excellent, well run tour with a local Saudi company/driver. On balance we enjoyed the trip but again we found the guides' inexperience limiting, and the Penguin Travel co-ordinator assigned to the tour, while very pleasant, had never been to Saudi Arabia before and therefore had no experience to address the poor planning from the Saudi guides.On balance, we enjoyed the trip but tours we arranged before and after in other countries in the region were far better executed and enjoyable. I would be very cautious about using Penguin Travel again.
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    Penguin Travel commented on this review
    Hello Glen, Thank you for your thorough feedback. We are sorry to hear you were not completely satisfied with our services. We are looking into the situations you have mentioned and will take your comments seriously to make sure we do better in the... Show more
    Trip date: November 2023
  • SU
    · December 2nd, 2023
    The tour was fascinating. The local guides were not good. They did not convey information or correctly anticipate timing of events, etc. Dimityr was very nice.
    Penguin Travel commented on this review
    Thank you for the feedback. We will take your comments into consideration and make sure we do better in the future. We will be looking forward to having you on another trip with us.
    Trip date: November 2023
  • CR
    · November 26th, 2023
    The Guesthouse Orange Resort Al Ula was only basic bungalows without hot water! The Breakfast must come by catering! For the high price is this an very bad Tour!
    Penguin Travel commented on this review
    Thank you for your feedback. We are sorry to hear some parts of the tour did not meet your expectations. We hope you still enjoyed the trip overall and enjoyed the other aspects of it. If you would like to share more details about your trip, please... Show more
    Trip date: November 2023
  • E
    · December 14th, 2022
    A wonderful tour, pretty full on .. on the go daily. More like a glimpse of Saudi Arabia. Enjoyed Al Ula, Madain Saleh, an amazing site.
    Penguin Travel commented on this review
    Thank you for your feedback, we're happy to hear you enjoyed your tour. We will be looking forward to having you on another tour with us in the future.
    Trip date: November 2022
  • S
    · December 6th, 2022
    Really very interesting experience in visiting this 'secret' country newly opened to tourism. I appreciate above all the Desert experience in Hegra and the stunning elephant rock. Good food and good organization resulted in a beautiful week. Our leader made every effort to get us satisfied, It's a hard work though! Personally Taif is not woth visiting, I would rather spend one more day to explore the desert.
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    Behind the curtain of the spiritual Islam: A glance of Saudi Arabia customer review photo 1
    Trip date: November 2022
  • M
    · December 2nd, 2022
    Wonderful tour and saw the sites I intended to see. I give this tour five stars solely on its price, which is at least twice less compared to other tour operators offering tours in Saudi Arabia at this time. For price alone, please consider this tour.
    Penguin Travel commented on this review
    Thank you for your feedback, it's much appreciated. We will be looking forward to having you on another tour with us in the future.
    Trip date: November 2022
  • Behind the curtain of the spiritual Islam: A glance of Saudi Arabia reviewer 8
    · November 29th, 2022
    Overall this tour was amazing! Packed full of experiences all over the country. I recommend this tour for the iconic EDGE OF THE WORLD, I recommend Elephant Rock. The palaces, the food, the new modernized Saudi and the new Prince providing ease with travel now. I would definitely recommend this tour. The only thing that kept me from giving an excellent was that several of the tour guides had zero information for us. They did not seem knowledgeable about the land or were not trying to share. The excitement and knowledge was not there. The personalities were not adequate for quides. Other then that the tour was amazing. Do your own research before you go until the guides can fulfill that part. Take this tour!
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    Penguin Travel commented on this review
    Thank you for your feedback. We will be looking forward to having you on another tirp with us in the future.
    Trip date: November 2022
  • PC
    · November 29th, 2022
    Automatically translated. View in EnglishRate this translation
    Automatic translation available in English. View in English
    Jeddah: very beautiful the old city and the mosque on the water. Ryad: beautiful the KING TOWER and the desert hike where there are rocks and the wonderful view from the top. Alalula: spectacular the Concert building with the mirrors reflecting the mountains around. Beautiful old Alalula and also nice cafes and restaurants area. It was pious to see Arab women who are more emancipated than in more fundamentalist Arab countries like Yemen or Pakistan. The extension in Barhain is worth it only because you are already close, otherwise it says nothing. Best regards Paul
    Show more
    Penguin Travel commented on this review
    Thank you for your feedback, we are happy to hear you enjoyed your tour.
    Trip date: November 2022
  • A
    · November 28th, 2022
    A very enjoyable tour with Penguin - Behind the curtain of the spiritual Islam: A glance of Saudi Arabia (8 Days). Highlights were the two full days spent exploring the UNESCO sites of Al Ula, and encounters with locals in and around the Old Town! The itinerary was excellent, spending the appropriate number of days in each location, yet the tour leader was very flexible in allowing the group to negotiate whether they wanted to spend more or less time in a certain location. The Penguin guide (Nesi) was very very organized and friendly, and it was a real privilege to tour the country with her! She was very accommodating and wanted to make the trip memorable for everyone. The local guides were at times disorganized, but this is quite normal for a country still young in tourism. I appreciated having the opportunity to explore such a country on a traveller’s budget, and was happy to be flexible with some of the unknowns that come with that! Accommodation was superb. I was impressed with the quality of hotels selected for the tour! Well done! The itinerary was exactly as described, and the tour was expertly organized. With Saudi Arabia opening up only recently, of course there were small issues with communication along the way, but one must be flexible and patient in these regions. I wasn’t bothered by many of the minor issues in communication. The group was quite large, but Nesi was very good at managing so that everyone had time with the group, and could also go off independently and have time away from the group. I really enjoyed my tour with Penguin, and absolutely plan on booking another in 2023! I appreciate being able to travel extremely expensive countries on a fair budget, and Penguin enabled me to do that this year! Thank you to all of the amazing staff at Penguin for organizing a great trip and for making my time in KSA one never to be forgotten!
    Show more
    Penguin Travel commented on this review
    Thank you for your feedback, it's much appreciated. We will be looking forward to having you on another trip with us in the future
    Trip date: November 2022

Dates & Availability

8 days
Behind the curtain of the spiritual Islam: A glance of Saudi Arabia
From Jeddah to Riyadh

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  • Upcoming departures
  • November 2025
  • February 2026
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Upcoming departures
  • Saturday
    15 Nov, 2025
    Saturday
    22 Nov, 2025
    English
    Multiple Room Types
    $2,135
    + $209
    Local payment
  • Saturday
    7 Feb, 2026
    Saturday
    14 Feb, 2026
    English
    Multiple Room Types
    $2,313
    + $209
    Local payment

What our customers ask about this tour

    The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
    • What happens if I need to change my travel plans?

      Please inform us as soon as possible to make necessary adjustments to your itinerary.

    • How will I receive the itinerary details?

      The itinerary details will be provided in your travel voucher sent before departure.

    • Are vaccinations or PCR tests required for entry?

      Currently, there are no special requirements such as vaccinations or PCR tests for entry.

    • Is there a limit on the number of participants in the tour?

      Yes, there is a cap of 14 participants to ensure an intimate experience.

    • How many travelers are currently signed up for the tour?

      As of now, we have 8 confirmed participants for the upcoming trip.

    • Will travel documents be sent before departure?

      Final travel documents will be sent 10 days prior to departure.

    • How can I apply for a visa if I have concerns regarding my nationality?

      You can apply for an e-visa or obtain it upon arrival; it’s up to you.

    • What kind of transport is included in the tour?

      The tour includes local transportation via coaches and high-speed trains between major sites.

    • Is the accommodation shared or private?

      Accommodations in AlUla are typically shared, but private options can be arranged where possible.

    • What should I do if I have a connection flight?

      Please provide your arrival flight details and times for proper arrangements.

    Can’t find the answer to your question?
    Reach out to the experts at Penguin Travel with your enquiry, they usually respond within 1 day.

    Good to Know

    Tour ID: 224477

    • Currency
      ر.س
      Saudi Riyal
      Saudi Arabia
    • Plugs & Adapters

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

      Type A
      Saudi Arabia
      Type B
      Saudi Arabia
      Type C
      Saudi Arabia
      Type E
      Saudi Arabia
      Type F
      Saudi Arabia
      Type G
      Saudi Arabia
    • Vaccines
      • 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.
    • Visa
      • 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.
    • Payment information
      • For any tour departing before April 20th, 2025 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after April 20th, 2025, a minimum payment of 30% is required to confirm your booking with Penguin Travel. 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 60 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 Penguin Travel will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
      • The following cards are accepted for "Penguin Travel" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
    • Cancellation Policy
    • Accessibility
      Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, 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.