Saudi Arabia tourism: 12-day itinerary for Riyadh, AlUla, Jeddah & Umluj (families & friends)

🏙️ Group 1 (Days 1–3): Riyadh – entertainment, theme park and nearby nature

The first 3 days of your Saudi Arabia tourism trip are in Riyadh. You’ll stay in one of the best family hotels in Riyadh, visit top Riyadh shopping malls, experience Boulevard Riyadh City and Riyadh Park Mall, and dine at family-friendly restaurants in Riyadh.

Day 1 — Arrival in Riyadh + light evening walk

• Arrive in Riyadh and check into one of Riyadh’s best family hotels in a central area near malls and main attractions.
• Relax in your room after the flight and unpack.
• Take a light evening walk in Boulevard Riyadh City to enjoy the vibes, live shows and cafés.
• Alternative/add-on: visit Riyadh Park Mall, one of the top Riyadh malls (shopping, coffee shops and indoor kids’ areas).
• Dinner at one of Riyadh’s family restaurants, either inside the mall or near your hotel, then early sleep.

Day 2 — Historic Diriyah + Bujairi Terrace

• Slow breakfast at your hotel or at a café from Riyadh’s family cafés.
• Head in the morning to Historic Diriyah & Bujairi Terrace: walk around the heritage quarter, visit museums (depending on the season), and enjoy the valley views.
• Return to your hotel around noon for a rest or pool time if available.
• In the evening, enjoy dinner at Bujairi Terrace, choosing a place from Riyadh’s family restaurants that suits your taste.

Day 3 — Edge of the World or theme park day

• Option 1 (nature & adventure): book an organized tour to Edge of the World near Riyadh, including transfers, guide and photo stops.
• Option 2 (amusement & indoor fun): spend the day at one of Riyadh’s amusement parks, or visit Snow City Riyadh or another seasonal family event.
• Return to your hotel in the evening and prepare your bags for the next day’s flight to AlUla.

🏜️ Group 2 (Days 4–6): AlUla – Hegra, Elephant Rock and desert vibes

The second part of your Saudi Arabia tourism plan takes you to AlUla, one of the most stunning areas in the Kingdom for nature and heritage. It’s best to stay in one of the best AlUla hotels and desert resorts close to official tours to Hegra (Madain Salih) and Elephant Rock in AlUla.

Day 4 — Travel to AlUla + Old Town

• Take a domestic flight from Riyadh to the nearest airport to AlUla (depending on available routes).
• Check in to one of AlUla’s best hotels or desert resorts.
• Rest after the trip, especially if you’re traveling with kids.
• In the evening, stroll around AlUla Old Town: heritage houses, souqs, local cafés and dessert spots.

Day 5 — Hegra (Madain Salih) guided tour

• Have breakfast at your hotel, then join an organized tour to Hegra.
• Visit the main sites at Hegra (Madain Salih) with a guide and plenty of photo stops.
• Head back to your hotel in the afternoon and relax.
• In the evening, enjoy a meal at one of the recommended restaurants in AlUla.

Day 6 — Elephant Rock + stargazing / event

• Slow, relaxed morning at the resort or pool time for the kids.
• In the late afternoon, visit Elephant Rock in AlUla for golden-hour photos and sunset views.
• In the evening, book a stargazing experience in AlUla or see if there are any seasonal AlUla events during your dates.
• Sleep early if you can; the next day you’ll fly to Jeddah.

🌊 Group 3 (Days 7–9): Jeddah – Old Town, Corniche and theme parks

From AlUla you continue your Saudi Arabia tourism journey by the sea in Jeddah. It’s best to stay near the corniche or in the city center. Use this guide to the best Jeddah hotels and plan visits to Historic Jeddah (Al-Balad), Jeddah Corniche, and Jeddah’s amusement parks.

Day 7 — Fly to Jeddah + Al-Balad

• Take a domestic flight from AlUla to Jeddah (direct or via transit depending on routes).
• Check in to one of Jeddah’s best hotels near the corniche or downtown.
• Rest briefly after the flight.
• In the evening, explore Historic Jeddah (Al-Balad): old alleys, heritage buildings and traditional markets, then have dinner at a traditional restaurant in Al-Balad.

Day 8 — Jeddah Corniche + Floating Mosque + theme park

• Breakfast at the hotel or by the sea along the corniche.
• Walk along Jeddah Corniche: walking tracks, cycling, and kids’ playgrounds in certain areas.
• Visit Al Rahma Mosque (the Floating Mosque) and take some photos around it.
• In the evening, spend a few hours at one of Jeddah’s amusement parks (outdoor rides, indoor play areas or family entertainment centers).
• If timing works, watch King Fahd’s Fountain light up at night.

Day 9 — Boat trip + shopping

• Book a boat trip in Jeddah (simple boat or small yacht), sometimes with options for swimming or snorkelling depending on the tour.
• Return to the hotel and rest in the afternoon.
• In the evening, enjoy shopping at one of Jeddah’s major malls or another relaxing walk along the corniche.

🏝️ Group 4 (Days 10–12): Umluj – islands & turquoise water (Saudi Maldives)

Umluj is your calm beach destination at the end of the Saudi Arabia tourism program. Choose one of the best beach resorts in Umluj and book a Umluj boat & islands tour to explore Umluj’s islands.

Day 10 — Travel to Umluj + relaxed beach walk

• Travel from Jeddah to Umluj: either by road (long but scenic drive) or via Yanbu airport then a road transfer to Umluj.
• Check into one of Umluj’s best resorts or beach chalets.
• In the evening, take a gentle walk along one of Umluj’s beaches and enjoy a simple dinner, getting ready for the full boat day.

Day 11 — Boat & islands tour + swimming & snorkelling

• Join a full boat tour in Umluj to explore Umluj’s islands with white sand and turquoise water.
• Enjoy stops at different islands (depending on the itinerary) with time for swimming, snorkelling or simply relaxing on the beach.
• Some tours include a simple meal or snacks – always double check before booking.
• Head back to the resort to shower and rest, then have a calm family dinner.

Day 12 — Easy morning by the sea + return

• Enjoy a slow morning by the sea: light swim or sand play for the kids.
• Pack your bags and check out of the resort.
• Drive back to Jeddah or to the city of your international flight (via Yanbu or by road, depending on your plan).
• End of the trip — you can always add one extra night if you prefer a zero-stress final day.

🏨 Where to stay in each city (best hotels)

To keep things simple, focus on these hotel guides and pick what matches your budget:

• Best family hotels in Riyadh — close to Boulevard, malls and main events.
• Best hotels & desert resorts in AlUla — near Old Town and official tours.
• Best Jeddah hotels on the corniche — perfect for sea, corniche and shopping.
• Best beach resorts in Umluj — easy access to the beach, boats and islands.

You can also check the combined overview: Best hotels in Saudi Arabia (Riyadh + AlUla + Jeddah + Umluj).

🚗 Transport between cities and inside them

• Within cities: taxis and ride-hailing apps work well. Renting a car gives you extra flexibility.
• Between Riyadh – AlUla – Jeddah: domestic flights are usually the most time-efficient option.
• Between Jeddah – Umluj: either by road or via Yanbu airport then a road transfer to Umluj.

You’ll find more details in the dedicated guide: Saudi Arabia transport guide for tourists.

💰 Approximate budget for a family of 4 (12 days)

• Accommodation (good hotels & resorts): roughly 120–220 USD per night depending on city and season.
• Tours & activities: Hegra, Edge of the World, Jeddah boat trip, Umluj islands, etc. — often 60–130 USD per person per tour.
• Food & daily transport: around 60–110 USD per day for a family if you mix regular restaurants with some fast-food options.

These figures are approximate and will change based on season, hotel category, and how many tours and extras you book.

❓ FAQ about Saudi Arabia tourism (12-day plan)

When is the best time for this Saudi Arabia tourism itinerary?

In general, the best time is from October to April. Weather is milder in Riyadh and AlUla, and it’s more pleasant to enjoy the sea in Jeddah and Umluj without extreme heat.

Is this 12-day Saudi Arabia trip suitable for kids?

Yes. The itinerary balances active days (tours, boat trips) with lighter days (corniche walks, beach time, theme parks). Just pick from family-friendly hotels in Saudi Arabia and keep an eye on kids’ rest and bedtimes.

Can I shorten or extend the itinerary?

You can easily cut each region from 3 days to 2 if you’re short on time, or add extra cities like Abha/Asir or Dammam/Al Khobar if you want more mountains or Gulf coast days.