Saudi Arabia photo tour

Day 1

Your international flight will take you to Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. I recommend the direct flight from Zurich to Riyadh with Saudi Air (16:00–23:05). I can assist you with the flight booking if needed. When we arrive, a taxi will take us to the hotel in the city.
Overnight: Hotel in Riyadh

Day 2

After breakfast at the hotel, we will take a taxi to the airport and board the domestic flight to Tabuk in the northwest of the country (11:10–13:15). Upon arrival, we pick up our rental cars and head to the hotel. The afternoon is free for you to explore. You can visit the souq, the old fort, or the Hejaz Railway Station. In the evening, we will come together for a common dinner to prepare for the upcoming journey.
Overnight: Hotel in Tabuk

Day 3 & Day 4

Right at the beginning of our trip, we will immerse ourselves in one of the most spectacular desert landscapes imaginable. Vast plains with massive rock formations resemble the movie set of Dune. Some of the most incredible rock pillars I’ve ever seen in a desert provide endless new photo opportunities. The next two days will be spent exploring this region in detail. We will set up camp in beautiful spots and enjoy our first nights under the starry sky.
Overnight: Tent

Day 5

Today we leave the heart of the Tabuk region and head south. The distances between the «rock castles» become larger, but the landscape remains equally fascinating. Once again, we will enjoy the sunset amidst the towering rock pillars.
Overnight: Tent

Day 6

Today we leave the rock pillars of the Tabuk region behind. As we continue south, we will reach a huge canyon around noon. The view of the gorge is breathtaking. After a lunch break, we continue through areas with smaller rocks and sandy grass plains. The landscape strongly reminds me of the Australian Outback. In the late afternoon, we will reach our campsite near another canyon. The view with the sunset over the mountain ranges is unspeakable.
Overnight: Tent

Day 7

Our day’s goal is Wadi Disah. After several days away from civilization, we will encounter tourists for the first time today. The palm oasis, nestled in a spectacular rock backdrop, is particularly popular with locals and migrant workers. We will set up camp just outside the canyon and take a photo excursion in the late afternoon.
Overnight: Tent

Day 8

Today, we will drive again through Wadi Disah. The passages through the reed belt are particularly fun. In the morning, we will often photograph against the light, which gives the images a special touch. The drive will then take us out of the canyon and through a varied mountain landscape. In the late afternoon, we will reach our campsite near a rock arch and a stunning mushroom rock. There will be many opportunities for sunset shots.
Overnight: Tent

Day 9

Today we will visit the Al Gharameel Nature Reserve, another highlight of our tour. Countless intricate rock formations await to be photographed. Especially after sunset, these rocks unfold their true beauty as silhouettes. To be able to capture these formations at sunset and sunrise, we will set up camp near the park.
Overnight: Tent

Day 10 & Day 11

The next two days will be spent in the Al Ula region, the magical jewel of Saudi Arabia! We will immerse ourselves in the rich history of Al Ula and visit the ancient site of Madain Saleh, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will photograph the impressive rock tombs from the 1st century AD, left behind by the Nabataean culture. Additionally, we will visit Elephant Rock, a natural rock formation. Here, you can let your imagination run wild and try to find the perfect angle to capture this majestic work of nature. We also plan to take a walk through the cobbled streets of the old town, where you will find traditional houses, colorful markets, and small cafes. This charming part of the city will enchant you with its authentic atmosphere.
Overnight: Hotel in Al Ula

Day 12

Today, we experience a sudden change of scenery. We leave Al Ula and head southeast. Our destination for the day is the Harrat Khaybar region, which is known for its impressive volcanic formations. The surreal landscape is mainly made up of solidified lava. There is an extinct crater called Wabar, which, due to its unique appearance and history, deserves special attention. Unlike typical volcanoes, its cone rises in a light beige color, creating a unique photo opportunity.
Overnight: Tent

Day 13 to Day 15

The next three days will be spent in a different region. We leave the volcanic area of Harrat Khaybar and head back north. West of the city of Hail, another fascinating rocky area with pillars and rock arches awaits us. One of the most famous formations here is the multi-arch «Mahajah Arch,» which has gained national fame and is often visited by Saudi tourists. Generally, the area is not visited much, so we will immerse ourselves once again in this unique desert landscape.
Overnight: Tent

Day 16

Today, we embark on a long drive back to Tabuk. At the hotel, we can enjoy a refreshing shower, and during a common dinner, we will review the highlights of the tour. Late at night, we will fly back to Riyadh (02:10–04:15).
Overnight: Hotel in Tabuk / Airplane

Day 17

Today, you will fly back to Switzerland. I recommend the direct flight with Saudi Air (09:25–14:45).

I’m looking forward to an incredible journey!
For more pictures of this unique region, you can check out my Portfolio on Saudi Arabia (Panorama and Saudi Arabia 2024)