17 Days. Discover Saudia

Nestled between Mount Shammer to the north and Mount Salma to the south, the city of Hail was once the capital of all the Arabian Desert and home to legends like Hatim Al Tai, the Arabian poet whose altruism earned him spots in stories like “One Thousand and One Nights” (also known as “Arabian Nights”). Today it’s the capital of the north-central region of Saudi Arabia bearing the same name and a popular stop during the pilgrimage to Makkah. The city of Hail is also known for hosting international events, including a Desert Festival celebrating the area’s culture and the Hail International Rally, where rally cars, quads and motorcycles race through the Nafud Desert and through Hail, Baqaa, Al Ghazalah and the village of Umm Al Qulban. If you’re seeking a dose of history, culture and adventure, set your sights on Hail.

The capital city of the Tabuk region in northwestern Saudi Arabia, has long been a resting point for Jordanian and Egyptian pilgrims. Its rich culture can be felt in Souq Twaheen, famed for selling patterned rugs and goat-hair tent covers. Visitors flock to Tabuk to explore ancient archaeological sites and the setting of the story of the prophet Moses (A.S.), who lived east of the city for a decade. Marking the start of the Saudi Coast, Tabuk’s charming coastal towns, such as Haql and Sharma, offer clear seas and pristine beaches. But there are more terrains to explore: Consider checking out the carved tombs of Maghaer Shuaib in the desert, or the Moses Springs near Maqna, where natural springs flow under date palms. Or the stunning Tayeb Al Ism, a valley of steep granite stones separated from the turquoise-fringed Gulf of Aqaba by only the road.

There are few places in the world where you can still feel like a true explorer charting the unknown. In many historic destinations, the illusion of discovery is promptly shattered by a jungle of selfie sticks. But in AlUla, which is home to Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, deep in the desert in the northwestern region of the country, you might still be able to play out your fantasy of being an intrepid archaeologist for a day. Despite all the makings of a bucket list-topping global destination — ancient tombs that remain as the legacy of 7,000 years of human civilization, stunning natural rock formations and canyons, a plethora of adventure sports options and cutting-edge art installations — AlUla remains largely off the global tourism radar, giving you plenty of space and time for reflection with the monumentality of its beautiful desert landscapes.

Located at the southern end of the Red Sea coast, Abha is the culturally rich capital of the Aseer region and a great base for exploring this mountainous part of Arabia. The city has a wealth of delights to discover, from the mud-walled Shada Palace, now a museum, to Abha Dam Lake and the Abha Palace Theme Park. Shop in vibrant traditional markets in Abha and its sister city, Khamis Mushait. Then, roam historic neighborhoods like Al Nasb and Al Basta. Whether exploring the Al Muftaha art village or learning about tribal customs in the nearby villages of Al Habala and Rijal Almaa, Abha is the place to be immersed in the unique culture of the Aseer region.

Stretching more than 200 kilometers along the tip of Saudi’s Red Sea coast, Jazan has all the prerequisites for a memorable holiday. From December through March, the weather is drier and more moderate, making winter an excellent time to explore this small province’s wealth of culture and nature. Discover Jazan’s diverse landscapes, including alabaster beaches, azure seas, green forests and craggy mountain peaks. The port city is perhaps best known as a jumping-off point for the unspoiled Farasan Islands, a protected archipelago of islands and coral islets that is not only home to an abundance of wildlife and colorful marine creatures but also a haven for those keen to explore Saudi’s heritage and diverse geography. From the ancient palm-roofed fort that overlooks the town to the merchant houses and evocative stone buildings of Al Qassar Village, Jazan’s appeal is as varied as its scenery.