Arrive at King Khalid International Airport and be met by your private transfer for a smooth drive to your luxury hotel in the Olaya district — settle into your room and refresh after the flight. If time allows, take a short orientation walk around the hotel to stretch your legs and sip Arabic coffee at a nearby café such as AlMamlakah Mall’s Melting Moments, getting your first glimpses of Riyadh’s modern skyline and welcoming hospitality.
Spend a relaxed afternoon exploring the nearby Al Olaya and Tahlia streets: browse high-end boutiques, stop for a light mezze at Lusin or Nozomi Riyadh, and visit the National Museum of Saudi Arabia for an introductory overview of the Kingdom’s history and culture. Your concierge can arrange a quick private tour to highlight key exhibits — a pleasant way to orient yourself before deeper sightseeing in the days ahead.
As dusk falls, enjoy a private welcome dinner at a top Riyadh restaurant such as Spazio 77 or The Globe at Al Faisaliyah Tower, where city views complement refined Saudi and international cuisine. Conclude the evening with a gentle drive past the illuminated Kingdom Centre and Al Faisaliyah landmarks, then return to your hotel for a restful first night, ready for tomorrow’s cultural explorations.
Begin your day with a guided visit to the National Museum of Saudi Arabia to deepen the overview you got yesterday — linger over the Arabic script gallery and the Hall of Pre-Islamic Arabia, then walk across to the adjoining Murabba Palace for a glimpse of the former royal residence and its restored courtyards. Enjoy a late-morning coffee and traditional Saudi dates at the museum café before heading to the historic Diriyah district, the UNESCO-recognized birthplace of the Saudi state.
Stroll through the mudbrick alleyways of At-Turaif in Diriyah, taking a private tour that explains the Najdi architecture and the recent conservation work, then stop for a leisurely lunch at one of Diriyah’s elegant restaurants such as Najd Village for authentic regional dishes. After lunch, explore the nearby Wadi Hanifah overlook for panoramic views and a short photo stop, or visit the King Abdulaziz Historical Center to see rotating exhibits and the vibrant bibliotek area if you prefer museum time.
Return to central Riyadh and ascend Al Faisaliyah Tower to enjoy sundown cityscapes from the Globe Lounge while sampling refined mezze and Arabic sweets. Conclude the evening with a relaxed drive along Tahlia Street to experience Riyadh’s modern dining scene—choose a table at Lusin or Nozomi for dinner—or request your concierge to arrange a private cultural performance or a traditional oud set to round off a day of history and hospitality.
Depart after an early breakfast for a private 4x4 transfer to the famous Edge of the World (Jebel Fihrayn), enjoying a scenic drive through the Tuwaiq escarpment. On arrival, take a guided short hike along the cliff rim with pauses at dramatic overlooks for photographs and a light picnic of Arabic coffee, dates and freshly made flatbreads while your guide explains the geology and Bedouin heritage of the area.
Return toward Riyadh with a stop at the nearby desert wadis for a brief camel encounter or sandboarding session, then visit a traditional Bedouin-style camp where you can learn about local crafts and enjoy a shaded lunch of mezze and slow-cooked lamb. If you prefer a gentler pace, the driver can drop you at a boutique resort on the outskirts of the desert for poolside time and a short spa refresh before evening activities.
As the sun lowers, head back out for a curated desert sunset experience — a private terrace or dune perch with chilled beverages as the sky transforms and a photographer captures the moment against the escarpment. Return to Riyadh for dinner; choose a relaxed, atmospheric venue such as Najd Village or a rooftop restaurant in Olaya to swap stories from the day and prepare for tomorrow’s flight to Jeddah.
After breakfast, a private transfer takes you to King Khalid International for a short flight to Jeddah; on arrival your driver escorts you to a luxury hotel on the Corniche to drop bags and freshen up. Begin with a relaxed stroll along the revamped Jeddah Corniche — pause at the Floating Mosque for photos and at the newly landscaped waterfront gardens, enjoying sea breezes and views of the iconic King Fahd Fountain.
Head into Al-Balad, Jeddah’s historic Old Town, for a guided walking tour of coral-stone houses, ornate wooden windows (rawashin) and boutique galleries such as Naseef House and Beit Nassif; stop for a traditional Hijazi lunch at Al-Naseef Restaurant or a contemporary take at Toki. Browse artisan shops in the alleyways for antiques, oud and handmade silver, then visit the nearby Jeddah Regional Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography for local context on the Red Sea trading heritage.
As dusk falls, return to the Corniche for a sunset dhow-boat cruise along the Red Sea — sip Arabic coffee and enjoy mezze while watching the coastline light up and fishermen cast nets in silhouette. Conclude with a refined seafood dinner at a top waterfront restaurant such as Al Khodariyah or Al-Najjar, sampling fresh catch and Levantine flavors before a leisurely walk back to your hotel.
Wake up to sea breezes on the Corniche and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before setting out for a private half-day boat trip from the Jeddah Corniche Marina to explore the Red Sea shoreline; snorkel amid teeming coral gardens near the nearby reefs or try a guided dive with a PADI instructor from King Abdullah Economic City dive operators if you’re certified. After water time, relax on the sundeck with fresh fruit and Arabic coffee while your captain points out coastal landmarks, including views back toward the King Fahd Fountain and the modern skyline.
Return to shore for a relaxed lunch at the beachfront Al Khodariyah or the refined seafood plates at Al-Najjar, then wander through the newly developed Jeddah Waterfront Park to enjoy landscaped promenades, public art and shaded kiosks — pause at the Floating Mosque for photos and a mint lemonade. If you prefer culture over leisure, visit the Red Sea Mall’s aquarium or the nearby Jeddah Corniche Aquarium (If available) for close-up encounters with native marine life and conservation exhibits.
As dusk falls, board a traditional wooden dhow for a private sunset cruise topped with a festive Christmas (or holiday) mezze spread and chilled soft drinks while live oud music drifts across the deck — watch the coastline and historic Al-Balad silhouette glow as lights come on. Conclude the evening with a refined dinner at Toki or Jeddah’s upscale fine-dining spot, sampling Levantine and contemporary Saudi flavors, then take a gentle post-dinner stroll along the lit promenade before returning to your hotel to rest for the optional AlUla day ahead.
If you choose AlUla, catch an early private flight from Jeddah to AlUla and begin with a guided tour of Hegra (Madain Salih), exploring its Nabataean tombs and the Lion Tombs while your guide brings the ancient trade routes to life; pause for coffee at the onsite visitor centre and take photos of the carved facades framed by desert cliffs. If staying in Jeddah, enjoy a leisurely late breakfast at your hotel followed by a relaxed stroll through Al-Balad to revisit favorite shops and galleries such as Beit Nassif and Naseef House or a morning pampering session at the hotel spa to unwind after recent travel.
In AlUla, continue with a scenic drive through the dramatic Elephant Rock and a light lunch at a boutique desert restaurant or the Bonotel tented experience, then visit the AlUla Old Town and its artisan workshops for local crafts and storytelling—perfect for unique souvenirs. Back in Jeddah, opt for a private Corniche yacht cruise with snorkeling off nearby reefs, or explore the Jeddah Waterfront and the Red Sea Mall aquarium for a relaxed, family-friendly afternoon followed by coffee at a seaside café.
If returning from AlUla, enjoy a tranquil sunset atop one of AlUla’s viewpoints with dates and Arabic coffee before flying back to Jeddah for a refined dinner at Al Khodariyah or Toki, sharing tales from the day. If you remained in Jeddah, conclude with a sunset dhow cruise along the Corniche accompanied by live oud music and a mezze platter, then savor a seafood-focused dinner at Al-Najjar or a modern Hijazi meal at Al-Naseef Restaurant to round out a restorative day.
After breakfast, a private transfer takes you from your Jeddah hotel to the airport for a short, comfortable flight to Dubai; on arrival your chauffeur will escort you to a luxury hotel in Downtown Dubai or Dubai Marina to drop bags and freshen up. Take a brief orientation walk around the hotel — if you’re in Downtown, stroll past the Dubai Opera and the promenade toward the Dubai Mall to admire the Burj Khalifa’s façade and grab a specialty coffee at % Arabica or the elegant lobby lounge.
Spend a relaxed afternoon settling into Dubai’s rhythms: if based in Downtown, enjoy a light lunch at Atmosphere Café or the elegant Armani/Amal, then explore the Dubai Mall’s luxury boutiques and the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo for an easy, family-friendly encounter; if staying in Marina, opt for a seaside lunch at Pier 7 followed by a short yacht transfer to Palm Jumeirah for photos of Atlantis and the skyline. Your concierge can arrange a quick spa refresh or pool time so you arrive at the evening activity refreshed and ready to sail.
As dusk falls, board a private traditional wooden dhow from Dubai Marina or the Creek for a sunset cruise — enjoy a curated mezze and Levantine dishes while live oud or soft acoustic music plays and the city lights begin to sparkle. Glide past the illuminated skyline, Palm Jumeirah and the Burj Al Arab (if routed across the bay), then return to your hotel for a refined late dinner or a nightcap at a rooftop bar to reflect on two contrasting weeks of Saudi history and Red Sea leisure as you begin the UAE portion of your journey.
Rise for a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, then head to the Burj Khalifa for a scheduled At The Top experience — take the high-speed elevator to Levels 124/125 (or Level 148 if pre-booked) to drink in sweeping views of the city, sea and desert while your guide points out landmarks from Palm Jumeirah to the Dubai Creek. After descent, browse the curated Dubai Mall boutiques or visit the Dubai Aquarium tunnel for a close-up of reef sharks and rays before a light coffee at one of the mall’s terrace cafés.
Enjoy a relaxed lunch at one of Downtown’s signature restaurants — try Armani/Amal for contemporary Indian cuisine inside the Burj Khalifa or Souk Al Bahar’s Abd el Wahab for Levantine flavors with fountain views — then explore the Dubai Mall further: shop designer labels, visit the VR Park, or arrange a private behind-the-scenes tour of the Dubai Opera if you prefer culture. If you’d like a quieter option, your concierge can schedule a guided art walk through the nearby DIFC galleries or a short helicopter scenic flight to see the city from a different perspective.
Return to the Burj Lake promenade as dusk falls to secure a prime vantage point for the Dubai Fountain show — enjoy a pre-show cocktail or mocktail at a waterfront terrace before the choreographed lights, music and water jets begin their spectacular performance. After the show, savor a refined dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants (such as Thiptara for Thai cuisine or The Palace’s Serafina for Italian with a view), then wander back to your hotel enjoying the twinkling Downtown skyline and the sense that Dubai’s modern glamour is only just beginning to reveal itself.
After a leisurely hotel breakfast, a private 4x4 will collect you for the drive out to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve or the famous Lahbab dunes — your experienced driver-guide will offer a safety briefing before an exhilarating dune-bashing session across the red sands, punctuated by stops for dramatic photos of the desert landscape. Pause at a quiet dune crest for Arabic coffee, dates and a short walk to stretch your legs while your guide explains the reserve’s conservation efforts and the native flora and fauna you may spot.
Return to a secluded desert camp for a relaxed afternoon of chosen activities: try sandboarding down soft slopes, meet camels for a short ride and photo opportunity, or unwind in a shaded majlis and watch a falconry demonstration that highlights Emirati traditions. For a more restorative option, your concierge can arrange a wellness moment — a brief outdoor massage or cooling dip at a nearby luxury desert lodge such as Al Maha (if pre-booked) before the late-afternoon preparations for evening festivities.
As the sun sinks, the camp transforms for a gourmet Arabian-night dinner beneath the stars with lanterns and live oud music; enjoy a multi-course menu of mezze, mezze grills, wagyu or slow-roasted lamb and decadent desserts paired with selected wines or premium non-alcoholic beverages. Conclude the night with a private stargazing moment or a short, dramatic photo stop against the moonlit dunes before your return transfer to Dubai, arriving back to the city with memories of desert thrills and refined hospitality.
After an early luxury transfer from Dubai, arrive in Abu Dhabi for a guided visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque — wander under its majestic domes, admire the hand-knotted carpets and Swarovski chandeliers, and capture serene morning light on the reflective pools. Continue to the nearby Emirates Palace for a refined coffee or date-infused pastry in the opulent lobby, enjoying views across the Corniche before heading toward Saadiyat Island.
Spend the afternoon at the Louvre Abu Dhabi where the museum’s tranquil courtyards and the famed 'rain of light' dome frame world-class works; take a curated highlights tour to see masterpieces from classical antiquity through modern art and pause for a leisurely lunch at the museum’s café overlooking the sea. After lunch, stroll the Saadiyat cultural district or visit the Manarat Al Saadiyat gallery for rotating exhibitions and local artist showcases, deepening your sense of the UAE’s contemporary cultural scene.
As dusk falls, return to the Corniche for a scenic drive along the waterfront and stop for sundowner views at the observation terrace of Qasr Al Hosn or the new Nation Galleria, then enjoy a gourmet Emirati or Mediterranean dinner at a top Abu Dhabi restaurant such as Fishmarket at Le Meridien or Al Fanar for traditional flavors with modern presentation. Relax on the drive back to Dubai with memories of grand architecture, curated art and the coastal calm of Abu Dhabi, ready for tomorrow’s New Year’s Eve festivities.
Start your New Year’s Eve with a leisurely, late breakfast at the hotel—choose a beachfront buffet at Atlantis, The Palm or a refined spread at your Downtown hotel to recharge after recent explorations. Enjoy a restorative spa treatment or a dip in the pool (many hotels offer special NYE wellness packages) so you’re relaxed and camera-ready for tonight’s big events; if you prefer a cultural option, pop by the nearby Dubai Opera for a daytime backstage tour or a short gallery visit in DIFC.
Spend the afternoon preparing for the evening with a private guided photo tour of key skyline vantage points such as the Marina promenade and Jumeirah Beach Residence, or take a short yacht cruise from Dubai Marina for golden-hour views of Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis while sipping champagne. Return to the hotel for a style touch-up with the concierge-arranged hair and makeup service, then enjoy a light pre-dinner tasting at a signature restaurant—Armani/Hashi, Pierchic or Nobu are excellent choices—before the evening’s transfers begin.
As night falls, your chauffeur delivers you to a curated gala dinner venue—options include a Black Tie gala at Atlantis’ Imperial Ballroom, a luxury five-course feast at Burj Al Arab’s Al Muntaha, or an exclusive rooftop celebration at The Palm with panoramic fireworks views—each paired with live music and a refined champagne countdown. After the festive multi-course dinner and the midnight fireworks spectacle over Burj Khalifa or the Palm (depending on your venue), return to your hotel by private transfer or continue the celebration at a chic rooftop bar such as Level 43 Sky Lounge or Atelier M for a nightcap and panoramic city lights.
After last night’s celebrations, linger over a leisurely recovery brunch at your hotel—choose the decadent buffet at Atlantis, The Palm’s Saffron or the relaxed beachfront brunch at Jumeirah Al Naseem’s Suq Al Bahar Terrace—savor fresh juices, Arabic mezze and a restorative spa-style mocktail while recounting highlights from the trip. If you prefer a quieter start, request an in-room late breakfast and a gentle post-party spa treatment (express massage or scalp ritual) arranged by concierge to refresh before your onward travel.
Spend the afternoon wrapping up with light, low-key activities: take a short stroll along The Beach at JBR or the Marina promenade for fresh sea air and souvenir photos, or pop into the Dubai Mall for any last-minute luxury shopping and a final visit to the Dubai Aquarium café for a calming view of marine life. Your concierge will coordinate a smooth checkout and allow time for luggage packing, a final hotel lounge coffee and any necessary visa or airline formalities before your private transfer arrives.
Depending on your flight time, enjoy a final early dinner or tapas-style meal at Pierchic for one last elegant view of the Arabian Gulf, or opt for a light mezze at the hotel’s lounge before your private transfer to Dubai International Airport. Arrive in good time for departure with VIP fast-track options arranged as needed—leave Dubai with relaxed memories of desert sunsets, Red Sea breezes and a dazzling New Year’s Eve finale.