AlUla Revealed

📍 AlUla airport - Harrat Viewpoint (70 km): 1 hour Harrat Viewpoint - AlUla (30 km): 40 mins AlUla - Jabal AlFil (Elephant Rock) (5 km): 10 mins

Fly to AlUla, home to Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, which sits deep in the desert in the northwestern region of the country. It is an area rich in historical and geographical significance and for most travellers the biggest highlight of their Saudi adventure.

Upon arrival head straight up the mountain to the Harrat Viewpoint to get an idea of the lay of the land. See the historic town deep below and Hegra in the far distance. Back down and transfer to the hotel for check-in. 

Explore Maraya, the iconic mirrored landmark in Ashar Valley. Admire its stunning reflective façade of 9,740 glass panels and discover the cutting-edge design behind this world-class venue. Step onto the stage, tour its vast spaces, and experience the fusion of art, technology, and nature in this architectural masterpiece.

Closer to sunset it is time for a pilgrimage to Elephant Rock. Set in golden desert sands and climbing into the blue Arabian skies, the rock (also known as Jabal Alfil) is one of AlUla’s most impressive geological marvels.

Overnight in AlUla.

Inclusions:

🍗 Dinner

📍 AlUla - Hegra (20 km): 20 mins

The draw to AlUla is its remarkable natural rock formations and canyons, extensive and varied pre-Arabic rock art, and immaculately preserved tombs built more than 2,000 years ago by the Nabataeans. You’ll start the day with a visit to the Nabataean site of Hegra, which was the southern capital of the Nabataean kingdom, dating back to the first century BCE. Today, visitors follow their ‘rawee’ or storyteller, to explore several of the more than 100 well-preserved monumental tombs, most with elaborate facades carved from rock formations scattered around the desert.

Next stop is the green zone that is AlUla oasis, and enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant, situated beautifully amid the date farms. Take a stroll where lush palm trees sway gently and the smell of citrus fills the fresh air, adding to the oasis-feeling that AlUla still retains. Follow the winding, shaded Oasis Heritage Trail through the orange grove, hear birds and imagine how the nomads of the past found water and refuge from the desert here.

Exit the lush oasis at AlJadeeda, an area known also as ‘Art City’ which has a colorful vibe with street art and art exhibits spread out in its walking streets. Continue exploring AlUla historic city, often called ‘the Old Town,’ a charismatic place that once sat at the crossroads of the Silk Road and the Incense Route, and that rewards a leisurely stroll. Recent renovations have turned it into a magical mix of ancient alleys and trendy restaurants and upmarket souvenirs shops.

Overnight in AlUla. 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

Enjoy your morning at leisure. Enjoy the facilities of the hotel or continue your exploration of AlUla’s landscapes with an optional activity: to name a few; see the sandstone mountains from above in a helicopter or hot air balloon, hop on a mountain bike and venture off the beaten path into desert dunes or climb the valley’s edge to better soak in AlUla’s expansive vistas.

No trip to Saudi Arabia is complete without a 4x4 excursion into the desert. Start this afternoon with an unforgettable sortie around the towering cliffs that surround AlUla. Following the ups and downs of the morning four-wheel safari, guests will settle down in the middle of the desert for a delicious Bedouin-style, sheltered picnic dinner, encompassing a traditional range of Saudi and other Middle Eastern delicacies. As true navigators of the deserts, we set up camp with protection from the sun and the finest of Arabian hospitality awaits. Closer to evening, ready to go for a special experience. Far from city lights, wide open spaces in remote desert lands create some of the world’s clearest dark skies. This makes AlUla an idyllic place for stargazing.

Overnight in AlUla. 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

This morning, take a memorable desert safari by 4x4 jeep to Sharaan Nature Reserve. The adventure begins with a pick-up from AlUla hotels and a briefing at the base camp. Aboard a vintage four-wheel drive vehicle, journey into the rugged beauty of Sharaan Nature Reserve. The route winds through sandy trails on the desert landscape, striking dry mud field and intricate rock formations that tell stories of the region's ancient geology.

The tour makes a stop at a serene valley, offering a chance to stroll amidst stunning landscapes and admire intricate rock engravings carved into the red sandstone. Unwind in this peaceful setting while enjoying freshly brewed thyme tea and snack, perfectly complementing the experience.

Amidst this serenity, there’s a rare chance to spot the elusive Arabian Ibex, a majestic mountain goat with striking curved horns, known for its scarcity and ability to blend seamlessly into the rugged terrain. Sightings are a true stroke of luck and an unforgettable highlight of the journey. After the safari, a stop at the base camp allows for a brief rest before returning to AlUla.

After lunch in AlUla, embark on a light trek adventure into AlUla’s valleys, where desert trails and hidden passageways amid red sandstone create a labyrinth of trails to explore.

The hike starts close to AlUla, after a surprising 4x4 drive through a scenery of yellow sand and red cliffs. Although it gets hot during the day, the steep walls provide shade. The two-hour hike follows the canyon floor on a surface of sand and rocks. Although there is no real trail, the guide will lead the way across small boulders and rocks, with an occasional scramble to reach the next section. 

The canyon’s red sandstone is easily eroded by water and wind, creating a path that penetrates deep into the steep walls. Trees and plants are surprisingly abundant, especially in the cooler months. Along the way, the guide will point out ancient inscriptions in the stone walls dating back to various times and civilisations. Animal prints, such as hare, birds and sometimes foxes and wolves, can also be found. 

At the end, relax on a bedouin carpet and enjoy freshly brewed coffee or tea with a majestic view. Then, transfer back into town.

Overnight in AlUla.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 AlUla - AlUla airport (50 km): 45 mins

Time is at leisure before checking out of the hotel and transferring to the airport for the onward flight. Departure options include Jeddah or Riyadh, both offering international flights to Europe and Asia. 

Optional Program: Balloon Over AlUla 

Witness AlUla from an extraordinary perspective during this memorable sunrise hot air balloon flight. Delight in the aerial views as the sun rises over the UNESCO heritage sites of Hegra, Elephant Rock and other monumental rock formations. From the pre-dawn start until touching down after the flight, this unique adventure is filled with unforgettable moments.

Time: 05:30 – 08:30
Departure: Daily

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast