Ramadan Retreat: AlUla & Red Sea

📍 AlUla airport - AlUla (50 km): 45 mins Art City - Jabal AlFil (Elephant Rock) (20 km): 20 mins

Fly to AlUla, where the rich traditions of Ramadan blend seamlessly with the breathtaking beauty of Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated deep in the desert, AlUla is renowned for its striking natural rock formations, canyons, and the well-preserved tombs built over 2,000 years ago by the Nabataeans. This destination offers travelers the chance to experience the cultural vibrancy of Ramadan amidst an extraordinary historical backdrop.

Afternoon excursions begin at 4.30 PM until 8.30 PM

It's a vast area with many highlights. To appreciate this, let’s first climb up to the Harrat Viewpoint before diving into all the history around. The road snakes up sharply, away from the red rocks and onto a black and seemingly endless plateau. Discover the viewpoint towering over the old city and let your guide put things into perspective.

When the sun starts to set it is the right 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.  

After sunset, journey to the Old Town and witness the enchanting transformation of AlJadidah’s Incense Road into a vibrant celebration of Ramadan and Eid, filled with dazzling lights and enticing aromas. For dinner, choose a restaurant in the Old Town featuring a special iftar menu.

In AlUla, you’ll be staying at the Habitas Hotel. The property’s elegant tented villas meld traditional design elements with modern amenities and boast spectacular views of the surrounding Ashar Valley.

Overnight in AlUla

Inclusions:

🍗 Dinner

Morning excursion begins at 9 AM until 12 PM

Today, embrace the peaceful essence of Ramadan in AlUla, where the serene desert landscapes, ancient heritage, and tranquil atmosphere create the perfect setting for reflection and discovery. 

This morning, visit Dadan, the ancient capital of the Dadanite and Lihyanite kingdoms. Explore the well-preserved tombs carved into the red sandstone cliffs and discover the remnants of temples, irrigation systems, and inscriptions that reflect the city's historical significance. A guided tour provides insight into Dadan’s role as a major trade hub along the incense route, showcasing its influence in pre-Islamic Arabia.

Afternoon excursions begin at 4.00 PM until 10 PM

No trip to Saudi Arabia is complete without a serene 4x4 excursion into the desert. This afternoon, embark on a journey through the breathtaking landscapes of AlUla, surrounded by towering cliffs and golden dunes. As the sun sets, unwind in a serene desert setting and enjoy a traditional Bedouin-style dinner, featuring a selection of Saudi and Middle Eastern delicacies.
 
As night falls, embrace the peaceful spirit of Ramadan with a stargazing experience in the vast, open desert. Far from city lights, AlUla’s pristine skies offer a mesmerizing view of the stars, providing a moment of reflection and connection under the celestial canopy.

Overnight in AlUla

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

Morning excursion begins at 9 AM until 12 PM

Today, celebrate Ramadan amidst AlUla’s breathtaking natural beauty, profound cultural heritage and enchanting ancient sites.

Start with a visit to the Nabataean site of Hegra by private landrover, which was the southern capital of the Nabataean kingdom, dating back to the first century BC. 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. After the excursion, return to the hotel to relax before starting the afternoon tour.

Afternoon excursions begin at 4.30 PM until 10 PM

After a midday break, head out for the green zone that is AlUla oasis. 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.

Celebrate the festive spirit of Ramadan in AlJadidah and Old Town, where the streets come alive with vibrant decorations and the joyous buzz of local families and children. These historic areas, beautifully adorned in Ramadan themes, offer a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Stroll through AlJadidah, known for its art-filled streets, and then explore the Old Town, a lively area that once thrived at the crossroads of the Silk Road. 

Indulge in a special iftar experience, sharing the table and traditional dishes with locals, and enjoy the sense of community that defines this holy month, creating an unforgettable evening immersed in the warmth of Ramadan traditions.

Overnight in AlUla

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

📍 AlUla - Turtle Bay (353 km): 4 hours Turtle Bay - Ummahat Island by speedboat: 40 mins

Morning balloon ride begins at 4.30 AM from the hotel

An exclusive experience awaits, whether it's for sharing with your loved ones or fellow travellers. These hot air balloon experiences promise to satisfy wanderlust, offering breathtaking views of the UNESCO heritage site of Hegra, Elephant Rock, and monumental rock formations.

Embark on a magical journey with a pick up from the hotel to the enchanting take-off site, where a steaming cup of coffee welcomes you. Watch in awe as vibrant balloons gracefully come to life, filling the night sky with anticipation. Feel the exhilaration as flames dance and the balloon gently rises from the ground. In a matter of seconds, the wonder of the sunrise unfolds against a stunning backdrop. Floating over canyons and tombs, insights into AlUla's rich history unfold. After the flight, bask in the glow of this unique adventure, ready to script its magic into the pages of your cherished memory book.

Check out from the hotel and embark on an overland adventure to the destination of the future, Red Sea Global—a luxury regenerative tourism destination in Saudi Arabia, boasting breathtaking beaches and pristine islands. Enjoy a scenic 5-hour drive through the serene desert landscape from AlUla to the Red Sea. Savor a boxed lunch at a picturesque spot along the way.

Upon arrival at Turtle Bay, meet the local representative and take a moment to stretch at the welcome center before continuing to the stunning Red Sea resort via a shared speedboat.  

Optional transfer: A captivating shared seaplane transfer option is available from Red Sea Airport to your hotel. Contact us for details about this optional service. 

Experience the perfect blend of luxury and nature on islands surrounded by vibrant coral reefs, dedicated to preserving a diverse ecosystem.

Overnight in Red Sea

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

Savour a day at leisure at your hotel. The day unfolds at your pace, perhaps opting to lounge by the infinity pool, indulge in spa treatment or your own discovery of Red Sea, situated along the west coast of Saudi Arabia, this expansive 28,000 square kilometre paradise boasts an archipelago of over 90 untouched islands, stunning beaches, and a range of natural wonders, including dormant volcanoes, desert dunes, and mountain canyons. The Red Sea is also home to the world’s fourth biggest barrier reef, where marine life and coral thrive like nowhere else.

Optional activity: to name a few; snorkelling and scuba diving to wonder the spectacular reef system and an impressive 18th century shipwreck or mangrove kayaking through the Red Sea’s crystal clear tributaries or enjoy the thrill of sailing or other watersports such as stand-up paddle and kitesurfing are also available. Please contact us.

Overnight in Red Sea

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Spend a leisurely day indulging in the luxurious amenities of the resort. Take a dip in the sparkling pool, stroll through the lush gardens, or simply relax in your elegantly appointed room, your day at the resort promises to be a serene and delightful escape.

Overnight at Red Sea

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Ummahat Island - Turtle Bay by speedboat: 40 mins Turtle Bay - Red Sea airport by car (22 km): 30 mins

Your Saudi Arabia journey comes to an end today. After a relaxing morning at the resort, transfer to the Red Sea Airport for your onward flight. 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast