Renowned for its archaeological treasures, Al-Ula is home to the ancient Nabatean city of Hegra (Mada'in Saleh), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its well-preserved rock-cut tombs dating back to the first century CE. These imposing sandstone structures, reminiscent of Petra in Jordan, stand as a testament to the Nabatean civilization's architectural prowess and commercial significance in antiquity. Beyond its historical allure, Al-Ula boasts stunning desert landscapes characterized by towering sandstone cliffs, expansive valleys, and rock formations sculpted by centuries of wind and weather. The region's unique geography offers visitors a wealth of outdoor adventures, from hiking and rock climbing to desert safaris and hot air balloon rides, providing an immersive experience amidst the timeless beauty of the Arabian desert
Day 1, Mon: Al-Ula
After Immigration and Customs formalities at Al-Ula airport, meet our representative who will transfer you to the hotel. Rest of day at leisure. Overnight in Al-Ula.
Day 2, Tue: Al-Ula
Arrival at Al Ula airport, after visa and immigration formalities our representative will meet and escort the guests to their air-conditioned vehicle for their transfer to the city. Upon arriving, we shall get a glimpse into Al-Ula’s not-so-distant past on the Al-Ula Old Town tour. A Rawi (guide) will lead you through Al-Ula Old Town, where pilgrims, travelers and permanent settlers congregated through the ages. Inhabited from before the 12th century up until the early 1980s, Al-Ula Old Town offers researchers unique oral histories and living memory that the area’s other heritage sites cannot. With 900 houses, 500 shops and 5 town squares, you can explore a maze of remnants of original stone and mudbrick buildings and enjoy views of an Al-Ula Castle dating back to the 10th century. Guest will learn about Old Town’s settlers and pilgrims, as well as their motives and methods in the city’s construction. Head towards the hotel & check in. Lunch & dinner at leisure. Overnight in Al-Ula. [B]
Day 3, Wed: Al-Ula
Breakfast at the hotel. Today we will start our journey with the visit Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the largest preserved site of the Nabataean civilization south of Petra. Home to more than 110 tombs carved from giant rock formations, this ancient site is open for visitors to explore and learn about the culture, traditions, and history of its people. Lunch at leisure. Then we depart on a journey through time to discover the ancient and powerful civilizations of the Dadanite and Lihyanite kingdoms, that have built and shaped Al-Ula. After exploring the ruins, a bus service takes you on a 10- minute drive to Jabal Ikmah, an open library of inscriptions, rock art and petroglyphs set in a stunning desert canyon. Below, you’ll find tour details, planning tips and what to expect when visiting these extraordinary heritage sites. Before heading back to the hotel, we will visit Jebel Al-Fil (Elephant rock) for a relaxing time. Set in Golden Desert sands and climbing their levels into the Saudi Arabian Sky, is the awe-inspiring elephant rock one of Al ula’s many geological Marvels. Unlike the ornate, hand-carved facades of nearby Hegra’s Nabataean tombs, the "trunk" and "body" of this monolithic red sandstone beast were shaped by natural forces — millions of years of wind and water erosion. The beauty of the unrefined structure is enhanced by a landscape of golden sands, studded with rocky outcrops, many of which are equally impressive in size and have interesting shapes and figures. Dinner at leisure. Overnight in Al-Ula. [B]
Day 4, Thu: Al-Ula, Departure
Breakfast in the hotel. Check out time 12:00 pm. Depending on the flight time, transfer to Al Ula airport for your departure. [B]
