The Nabatean Kingdom - Umrah Extension

 

Day 1: Madinah, Al-Ula [295 miles]
Early departure from your hotel to reach Al-Ula (4.5 hours), an ancient oasis inhabited for the last 7000 years. Lunch on arrival. During the 1st millennium BCE, the city of Dedan develops thanks to its strategic location on the frankincense trade road to become one of the oldest Arabian kingdoms that ruled over most of what is today Tabuk and Madinah provinces. During the 1st century BCE, the Nabatean people coming from Petra settled 19 miles north of Dedan in Al-Hijr where they built 94 monumental tombs similar to the ones they dug in Petra. Then we depart for a tour of Dedan and Jabal Ikmah. Before heading back to the hotel, we will visit Jebel Al-Fil (Elephant rock) for a relaxing time. Then, we return to Al-Ula for check in, dinner and overnight at the hotel. [L/D]

 

Day 2: Al-Ula, Tabuk [155 miles]
Today we will start our journey with the visit of the famous Hegra (Madain Saleh) which is the first site of Saudi Arabia listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Madain Saleh, whose original name was Al-Hijr or Hegra in Greek, is the southernmost important city of the Nabatean Kingdom that flourished thanks to the caravan trade between the 2nd century BCE until the Roman conquest in 106 CE. It is the second richest Nabatean city in terms of monumental tombs with over a hundred decorated funeral monuments including some of the most vibrant and well conserved architectural prowess of the Nabatean builders. We will lead you through this fascinating site and reveal the secrets of its tombs, ancient inscriptions, stone structures, and many more. Our visit will be followed by a lunch before we head towards the city of Tabuk. After 4.5 hours, we reach our hotel and check in followed by dinner and overnight. [B/L/D]

 

Day 3: Tabuk (Tayyeb Al-Ism)
This morning, we head to Wadi Tayyeb Al Ism Valley (subject to approval by KSA authority), the possible location where Moses, brought his people from Egypt. Tayyeb Al-Ism is the first place Moses (Musa) reached when he crossed the Red Sea (as per researchers) and one of the magical natural wonders of Saudi Arabia that takes visitors by surprise. Visit wadi Tayyeb al ism valley, one of the famous and most attractive places. Surrounded by red-colored mountains and deep canyons this lush oasis was an ancient pit stop for weary travelers. The valley overlooks the sea and is known for its captivating nature and crystal-clear Red Sea waters. Lunch at leisure. Then proceed to visit the Springs of Moses, one of 12 springs in the area where Moses lived in exile for 10 years, a historical landmark located in the valley of Maqna. The sprouting of water and its flow against gravity in the middle of the desert appears to be nothing less than magical. These springs also pump water in the famous valley of Maqna through the sand holes that are driven by water flowing from the ground. Drive to Al Suaedni Well to visit the Moses well at Maqna where it is believed that Moses took care of Jethro's (Prophet Shuaib) daughters and helped them take out water for their sheep. This is the first place where Moses (Musa) met Zippora, Jethro’s daughter who, later, became his wife. The Mugha’yer Shuaib seems to appear from nowhere in the reddish desert west of Tabuk. At the end of the tour, head to Tabuk city for dinner and overnight. [B/L/D]

 

Day 4: Tabuk (Departure)
Breakfast at the hotel. Depending on our flight departure time, transfer to Tabuk airport for departure. Standard check out time is 12:00 pm. [B]

 

[B] = Breakfast | [B/D] = Breakfast & Dinner | [B/L/D] = Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner