5 Days • 4 Nights
AlUla & Hegra: Nabatean Wonders & Desert Landscapes
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- The magnificent Nabatean tombs of Hegra, Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, are the extraordinary heart of this journey. Hegra (Madain Salih), the southern capital of the Nabateans who built Petra, is one of the most extraordinary places on earth, where over a hundred monumental tombs are carved into golden sandstone outcrops rising from the desert, their elaborate facades beautifully preserved and standing in profound silence. With a local rawi guide, you marvel at their scale and artistry, including the iconic solitary tomb of Qasr al-Farid, and the Nabatean sanctuaries of Jabal Ithlib. The scale and beauty are overwhelming.
- The ancient kingdom of Dadan and the inscriptions of Jabal Ikmah are a fascinating highlight. Beyond Hegra, AlUla holds even older wonders. At Dadan, capital of the ancient Dadanite and Lihyanite kingdoms, you see remarkable tombs carved high in the red cliffs, including the famous lion tombs. At the extraordinary Jabal Ikmah, an 'open library' set in a beautiful desert canyon, hundreds of ancient inscriptions and rock art in various scripts cover the rock, a UNESCO Memory of the World. The ancient heritage is fascinating. Exploring the ancient kingdom of Dadan, with its cliff tombs, and the extraordinary 'open library' of inscriptions at Jabal Ikmah.
- Iconic desert formations such as the towering Elephant Rock are a magical highlight. AlUla's spectacular landscape is filled with extraordinary natural rock formations sculpted by wind and time. The iconic Elephant Rock (Jabal AlFil), a towering natural formation resembling an elephant, is especially magical at sunset, when you can relax at its base with a drink as the desert glows. Other spectacular formations, arches and canyons abound in the dramatic sandstone landscape. The beauty and drama are magical. Marvelling at iconic desert formations such as the towering Elephant Rock, especially magical at sunset, amid AlUla's spectacular sandstone landscape, is a magical and unforgettable highlight of this journey.
- The atmospheric mudbrick Old Town and lush oasis of AlUla are a beautiful highlight. Beside the ancient sites, AlUla's atmospheric Old Town is a labyrinth of centuries-old mudbrick houses and lanes, beautifully set beside a lush oasis of date palms, now with charming shops and cafes. You wander its evocative lanes, explore the oasis with its palms and history, and take in the timeless beauty of this living heritage. The atmosphere and beauty are captivating. Wandering the atmospheric mudbrick Old Town and the lush oasis of AlUla, with its date palms and timeless beauty, is a beautiful and rewarding highlight of this journey through AlUla.
- Desert adventures and stargazing under brilliant skies are a magical highlight of this journey. AlUla's spectacular desert invites adventure and wonder. You explore the dramatic landscapes by 4x4, discovering canyons, formations and viewpoints, and, under some of the clearest, darkest skies on earth, you enjoy magical stargazing, gazing up at a breathtaking canopy of countless stars and the Milky Way, perhaps with a local astronomer. The adventure and starry skies are magical. Exploring AlUla's spectacular desert by 4x4 and gazing up at brilliant, star-filled skies, among the clearest on earth, is a magical and unforgettable highlight of this journey through AlUla.
- Above all, this journey immerses you in one of the world's most extraordinary archaeological and natural wonders. AlUla is one of the most extraordinary places on earth, and this journey immerses you in it. Over five days you explore the magnificent Nabatean tombs of Hegra, the ancient kingdom of Dadan and the inscriptions of Jabal Ikmah, the iconic Elephant Rock and Old Town, and the spectacular desert and brilliant starry skies, guided by expert local rawi storytellers and warmed by genuine hospitality. The combination of magnificent ancient cities, spectacular desert landscapes and profound beauty makes AlUla extraordinary.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 5-day journey.
Your journey to extraordinary AlUla begins as you arrive (via a domestic flight from Riyadh or Jeddah to AlUla), where you are met and transferred to your hotel amid the spectacular desert oasis valley. AlUla is one of the most extraordinary places on earth, a vast landscape of dramatic sandstone cliffs, canyons and rock formations, ancient cities and lush date palms, and the beauty of the setting is immediately breathtaking. Spend the rest of the day settling in and relaxing after your journey, perhaps taking a first glimpse of the dramatic landscape from your hotel or a gentle stroll. This evening, a welcome dinner introduces you to Saudi cuisine and to the magical journey ahead through the Nabatean wonders and spectacular landscapes of AlUla. As you settle in beneath the brilliant desert stars, the beauty and magic of AlUla work their magic. Rest well, ready to explore the magnificent tombs of Hegra tomorrow.
Today you explore the magnificent Nabatean tombs of Hegra, Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. With a local rawi (storyteller) guide, you explore Hegra (Madain Salih), the southern capital of the Nabateans who built Petra, where over a hundred monumental tombs are carved into golden sandstone outcrops rising from the desert, their elaborate facades beautifully preserved, standing in profound desert silence. You marvel at iconic tombs, including the solitary Tomb of Lihyan son of Kuza (Qasr al-Farid), and explore the dramatic Jabal Ithlib canyon with its Nabatean sanctuaries and the Diwan. Your rawi brings the history and mystery of the Nabateans vividly to life. The scale, artistry and beauty are overwhelming. As the day ends, you return to your hotel, awed by Hegra. This evening, savour the beauty of AlUla beneath the stars. Rest well, ready to explore AlUla's older wonders tomorrow.
Today you explore AlUla's ancient heritage and living history. You visit Dadan, the capital of the ancient Dadanite and Lihyanite kingdoms, with its remarkable tombs, including the famous lion tombs, carved high in the red cliffs, and the extraordinary Jabal Ikmah, an 'open library' set in a beautiful desert canyon, where hundreds of ancient inscriptions and rock art cover the rock. You explore the atmospheric mudbrick AlUla Old Town, a labyrinth of centuries-old houses and lanes beside the lush oasis, now with charming shops and cafes, and the beautiful oasis of date palms. The ancient heritage and living history are fascinating. As the day ends, you return to your hotel, having explored AlUla's ancient wonders. This evening, savour a desert dinner beneath the brilliant stars, with stargazing under some of the clearest skies on earth. Rest well, for tomorrow you explore the spectacular desert and Elephant Rock.
Today you explore the spectacular desert landscapes of AlUla. You journey by 4x4 into the dramatic desert, discovering extraordinary rock formations, canyons, arches and viewpoints sculpted by wind and time, and taking in the breathtaking beauty and profound silence of the landscape. You visit the striking mirrored Maraya, the world's largest mirrored building, reflecting the dramatic desert, and, as the day ends, relax at the iconic, towering Elephant Rock (Jabal AlFil) as the sun sets, the desert glowing gold and crimson, perhaps with a drink in hand, a magical AlUla experience. The spectacular landscapes and iconic formations are magical. As the sun sets over the dramatic desert, you savour the beauty of AlUla. This evening, savour a final AlUla evening beneath the brilliant stars. Rest well ahead of your departure, deeply moved by extraordinary AlUla.
After a final morning in extraordinary AlUla, perhaps a last look at the dramatic landscape or a visit to the Old Town for souvenirs, you are transferred to the airport for your onward journey (via a domestic flight from AlUla). You leave having immersed yourself in one of the world's most extraordinary archaeological and natural wonders, the magnificent Nabatean tombs of Hegra, the ancient kingdom of Dadan and the inscriptions of Jabal Ikmah, the iconic Elephant Rock and atmospheric Old Town, and the spectacular desert and brilliant starry skies, all warmed by genuine Saudi hospitality. The images stay vivid long after you land, the monumental tombs of Hegra rising from the golden desert, the ancient inscriptions of Jabal Ikmah, the towering Elephant Rock at sunset, and the brilliant star-filled skies. AlUla offers extraordinary ancient wonders and spectacular landscapes in abundance, and you depart deeply moved, already dreaming of a return to this magical corner of Arabia.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 4 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a desert dinner
- Airport and land transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
- Touring and sightseeing as per itinerary with expert local guides
- Entrance fees, permits and site tickets as per itinerary
- private touring with expert local rawi guides, a Hegra Nabatean tombs tour, a Dadan and Jabal Ikmah tour, an Old Town and oasis visit, an Elephant Rock sunset and desert 4x4 experience, stargazing, and all site tickets
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Domestic flights to and from AlUla (arranged separately)
- Optional experiences (helicopter, hot-air balloon), and tips for guides and drivers
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Many nationalities can obtain a Saudi tourist eVisa quickly online (or a visa on arrival), valid for a year with multiple entries, with a passport valid for at least six months. Requirements can change, so we confirm the exact process for your nationality and help arrange the eVisa
- Currency: The currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR); cards are very widely accepted in cities, hotels, malls and restaurants, but carry some cash for souks, small shops, tips and remote areas. ATMs are plentiful in cities and towns, and Saudi Arabia is increasingly cashless
- Best time to visit: October to March is ideal, with warm, sunny, comfortable days perfect for Riyadh, AlUla, Jeddah and the desert; summer (May to September) is extremely hot inland (though the Asir mountains in the south-west stay cooler and greener, and the Red Sea remains warm)
- Dress & etiquette: Saudi Arabia is a conservative Muslim country; modest dress is expected in public for all (cover shoulders and knees). Women are no longer required to wear an abaya, but modest, loose clothing is respectful; a headscarf is not required for tourists but is appreciated at some religious sites. Public displays of affection are best avoided
- Mecca & Medina: The holy cities of Mecca and Medina are open only to Muslims; this tourist journey does not include them. Non-Muslim visitors explore Saudi Arabia's extraordinary archaeological, natural and cultural sites, such as AlUla, Diriyah, Jeddah's old town and the deserts and mountains
- Alcohol & Ramadan: Saudi Arabia is a dry country: alcohol is strictly prohibited and not available anywhere, and this should be respected. During the holy month of Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking in public during daylight are not permitted, and hours change; we advise on timing and etiquette, and travel outside Ramadan is often easier for touring
- Prayer times & culture: Muslims pray five times a day, and some shops and sites briefly close during prayer times; we plan around these. Saudis are warm and hospitable, and the country is opening rapidly to tourism with excellent new infrastructure. Respect for local customs, prayer times and photography etiquette (ask before photographing people) is appreciated
- Getting around & power: Saudi Arabia is vast; touring combines private air-conditioned vehicles, 4x4 for deserts, and domestic flights between regions (Riyadh, AlUla, Jeddah), which we arrange. Power is 230V with UK-style type G plugs, so bring an adapter. Arabic is the language, and English is widely spoken in tourism and cities
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes AlUla so special?
AlUla is one of the most extraordinary places on earth, a vast desert oasis where magnificent ancient cities, above all the Nabatean tombs of Hegra (Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site), are carved into golden sandstone cliffs amid spectacular landscapes, alongside ancient inscriptions, an atmospheric mudbrick old town, iconic rock formations like Elephant Rock, and brilliant starry skies. It combines world-class archaeology, dramatic natural beauty and a rare sense of discovery, making it a highlight of any journey to Arabia.
How do I get to AlUla, and can I combine it?
AlUla is reached by a short domestic flight from Riyadh or Jeddah (and seasonally by some international flights), which we arrange. It combines beautifully with Riyadh and the birthplace of the kingdom, and with Jeddah and the Red Sea, for a fuller journey through Saudi Arabia, and can also be paired with a desert experience or the Asir mountains. We tailor the combination and logistics to your interests and time, for a seamless, rewarding journey.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary (such as dinners at desert camps or remote stays). Saudi cuisine is rich and delicious, from kabsa (spiced rice with meat) and grilled meats to fresh dates, Arabic coffee and regional specialities, and the cities have a growing, cosmopolitan food scene. We usually leave meals free for you to explore, recommending the best restaurants at every stage.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Your journey is private by default, with your own expert local guide and air-conditioned vehicle (and 4x4 for deserts), giving you flexibility and a pace tailored to you; small-group options can be arranged. Saudi Arabia's knowledgeable guides bring the extraordinary sites of AlUla, Diriyah, Jeddah and the deserts vividly to life, and licensed rawis (storytellers) guide the AlUla heritage sites.
Do I need a visa for Saudi Arabia?
Many nationalities can obtain a Saudi tourist eVisa quickly online, valid for a year with multiple entries, or a visa on arrival, with a passport valid for at least six months. We confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality and help arrange the eVisa, so entry is smooth. Saudi Arabia has opened dramatically to tourism, and visiting is now easy and welcoming.
Is Saudi Arabia safe to visit?
Saudi Arabia is a very safe country for tourists, with low crime and a warm, hospitable culture, and it has invested heavily in excellent tourism infrastructure as it opens to the world. We use trusted local guides and drivers and follow official guidance at all times. Travellers are often struck by the genuine warmth of the Saudi welcome and the ease and safety of touring this extraordinary, long-hidden country.
When is the best time to visit?
October to March is ideal, with warm, sunny, comfortable days perfect for AlUla, Riyadh, Jeddah and the deserts, and the season for AlUla's festivals and events. Summer is extremely hot inland, though the Asir mountains stay cooler and the Red Sea remains warm. We advise on the best timing for your interests and the regions you wish to see, and can time your visit to events like Winter at Tantora in AlUla.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of AlUla's Nabatean wonders, Riyadh and Diriyah, Jeddah and the Red Sea, the Asir mountains and the deserts, add luxury stays, diving or desert camps, and tailor the pace, comfort and focus to you. Saudi Arabia is vast and varied, and every itinerary is a flexible starting point for your ideal journey through this extraordinary, newly opened land.
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