AlUla The World's Masterpiece

 

Day 1: Al Aula
On arrival at AlUla Airport, meet our driver who will transfer you to the hotel. Free time to rest. In the afternoon, Take a tour to the Old town, a few minutes away, to discover its history. AlUla is the largest ancient city after Makkah. Its ancient houses, alleys and unique design impress everyone who visits it, as its people built it in a maze-like way, consisting of 900 houses. The adjoining mud buildings constituted a means of protection from enemy attacks. Moussa Ben Noussair Castle forms an amazing view of the town's details. It enables you to contemplate the town's design, the surrounding farms, and the remaining traces of houses, mosques, and markets. Although the townspeople abandoned it nearly 40 years ago, you will have the opportunity to meet their descendants in its alleys, as they tell tourists the stories of their fathers and grandfathers with pride and nostalgia. The site of the old town is characterized by many Islamic monuments, the most important one is Masjid Al-Izam in the southeast of the town. Its foundation is attributed to the Prophet (PBUH) when he stopped there to perform prayer while he was on the way to the Battle of Tabuk. It was called Al-Izam (bones) because its place was marked with bones. Explore more of the old town on the western side of it. There are handicraft shops, souvenirs, clothes, and jewelry, as well as cafes and restaurants serving delicious local dishes.
Note: If your time of arrival is in the afternoon, we recommend adding an extra night.

Day 2: AlUla & Surroundings
Breakfast at the hotel, before you take a full day to discover AlUla’s surroundings. We start at Dadan, the former capital of the Dadan and Lihyan kingdoms, that features inscriptions and several tombs. Visitors may also enjoy discovering agricultural, defense and water-management innovations as well as date palms grown as crops as they still can be seen today. Continue north to Jabal Ikmah to see an open-air type library offering inscriptions of multiple languages from Aramaic, Minaic, Nabataean and Thamudic to Dadanitic. Dating back to the 1st-century BCE, you may catch a glimpse into daily life via these inscriptions and rock art. In a few minutes, you’ll witness the awe-inspiring Elephant Rock, a geological marvel that captivates whether viewed during the day or at night. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky comes alive with colors while the majestic elephant rock takes on a striking red hue. Capture the perfect photograph or linger for late-night stargazing. Surrounding this iconic landmark, discover sunken seating areas perfect for families or groups of friends. Indulge in a mouthwatering burger at SALT or enjoy your favorite warm beverages at Elephant Rock Café by Key. As the night progresses, gather around a crackling fire pit to stay cozy. Later, in the evening return to the hotel. [B]
Option: Visit Princess Noura’s Farm
Explore the enchanting Princess Noura’s Farm, surrounded by lush palm trees boasting over 26 varieties of high-quality dates. Treat yourself to an array of delicious food items, from jams to fresh vegetables and fruits. As you wander, encounter a delightful assortment of farm animals such as goats, cows, and deer. And, if luck is on your side, you may even have the honor of being hosted by the Princess herself.

Day 3: AlUla Treasures
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and prepare yourself to experience a couple of astonishing sites during this full day excursion. First, stop at Maraya, an architectural wonder that has quickly reached icon status. Upon approaching this magnificent mirrored structure in AlUla’s Ashar Valley you may feel your eyes are deceiving you as Maraya seems to disappear into the surrounding sandstone cliffs before swiftly reappearing. That’s the time to take a few pictures to prove to yourself you were not dreaming! A multi-purpose venue for concerts, events and conferences, Maraya - meaning ‘mirror’ in Arabic - is the largest mirrored building in the world and is a piece of art in itself. Then, we drive a few miles to reach Madain Saleh, the first UNESCO World Heritage site in Saudi Arabia. Formerly known as Al-Hijr or Hegra in Greek, Madain Saleh was a pivotal city in the Nabatean Kingdom, flourishing from the 2nd century BCE until the Roman conquest in 106 CE. Due to its strategic location along the caravan trade route, it stands as the second richest Nabatean city, boasting 94 intricately adorned funeral monuments that highlight the exceptional architectural prowess of the Nabatean craftsmen. Our guided tour will delve into the mysteries of its tombs, ancient inscriptions, stone structures, and more. [B/D]
Option: Stargazing at Gharameel
As the evening approaches, Think of participating in another breathtaking experience: A stargazing adventure in a secluded spot, free from city lights. Marvel at millions of stars against the stunning natural backdrop. Enjoy a grilled dinner around the campfire as part of your unforgettable experience. Later, tonight, return to the hotel for overnight

Day 4: AlUla, Departure  
Breakfast at the hotel before heading to Al Aula Airport to board your flight to your next destination. [B]

 

[B] = Breakfast