Explore the Nabatean Sites in Alula

We start our Arabian Adventure in Tabuk. 

The charm of the Desert draws us to Al Ula and the legendary rock tombs of Hegra - Madain Salih. The Nabataeans were a trading people on the Arabian Peninsula whose heyday was between the third century BC and the first century AD. Their centre was the world-famous Petra, which is listed as one of the new seven wonders of the world. The kingdom's wealth was based on the trade in spices and, above all, spiritually used resins such as frankincense and myrrh, which were supplied from the Orient to the Mediterranean region. 

You can cross the Border from Jordan (Aqaba) by Taxi, organised by us or reach us in Tabuk. In Saudi Arabia you have many possibilities to take domestic flights from Riyhad and Jeddah. During the High Season there are international flights to Alula as well. Book one of our packages or contact us for a personal offer.

You can book this package additional tour your trip in Jordan or Join us in Tabuk.

Bookable any time

Day 1:  Aqaba / Wadi Rum /Tabuk

Start your Journey with us from Wadi Rum or Aqaba and cross the Border to Saudi Arabia by Taxi/private car.

Tabuk is located in north-western Saudi Arabia, Tabuk boasts ancient archaeological sites and is the setting for the story of the Prophet Moses, who lived nearby for a decade. Marking the beginning of Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast, Tabuk's charming seaside towns offer clear waters and unspoilt beaches.You can purchase your Visa for Saudi Arabia online.

From the Jordanian Border it's a ca. 3 hrs drive.

Stay in a beautiful 3 Star Hotel in Tabuk overnight.

You have time to explore the city on your own. We will have time also on Day 4. 

Day 2: Alula

After breakfast, it's time to start your adventure. We are heading towards ALULA.

Set in the AlUla Valley amid the soaring sandstone and granite mountains of north-western Saudi Arabia's Hijaz region, this ancient desert oasis has supported human life for the past 200,000 years. The area's fertile soil and access to water amid the arid, mountainous desert helped multiple civilisations blossom. The Dadan and Lihyan kingdoms that flourished here between 800 and 100 BCE were followed by Hegra, an important city in the Nabataean civilisation whose capital, Petra, was located farther north, in modern-day Jordan. 

Today we have far more to explore: Hegra in Alula

Countless well-preserved tombs are featured from the first century BCE to the first century AD, Hegra is waiting for you.

Reach back into the past and encounter AlUla’s ancient cultures and learn about how people lived. Observe expertly carved stone blocks – or betyls – that acted as representations of the gods. Away from Hegra’s captivating tombs, this ancient Nabataean city also boasts examples of ancient engineering and craftsmanship such as wells and stone-lined water channels. Defensive walls, gates and towers that once encircled the city show the Roman influence at Hegra.

Check-In and Lunch in the Camp

In the afternoon we visit the famous Elephant Rock and reach a beautiful spot to watch the Sunset over Alula.

Dinner in the camp

You stay in a Beautiful Desert Camp, 4 Stars in De Luxe Glamping tents with private bathroom or in a Caravan with private bathroom.

Day 3: Alula

Breakfast

Today we have far more to explore:

We will do a hiking tour (Duartion aroun 2-2,5 hrs) to explore Dadan & Jabal Ikmah 

Explore theses ancient cities where you can examine tombs, excavation sites, and thousands of early Arabic inscriptions.

The first stop on this journey back in time is Dadan, the ancient Kingdom of the Lihyanite and Dadanite civilisations. Next, a coach bus takes you on a 10-minute drive to Jabal Ikmah. Set in a stunning desert canyon, this ‘open-air library’ has the most impressive collection of inscriptions, rock art, and petroglyphs in AlUla and is the largest of its kind in Saudi Arabia.

Dadan

Lost treasures of Arabia

One of the most important discoveries at AlUla – and one which made the world’s archaeological community sit up and take note – was unearthing the ancient city of Dadan. Once the capital of the Dadan and Lihyan kingdoms more than 2,000 years ago, this breathtaking stone city is home to famous tombs that were neatly and skilfully cut into the red rock cliff faces.

We explore the architectural wonder: Maraya. 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. 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.

A delicious Lunch awaits you in the mountains.

After Lunch we visit the Hijaz Railway station at AlUla is located in Wadi AlQura, a famous ancient valley. Since then, AlUla has been a famous place to explore, travel and immerse yourself in history and heritage. Human civilisation began to settle in AlUla due to its important location on the bustling Hajj and trade route. The Al-Ula region was inhabited by many ancient civilisations in the past, including the Dedanites and the Lihyanites, who left various archaeological remains.

The region was inhabited by several ancient civilisations in the past, including the Dedanites and Lihyanites, who left behind inscriptions and archaeological remains. The importance of AlUla is not limited to the past. Today, AlUla is better known for its rich archaeological discoveries and cultural initiatives. In recent years, many activities have shown that the Archaeological Department has renewed its focus on preserving and exhibiting the aesthetic, historical and archaeological treasures of AlUla. Great emphasis has been placed on preserving the historical trade routes, which have been well maintained for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims who wish to see ancient Arab remains with forts, watchtowers and water sources.

Al-Ula railway station stands out among the other 32 stations of the Hijaz Railway and is known as one of the key stations of the Hijaz. In 1326 AH (1907 AD), the chiefs of AlUla warmly welcomed the first train to arrive at the Hijaz station. The Hijaz railway station had a railway system that entered from the north-west of Saudi Arabia from Turkey and Syria. Pilgrims from these countries used to travel to Hajj and Umrah via this route. Traces of the old station can be found and the Archaeological Department is working to preserve the historical remains. The last station of the Hijaz Railway was Madinah. Today, a high speed train runs between Makkah and Madinah, transporting pilgrims in just 2 hours.

We will reach a Desert Castle and watch the Sunset from a nice view over Alula: Al Harrar

In the evening we visit the old Town of Alula.

Overnight in the camp. 

Day 4: Tabuk 

After Breakfast we head back to Tabuk, where we stay another night. 

Transfer back to Jordan by taxi or organise your flights from there.

Day 5: Goodbye!

Breakfast

Transfer back to Jordan by taxi/mini Van or private car.

Head back tzo Jordan with us.

The alternative: You continue your Travel in Saudi Arabia and reach us on Day 1 in Tabuk.

Packing List

-Sunscreen/sunglasses

-  Appropriate clothing for our excursions: no tank tops, no plunging necklines, long clothes 

- trekking clothes or for women: leggings and long blouses/shirts etc.

- Please remember that we are in an Islamic country and have contact with local people. Jordan is very liberal, but we still want to travel with respect ;-)

- Yoga clothes (when we are alone in the camps, normal yoga clothes are ok, but please keep in mind that the bedouins usually don't see women's skin; the same goes for men)

- Daypack

- Water bottle

- Good shoes (trainers are suitable, but no open-toed trekking sandals or similar)

- Torch, charger (power bank)

- Warm clothes for the evening 

 For Visa check 

Saudi Arabia:

saudivisa.com

Jordan: Jordanpass.com

 Average temperatures for the coolest months, December through February, are 74 °F (23 °C) at Jeddah, 58 °F (14 °C) at Riyadh, and 63 °F (17 °C) at Al-Dammām. Summers, from June to August, are hot, with daytime temperatures in the shade exceeding 100 °F (38 °C) in almost all of the country. 

Travelling to Jordan: 

you can fly to Amman or Aqaba, International Airport.

Contact us how to reach us, you can start your Journey from Wadi Rum or Aqaba

other cities are possiblie as well (extra charge)

From Tabuk you can book a domestic flight to your airport of departure.

Check flights on Skyscanner or with a travel agent of your trust.

Check our offers to extend to Jordan, so you could fly back as well from Amman in Jordan to your final destination.

It is possible to start the trip from Tabuk, please contact us for reduction then!

Individual Arrival to Jeddah & your Hotel.

In the afternoon Gathering & Welcoming Dinner 

Overnight

After breakfast we will explore Jeddah, which is located on the Red Sea to the west of Mecca. Jeddah has always played an important role for all Muslims in the world, as even today all pilgrims arrive here on their way to Mecca and Medina.

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Jeddah is King Fahd's Fountain, the tallest fountain of its kind in the world. The fountain blasts a stream of water from the Red Sea into the air to a maximum height of over 800 feet.

Jeddah is a melting pot of cultures but is predominantly an Islamic society. The driving force behind the culture and lifestyle of the city makes Jeddah a fascinating place to visit, and markets, or souqs (souks), and museums are great places to learn about economic staples and local products.

You will tast local food when visiting the Souk.

Breakfast

Transfer to Medina, which is the second holiest city in Islam, after Mecca. Medina is celebrated as the place from which Muhammad established the Muslim community (ummah) after his flight from Mecca (622 ce) and is where his body is entombed. A pilgrimage is made to his tomb in the city's chief mosque.

Since 2019, non-Muslims have also been allowed to visit at least large parts of this holy pilgrimage site. Here you have time for silent prayer or meditation

free time

After breakfast, it's time to start your adventure. We are heading towards ALULA.

Set in the AlUla Valley amid the soaring sandstone and granite mountains of north-western Saudi Arabia's Hijaz region, this ancient desert oasis has supported human life for the past 200,000 years. The area's fertile soil and access to water amid the arid, mountainous desert helped multiple civilisations blossom. The Dadan and Lihyan kingdoms that flourished here between 800 and 100 BCE were followed by Hegra, an important city in the Nabataean civilisation whose capital, Petra, was located farther north, in modern-day Jordan. 

After check-In we have time for the Dadan & Jabal Ikmah Vintage Land Rover Tour

In a private vintage Land Rover, explore the ancient cities of Dadan & Jabal Ikmah where you can examine tombs, excavation sites, and thousands of early Arabic inscriptions.

(when Yoga Tour: Meditation & Yin Yoga in the desert camp)

Dinner

Yoga Tour: Meditation & Yoga in the desert camp

Breakfast

Today we have far more to explore: Hegra in Alula

Countless well-preserved tombs are featured from the first century BCE to the first century AD, Hegra is waiting for you.

Reach back into the past and encounter AlUla’s ancient cultures and learn about how people lived. Observe expertly carved stone blocks – or betyls – that acted as representations of the gods. Away from Hegra’s captivating tombs, this ancient Nabataean city also boasts examples of ancient engineering and craftsmanship such as wells and stone-lined water channels. Defensive walls, gates and towers that once encircled the city show the Roman influence at Hegra.

Dinner

 Yoga Tour: Meditation & Yoga in the desert camp

The mountainous region of Wadi Disah is one of the most spectacular and unspoilt natural landscapes in the whole of Saudi Arabia. The Al Disah Valley in particular, which translates as "The Valley of the Palms", is a favourite retreat for locals from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is also known as Tamar Al Nabq, Wadi Damah, Wadi Qarar or Wadi Al Habak. Wadi Disah is undoubtedly a place where unspoilt nature can be experienced at its best. About 260 kilometres north of the city of Tabuk, Wadi Disah is nestled between spectacular high cliffs in the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Nature Reserve. It is located at an altitude of 400 metres above sea level. The picturesque valley can be reached via two entrances, allowing visitors to enter a landscape that is unique and unrivalled.

The picturesque mountain landscape of Wadi Disah invites you to go on extensive hikes, as the best way to explore its beauty is undoubtedly on foot. Hikers pass through long gorges with huge, reddish sandstone cliffs in dramatic, breathtaking formations. The cliffs on the west side of the valley are up to 500 metres high, providing unparalleled views. Date groves, where delicious dates grow on green palm trees, invite you to linger in the shade and have a picnic in a cosy atmosphere. The mountainous rocky landscape is made up of spectacular red colours that form an incomparable contrast to the blue sky and green plants. The landscape of Wadi Disah is complemented by various bodies of water - clear streams and hidden hot springs provide contrasts to the rugged rocks and steep slopes. The Al Disah valley can be crossed on foot in one day, but can also be explored in a four-wheel drive car.
Dinner in the camp 

Yoga & Meditation

Breakfast

Transfer to Tabuk

free time to explore, by sovenirs and relax

Overnight

Breakfast

End of Programme