AlUla Holidays
the middle east
A hub of trade and cultural exchange for over 7,000 years due to its location on the famed Incense Road and the pilgrimage route to Mecca, AlUla today still bears witness to those who passed through these ancient kingdoms. Majestic sandstone facades adorned with inscriptions, intricately carved tombs and age-old rock art are waiting to be discovered as you explore one of the Middle East’s best preserved historical sites.
Discover astounding historical treasures including the ancient Nabatean tombs of Hegra, witness astonishing natural beauty as you hike through the Arabian Desert and spend a magical evening stargazing surrounded by Gharameel’s mystical rock formations. Home to a plethora of unique experiences and becoming an emerging hub for modern and contemporary culture, AlUla is the crown jewel of Saudi Arabia and soon to be top of your bucket list.
Speak to a Saudi Arabia Holidays Expert
01 881 4986
Order your Middle East & North Africa brochure
Sorry no address found, click here to enter manually
TF's Bulletin
Nobody offers more ways to explore the AlUla than Trailfinders.
Here’s a snapshot of some of our most popular AlUla holidays. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, click on the link below them to see our complete range of holidays and tours in AlUla.
Here’s a snapshot of some of our most popular AlUla holidays. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, click on the link below them to see our complete range of holidays and tours in AlUla.
Dubai & AlUla
Dubai
Multi Centre Holiday
11 days / 10 nights
11 days / 10 nights
Discover the ancient city of AlUla, one of the oldest cities in the Arabian Peninsula and home to Hegra, Saudi’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site before heading to the bright lights of dazzling Dubai.
AlUla Uncovered
Saudi Arabia
Private Tour
4 days / 3 nights
4 days / 3 nights
Explore the incredible history and spectacular desert landscape of AlUla, Saudia Arabia’s undiscovered jewel on this four day tour.
Discover Saudi
Saudi Arabia
Private Tour
8 days / 7 nights
8 days / 7 nights
The perfect introduction to an undiscovered kingdom in the Arabian Peninsula, Saudi Arabia offers a rich history, culture and breathtakingly diverse landscapes.
Explore the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
Guided Small Group Adventure Tour
14 days / 13 nights
14 days / 13 nights
Explore the many sights of Saudi Arabia from contrasting Riyadh and the ancient city of Hegra to the cool mountains of Al Bahah.
WHERE TO GO IN ALULA
AlUla covers nearly 8,700 square miles of largely untouched desert and hidden within its shifting sands are a plethora of unparalleled heritage sites and archeological wonders waiting to be explored. Discover ancient cities such as the lost city of Hegra and the pre-Arabic civilisation of Dadan, wander the historic alleyways of AlUla Old Town and marvel at majestic natural wonders including Elephant Rock.
See the below tiles for a brief overview of the main points of interest, or for more inspiration give us a call and speak to one of our expert travel consultants.
See the below tiles for a brief overview of the main points of interest, or for more inspiration give us a call and speak to one of our expert travel consultants.
Hegra
The ancient city of Hegra dates back over 2,400 years. It is Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the Nabatean Kingdom, the same civilisation that built Petra. This windswept desert expanse is home to more than 100 tombs meticulously carved from astounding rock formations. Explore this archaeological wonder and discover 5 key areas, including Jabal Ithlib – a dramatic outcrop accessed via the Siq, a natural narrow passageway through towering mountains, the imposing tomb of Lihyan rising out of the arid terrain and also the famous Hijaz Railway – once used to transport pilgrims from Damascus to Mecca.
Dadan
One of the most significant discoveries in AlUla, Dadan is built completely from stone and strategically constructed on either side of the valley’s oasis. One of its remarkable treasures is the display of tombs carved 50 metres above the ground into the rock face, thought to have belonged to elite and royal members of society. Here you can marvel at the famous ‘Lion tombs’ marked by seated lion sculptures symbolising power and protection.
Jabal Ikmah
Close to the lost city of Dadan, lies the remote desert canyon of Jabal Ikmah, home to the highest concentration of rock inscriptions in AlUla. This open air library features hundreds of enigmatic pre-Arabic inscriptions, messages in lost languages and spectacular rock drawings etched into the surrounding rock faces. Gazing at these scrawling ancient scripts and images of people, musical instruments and animals, it is as though you are looking at the lives of those who passed through in antiquity.
AlUla Old Town & AlJadiah
Dating back to the 12th Century, AlUla’s impressive Old Town, inhabited until the 1980’s, is an intriguing insight into the regions place on the historic trade and pilgrimage routes. This ancient maze of mud brick houses and labyrinthine alleyways have been sensitively restored and can be visited on a one hour tour with a traditional Rawi (storyteller) who will reveal fascinating stories of those who once lived here. Sitting adjacent to and in perfect contrast with AlUla’s Old Town is vibrant AlJadidah, a flourishing pedestrian-friendly area bringing together art, music, colourful market stalls and delightful new eateries serving mouth-watering local cuisine.
AlUla Oasis
Nestled within the Wasi AlQura is the surreal Oasis of AlUla, a verdant landscape situated in the midst of the Arabian Desert. This agricultural haven of citrus trees, natural springs, abundant plants and 2.3 million date palms, provided the civilisations of AlUla with sustenance and shelter for thousands of years as well as being a welcoming place for merchants and pilgrims to rest. Here, you can explore the Heritage Oasis Trail and stroll under a canopy of towering palms, meandering through the remnants of local farms and ancient city walls.
Elephant Rock
Set in golden sands and rising 50 metres into the Arabian sky, this incredible sandstone monolith (also known as Jabal Alfil) is one of AlUla’s spectacular iconic landmarks and geological marvels. Resembling an elephant with its trunk reaching to the ground, this remarkable structure is unlike the hand-carved facades of Hegra’s Nabatean tombs as it was formed by the natural erosive forces of wind and water over millions of years. Visit at sunset and relax in sunken seating to see the colours dance and change over this wondrous spectacle.
OUR RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN ALULA
As AlUla is a unique destination there is currently limited accommodation options, but there are some new very exciting upscale arrivals coming soon. Once they are open we will feature a great range of accommodation in AlUla, with something to suit all budgets. Prehaps you're looking for a luxurious resort located in the heart of the desert or maybe a distinctive tented camp is more your style?
What you won’t find here are thousands of AlUla hotels to wade through. We have done the hard work for you and selected the best places to stay and our travel consultants are on hand to help, often with first-hand experience.
What you won’t find here are thousands of AlUla hotels to wade through. We have done the hard work for you and selected the best places to stay and our travel consultants are on hand to help, often with first-hand experience.
Shaden Resort AlUla
AlUla
Surrounded by stunning rugged scenery and nestled against a backdrop of impressive rock formations, this large resort offers an authentic desert stay, in close proximity to the centre of AlUla and a short distance from the Hegra tombs.
Habitas AlUla
AlUla
Nestled between the soaring sandstone canyons of the Ashar Valley and the ethereal desert scenery of AlUla, this spectacular resort provides a sumptuous oasis of tranquillity amidst ancient rugged terrain.
Tales from the Trail
Top tips and travel inspiration from the Trailfinders team
Work for Trailfinders
homeBook a Travel Centre Appointment
screen_shareBook a Virtual Appointment
Speak to a Travel Expert
We believe booking online is no substitute for one-on-one service. Between them our expert travel consultants have travelled to over 96% of the world's countries. As a result the service and advice they offer is second to none.
Our travel centres are currently closed
Our phone lines are open at the following times:-
Monday to Friday: 8am - 8pm (UK) : 9am-7pm (ROI)
Saturday & Bank Holidays: 9am - 6pm
Sunday: 10am - 6pm
For individual opening times please check your local travel centre
Submit an Enquiry
Request a call back from a Travel Expert at a time that suits you.
Your travel plans on the go
- View your up-to-date travel plans
- Book online & manage your account
- Flight details including baggage & seating
- Update your contact information
- Check visa & travel health requirements
- Access to E-Vouchers
- Trip Hub
Watch ViewTrail in Action
Additional Features in the App:
- 365/24/7 emergency contact quick links
- Location related features
- Offline access to your travel plans
