Authentic Arabia: Discovering AlUla

Arrival day - AlUla, Saudi Arabia

Fly to AlUla and transfer to The Chedi Hegra, your base for the next two nights. Check in and freshen up before enjoying an evening tour around AlUla’s Old Town. Travel back in time as you wander through the maze of remnants of original stone and mudbrick buildings. The Old Town is also known for its vibrant market where you can browse the local handicrafts and elegant antiques. Afterwards enjoy dinner at Tofaryah, a restaurant known for its fusion cuisine.

AlUla, Saudi Arabia

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before being picked up to explore three of AlUla’s iconic historical sites. First visit Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to more than 110 surviving tombs which are strewn throughout the desert, intricately carved out of the sandstone rocks which punctuate the desert horizon. Next, delve into the history of Dadan, the site of one of the world’s largest archaeology programmes. This ancient city is considered to have been one of the most developed 1st millennium BCE cities in the Arabian Peninsula. Finally, visit Jabal Ikmah, also known as the open air library, where you will discover the largest concentration of ancient inscriptions in the region. After a morning packed full of exploration, you will enjoy a relaxing lunch at Pink Camel, a restaurant known for its gourmet dishes and beautiful setting. Afterwards you will be transferred back to the hotel where you can enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

AlUla, Saudi Arabia

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel before heading to the Sharaan Reserve for a VIP safari experience. Sit back and relax as you drive across this unique area of red-rock canyons, broad valleys, open desert areas and rocky outcrops. Keep your eyes peeled for the variety of animals which call this region home including red-necked ostriches, Nubian ibex, Idmi gazelles, Cape hares, and rock hyraxes. Throughout the afternoon you will explore the canyons and valleys with stops to see rock formations, ancient inscriptions and local flora. Continue on a short hike up a canyon trail, where panoramic views await. At the summit, savour a selection of canapes as the sun sets. You’ll head to your lantern-lit camp where you’ll join your Conservation Guide for a nighttime explorations – UV lights in hand – to spot nocturnal wildlife. Finish off your evening with a four course South African-style “braai” under the stars. Gather around the bonfire to hear captivating stories of the night sky, and stargaze through a telescope for a closer look at the mesmerising sky. After a day packed with adventure, you will return to your new hotel Our Habitas AlUla and enjoy the rest of your evening at leisure.

AlUla, Saudi Arabia

Rise early this morning to get ready to be picked-up for an incredible hot-air balloon experience.  Enjoy some free time resting, indulging in a spa treatment, or enjoying a guided nature walk. This evening guests will head to Maraya, the largest mirrored building in the world and an architectural wonder that has quickly reached icon status. Take some pictures of this impressive building before enjoying an unforgettable rooftop dining experience at Maraya Social restaurant, located on the top of Maraya. Afterwards, you will then be dropped off back at the hotel at 10pm.

AlUla, Saudi Arabia

Enjoy a leisurely morning immersed in the luxurious comforts of Our Habitas AlUla, whether relaxing in your private villa or taking advantage of the resort’s world-class amenities.

For lunch, dine at Tama, the resort’s restaurant which boasts a beautiful location at the top of the resort overlooking the canyon and serves a range of delicious Middle Eastern and international cuisine. In the afternoon, visit a true icon of AlUla - Elephant Rock, an elephant shaped rock formation which stretches up 52 metres into the sky.

Then at 5.30pm you will be picked up from the hotel and transported to Gharameel for an unforgettable stargazing experience. Marvel at the million of stars, visible without telescopes, framed by Gharameel’s spectacular rock formations. This experience will also include a dinner, which will be prepared around the campfire. Afterwards you will be dropped back off at your hotel.

AlUla, Saudi Arabia - Departure Day

This morning you will enjoy a final breakfast at Our Habitas AlUla before being collected for your transfer to the airport for your flight home.