Experience a truly unique and authentic destination with a trip to AlUla. A place like no other, this expansive, open-air, living museum and a land of legend is home to a series of fascinating historical and archaeological sites that span over 200,000 years of human history right back to the stone age and five successive ancient civilisations. With exhilarating activities, breathtaking natural landscapes and rich heritage, this desert oasis is quickly becoming a premier travel destination. A land full of magical experiences, the only problem travelers will have is choosing what to do. That is why we have created a list of the top 5 things to do in this remarkable destination. Read on to find out more!
Our top pick is the Hegra Vintage Land Rover experience, which is available all year round. During this experience guests will learn about the deep history of Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is renowned for its more than 110 surviving tombs strewn throughout the desert, intricately carved out of sandstone rocks which punctuate the desert horizon. Discover this incredible site from the comfort of your private vintage Land Rover on this two-hour excursion with your rawi or storyteller, a professional guide taking guests to the numerous tombs and lavish gathering places. This is a truly exclusive way to experience Hegra as the purchase of one ticket is for the whole vehicle, which can fit up to seven guests. Combine with the Hegra Nature and Wildlife Tour and explore Hegra through the lens of the natural world with this thrilling safari-style tour in an open-top 4x4.
Next up on our list is the Oasis Heritage Trail, where visitors can embrace the serenity and natural splendour of AlUla’s Oasis. Amongst the golden desert sands and monumental rock formations of AlUla is the Oasis, home to inviting green groves of date palms which produce more than 90,000 tonnes of dates each year and act as a cornerstone of the natural ecosystem. The shade offered by these 2.3 million date palms provides the perfect environment for the 200,000 citrus trees to produce a range of fruit including grapefruit, oranges, lemons and kumquats as well as fresh vegetable and herbs. Choose your own pace as you stroll through the lush palm-shaded paths of this beautiful area, stopping along the way to fully admire the surroundings. What’s more, entrance to this trail is completely free of charge!
Of course, a visit to the Old Town and AlJadidah Arts District cannot be missed during a trip to AlUla. Delve into this destination’s culture with a visit to the sensitively restored Old Town which will take visitors back in time as they wander through the maze of historic alleys and hundreds of houses built of mud brick and climb the castle steps for a magnificent view over the oasis. Adjacent to the Old Town you will find the AlJadidah Arts District, a pedestrian-only arts, culture, and dining hotspot. Home to one-of-a-kind murals and curated street art, numerous galleries, pop-up exhibitions, and a variety of restaurants and cafes from artisanal coffee shops and gourmet oasis-totable dining, visitors will lose time as they explore this lively souq.
Indeed, a hot air balloon ride in AlUla will be a memory you will never forget. This is a truly thrilling experience – from the sun creating a mesmerizing glow on the striking landscape to the exhilarating sounds of the burners, followed by the quietness which can only be experienced 1,200 metres up in the air. Marvel at the birds eye views as you listen to your expert pilot who knows all about this fascinating destination. Choose either a shared experience with other travelers or an exclusive experience with just you and your loved ones. Additionally, with hotel pickup and drop-off as well as water, coffee and dates served before take-off, everything about this experience will be stress-free.
A list of top things to do in AlUla would certainly not be complete without a stargazing recommendation. Experience the enchantment of AlUla with a stargazing experience surrounded by Gharameel’s mystical rock formations. Gharameel offers a rare view of the night sky, free from any light pollution. Gaze up at the sky where you will see millions of stars, visible without telescopes. On nights with a full moon, guests will enjoy a short walk to admire the surrounding landscape before setting up camp, while on darker nights, the tour will focus solely on stars and constellations. All stargazing tours include a grilled dinner featuring traditional Saudi cuisine, which will be prepared for guests outside around the campfire.