5 Day Saudi Arabia Adventure from Tabuk
Overview
This cultural tour in Saudi Arabia is a true gem, highlighting UNESCO World Heritage sites such as AlUla, Hegra (Madain Salih), and Al Balad, the old town of Jeddah. We discover the diverse worlds of the Nafud desert: wadis, ochre dunes, rocky outcrops, and oases. Private 4×4 jeep tour in the desert to enjoy an evening themed around astronomy and star identification (“star gazing”) in a chic candle-lit camp, followed by a delicious barbecue. The charm of your nights at Habitas AlUla Resort, an absolute marvel where you will enjoy a private villa in the heart of the desert, surrounded by sandstone peaks and close to archaeological treasures.
Included/Exclude
- Services of a French-speaking guide from Day 1 to the evening of Day 4
- Transportation by van or bus, depending on group size
- Accommodation in double rooms for 4 nights in 3* & 4* hotels and guest houses as mentioned in the itinerary above
- Meals as specified in the itinerary above
- Visits and hikes included in the travel program
- Entrance fees to the sites
- 4x4 tour in Bajdah and Wadi Disah Canyon
- English speaking guide
- Drinks at hotels and restaurants: water, tea, and coffee
- Tips and personal expenses
- Flight between AlUla and Jeddah
Tour Plan
Morning arrival in Tabuk, meet with the local Bedouin team and depart by 4x4 to visit the Bajdah Nature Reserve, part of the greater Hisma desert. This Reserve is part of the vast NEOM region and is an ideal destination for nature lovers. The NEOM natural region covers a huge area of 25,000 km² and aims to protect and preserve the biodiversity of the Arabian Peninsula. We go on a safari to meet the magnificent Arabian oryx with its immaculate white coat, and the Saudi gazelle, hybrids of the extinct species of gazelle from the bovidae family. They lived wild in Saudi Arabia, along with ibex and red-necked ostriches. Picnic lunch in the desert. In the afternoon, we continue exploring the Hisma desert by foot. These desert mountains are a continuation of those in Wadi Rum in neighboring Jordan. Stunning landscapes with spectacular rock formations. This is also a place that inherits a distant past where one can admire rock carvings and ancient inscriptions in the stone labyrinth.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accomodation: Bivouac camping
Hiking Time: 3 hours
This morning, we head to Wadi Disah canyon, for a 4 hour hiking tour in this exceptional natural site. Stretching 15 km, this gorge and its many branches cut through an ochre sandstone massif. In the middle flows a small stream bringing a bit of life and freshness! The contrast is striking between the red rock cliffs, the greenery of palm groves, and the blue sky. An oasis of tranquility, which can be slightly disrupted when Saudis come for family picnics in this idyllic place! Nevertheless, it remains a magical place to discover. At the end of the day, drive to Alhara for a magnificent sunset from Harrat viewpoint, on the summit of a vulcanic mountain. Stand at what feels like the edge of the world, overlooking deep canyons, a green oasis, and incredible rock formations as far as the eye can see. Overnight in AlUla.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accomodation: Guest House
Optional Upgrade: 5* Hotel
Hiking Time: 4 hours
We begin our day with the archaeological site of Dadan, capital of the ancient kingdom of Lihyan (2nd century BC), which predates the Nabataeans. Between Yemen and the Levant, this region was a vital stop on the incense and myrrh caravan route. We explore a necropolis carved into the mountain with lion tombs. Then we continue to Djebel Ikhma, a sacred site with many rock carvings and inscriptions primarily in the Dadanite language. The variety and richness of the inscriptions engraved in the mountain make this "open-air library" a unique site. In the afternoon, we visit Hegra, the first Saudi site listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The ancient city, remarkably preserved, was the southern capital of the Nabataean civilization. Like Petra, this former caravan city, played a key role and became an important trade crossroads between the Arabian Peninsula and the Red Sea. Spanning about twenty kilometers in the desert and more open, this Nabataean site has a very different topography from Petra. This necropolis houses an exceptional funerary heritage with over 100 monumental tombs carved into the rock. At the end of the day, we visit the old town of AlUla; a craft pavilion has recently been established showcasing the local artisanship and arts practiced through generations. There are also other traditional shops offering antiques and furniture illustrating the culture and history of the city. The people here are extremely friendly and welcoming, and visitors can enjoy meals in local restaurants, both indoors and outdoors.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accomodation: Guest House
Optional Upgrade: 5* Hotel
Morning transfer to AlUla airport and flight to Jeddah. Upon arrival, depart to visit Jeddah’s old town, the second largest city in Saudi Arabia with 5 million inhabitants. Economic capital and the most dynamic city in the country with its large port on the Red Sea, Jeddah is also the maritime gateway to Mecca, the holiest place for Muslims worldwide, located further east. On arrival, take a walk through the maze of pedestrian streets in the heart of the historic Al Balad district dating from the 7th century and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover imposing coral stone tower houses adorned with elegant roshans (bay windows or mashrabiyas). A major restoration project is underway to rehabilitate this once fortified old town, full of charm! Visit Nassif House, former residence of Abdulaziz ibn Saud, the first king of unified Saudi Arabia, now a museum housing a fine collection of Arabic calligraphy. Also visit the traditional Al Sharbatly House. Afternoon at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accomodation: 3* Hotel
Optional Upgrade: 4* or 5* Hotel
Supplement: Flight from AlUla to Jeddah (not included in tour)
Transfer to Jeddah airport and flight back home.
Meals: Breakfast
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