Overview
Hegra is the second major Nabataean city after Petra, carved by the same civilisation into a very different landscape, and until recently almost no visitors saw it. AlUla has since become Saudi Arabia’s flagship heritage destination — the tombs, the old mud- brick town, the sandstone formations and the oasis walk are all within a compact area. Three nights there, preceded by two in Riyadh for Diriyah’s restored mud-brick quarter and the National Museum, gives a genuine sense of a country that has only recently opened to leisure travel. This is a destination in active development, and specific site access, opening arrangements and permitted areas change — everything is confirmed before travel rather than assumed.
Highlights
- Nabataean tombs of Hegra at AlUla
- Restored mud-brick Diriyah in Riyadh
- Dadan, Jabal Ikmah and Elephant Rock
- Old Town and oasis walk at sunset
- Domestic flights and site access arranged
Cities & Places
Riyadh (Diriyah, National Museum), AlUla (Hegra, Dadan, AlUla Old Town, Elephant Rock)
Ideal For
Accommodation
Centrally located hotel in Riyadh, and in AlUla a resort or heritage-style property in the valley area. AlUla accommodation is limited relative to demand and books further ahead than most destinations in this catalogue. Properties are confirmed at quotation stage, subject to verification and availability.
Itinerary
- 1
Arrival in Riyadh
Airport transfer and hotel check-in. Evening free.
- 2
Riyadh
Guided day covering Diriyah’s restored quarter and the National Museum, with the old city area in the afternoon.
- 3
To AlUla
Domestic flight. Afternoon arrival and an introduction to AlUla Old Town and the oasis at sunset.
- 4
Hegra
Guided day at the Hegra archaeological site and the Nabataean tombs, continuing to Dadan and Jabal Ikmah.
- 5
AlUla landscape
Elephant Rock, the sandstone valleys and viewpoints, with time at leisure. Optional stargazing or desert dining can be arranged.
- 6
Departure
Domestic flight to Riyadh or Jeddah for onward connection.
Inclusions
- Accommodation for 5 nights with breakfast
- Airport and inter-city transfers
- Domestic flights within Saudi Arabia
- Guided Riyadh day
- Guided Hegra and Dadan day with site access arrangements
- Guided AlUla landscape day
- Itinerary planning and in-destination support from Ramada Tours Travel Agency
Exclusions
- ✕International flights unless specifically quoted
- ✕Visa or entry fees unless verified and quoted
- ✕Optional experiences including stargazing and desert dining
- ✕Meals other than breakfast
- ✕Personal expenses
- ✕Travel insurance unless included in a confirmed quotation
Important Notes
AlUla site access operates through managed arrangements that change as the destination develops — permitted areas, tour formats and opening seasons have all changed in recent years and are verified by Ramada Tours Travel Agency before every departure rather than assumed from previous itineraries. Some sites operate seasonally and may be closed in high summer. Central Saudi Arabia is extremely hot from May to September; October to April is materially more comfortable. Entry requirements differ by nationality and are verified before confirmation. Note that this is a domestic journey for Saudi travellers and an international one for other GCC nationals — the arrangement differs accordingly.
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AlUla & Riyadh Discovery
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