Mada'in Salih (Hegra) is Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its stunning Nabataean tombs carved into massive sandstone cliffs in the desert.
The most famous and photographed tomb of Hegra, impressively carved into an isolated sandstone rock. It stands out for its unfinished facade and the fine details of Nabataean architectural elements.
A massive rock formation that served as the religious center of the ancient city. It includes the Diwan, a rock-cut banqueting and worship hall.
Land Rover tour of Hegra
Hegra, Mada'in Salih · 3 hours
board a vintage Land Rover to explore ancient desert trails accompanied by a local guide. you will discover impressive Nabataean tombs carved into massive sandstone rocks.
Why it's worth it: it is the ideal way to start exploring the site early in the morning before the temperature rises.
visit to Qasr al-Farid
Qasr al-Farid, Hegra · 1 hour
admire the most famous monolithic tomb carved into a single isolated sandstone rock. observe its unfinished facade and the fine details of Nabataean architecture.
Why it's worth it: it is the most iconic spot of the archaeological site and ideal for photos in the midday light.
exploration at Qasr al-Bint
Qasr al-Bint, Hegra · 1 hour
discover one of the largest tombs in the area with its ornate facade and impressive internal structure. enjoy the exceptional view of the surrounding desert dunes.
Restaurant · Saudi Cuisine · €€€
Traditional dishes with a modern presentation
Cafe and restaurant · Mediterranean and local · €€
Fresh juices and light meals
Traditional cuisine · Levantine cuisine · €€
Hummus and grill skewers
Local tavern · Traditional AlUla flavors · €€
Chicken Kabsa
Prince Abdul Mohsen bin Abdulaziz International Airport (ULH) in AlUla.
Low walkability between major attractions due to long desert distances, but the tomb areas themselves are explored on foot with a guide.
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Sign inBest time to visit
November, December, January, February
Recommended duration
4 days
Estimated cost
800-1200 SAR per person/day
Climate
Desert climate with very hot summers and cool winters.
Language
Arabic
A complex with dozens of well-preserved tombs carved into the hillside slopes. It is one of the largest and most impressive necropolises of the archaeological site.
One of the largest tombs in the area with an ornate facade and impressive internal structure. It offers great views of the surrounding desert dunes.
Historic station complex built in the early 20th century featuring restored locomotives and carriages. It bears witness to the strategic importance of the route to Medina.
Why it's worth it: it continues the introduction to the most important monuments of the necropolis.
visit to the Hejaz railway station
Hegra Railway Station · 1 hour
wander through the historic station complex built in the early 20th century. you will see restored locomotives and carriages that testify to the strategic importance of the route to Medina.
Why it's worth it: it offers a different historical perspective beyond the ancient tombs.
night stargazing in the desert
AlUla Desert · 4 hours
experience a unique adventure under the clear sky of the AlUla desert. you will enjoy the tranquility of nature and stargazing with special equipment.
Why it's worth it: it perfectly concludes the first day within the enchanting night landscape.
AlUla
AlUla · local Arabic breakfast
start your day with fresh bread, hummus, local cheeses, and aromatic Arabic coffee at a local café.
Caption: carob honey Arabic coffee
Near the archaeological site
Near the archaeological site · Middle Eastern
enjoy traditional dishes such as grilled meats, aromatic rice, and fresh salads at a local restaurant.
Caption: grilled lamb with desert spices
AlUla New Town
AlUla New Town · modern Arabic and international
dine in an elegant space trying modern twists on classic Saudi Arabian recipes.
Caption: aromatic kabsa chicken
hiking at Jabal Ithlib
Jabal Ithlib · 2 hours
explore the massive rock formation that served as the religious center of the ancient city. you will see the Diwan, a rock-cut banqueting and worship hall.
Why it's worth it: morning hours are ideal for hiking among the rocky formations.
exploration at Jabal al-Banat
Jabal al-Banat, Mada'in Salih · 1.5 hours
browse the complex with dozens of well-preserved tombs carved into the hillside slopes. it is one of the largest and most impressive necropolises of the archaeological site.
Why it's worth it: it offers a dense concentration of funerary monuments to explore.
walk in AlUla Old Town
AlUla Old Town · 2-3 hours
walk through the alleys of the historic old town with its mud-brick buildings and traditional shops. you will discover local crafts and cafes in an atmospheric renovated space.
Why it's worth it: the afternoon light highlights the architecture of the mud-brick buildings.
desert sunset viewing
Sandstone geological formations, AlUla · 1 hour
enjoy the unique spectacle of the sunset over the impressive sandstone geological formations. the desert colors change dramatically as the sun sets.
Why it's worth it: it is the best time of day for desert landscape photography.
dinner and relaxation in AlUla
AlUla Center · 2 hours
enjoy your evening meal at one of the outdoor restaurants in the area while taking in the cool desert atmosphere. you will discuss your impressions from exploring the antiquities.
Why it's worth it: it relaxing concludes your two-day trip to the region.
AlUla Old Town
AlUla Old Town · traditional local breakfast
taste fresh flatbreads, local honey, and eggs in a picturesque setting next to historical buildings.
Caption: local date honey
AlUla
AlUla · Middle Eastern and international
try fresh salads, falafel, and wraps in a relaxed environment.
Caption: fresh falafel with tahini
AlUla Oasis Area
AlUla Oasis Area · refined local cuisine
enjoy traditional flavors under the palms of the oasis with soft lighting.
Caption: slow-roasted lamb with dates
No special vaccinations are required to enter the country, but the use of high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat is strongly recommended.
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