If you’ve read my post on AlUla in my Destinations page, you’ll know I love this part of Saudi Arabia. If you are travelling to Saudi or holidaying in, say, UAE, please consider visiting this very special corner of Saudi. This 3 Day AlUla itinerary below will help you navigate your time there.

AlUla offers a very unique experience seamlessly blending ancient history, breathtaking landscapes together with luxury living. You can explore centuries-old tombs and ruins before lunch and relax by the pool in a desert oasis after lunch.

I also felt extremely comfortable in AlUla as its a very cosmopolitan spot. Much of Saudi is understandably very conservative from a Westerner’s perspective. Tourists should always be respectful of Saudi’s customs, however, AlUla did feel more relaxed as they cater for the growing influx of tourists.

AlUla Itinerary Day 1

Morning

Arrive at your accommodation and enjoy the day marvelling at your beautiful surrounds. If you’re lucky enough to stay in one of my suggestions below, you will be more than happy to wind down in your new home. Furthermore, you will have passed Maraya, the mirrored-clad structure rising from the sands, so you will have been compelled to stop, stare and snap those shots!

When you have a moment, on your downloaded AlUla App, book your tours to Hegra on one day and Dadan and Jabal Ikmah on the following day (or 1 full day if you prefer).

Afternoon

Just before sunset, if you can tear yourself away from your luxury oasis, drive to The Old Town. There is ample parking either side of the town with very regular, courtesy golf carts that transport you from the car park directly to the town.

Stroll around this vibrant area and enjoy a meal in one of the many restaurants. The town comes alive in the evenings as everyone wanders out for a stroll and some people watching.

Favourite Eateries:

• Somewhere – Mediterranean and definitely a favourite of mine
• Entrecôte Café de Paris – French
• Suhail – Middle Eastern cuisine
• 7Ribs – Steakhouse

AlUla Itinerary Day 2

Morning

After a leisurely breakfast and maybe a dip, drive to the meet-up point, Winter Park for your Hegra tour.

Lunch at your accommodation or the Old Town. See below…

Afternoon

Before sunset, drive up to Harrat Viewpoint. The entry is free and no ticket is required. If you like ziplines this is your place. The viewpoint overlooks deep canyons, the lush green Oasis and incredible rock formations as far as the eye can see. Enjoy the views and relax in the comfy seating as firepits are lit and darkness descends.

For dinner, depending on how you’re feeling, you are spoilt for choice. You can go high-end to establishments led by internationally acclaimed chefs who have earned Michelin stars elsewhere. Notably, Ducasse in AlUla or Maraya Social by Jason Atherton.

Or please go to my particular favourite Somewhere

AlUla Itinerary Day 3

Morning

If you are not staying in the Ashar Valley, where Maraya is located, then you will definitely need to take time to visit it. However, access is restricted so you will have to tick a certain box before you’ll be able to witness this iconic, must-see structure.

Either:

• stay in one of the hotels in the Ashar Valley
• have a reservation at one of the restaurants in the hotels or the Maraya Social
• attend an event in the Maraya Concert Hall
• go on an arranged tour

Drive to the meet-up point, Winter Park, for your Dadan and Jabal Ikmah tour.

Afternoon

Drive to Elephant Rock. The entry is free and no ticket is required. At the base of Elephant Rock, you’ll find cozy outdoor seating areas with fire pits and comfy lounge chairs for relaxing and stargazing. There are food trucks (Salt is excellent) and cafés to help you enjoy the experience. Sunrise or sunset are fabulous here.

Evening time, you’ll probably be ready to just relax in the grounds of your luxury accommodation and marvel at all that you have experienced in this very special corner of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Places to Stay in AlUla

You will not be disappointed with the world-class, eco-lodge resorts in AlUla:

• Banyan Tree AlUla
• Habitas AlUla
• Caravan AlUla
• Cloud7 AlUla – very nice BUT outside the Ashar Valley