Excursion Hegra, elephant rock & al ula old town tour at Jeddah

Explore two of the most significant archaeological discoveries in Saudi Arabia amidst the stunning desert landscape of AlUla during this immersive, full-day sightseeing excursion with lunch.

Jeddah, Flight to/from AlUla, Hegra, Ancient Tombs, Tomb of Lihyan

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour transfer to the airport in Jeddah and check-in for your approximately one hour flight to AlUla, an ancient Arabic oasis city located in the Medina Province of north-western Saudi Arabia. Upon arrival at AlUla Airport, board a coach and transfer to magnificent Hegra, an UNESCO World Heritage Site and the first in Saudi Arabia. The second-largest city of the Nabatean civilisation, the market city of Hegra was built more than 2,000 years ago by the Nabataeans on the historic incense route linking India and the Gulf to the Levant and Europe. Hegra is often compared with its sister city of Petra, in Jordan.

Guided Walking Tour, Monumental Ancient Tombs, Tomb of Lihyan, Elephant Rock

Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour of Hegra. Along the way, lose yourself among its 111 monumental ancient tombs carved into rock, and don't miss the iconic, approximately 72-foot-tall (about 22-metre-tall) tomb of Lihyan, son of Kuza. Leaving Hegra, re-board your coach and proceed for a visit to the spectacular Jabal Alfil (Elephant Rock). Set in golden desert sands and climbing three storeys into the Saudi Arabian sky, the awe-inspiring Elephant Rock is one of AlUla's many natural wonders. Unlike the ornate, hand-carved façades of nearby Hegra's Nabataean tombs, the 'trunk' and 'body' of this monolithic red sandstone beast were shaped by natural forces; millions of years of wind and water erosion.

AlUla (Old Town), Rocks, Canyons, Wadis, City Centre, Lush, Palm-Filled Oasis, Lunch, Shopping

Next, re-board your coach and head to the ancient, walled AlUla (Old Town). Situated near the oasis that allowed for its settlement, AlUla contains a dense cluster of mud-brick and stone houses. The area is renowned for its striking landscapes of rocks, canyons, and wadis, and the contrast between these dry surrounds and the lush, palm-filled oasis in the city's centre. Upon arrival at AlUla, proceed for a buffet lunch. After lunch, some free time is made available to browse the shops of the Old Town for souvenirs before transferring to AlUla Airport for check-in and your approximately one hour return flight to Jeddah. Upon arrival, commence the approximately 1 hour transfer back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Jeddah, Flights to/from AlUla, Hegra, Monumental Ancient Tombs, Tomb of Lihyan, Elephant Rock, Old Town, Lunch, Free Time, Shopping

Note

PLEASE NOTE: this tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.1 miles (about 1.85 kilometres), at times over uneven, natural, and cobblestone surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and board/de-board the airplane. This tour is not suitable for guests prone to airsickness, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilize a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, a sweater or light jacket, insect repellent, bottled water, and Saudi Arabian riyals or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Please dress conservatively when going ashore and keep the knees covered. Proper attire is required to enter holy or religious sites; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. As a rule, women should never wear anything remotely revealing (miniskirts, shorts, capris, beachwear, and sleeveless or low-cut tops), and men should always wear shirts and trousers in public. Coaches, guides, hotels, restaurants, equipment, and services are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found at other ports therefore we ask flexibility and understanding as we visit unique, less touristic destinations. Local authorities might check your passport again, as well as the border number you received at the entrance in the country during the excursion; this might require some waiting time. All guests on this excursion must carry their muqueem certificate, which they used to enter in Saudi Arabia. This tour does not include inside visits to the mosques. Please be advised that a minimum number of participants is required for this program to run as described. In rare cases when the minimum number of participants is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the program at an increased rate based on private arrangements or to cancel your specific departure for a refund. The self-cancellation fee, unless otherwise advised, is 45 days or sooner to initial sailing date at the rate of 100% program fare per person. This land adventure is non-transferable and non-refundable within 30 days of sailing, with the exception of cancellation by Silversea. Our family-friendly land programs require adult accompaniment of any guests under the age of 18. All land adventures are owned by independent contractors, and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Silversea and our local operators make every effort to ensure your land program runs as described. Our local operators reserve the right to modify tour sequence, sites visited and venues mentioned due to operational reasons.

VISA INFORMATION:

Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa requirements for Saudi Arabia. It is the responsibility of each guest to obtain all appropriate visas before cruising.