The Kingdom | Weekend in Alula + Madain Saleh (Hegra), Saudi Arabia
Schedule
Fri Feb 10 2023 at 05:00 pm to Sun Feb 12 2023 at 02:15 pm
Location
Dubai International | Dubai, DU
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Before becoming modern day Saudi Arabia, this land consisted of four distinct historical regions: Hejaz, Najd, and parts of Eastern Arabia (Al Ahsa) and Southern Arabia (‘Asir). And these regions made up the Arabian Peninsula, that over centuries has played an important role in history as an ancient trade centre, the birthplace of one of the world’s three major monotheistic religions, and our roots as a species.The first concrete evidence of human presence in the Hejaz, which now comprises Saudi’s western region in which Al Ula and Madain Saleh (Hegra) are located, dates back nearly 20,000 years, when hunter-gatherers roamed, living off wild animals and plants. And as the European ice cap melted during the last Ice Age, the peninsula’s climate dried up, so the once vast plains covered in lush grassland gave way to deserts.
And as the ecosystem transformed the river systems vanished, and with them went the wild animals and by default the hunter-gatherers, who moved into mountain valleys in Mesopotamia and then the Nile – eventually spreading across the rest of the Middle East.
About two-thousand years ago, the Nabatean empire – the most prominent civilisation in the Arabian Peninsula at the time – took control of local trade routes, developing their settlements into cities. Their forte was carving sand rocks, and eventually they transformed the landscape on both ends of their empire into majestic metropolises.
Jordan’s Petra is typically associated with this great Empire, yet not many are aware that Hegra, Saudi’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also a Nabatean relic, built in a climate and topography harsher than Jordan’s; making what was accomplished in Saudi seem like an engineering miracle from the past.
https://vimeo.com/381671787
But rocks aside, there is so much more to this Trekkup to the Kingdom, because the whole experience in and of itself is an adventure. And given that Saudi’s tourism is still in its infancy, there is no better time to go than now...
Yalla!
Day 0 // Arrive in Kingdom
Meeting at Dubai Airport at 17:00 for a direct flight to Alula at 19.20. Late afternoon arrival, immigration formalities, drive to Al-Ula to reach our accommodation in the evening.
Day 1 // Incense Route
Today we start the day with Hegra tour before heading out of town for an exciting desert drive.
After the Nabatean overload, we continue into the desert and start drive to Petroglyphs. Further on we hit the road through spectacular rock formations soaking in thousands of years of history. We will cross our paths with famous Elephant, Ant Eater, Arch Rock and few more. We will pass by the local farm to sneak peak on the produce and techniques used in the desert.
If time permits, when we return to the city, we’ll visit the archaeology museum before a dinner in Maraya Social (Michelin Star restaurant) - subject of availability.
Day 2 // Ancient City
For the early birds, we will head out before breakfast for a short walk ending in the old city. Breakfast and transfer to the airport to catch our flight home.
Activities:
Trekking, sightseeing.
Grade:
Easy, available to everyone.
Room & Meals:
Hotel double sharing & meals included.
Cost: AED 3980 AED all-inclusive of flights.
Specifically Excluded:
Evisa costs,
Insurance,
PCR for return,
Visa:
Visas not included in the trip budget, UAE residents can now obtain E-visa: https://visa.visitsaudi.com/.
EU, UK,USA passports visa on arrival.
It is sole responsibility of participant to secure admission to the country of destination.
All details available to confirmed RSVPs.
See yah in Saudi x
Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 0504848238 / info@[email protected]
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Where is it happening?
Dubai International, P O Box 2525,Dubai, United Arab EmiratesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
