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). These regions made up the Arabian Peninsula, that over centuries have 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.
About two-thousand years ago, the Nabatean Empire – the most prominent civilization in the Arabian Peninsula at the time – took control of local trade routes, developing their settlements into cities. They excelled at carving rocks made of sand, and eventually 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.
However, Alula is only a part of vast Saudi landscape, now fully open for explorations!
It’s not widely known that parts of Saudi Arabia’s landscape stretch across 2,000 dormant volcanoes dating back thousands of years. Known in Arabic as Haraat, the lava fields are nothing uncommon here, reaching even a mere 8.2km away from the mosque of the Holy Prophet in Medina – Saudi’s fourth largest city and one of the holiest.'
One of such volcanic fields is Harrat Khaybar, spanning an area of 14,000 square kilometers. Volcanic field was formed over the past 5 million years through eruptions along a 100-kilometer vent system.
For all its worth, we will start our expedition in Jeddah, take a sneak peek at old city, move to Medina, for quick look at Holy City before we head off to volcanoes, stretch the legs on white crater and continue to Alula, visit famous Hegra site with few stops at Elephant Rock and Arch. Given that Saudi’s tourism is still in its infancy, there is no better time to go than now, so yalla!
Let's go!
DAY 1 // Jeddah + Moon Valley
Meeting at airport at 7.30 am for a direct flight to Jeddah. Immigration clearance and head to Al-Ballad, famous for its unique architectural heritage, in particular tower houses constructed in the late 19th century by the city's wealthy merchants. The city's coastal coral building traditions, combined with influences and craftsmanship from trade routes, further add to its charm. During the tour, you will stroll through historic neighborhoods (harrat), explore ancient buildings, markets, and sights.
After lunch, we will head out of the city to Moon valley, owning its name to surreal barren rock formations, some of which appear to have been crafted by humans. Upon closer sighting, there are no signs of chisels or tools being used on these rocks. They have naturally formed over millions of years into such astonishing shapes. Sunset at the viewpoint and drive back to Jeddah for overnight.
DAY 2 // Harrat- Madinah
Shortly after breakfast we will leave Jeddah behind and drive through the desert northeastwards, arriving at the Al Wahbah Crater in the Harrat Kishb lava field The crater is one of the world’s most magnificent volcanic features: a vast dry maar formed by a violent phreatic eruption when magma met groundwater, producing a massive explosion. Measuring around 2.2–2.3 km in diameter and about 250 m deep, it stands out both in scale and its otherworldly beauty.
We’ll hike to the rim, taking in the dramatic views of the steep crater walls, the contrasting pale floor often blanketed in white sodium-phosphate crystals, and the stark surrounding lava field.
After our visit we will continue to Madinah for dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 3 // Madinah + Alula
We start with Madinah visit with the Holy Mosques, destinations for endless pilgrimages from around the world. Lunch at Old Souk of Medina, sampling some delicious local foods. In the afternoon we will set the compass on Alula, where we will arrive on time for local dinner in the old city and a visit to Elephant Rock.
DAY 4 // Alula
Early in the morning we will head out to explore Hegra and the nearby desert curiosities. We will not hesitate to examine the petroglyphs, before we arrive at Pink Camel for high tea. In the afternoon, we will take one last desert drive, this time heading back to Tabuuk airport to catch our flight home. Back in Dubai 22.30.
Activities: Trekking, sightseeing, off-roading.
Grade: Easy, with short but steep hike up the crater. Available to everyone.
Rooms & Meals: Hotels and guesthouse - double sharing. Meals excluded.
Cost: AED 6580 AED incl. flights until NOV 29th.
Specifically Excluded: meals, insurance, visa.
Visa: UAE RESIDENTS can now obtain e-visa
It is sole responsibility of participant to secure admission to the country of destination.
See yah in Saudi x
Trekkup Crew
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