AlUla Half Day Tour: Hegra, Maraya & Old Town

Nabataean tombs carved into rose-red cliffs, then a meal with local stories

A half-day tour of AlUla that starts with hotel pickup and moves through four stops: the Nabataean tombs at Hegra (Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site), the mirrored exterior of Maraya, the historic streets of AlUla Old Town, and the AlUla Oasis before ending with a traditional Saudi meal. A live guide in English or Arabic narrates the stops and shares local knowledge. Bottled water and entrance fees are included, and you choose lunch or dinner based on your timing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore AlUla heritage and culture

• Visit Hegra UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Stop at Maraya mirrored building
• Walk through AlUla Old Town
• Explore AlUla Oasis palm trees
• Enjoy traditional Saudi meal with stories

The experience

The tour begins at Hegra, where you walk among Nabataean tombs carved into rose-red sandstone cliffs. The guide explains the stories behind the site and its significance as Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. From there you stop at Maraya, the world's largest mirrored building, set against the desert landscape: a landmark designed for photos and a close look at one of AlUla's most recognizable modern structures.

Next is AlUla Old Town, where you walk through historic streets lined with traditional mudbrick houses and local shops. The atmosphere gives a sense of how life unfolded in AlUla for generations. A short walk through the AlUla Oasis follows, moving among palm trees while the guide describes the traditional agricultural system that sustained the region and how the oasis supported farming and hospitality over time.

The tour ends with a traditional Saudi meal in a warm local setting. During the meal, you listen to local stories and learn about Saudi hospitality and the way of life in AlUla. You choose either lunch or dinner depending on your tour time. The entire experience (from pickup at your hotel to drop-off) takes about five hours, and a live guide in English or Arabic is with you throughout.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• entrance fees to Hegra and the other sites.
• bottled water throughout the tour.
• a traditional Saudi lunch or dinner of your choice.
• a live guide in English or Arabic.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 15:00

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (12 to 90 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Arabic

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 4 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Abdullah Guide

Is this one for you?Book the lunch option if you want the tour in the morning and early afternoon, or choose dinner if you prefer an afternoon and early evening departure. The fixed five-hour schedule means all four stops fit into a single half-day block, so you can plan the rest of your AlUla visit around it.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

1 verified traveler review

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Arabic.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly is Hegra and why is it significant?

Hegra is Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring Nabataean tombs carved into sandstone cliffs. The guide walks you through the site and explains the historical stories and cultural importance of these ancient monuments.

Can I choose between lunch and dinner on this tour?

Yes, you choose either a traditional Saudi lunch or dinner based on your preference and the tour timing. The meal is included and served in a local setting where the guide shares stories about Saudi culture and hospitality.

What is Maraya and what do you do there?

Maraya is the world's largest mirrored building, surrounded by desert landscape. You stop there to view the structure from the outside and take photos. It's one of AlUla's most iconic modern landmarks.

How long does the tour take and what is included in the price?

The tour runs for about five hours and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance fees to the sites, bottled water, and a traditional Saudi meal. You do not need to arrange separate transport or pay for entry at each stop.