Land of Midian tour: Biblical sites with private guide

Ten hours among the sites where Moses spent a decade in exile

A full-day private tour of Midian in Saudi Arabia's Tabuk region, guided in English or Arabic, visiting the Split Rock at Jabal Maqla, Moses' well at Maqna, the settlement of Al Bad, and Jabal Al Lawz with its ancient petroglyphs and inscriptions. Transport, lunch, water, coffee and tea are included. Pickup is arranged from your hotel.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Biblical Sites in Land of Midian

• Visit Jabal Al Lawz peak
• See ancient inscriptions and rock art
• View Golden Calf Petroglyphs
• Explore 12 Stones of Moses
• Examine the Split Rock at Jabal Maqla
• Visit Moses well at Maqna
• Discover Midian land and Mugha’yer Shuaib

The experience

You're picked up from your hotel and driven into the Tabuk region to visit sites tied to the biblical account of Moses' time in Midian. The Split Rock at Jabal Maqla is the first stop: a giant boulder split down the middle, where tradition holds that Moses struck the rock and water flowed. You climb the hill and walk through the split itself, examining the erosion marks at its base. From there the tour moves to Maqna, where Moses' well sits in the landscape. This is the site where Moses is said to have met Jethro's daughter Zipporah while drawing water for her father's sheep.

The second half of the day centers on Jabal Al Lawz, the highest peak in the region, and the settlement of Al Bad where Moses lived for ten years under Jethro's protection. At Jabal Al Lawz you'll see ancient rock art and inscriptions, including petroglyphs of bovines and the Golden Calf petroglyph: a piece of ancient art whose symbolism and craftsmanship reflect the spiritual significance of the place. Nearby are the 12 Stones of Moses, stone markers believed connected to ancient ceremonies. Your guide walks you through the history and significance of each site, explaining how the landscape itself connects to the stories of Moses and Jethro.

The tour runs ten hours total. An air-conditioned vehicle carries the group. Lunch, bottled water, coffee and tea are provided. Your guide speaks English or Arabic and is with you throughout. The terrain involves climbing and walking on uneven ground, so moderate fitness is needed. The sites are not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with cardiovascular concerns.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver.
• live guide in English or Arabic.
• hotel pickup and return.
• lunch.
• bottled water.
• coffee and tea.
• all entrance fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (13 to 54 years) · Senior (55 to 80 years) · Youth (12 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (1 to 2 years): free

GroupUp to 10 · max 4 per booking

Live guideEnglish and Arabic

Audio guideEnglish and Arabic

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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 9 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Saudi Journey Hospitality

Is this one for you?The ten-hour day and moderate hiking across uneven ground suit travelers with time to spare and the fitness for climbing and walking between sites. If you have only an afternoon or prefer minimal walking, a shorter excursion would fit better.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Arabic.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 years); Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (1 to 2 years): 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 the Split Rock at Jabal Maqla?

The Split Rock is a giant boulder split vertically down the middle, located northwest of Horeb at Jabal Maqla. According to biblical tradition, this is where Moses struck the rock and water miraculously flowed out during the exodus. You climb the hill and walk through the split itself to see the wind and water erosion marks around its base.

Where did Moses meet Zipporah, and what is there to see at that site?

Moses' well at Maqna is where tradition holds that Moses first met Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro (Prophet Shuaib), while he was drawing water for her father's sheep. The well itself remains at the site, marking the place of their encounter.

What are the petroglyphs and inscriptions at Jabal Al Lawz?

Jabal Al Lawz, the highest peak in the Tabuk region, displays ancient rock art including petroglyphs of bovines and the Golden Calf petroglyph. These carvings reflect ancient worship and spiritual practices. Your guide explains their historical and symbolic significance as you explore the site.

How long is the drive, and what's included in the tour price?

The full tour runs ten hours from pickup to return. Included are private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a live guide in English or Arabic, lunch, bottled water, coffee and tea, and all fees and taxes. Hotel pickup is arranged as part of the booking.

Is this tour physically demanding?

The tour involves climbing hills and walking on uneven terrain at multiple sites, so moderate physical fitness is needed. It is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health. Children from age one are welcome, though infants must sit on an adult's lap during transport.