Ancient Wonders at Your Doorstep | AlUla Attractions Guide
AlUla is one of the world’s great undiscovered destinations, a living museum spanning 200,000 years of human civilisation. Dar Tantora’s position inside the Old Town places guests at the very heart of it all.
Hegra
Distance: 20 km ~ 25 min.
Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. 110 monumental Nabataean sandstone tombs, an AR experience, wildlife tours and the Hegra Welcome Centre. The hotel team can assist with booking tickets and guided experiences at Hegra.
Dadan
Distance: 5 kms ~10 min.
Ancient capital of the Dadan and Lihyan kingdoms. The iconic Lion Tomb, active archaeological excavations, and Jabal Ikmah, UNESCO Memory of the World. Site highlights include:
– The iconic Lion Tomb of Dadan
– A chance to interact with archaeologists and witness discoveries being made
in real time at one of the world’s most active archaeological sites
– Jabal Ikmah, one of the world’s best sources of Dadanite and Lihyanite inscriptions. Hundreds of rock carvings adorn this ‘open library’. Jabal Ikmah was included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World register in 2023.
Wadi AlNaam
Distance: 30 km ~ 35 min
Ancient ostrich hunting ground of the Dadan people. Rich in petroglyphs and inscriptions dating across thousands of years, including the iconic square-bodied ostriches.
Site highlights include:
– Plethora of inscriptions to be discovered on heritage trails, with historic storytelling and stunning viewpoints set within the Jabal Ikmah valley
Khaybar
Distance: 130 km ~90 min
Ancient oasis born from desert volcanic activity. The Oasis Soundscape, Khaybar Bedouin Camp and dining at Takya in a restored historic dwelling.
Site highlights include:
– Natural and cultural heritage in equal parts – panoramic views and an immersion into the sounds and stories of this oasis, which supports a rich variety of plant and animal life along with a unique cultural heritage of its own
– Khaybar Bedouin Camp, an immersive desert camp that serves as an ideal stop-off en route to Khaybar. Hosted by locals and set in grand tents inspired by centuries of bedouin tradition, visitors are offered traditional food and drink alongside handicrafts and family-focussed heritage performances.
– The Oasis Soundscape, presenting a bespoke visitor journey where sound, performance and landscape beautifully combine in a setting like no other
– Unbeatable views while dining in Takya, located in a restored historic dwelling at AlRawan Viewpoint
Tayma
Once the residence of Nabonidus, the last native King of Babylon, Tayma is a seat of prestige and power through chapters in history. Site highlights include:
– Saudi Arabia’s largest well, the Bir Haddaj, as well as palaces and fortresses with their own legends
– Tayma Bedouin Camp, an ideal stop-off en route to Tayma: Land of the Kings. Set in grand tents inspired by centuries of Bedouin tradition, the camp offers delicious food and authentic handicrafts alongside cultural performances, camel riding and falconry
– Tayma LIVE! is a reenactment show presenting Tayma and its iconic landmark Bir Haddaj – one of the largest wells of Arabia. A hydraulic wonder dating back to the sixth Century, Bir Haddaj has been a cherished site at the heart of community life for generations
– King Nabonidus Parade, a dramatic show experience, starring the iconic and enigmatic last Babylonian King Nabonidus, whose decade-long presence in Tayma is shrouded in mystery and intrigue
– The Palace Guest: An Immersive Experience. For the first time in over a century, Tayma’s grand AlRumman Palace is opening its doors to visitors for an unforgettable theatrical experience. Explore the Palace’s complex maze of pathways, courtyards, mosques, and a jail, in this immersive experience of performance and storytelling.
– Enjoy lunch or dinner in Mirzam alongside the historic Bir Haddaj well. Mirzam’s menu features the flavours of the highlands alongside other Saudi Arabian specialties.
AlUla Old Town
Walking distance
The hotel is inside the Old Town. Mud-brick homes, traditional murals, a watchtower fort and the Incense Road market. Weekend cultural activities year-round.
Site highlights include:
– A labyrinth of traditional mud brick homes with a treasure of murals that continue to be restored and preserved, leading up to the Old Town Fort and onwards to the Incense Road market
– Join in the weekend highlights as the area comes alive with family-friendly activities that celebrate the vibrant culture of AlUla
AlUla Oasis
Distance: 3 km ~ 8 min
Known as Daimumah, vibrant date groves and moringa trees, home to the farm-to-fork Heart of the Oasis restaurant by Chef Susy Massetti.
Site highlights include:
– Vibrant date groves, sprawling moringa trees and fragrant citrus scents – providing a backdrop to an array of agricultural practices and traditional crafts
– Heart of the Oasis – a world class restaurant with a farm-to-fork approach. It combines the talent of Chef Susy Massetti with the finest local produce, taking inspiration from traditional Saudi cooking techniques.
Experience highlights
Immerse yourself in nature with this 4km hike through the Hidden Valley within the Sharaan Nature Reserve.
Take your adventure to the next level with rock climbing on the spectacular rocks of AlUla.
Take a leap on the Giant Swing in AlUla swinging over 85 metres above the ground into a 70-metre arc in a stunning canyon.
The first of its kind in the region, the AlUla Stairway takes you up a 45-metre ladder with a zipline back down.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
Where is Dar Tantora The House Hotel located?
Dar Tantora The House Hotel is located inside AlUla Old Town itself, address: 375 Old Town, 43562, AlUla, Saudi Arabia. It is not simply near the Old Town. The hotel is physically set within the ancient mud-brick buildings that form this extraordinary heritage site, placing guests at the living heart of AlUla’s history.
How far is Dar Tantora from AlUla International Airport?
AlUla International Airport (IATA: ULH) is 34 km from Dar Tantora, approximately a 30-minute drive by car. The hotel offers on-demand classical car airport transfers. Contact dartantora@kertenhospitality.com or call +966 53 400 3939 to arrange pick-up.
What makes Dar Tantora’s location unique?
Dar Tantora is one of the only hotels in the world set inside a living, UNESCO-recognised historic Old Town. Guests sleep within the same mud-brick walls that sheltered traders, pilgrims and families on the ancient Incense Road for thousands of years. The hotel is steps from AlUla Oasis and Dadan, and approximately 20 km from Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How far is Dar Tantora from Hegra?
Hegra (Al-Hijr), Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, is approximately 20 km from Dar Tantora The House Hotel in AlUla Old Town, roughly a 25-minute drive. The hotel team can assist with booking tickets and guided experiences at Hegra.
Is Dar Tantora a luxury hotel?
Yes. Dar Tantora The House Hotel is classified as a 5-star heritage hotel (Darry Al-Qadimeh, licence 71146001148). It combines authentic Saudi heritage architecture, ancient mud-brick buildings, traditional murals and historic courtyards, with refined luxury hospitality inside AlUla’s extraordinary Old Town.
How do I get to AlUla from Riyadh or Jeddah?
AlUla is served by AlUla International Airport (ULH) with direct flights from Riyadh (RUH) and Jeddah (JED). From the airport it is 34 km, approximately 30 minutes, to Dar Tantora inside AlUla Old Town. The hotel offers on-demand classical car transfers on request.