Dadan and Jabal Ikmah

The extraordinary archaeological site of Dadan was the ancient kingdom of the Lihyanite and Dadanite civilizations. Built near an oasis and important trade routes, Dadan was one of the most developed 1st millennium BCE cities in northern Arabia. The site is still being excavated— and you will be able to get a first look at its tombs, village and open-air library—featuring a series of ancient writings and messages carved into rocks (known as Jabal Ikmah). Don't leave without snapping a photo of the famous carved-rock lions flanking one of the tombs.

Like at Hegra, you will be able to tour the full site by vintage Land Rover in the company of one of the on-site Rawis, or "storyteller," guides. (The Rawi program is sponsored by the Royal Commission of AlUla as part of the Vision 2030 tourism development strategy, and it encourages young locals—especially women—to gain education and employment through sharing Saudi heritage and history with visitors.)