Tayma Heritage Tour

Oct 26, 2023 - Mar 09, 2024

Discover the 'Land of Kings' and learn how Tayma has played a pivotal role in the history of ancient Arabia.

Tour duration: Up to 4 hours
Distance from AlUla: 191km (2h 45min drive)
Tour options: Live tour guide or audio guide

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Book with transfer service from AlUla

Tayma Welcome Centre

Tayma’s story is one of legacy, power and legend. A destination with an outstanding history of ancient cultures, today’s travellers can journey along the famed Incense Road to reach Tayma – the land of the last Babylonian King and other extraordinary figures embedded into the region’s steep history.

Tour Highlights

Tayma Camp

In between AlUla and Tayma, this recreation of a Bedouin camp offers an immersive insight into how they lived, as well as offering travellers traditional hospitality such as coffee and dates.

*Included with your Tayma tour from 26 Oct 2023 - 1 Mar 2024 | Daily

King Nabonidus Parade

Enjoy an exquisite display of colour and creativity in this celebration of Tayma's history. It recounts the story of the region's earliest inhabitants and their profound and enduring influence.

*The Parade is available for limited time only from 16 Nov 2023 to 27 Jan 2024 | Thu - Sat

The Palace Guest

This immersive event will offer visitors an exclusive invitation to be the 'Governor's Guest' in AlRumman Palace for a traditional celebration and unforgettable experience.

*The event is available for limited time only from 16 Nov 2023 to 27 Jan 2024 | Thu - Sat

The Ancient Temple of Salm

This 3000-year-old Iron Age temple complex had been buried for hundreds of years till it was rediscovered in the 1970s. It continues to reveal artefacts of archaeological and historic interest.

Qasr AlRadhm

This palace ruin dates from the first half of the 6th century BCE and was one of the residences of Babylonian King Nabonidus. Its strategic location served to control the lucrative trade routes.

Bir Haddaj

A hydraulic wonder dating back to the 6th century BCE, the well at Bir Haddaj has been a cherished site at the heart of the community for generations, giving life to the surrounding oasis.

Souq AlNajem

An oasis trail and marketplace that carries evidence of Tayma's status as an eminent oasis along the famed Incense Road, Souq AlNajm still holds living traditions of local crafts and customs.

Qasr Ibn Rumman

With the original building from the 1700s, the main palace was added in 1916 and 1919. Not only the Governor's workplace, this castle was also his family home.

Qasr AlTalaq

Using the architectural design based on the style of high-status buildings in the nearby city of Hail, this palace was built over two hundred and fifty years ago as the personal residence of the AlTalaq family.

Tayma Tour

Ticket Types

From 26 Oct 2023 to 9 Mar 2024 Tayma Heritage Tour

Explore the fascinating history of Tayma, once home to legendary personalities such as the last native Babylonian king. You can also enjoy a range of immersive experiences from ancient reenactments to musical performances.

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From 26 Oct 2023 to 9 Mar 2024 Tayma Day Trip including return transfer from AlUla

This day-long excursion to the Land of Kings includes return transfer from AlUla to Tayma. Discover Tayma's network of heritage sites that continue to fascinate archaeologists worldwide and experience the unprecedented ancient and recent history of Tayma.

Return transfer from AlUla to Tayma, available at 10 am daily.

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Key information

Duration: Up to 4 hours
Distance: Tayma is 191km (2h 45min drive) from AlUla
Tayma Camp: Rest area between AlUla and Tayma, location here
Meeting location: Tayma Welcome Centre, check in at the Welcome Centre for a short brief before starting your tour.
Arrival time: 15 minutes before booking time
Parking & Transportation:

If driving from Tayma or surrounding areas, please arrive at the Welcome Centre at The Ancient Temple of Salm and park your car at the complimentary parking area.
Tours including Transfer from AlUla depart from AlUla daily at 10:00 am; complimentary parking is available at Winter Park.

Tour timings

Guided Tours
Two slots daily: 1 pm & 3 pm

Self-guided tours with audio guide
Two slots daily: 11 am & 4 pm

Getting to the venue

Tayma Heritage Tour:

Does not include transfers to Tayma. Pick-up and drop-off transfer on your regular ticket not included.
Meeting point: Welcome Centre at The Ancient Temple of Salm
Arrival time: promptly 15 minutes prior to your tour start time to check in.

Tayma Day Trip including transfer from AlUla:

Return transfer from AlUla to Tayma, available at 10:00 am daily.
Meeting point: Winter Park Visitor Centre
Arrival time: 15 minutes before departure time of 10 am

*Late arrivals will not be eligible for a refund.

What's included

The weekday ticket gives you a fascinating tour of the Tayma site plus reenactments and pop-up performances, while a weekend ticket adds a colourful parade and immersive experience.

Weekend ticket | Thu - Sat

Tayma Heritage Tour – Explore six historical highlights with an expert guide around the Tayma site.
Tayma LIVE! – Watch how locals used to draw water from the ancient Bir Haddaj well, along with storytelling and music, from 26 October to 31 January (in line with Tayma tour ticket times It will be part of Bir Haddaj tour timing)
Running on Wed, Thurs, Fri and Sat only
The Palace Guest – Immerse yourself in live performances that offer a true insight into the history of Qasr Ibn Rumman. from 16 November - 27 January
4 Slots, from 12 pm 4 PM - in line with Tayma tour ticket times.
King Nabonidus’ Parade – Enjoy an exquisite display of colour and creativity in this celebration of Tayma's history, from 16 November. - 27 January - open on Thurs, Fri, Sat only.

Weekday ticket | Sun - Wed

Tayma Heritage Tour – Explore six historical highlights with an expert guide around the Tayma site.
Tayma LIVE! – Watch how locals used to draw water from the ancient Bir Haddaj well, along with storytelling and music, , from 26 October to 31 January (in line with Tayma tour ticket times It will be part of Bir Haddaj tour timing) (Wed only)
The Palace Guest – Immerse yourself in live performances that offer a true insight into the history of Qasr Ibn Rumman. from 16 November - 27 January
4 Slots, from 12 pm 4 PM - in line with Tayma tour ticket times.

Tour Itinerary with AlUla transfer

10:00 am Departure from Winter park. *Please arrive 15 minutes before departure time.
11:30 am Arrival at Tayma Camp - In between AlUla and Tayma, this recreation of a Bedouin camp offers an immersive insight into how they lived, as well as offering travellers traditional hospitality such as coffee and date.
1:00 pm Arrival to Tayma Visitor centre to start your tour
4:00 pm Departure from Tayma
7:00 pm Arrive to AlUla

Know before you go

Please bring your ID and ticket for check-in.
For those travelling from AlUla to Tayma, it is suggested to bring a copy or photo of your passport for travel purposes.
Late arrivals or no shows may result in you forfeiting your experience.
Guests should wear comfortable outdoor clothing with closed-toe walking shoes or boots.
Some sites visited lack shade and can be hot under direct sunlight; we strongly recommend you bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Early mornings and desert nights can be chilly; we strongly recommend you bring a warm jacket.
This tour involves a fair amount of walking.
The journey time between AlUla and Tayma is up to 3 hours each way.