Ancient Arabia

A town in the north-west of Saudi Arabia has opened to visitors after three years’ restoration. Established in the 12th century, Alula Old Town was a significant stop for traders and pilgrims, but it fell into decline in the 1980s. Now you can join a rawi (storyteller) on a tour or explore the town independently. Wander around 900 mud-brick homes, see a renovated sundial, citadel and mosques and visit ‘Incense Road’, which is lined with fruit stalls and handicrafts. experiencealula.com