Australian adventurer and cyclist Keith Tuffley, based in Switzerland, has curated a unique and luxurious cycling tour around AlUla, Saudi Arabia’s desert cycling capital. Entitled the “AlUla Explorer”, this tour showcases the stunning landscapes and rich heritage of the region, offering travel advisors around the world a chance to explore a truly one-of-a-kind experience for their clients.
Saudi Arabia has firmly positioned itself on the luxury tourism map with the breathtaking desert landscape of AlUla as its cycling epicentre. As seen in the Saudi Tour and through its sponsorship of the men’s and women’s World Tour Team Jayco AlUla, the region has gained international recognition. Located in the province of Medina in the northwest of the Kingdom, AlUla is a city of great historical and cultural significance, with a rich heritage dating back thousands of years. The city is home to many ancient ruins, including the famous AlUla Old Town, and is known for its natural beauty, desert canyons, towering sandstone cliffs, luxury accommodations, and world-class cuisine.
AlUla is a tranquil desert sanctuary that invites adventurers to discover an uncharted new world. If your clients are looking for somewhere different for their winter miles and to escape the cold, this unique, beautiful, and other-worldly destination is a perfect choice. Keith Tuffley’s tour promises a remarkable cycling experience like nowhere else in the world, with ideal temperatures and wondrous landscapes of peculiar rock formations and sandstone mountains.
ALULA EXPLORER – WONDER OF ARABIA
Tour Highlights
- Ride through breathtaking desert landscapes
Explore the unique rock formations and stunning sandstone mountains while riding through the spectacular desert landscape. - Escape to reliably temperate climes
Enjoy consistently warm weather, perfect for cycling enthusiasts. - Climb the same ascents as seen in the Saudi Tour
Challenge yourself with the same ascents that feature in the mountain stages of the Saudi Tour. - Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites
Explore Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, and other significant landmarks. - Discover an ancient kingdom
Journey through a crossroads of civilisations and famous incense trading routes, uncovering AlUla’s rich history. - Relax in luxurious desert resorts
Stay at the 5-star Banyan Tree resort in the Ashar Valley, a desert retreat with luxurious tented villas and a spa. - Savour world-class cuisine
Indulge in international and local delicacies while enjoying spectacularly set Michelin dinners. - Expert planning and support
Benefit from comprehensive support from a team of guides, mechanics, and drivers. - Approval from the Saudi Cycling Federation and Royal Commission for AlUla
Ride with confidence, knowing the tour is approved by both organisations. - Premium rental bikes available
High-quality full-carbon disc brake bikes with Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting are provided.
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Special Post-Ride Activities
After an exhilarating day of cycling, the tour offers special post-ride activities, including cultural tours, adventure escapades, mountain-top lunches, and desert stargazing. These experiences enrich the journey, allowing cyclists to fully immerse themselves in the beauty and history of AlUla.
Tour Dates and Fitness Level
- Tour Dates:
13 November 2024 – 19 November 2024
9 April 2025 – 15 April 2025 - Fitness Level:
Medium – fit enough to ride 2 to 4 hours or 50 to 100 km per day. Optional longer rides can be arranged.
For travel advisors seeking a truly exceptional cycling tour for their clients, Keith Tuffley’s AlUla Explorer Tour is a perfect match. The combination of rich history, stunning natural beauty, superb accommodation, and a range of activities makes AlUla a must-visit destination.
Photo – top of page – copyright GRAND TOURS PROJECT
