Itchy Boots in Saudi Arabia

Over 170,000 kilometers, 60 countries and 5 different motorcycles - Itchy Boots, the intrepid Dutch biker and travel vlogger, has captivated millions with her daring solo adventures around the world. From the rugged trails of the Himalayas to the vast deserts of South America, Noraly (or also known as Noor Ali in Saudi Arabia 😉 ) brings her expeditions to life with raw honesty, breathtaking cinematography and infectious enthusiasm.

Itchy Boots visits Hatima, Saudi Arabia's most beautiful volcanic crater

Her latest trip takes her through Saudi Arabia visiting Hail and the volcanic crater Hatima. Hatima is the most famous volcanic crater in the high mountains of the village of Taba, known as the Salma Mountains located in the region of Hail in northern Saudi Arabia. Historians named it (Hutima) because of its low land surrounded by rocky hills. Today, this volcano is inactive. What makes this crater special is its uniqueness: you can see for yourself how the water turns into mounds of salt after drying up.

Enclosed between Mount Shammer in the north and Mount Salma in the south, the city of Hail was once the capital of the Arabian desert. Hail is located on the edge of the Al Nefud Desert, and no visit to this city is complete without a trip to these majestic red sand dunes. The rock carvings in the region (UNESCO World Heritage Site) are also worth a visit.

For the slice of history and culture, visit the Hail Local Heritage Museum. Another place of interest is the Hail Market. Located in the center of town, this popular market sells handmade crafts, fruits and vegetables, including the famous dates of Saudi Arabia.

Hegra, or also called the Petra of Saudi Arabia

In her second episode, she visits Hegra, or the Petra of Saudi Arabia. The archaeological site Hegra is the first UNESCO World Heritage site in Saudi Arabia. This area, formerly known as Madain Saleh, is the main settlement of the Nabataeans south of Petra in Jordan. The site houses impressive, well-preserved tombs with richly decorated facades dating from the 1st century BC to the 1st century AD.

The site contains about 50 inscriptions from the pre-Nabatese period, as well as several petroglyphs. Hegra stands as unique evidence of the Nabatean civilization. With its 111 monumental tombs - 94 of which are beautifully decorated - and ancient wells, this site uniquely demonstrates the architectural highlights and hydraulic engineering expertise of the Nabataeans.

She also made a brief stop at the Maraya Concert Hall. This extraordinary building is much more than just a concert hall; it is a symbol of modernity, cultural evolution, and Saudi Arabia's growing ambitions as a travel destination. With its enchanting design and advanced technologies, the Maraya Concert Hall attracts not only artists and music lovers, but also curious visitors from all over the world. The Maraya Concert Hall is located in the heart of AlUla in the Ashar Valley, a beautiful national park that introduces you to the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia. This idyllic location is characterized by its impressive rock formations, lush landscapes, and relaxed atmosphere, making it the perfect place for those who want to immerse themselves in nature.

After this, she visited the Elephant Rock. It is an insane rock formation eroded by wind and water that impresses. Lean back and watch as the golden light of the setting sun seems to bring the 50-foot-tall sandstone beast to life.

She makes her final stop in the old town of AlUla where time seems to have stood still. Here you can wander delightfully through the maze of historic alleys and hundreds of houses built of mud brick. This is AlUla's Old Town, whose winding paths are steeped in memories dating back almost a century. Be enchanted by the town's authentic charm as the sun slowly sets.

Wadi Disah, vertical red cliffs, swaying tall grass and palm trees

From AlUla, she then drives to Wadi Disah. Wadi Disah is located Near Tabuk in northern Saudi Arabia. Wadi Disah resembles an otherworldly mix of the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley - an epic collection of sandstone pillars, where the dusty amber desert landscape is punctuated by a valley of swaying tall grass and palm trees. Whether you visit the valley by foot, motorcycle or four-wheel-drive vehicle, be sure to be here when the sun casts a beautiful glow over the rock formations. The best time to visit Wadi Disah is in winter, when there is more chance of water in the wadi.

Madinah, along with Makkah the cradle of Islam

From the coastal town of Al Wajh, she continued her journey to Madinah, located in western Saudi Arabia, is visited by millions of pilgrims every year. The Prophet's Mosque is the literal and figurative highlight - the colossal building seats one million worshippers and is the beating heart of Madinah. It is said that the Prophet built, right on this very spot, a modest mosque of palm tree trunks and clay. Non-Muslims cannot visit the Prophet's Mosque.

Madinah still plays a major role in religion today. The giant Masjid an-Nabawi, or the Prophet's Mosque, is one of the three sacred sites in Islam. Every year, millions of pilgrims visit the imposing structure, often before or after the umrah, the small pilgrimage during which pious rituals are performed, or the hajj, the obligatory pilgrimage to Makkah. For Muslims, visiting the mosque in Madinah is not mandatory. Although it is highly recommended to them.

Jeddah, from Al-Balad to the Red Sea

From Madinah, it is about a 4-hour drive to Jeddah. Jeddah is a modern metropolis with an ancient soul. Al-Balad, the Old City, is a historic maze where Thousand and One Nights fairy tales seem to become reality. Stroll through the souks and narrow alleys of Al-Balad and be blown away by the many impressions. The old, seventh-century center is an Arab gem with a Mediterranean atmosphere. A maze of more than 650 historic buildings made of coral stone, glue stone and wood. Elaborate wooden rawasheen balconies hang from the facades, tropical plants climb up the walls and the smell of fresh spices meets you on every street corner. Stroll through the souks and narrow alleys and be blown away by the many impressions while visiting Al-Balad.

Thee Ain, one of the most beautiful villages in Saudi Arabia

In her latest episode, she explores Al Baha - more specifically, the beautiful ancient village of Thee Ain. This village, often considered one of Saudi Arabia's most beautiful hidden gems, looks like it's straight out of a fairy tale. From a distance, the cube-shaped slate houses, stacked like LEGO bricks, resemble a charming Tuscan hill fortress. Narrow, winding alleys meander between the buildings, whispering stories of centuries past.

The most striking thing? In Europe, a place like this would be overrun with tourists - but here you probably have the village all to yourself. Itchy Boots proves once again that the most magical places on earth are often the most unexpected.

Welcome to Saudi Arabia!