These newly-discovered ancient cities in the Middle East have us ready to hop on a plane tomorrow and see what few people have seen before.
By Leslie K. Hughes
As much as we love a good old missionary romp in the sack, isn’t it more fun to try something new? Because what’s sexier than exploring something, or somewhere that almost no one has explored before?
This time we aren’t talking sex, though we suggest you have plenty of that while taking a trip to the three destinations that have the top spots on our travel list for 2021. #sextinations
Don’t get us wrong – we love places like Tulum that are undoubtedly a vibe we can get down with. However, there is something thrilling about venturing beyond the places that have taken over Instagram and instead, traveling to destinations that very few people have been.
If you’re feeling adventurous, don’t sleep on this opportunity to be amongst the first to travel to three recently-discovered ancient cities. Yes, that’s right – three ancient cities have been discovered and are open for you to see with your own eyes. Just when a pandemic made you feel like the world seemed small, new ancient cities are discovered that date back to between 2,000 and 5,000 years ago. Turns out the world is not small, but rather a grand place full of destinations yet to be experienced.
If traveling back in time while also enjoying the luxuries of the modern world sounds like your cup of tea, read on to learn more about the places that are on the top of our travel list for 2021.
AlUla | Saudi Arabia
Recently re-discovered is AlUla, one of the oldest cities in the Arabian Peninsula. It is home to Hegra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the second city of the Nabataean kingdom. The epic Hegra sat undisturbed for nearly 2,000 years, but less than a year ago, Saudi Arabia opened the site to visitors.
The rock formations here at Hegra are similar to what you’ll find in Petra, but we love that Hegra is not flooded with the million annual visitors that Petra is. The history of this place is worth a deep dive before visiting, as the ancient empire that led to its creation is one full of rich stories that shaped much of the region’s modern-day culture.
This area is also home to the newly-discovered Mustatils, a landscape made up of thousands of monumental structures built from rock that are older than the Egyptian pyramids and the ancient stone circles of Britain. This may be the earliest ritual landscape in existence.
Another reason to love this place? Here is where they found the earliest physical evidence of the domesticated dog in Arabia.
Though you’ll likely spend your time in AlUla taking a look into the past and imagining what life was like over 2,000 years ago, you will also have the chance to look to the future when you stay at Habitas AlUla, a sister property of the famous Habitas Tulum. This experiential resort is slated to open in the fall of 2021 and will be a community-focused and eco-friendly resort in the desert canyons of Ashar Valley.
Rise of Aten | Egypt
The discovery of King Tut’s tomb nearly 100 years ago was the most important architectural find in Egypt. Keyword: was. There is a new sheriff in town that has rocked the archaeological world – Rise of Aten.
This 3,000-year-old city is the biggest ancient municipality in the country. Walls here are intact up to 10 feet high and a large ancient bakery was discovered with ovens and storage pottery. Other finds including pottery and rings have been found over the last few weeks that helped archaeologists to date the city.
Imagine wandering around the largest ancient city ever and then capping your night at a resort on the east bank of the River Nile. Sofitel Winter Palace is the place to stay during your visit to Rise of Aten not only because it oozes luxury, but also because it is where Agatha Cristie wrote her famous “Death of the Nile” book, and also where they revealed the discovery of King Tut’s Tomb. Talk about epic.
En Sur | Israel
If you thought a 3,000-year-old city was ancient, try En Sur, a lost city north of Tel Aviv that dates back 5,000 years.
En Sur was accidentally discovered in 2019 during excavations that were happening to build a new road in the area. Now, the plans for the road have changed to go above the ruins. What stands now as remnants of the city of En Sur was once the New York City of its time. It features planned roads, neighborhoods, and more. This city marks the beginning of urbanization in Israel.
Take a trip through the past while here, and then venture to the brand new and modern Soho House Tel Aviv, due to open in the spring of 2021. This former convent-turned-bougie-hangout also has 24 bedrooms that provide you with an exclusive experience.
So if you’re feeling ready to get outside of your comfort zone and explore the past that may change your future, start planning your trip to these destinations today.
main image by @kosmaskoumianos
