Saudi Arabia, From Jeddah to Riyadh

From Mecca to Riyadh, a fascinating journey 4^*

Upon arrival at Jeddah International Airport, you will be transferred to the holy city of Mecca, approximately an hour's drive away.

Your hotel is located about a 5-minute walk from the Holy Site.

Meals are not included, overnight stay at the hotel.

After Fajr prayer in al-Masjid al-Haram, breakfast at your hotel. This day is dedicated to spirituality, to enjoy the atmosphere and recharge your batteries with the positive vibes emanating from the Kaaba as you perform your five daily prayers.

Lunch and dinner on your own, overnight at your hotel

Start your day with the Fajr prayer at al-Masjid al-Haram, then return to the hotel for breakfast. Mecca, Islam's holiest city, is a religious centre where Muslims must make a pilgrimage at least once in their lives. Only Muslims may enter Mecca, and pilgrimage-related services are the main economic activity. The Kaaba is located at the centre of the mosque, and also includes the Black Stone, the Shrine of Ibrahim, Al-Safa and Al-Marwah. Perform the rituals of Umrah at Masjid al-Haram with Tawaf around the Kaaba, one of the main rites of the pilgrimage. Seven complete circles, each starting and ending at the Hajar al-Aswad, make up a Tawaf. Attend the Dhuhr prayer, then continue with the Sa'ee, one of the integral rites of Hajj and Umrah, referring to the ritual of making seven round trips between the two small hills of Safa and Marwa, located next to the Kaaba at al-Masjid al-Haram. You can then return to your hotel for a rest. In the afternoon, return to al-Masjid al-Haram to attend the Asr prayer. Spend the evening at al-Masjid al-Haram until the evening prayers of Maghrib & Isha.

Lunch and dinner at leisure, overnight at hotel

Start your day with the Fajr prayer at al-Masjid al-Haram, then return to the hotel for breakfast. You can take advantage of this day to visit Mecca and its small markets, and enjoy moments of spirituality around the Kaaba in the Great Mosque. You can also repeat the Umrah rituals for loved ones who have not had the chance to visit this holy place. You can also visit other ziyarat places such as Mount Arafat, Mina Valley, Mount Thawr and Mount Nour. In the afternoon, return to al-Masjid al-Haram to attend the Asr prayer. Spend the evening at al-Masjid al-Haram until the evening prayers of al Maghrib & al Isha.

Lunch and dinner are not included, overnight at the hotel

After Fajr prayer at al-Masjid al-Haram, breakfast at your hotel and transfer to Medina. Approximately 4 hours later, arrival in Medina. Welcome to the second holiest city and the cradle of Islamic culture and civilisation. Medina is the fourth most populous city in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is the duty of every Muslim in the world to visit this city at least once and experience its spirituality. Transfer to your hotel on arrival, and, time allowing, you can attend the Dhuhr prayer. The afternoon will be devoted to prayers at the al-Masjid al-Nabawi mosque, built by Muhammad himself (PBUH) in 622 (year 1 of the Hijrah). Islamic scriptures emphasise the sacred nature of Medina. Al-Masjid al-Nabawi is the burial place of the Prophet and his companions, the caliphs Abu Bakr and Omar. It is the second largest mosque in the world and the only one with 10 minarets. The Green Dome was built to cover their sacred tombs.

Lunch and dinner at leisure, overnight at the hotel

After Fajr prayers at al-Masjid al-Nabawi, breakfast at the hotel. You can start your day with a visit to the Quba Mosque, the first mosque ever built, and the Mosque of the Two Qibla (al-Qiblatayn). Then back to the hotel for a short break before spending a spiritual afternoon at al-Masjid an-Nabawi.

Lunch and dinner at the hotel

After Fajr prayer at al-Masjid al-Nabawi, breakfast at the hotel. Head to Mount Uhud, the Uhud Martyrs' Cemetery and pray at the Uhud Mosque. Return to the hotel and continue your spiritual journey at al-Haram al-Nabawi. You can also take advantage of this day to visit ar-Rawdah ach-Chariifah.

Lunch and dinner at the hotel

After breakfast, head to Medina airport to catch your flight to Riyadh. Welcome at Riyadh airport and transfer to your hotel. You have the rest of the day free to visit the Saudi capital.

Lunch and dinner at leisure, overnight stay at the hotel

After breakfast, enjoy a free day to explore Riyadh at your own pace. This dynamic city offers a multitude of activities and sites to discover. You could start with a visit to the famous Kingdom Centre, one of the city's most iconic skyscrapers, offering spectacular panoramic views from its observation deck. For history buffs, the National Museum of Saudi Arabia is a must-see. It traces the history of the country from prehistoric times to the present day. If you prefer a more traditional atmosphere, the al-Thumairi souk is the ideal place to discover local crafts and perhaps even pick up a few souvenirs. Nature lovers can relax in the magnificent gardens of King Abdullah Park, a peaceful green space in the heart of the city. If you are seeking a culinary experience, Riyadh offers a variety of restaurants serving local and international dishes. Finally, don't miss taking a stroll through the historic district of Diriyah, the birthplace of the Saudi dynasty, where you can admire the traditional architecture and learn more about the kingdom's origins. Make the most of your day and discover the many facets of Riyadh!

Lunch and dinner at leisure, overnight stay at the hotel

Breakfast at the hotel, check-out, transfer to the airport to catch your return flight.

Entry requirements for Saudi Arabia:

Visa

Since 27 September 2019, Saudi Arabia has been issuing tourist visas to nationals of 49 countries, including the UK. According to the Saudi authorities, it is possible to apply for this type of visa directly on arrival, thanks to special terminals at Riyadh and Jeddah airports. However, British nationals wishing to travel to Saudi Arabia are advised to apply for an electronic visa in advance via Saudi Visa (https://visa.visitsaudi.com/). In all cases, visitors must be able to present the necessary documents on arrival, particularly with regard to medical insurance.

The Saudi authorities will not issue visas to holders of passports with Israeli visas or stamps.

Customs regulations

On arrival in Saudi Arabia, luggage is generally subject to detailed inspection. Import bans on certain goods must be observed to avoid confiscation and a lengthy search.

For further information, please contact the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in the UK (https://embassies.mofa.gov.sa/sites/uk/EN/Pages/default.aspx).

Customs and practices

Certain social and religious rules must be respected:

The import and consumption of alcohol and pork are totally prohibited in Saudi Arabia. Imported cultural products (books, DVDs, magazines, etc.) must conform to local standards of decency.

Foreign women are no longer required to wear an "abaya" (a long dress covering the entire body). However, women are advised to wear loose-fitting clothing and avoid short sleeves and dresses above the knee.

Men should wear trousers and avoid shorts or Bermuda shorts.

Islam is the only religion allowed in Saudi Arabia. All manifestations of affiliation to other religions (practice, proselytism, symbols, etc.) are prohibited.

Only Muslims are allowed to visit Mecca, where access is strictly controlled. As for Medina, access to the Prophet's Mosque is forbidden to non-Muslims.

During the month of Ramadan, travellers should take special care to respect Saudi customs and practices.

Saudis strictly observe the fasting period. It is absolutely forbidden to eat, drink or smoke in public on pain of arrest and deportation. Women must pay particular attention to their dress code.