Saudi Arabia, From Riyadh to Jeddah

To the heart of Saudi Arabia's essential destinations 4^*

Arrival at Riyadh Airport. Once the requisite formalities have been completed, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Welcome to the amazing capital of Saudi Arabia.
You have the rest of the day free to visit the Saudi capital.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Riyadh.

Following breakfast, you will proceed to the airport for your scheduled flight to Medina. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met for transfer to Medina. Welcome to Medina, the second holiest city and the cradle of Islamic culture and civilisation. It is incumbent upon all Muslims worldwide to visit this city at least once and experience its spirituality. Transfer to your hotel on arrival and, time-permitting, you can attend the Duhr prayer. The afternoon will be dedicated to prayers at the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi mosque, constructed by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in 622 (year 1 of the Hijra). Al-Masjid an-Nabawi is the final resting place of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions, the Caliphs Abu Bakr and Omar. It is the second largest mosque in the world, and the only one to feature 10 minarets.

After this long day, you will spend the night in Medina.

Meals included: Breakfast

Following the Fajr prayer, you will enjoy breakfast at the hotel before being transferred to Mecca. Around 4 hours later, arrival in the holy city. The following day is dedicated to spiritual pursuits. Guests are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to immerse themselves in the atmosphere and benefit from the positive energy surrounding the Kaaba as they perform their Umrah rituals at Al-Masjid al-Haram.

Overnight stay in Mecca.

Meals included: Breakfast

The day begins with the Fajr prayer at Al-Masjid al-Haram, after which guests are invited to return to the hotel for breakfast. You can take advantage of this day to visit Mecca and its small markets and enjoy spiritual moments around the Kaaba in the Great Mosque. Furthermore, there is the option of undertaking additional "ziyarats", including Mount Arafat, the Mina Valley, Mount Thur, and Mount Nour. In the afternoon, proceed to Al-Masjid al-Haram to attend the Asr prayer. Spend the evening at the Al-Masjid al-Haram until the Al-Maghrib and Al-Ishaa evening prayers.

Overnight stay in Mecca.

Meals included: Breakfast

Following the Fajr prayer, breakfast will be served at the hotel, after which you will depart for Jeddah. Enjoy a free day to explore Jeddah at your own pace. This vibrant and diverse city boasts a plethora of activities and attractions for visitors to explore.

The Jeddah Corniche, a magnificent seafront promenade, is an ideal location to start your day, offering visitors the opportunity to relax and admire the panoramic views of the Red Sea. The promenade offers a variety of green spaces, playgrounds, and cafés for your enjoyment.

We then recommend a visit to the historic district of Al-Balad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the narrow streets and discover traditional coral houses, vibrant marketplaces, and craft shops. Don't miss a visit to Naseef House, a remarkable example of local architecture.

Overnight stay in Jeddah.

Meals included: Breakfast

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

Meals included: Breakfast

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).

Traditions 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.

Certain aspects of private life are considered indecent (adultery, homosexuality, etc.) and are severely punished. The consumption and trafficking of alcohol and drugs are also punished severely.