Saudi Arabia, From Jeddah to Medina

A unique Umrah experience in Saudi Arabia 4^*

Arriving at Jeddah International Airport, you'll be greeted and taken to the holy city of Mecca, having completed all the formalities. You will reach the cradle of Islam, the holiest city, in approximately one hour. Check-in at your hotel.
Meals at your leisure and overnight stay at the hotel.

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

Lunch and dinner on your own, overnight at hotel.

Start your day with the Fajr prayer at Al-Masjid al-Haram, then return to the hotel for breakfast. Mecca, the holiest city in Islam, is a religious centre where Muslims must make a pilgrimage at least once in their lives. Only Muslims can enter Mecca, and pilgrimage-related services are the main economic activity. The Great Mosque contains the Kaaba. 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 the Al-Masjid al-Haram with Tawaf around the Kaaba, one of the main rites of the pilgrimage. Seven complete circles, each beginning and ending at Hajar al-Aswad, make up a Tawaf. Attend the Zuhr prayer, then continue with the spiritual return (Sa'i), 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 the 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 Al Maghrib and Al Ishaa.

Lunch and dinner at leisure, overnight at the 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 your loved ones who have not had the chance to visit this holy place. You can also do other ziyarahs such as Mount Arafat, the Mina Valley, Mount Thur and Mount Nour. In the afternoon, return to the 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 Ishaa.

Lunch and dinner on your own, overnight at the hotel.

Start your day with the Fajr prayer at Al-Masjid Al-Haram, then return to the hotel for breakfast. Today, enjoy a day in Mecca at your own pace. This holy city offers a wealth of opportunities to deepen your spiritual experience and discover its hidden treasures. Take time to meditate and reflect in this emblematic place of Islam. Then wander the bustling streets of Mecca and explore the local markets for souvenirs and religious items. For a relaxing break, head to one of the city's many cafes or restaurants. Try local dishes and enjoy Saudi hospitality. To learn more about the history and culture of Mecca, visit the Museum of the Two Holy Mosques, which has fascinating exhibitions on the history of Islam and the holy sites. Finish your day with a peaceful stroll around the Grand Mosque, taking in the lights and spiritual atmosphere of the city. Use this day to recharge your batteries and connect more deeply with the essence of Mecca.

Lunch and dinner on your own, nights at the hotel.

After the Fajr prayer at Al-Masjid al-Haram, breakfast at your hotel and transfer to Medina. Arrival in Medina approximately 4 hours later. Welcome to the second holiest city and the cradle of Islamic culture and civilisation. Medina is the fourth largest 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. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel and time permitting, you may wish to attend the Zuhr prayer. The afternoon will be devoted to prayers at the Al-Masjid al-Nabawi Mosque, built by Muhammad (PBUH) himself in 622 (year 1 of the Hijra). Islamic scriptures emphasise the holiness of Medina. Al-Masjid al-Nabawi is the burial place of the Prophet (PBUH) 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 the Sacred Tombs. Overnight in Medina after a long day.

After the Fajr prayer at Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, breakfast at the hotel. You can start your day by visiting the Quba Mosque, the world's first mosque, and the Mosque of the Two Qiblas (Al Qiblatain). Return to the hotel for a short break before a spiritual afternoon at the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi.

Lunch and dinner at your leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

After Fajr prayer at Al-Masjid al-Nabawi, breakfast at the hotel. You will head towards Mount Uhud, the cemetery of the martyrs of Uhud, and to pray at the Uhud Mosque. Return to the hotel and continue your spiritual life at Al Haram al-Nabawi. You can also take advantage of this day to visit Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifa.

Lunch and dinner on your own, overnight at the hotel.

After the Fajr prayer at Al-Masjid al-Nabawi, breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day exploring Medina at your own pace. This holy city, the cradle of Islamic culture and civilisation, offers many opportunities to deepen your spiritual experience and discover its hidden treasures. Take time to pray and meditate and soak up the peaceful, spiritual atmosphere. Afterwards, stroll through the streets of Medina and explore the local markets. The Al-Qiblatain souk is an excellent place to buy souvenirs, religious items and handicrafts. You'll also find spices, textiles and traditional jewellery. For a relaxing break, head to one of the city's many cafes or restaurants. Be sure to try some of Medina's culinary specialities. To learn more about Medina's history, visit the Qibbaa Mosque, the world's first mosque, and Mount Uhud, the site of a famous battle. The Uhud Martyrs' Cemetery is a poignant site that bears witness to the city's rich and complex history. Finish your day with a peaceful stroll around the Al-Masjid al-Nabawi Mosque. Soak up the lights and spiritual atmosphere of the city. Make the most of this free day to recharge your batteries and connect more deeply with the spirituality of Medina.

Breakfast at the hotel, then transfer to the airport for 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.