Saudi Arabia, Jeddah

Alliance between faith and culture, from Mecca to Jeddah 4^*

After completing the formalities upon arrival at Jeddah International Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel in the holy city of Mecca. About an hour later, you will arrive in the holiest city and cradle of Islam. Check in at the hotel. Today is dedicated to spirituality, so you can enjoy the sacred atmosphere and absorb the positive energy emanating from the Kaaba as you perform your Umrah rituals at al-Masjid al-Haram.

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

After Fajr prayer at Al-Masjid Al-Haram, breakfast at your hotel, then you can also do other optional "ziarates" such as Mount Arafat, Mina Valley, Mount Thur and Mount Nour. Early afternoon transfer to Medina. Around 4 hours later, arrival in Medina. Welcome to the second holiest city and the cradle of Islamic culture and civilization. Medina is the fourth most populous city in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Transfer to your hotel on arrival, and if time permits, you can attend the Maghreb prayer at the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi mosque, built by the Prophet Muhammad himself in 622 (year 1 of the Hejra). It is the second largest mosque in the world and the only one with 10 minarets. The Green Dome, beneath which lie the sacred tombs of the Prophet Muhammad, as well as those of Abu Bakr and Omar.

After Fajr prayers at Al-Masjid Al-Haram, breakfast at your hotel, followed by optional tours of Mount Arafat, Mina Valley, Mount Thur and Mount Nour. Early afternoon transfer to Medina. Around 4 hours later, arrival in Medina. Welcome to the second holiest city and the cradle of Islamic culture and civilization. Medina is the fourth most populous city in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Transfer to your hotel on arrival, and if time permits, you can attend the Maghreb prayer at the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi mosque, built by the Prophet Muhammad himself in 622 (year 1 of the Hejra). It is the second largest mosque in the world and the only one with 10 minarets. The Green Dome, beneath which lie the sacred tombs of the Prophet Muhammad, as well as those of Abu Bakr and Omar.

After Fajr prayer at Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, breakfast at the hotel. You can devote the morning to a moment of spirituality at Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, then visit Medina's "ziarates" (optional sites) such as the Quba Mosque, Uhud Mountain or the Medina Museum... In the afternoon you'll take the train to Jeddah, where you can enjoy free time to explore Jeddah at your own pace. This dynamic, cosmopolitan city offers a multitude of activities and sites to discover.

Lunch and dinner at leisure, overnight at hotel

After Fajr prayer at Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, breakfast at the hotel. You can devote the morning to a moment of spirituality at Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, then take in Medina's \ziarates\ such as the Quba Mosque, Uhud Mountain or the Medina Museum... In the afternoon you'll take the train to Jeddah where you can enjoy free time to explore Jeddah at your own pace. This dynamic, cosmopolitan city offers a multitude of activities and sites to discover.

Lunch and dinner at leisure, overnight at hotel

After your breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred 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.