Saudi Arabia, Jeddah

A journey to the rhythm of Saudi traditions 4^*

Upon arrival at Jeddah Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel in Mecca. The journey to the Holy City will take approximately one hour.

This day is dedicated to spirituality, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy the spiritual atmosphere and positive vibes emanating from the Kaaba as they perform their Umrah rituals at Al-Masjid al-Haram.

Make your own dinner arrangements and overnight stay at the hotel.

Following the Fajr prayer at Al-Masjid al-Haram, breakfast will be served at your hotel. The day offers the opportunity to visit Mecca and its markets, as well as to experience spiritual moments around the Kaaba in the Great Mosque. Furthermore, there is the option of completing other "ziyarats", including Mount Arafat, the Mina Valley, Mount Thur, and Mount Nour. In the afternoon, return 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.

Make your own dining arrangements, overnight stay at the hotel

Following the Fajr prayer at Al-Masjid al-Haram, you will enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to Medina. Around 4 hours later, arrival in Medina. Welcome to Medina, 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. Transfer to your hotel on arrival and, time-permitting, you will be able to attend the Duhr prayer. The afternoon will be dedicated to attending prayers at the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi mosque. Islamic scriptures place great emphasis on the sacred status of Medina. 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 boasts the distinction of having ten minarets. The Green Dome is the final resting place of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), as well as that of Abu Bakr and Omar.

Make your own dining arrangements and overnight stay at the hotel

Following the Fajr prayers at Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, breakfast will be served at the hotel. The morning offers the opportunity to engage in spiritual reflection at Al-Masjid an-Nabawi. As an optional additional activity, you will have the opportunity to visit Medina's "ziyarats", including the Quba Mosque, the first mosque built in the history of Islam, Uhud Mountain, and the Medina Museum. Then back to the hotel for a short break before spending a spiritual afternoon at Al-Masjid an-Nabawi.

Make your own dining arrangements, overnight stay at the hotel

Following the Fajr prayers at Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, breakfast will be served at the hotel. Following the morning devotion at Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, guests have the option of taking the train to Jeddah, or alternatively spending some free time exploring Jeddah at their own pace. This vibrant and diverse city boasts a plethora of activities and attractions for visitors to explore.
Make your own dining arrangements, 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.