Saudi Arabia, From Jeddah to Medina

The Umrah, a sacred journey 4^*

On arrival at Jeddah International Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to the holy city of Mecca. About an hour later, you will reach the cradle of Islam, the holiest city. Settle into the hotel.

Make your own dining arrangements, overnight stay at the hotel

After the Fajr prayer in Al Haram, breakfast at your hotel. This day is dedicated to spirituality, meaning you can enjoy the authentic atmosphere of this place and recharge your batteries with the positive vibes emanating from the Kaaba as you perform your five daily prayers.

Make your own dining arrangements, overnight stay at the hotel

Start your day with the Fajr prayer at Al-Masjid al-Haram, then return to the hotel for breakfast. Only Muslims can enter Mecca, and pilgrimage-related services are the primary economic activity. The Great Mosque is home to the Kaaba. The Kaaba/QIBLA is located at the centre of the mosque. It also includes the Black Stone, the Shrine of Ibrahim, Al-Safa, and Al-Marwah. Perform the rituals of Umrah at the Haram with Tawaf around the Kaaba, one of the main rites of the pilgrimage. Seven complete circuits, 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 in 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 there until Al Maghrib & Al Isha evening prayers.

Make your own dining arrangements, overnight stay 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 spiritual moments around the Kaaba in the Great Mosque. You can also re-enact the Umrah rituals for your loved ones who have not had the chance to visit this holy place. You can also enjoy other "ziyarahs" (pilgrimages/visits) such as Mount Arafat, the Mina Valley, Mount Thur, and Mount Nour. In the afternoon, return to Haram (Al Masid Al Haram) to attend the Asr prayer. Spend the evening at the Haram until Al Maghrib & Al Ishaa evening prayers.

Make your own dining arrangements, overnight stay 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 multitude of opportunities to deepen your spiritual experience and discover its hidden treasures. Take time to meditate and reflect in this iconic site of Islam. Afterwards, take a stroll through the bustling streets of Mecca and explore the local markets, where you can purchase souvenirs and religious items. Be sure to visit the Al-Sagheer souk, a traditional market selling handicrafts, spices, and textiles. For a relaxing break, head to one of the city's many cafés or restaurants. Sample local dishes and savour Saudi hospitality. If you want to learn more about the history and culture of Mecca, visit the Museum of the Two Holy Mosques, which features fascinating exhibitions on the history of Islam and the holy sites. Finally, round off your day with a peaceful stroll around the Great Mosque, taking in the lights and the spiritual atmosphere of the city. Make the most of this day to recharge your batteries and connect more deeply with the spirituality of Mecca.

Make your own dining arrangements, overnight stay at the hotel

After the Fajr prayer at Masjid al-Haram, breakfast at your hotel and transfer to Medina. Around 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. Transfer to your hotel on arrival and, time-permitting, you can attend the DUHR prayer. The afternoon will be devoted to prayers at the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi Mosque, built by Mohammed himself in 622 (year 1 of the Hejra). Islamic scriptures emphasise the sacred status of Medina. Al-Masjid an-Nabawi is the burial place of the messenger and his companions, the caliphs Abu Bakr and Omar. It is the second largest mosque in the world and the only with 10 minarets. The Green Dome was built to cover the sacred tombs.

Make your own dining arrangements, overnight stay at the hotel

After Fajr prayers at Al-Masjid an-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 Qiblatain). 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

After Fajr prayers at Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, breakfast at the hotel. You will head for Ohoud Mountain, the Ohoud Martyrs' Cemetery, and to pray at the Ohoud Mosque. Return to the hotel and continue your spiritual journey at Al Haram an-Nabawi. You can also take advantage of this day to visit Rawda ach-Sharifa;

Make your own dining arrangements, overnight stay at the 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.