Saudi Arabia, From Jeddah to Medina

From Jeddah to Mecca, where culture and faith meet 4^*

On arrival at Jeddah International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Jeddah. The rest of the day is free to explore the city at your own pace.

Meals are at your discretion, overnight at hotel.

Visit the Jeddah Corniche, a magnificent seafront promenade where you can relax and enjoy panoramic views of the Red Sea. Enjoy the green areas, playgrounds and cafes that line the promenade. Then head to the old town of Al-Balad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander the narrow streets and discover traditional coral houses, bustling marketplaces and craft shops. Don't miss Naseef House, a remarkable example of local architecture. For a cultural break, visit the Museum of Islamic Art, which houses an impressive collection of art and historical artefacts. Here you can discover the rich history of Islamic culture through the ages. If you're a shopping enthusiast, Jeddah has no shortage of modern malls and traditional markets. The Red Sea Mall and Mall of Arabia are popular shopping and dining destinations. Round off your day with dinner at one of the city's many restaurants. Try local or international dishes and enjoy the warm atmosphere of Jeddah. Make the most of this free day to discover the many facets of Jeddah and soak up its unique atmosphere.

Make your own lunch and dinner arrangements, overnight at hotel.

After breakfast you will be transferred to the Holy City of Mecca. The journey takes approximately 1 hour. Check into your hotel and the rest of the day is at your leisure.

Lunch and dinner at your discretion, overnight at hotel.

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

Make your own lunch and dinner arrangements, 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. It was the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) where he lived until 622 AD, when he was forced to flee to Medina. He returned in 630. The Great Mosque contains the Kaaba. The Kaaba is located in the centre of the mosque and it also includes the Black Stone, the Shrine of Ibrahim, Al-Safa and Al-Marwah. Perform the rituals of Umrah at Masjid al-Haram with Tawaf around the Kaaba, one of the main rites of the pilgrimage. Seven complete circuits, each starting and ending at Hajar al-Aswad, make up a Tawaf. Attend the Zuhr prayer, then continue with the 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 Marwah, 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 the Masjid al-Haram to attend the Asr prayer. Spend the evening at The Masjid al-Haram until Salat al Maghrib and Salat al Isha evening prayers.

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 visit other ziyarat places 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 Masjid al-Haram until the evening prayers of Salat al Maghrib and Salat al Isha.

Lunch and dinner at leisure, overnight at the hotel

After the Fajr prayer at Al-Masjid al-Haram, breakfast at your hotel and transfer to Medina. Approximately 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. It is the duty of every Muslim in the world to visit this city at least once and experience its spirituality. Transfer to your hotel on arrival, and if time permits, you can attend the Zuhr prayer. The afternoon will be devoted to prayers at the Al-Masjid al-Nabawi mosque, built by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself in 622 (year 1 of the Hijra). Islamic scriptures emphasise the sacred nature 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 their sacred tombs.
Lunch and dinner at leisure, overnight at the hotel

After the Fajr prayer at Al-Masjid al-Nabawi, breakfast at the hotel. You can start your day with a visit to the Quba Mosque, the first mosque built in the history of Islam, and the Mosque of the Two Qiblahs (Al Qiblatayn). Then return to the hotel for a short break before spending a spiritual afternoon at Al-Masjid al-Nabawi.

Lunch and dinner at leisure, night at the hotel.

After the 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 journey at Al Haram al-Nabawi. You can also take advantage of this day to visit Rawda al-Sharifa.

Lunch and dinner at leisure, overnight 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 France. 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, French 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 France (https://embassies.mofa.gov.sa/sites/France/FR/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.
• 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.