Saudi Arabia, From Jeddah to Riyadh

Glimpses of the Orient, immerse yourself in Mecca and al-Ula 4^*

On arrival at Jeddah airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Mecca.

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

After the Fajr prayer at Al-Masjid Al-Haram, breakfast at your hotel. This day is dedicated to spirituality, meaning you can enjoy the atmosphere 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 main economic activity. The Great Mosque contains the Kaaba, which 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 Masjid Al-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 Sa'i, one of the integral rites of the Umrah, consisting of seven round trips between the hills of Safa and Marwa. You can then return to the hotel for a rest. In the afternoon, return to the 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

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 will be able to attend the Dthe prayer. The afternoon will be devoted to prayers at the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi mosque. Islamic scriptures emphasise the sacred status of Medina. Al-Masjid an-Nabawi is the burial place of the Prophet Muhammad 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, beneath which lie the sacred tombs of the Prophet Muhammad, as well as those of Abu Bakr and Omar.

Make your own dining arrangements and 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 built in the entire history of Islam 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 and 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-Masjid an-Nabawi. You can also take advantage of this day to visit Rawda ach-Sharifa.

Breakfast at the hotel, check-out, the off to Al-Ula, truly one of the most astonishing places in the world. It's an open-air museum, with majestic rock formations, canyons, and gorges. We will visit Elephant Rock, "Jabal Al Fil", an impressive geomorphological phenomenon: a 52-metre-high rock in the shape of an elephant.

Make your own dining arrangements, overnight stay at the hotel

After breakfast, it's off to Al-Ula. On the itinerary, you will explore the archaeological site of the Nabataean culture and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra: "the other Petra", which is sure to impress with its tombs carved into the rock in a mysterious desert setting. Later, you'll have free time to stroll and shop in its streets and beautiful oasis.

After breakfast, it's off to the airport to catch a flight to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's capital. Enjoy a free day to explore Riyadh at your own pace. This dynamic city offers a multitude of activities and sites to discover. You could start with a visit to the famous Kingdom Centre, one of the city's most iconic skyscrapers, offering spectacular panoramic views from its observation deck. For history buffs, the National Museum of Saudi Arabia is a must-see. It traces the history of the country from prehistoric times to the present day. If you prefer a more traditional atmosphere, the Al-Thumairi souk is the ideal place to discover local crafts and perhaps even pick up a few souvenirs. Nature lovers can relax in the magnificent gardens of King Abdullah Park, a peaceful green space in the heart of the city. For a culinary experience, Riyadh offers a variety of restaurants serving local and international dishes. Finally, don't miss a stroll through the historic district of Diriyah, the birthplace of the Saudi dynasty, where you can admire the traditional architecture and learn more about the origins of the kingdom. Make the most of the day and discover the many facets of Riyadh!

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

Saudi Arabia has been granting tourist visas to nationals of 49 countries, including France, since 27 September 2019.
According to the Saudi authorities, it is possible to apply for this type of visa directly on arrival, using dedicated terminals at the Riyadh and Jeddah airports.
However, it is recommended that French citizens wishing to travel to Saudi Arabia obtain an electronic visa via Saudi Visa (https://visa.visitsaudi.com/) prior to their trip.
In any case, visitors must be able to present the required supporting documents upon arrival, particularly those regarding medical cover.

The Saudi authorities do not issue visas to holders of passports bearing Israeli visas or stamps.

Customs regulations

On arrival in Saudi Arabia, baggage generally undergoes a thorough inspection. Prohibitions on the import of certain goods must be respected to avoid confiscation and a tedious search.

For further information, please contact the Saudi Arabian Embassy in France (https://embassies.mofa.gov.sa/sites/France/FR/Pages/default.aspx).

Practices and customs

Certain social and religious rules must be respected:

The import and consumption of alcohol and pork are strictly prohibited in Saudi Arabia. Imported cultural products (books, DVDs, magazines, etc.) must be in line with 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 authorised religion in Saudi Arabia. All manifestations of belonging to other religions (practices, proselytism, symbols, etc.) are prohibited.

Only people of the Muslim faith are permitted to visit Mecca, and access remains strictly controlled. In Medina, access to the Prophet's Mosque is forbidden to non-Muslims.

During the month of Ramadan, travellers should pay particular attention to respecting Saudi customs and traditions.

Saudis scrupulously observe the fasting period. It is strictly forbidden to eat, drink or smoke in public, under penalty of arrest and expulsion. Women must pay greater attention to what they wear.

Certain aspects of private life are considered to be indecent offences (adultery, homosexuality, etc.), which are severely punished. The consumption and smuggling of alcohol or drugs also carry severe penalties.