Saudi Arabia, From Jeddah to Medina

Spiritual odyssey, the road to the Umrah 4^*

On arrival at Jeddah International Airport, after completing the formalities, you will be greeted by our staff for a transfer to the holy city of Mecca. About an hour later, you will reach the cradle of Islam, the holiest city. Settle in at the hotel

Free meals, overnight in hotel

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

Meals on your own, overnight in the 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. The Great Mosque contains the Kaaba. The Kaaba 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 Al-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 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 in 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 at the Masjid al-Haram until Al Maghrib and Al Isha evening prayers.

Meals on your own, overnight in 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 ziyarat places (pilgrimages/visits) such as 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 Masjid al-Haram until Al Maghrib and Al Isha evening prayers.

Meals on your own, overnight 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 town'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. Use this day to re-energise and connect more deeply with the spirituality of Mecca.

Meals on your own, overnight in the hotel

After the Fajr prayer at Al-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. 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, time-permitting, you can attend the DUHR prayer. The afternoon will be devoted to prayers at the Al-Masjid al-Nabawi Mosque, built by Muhammad himself (PBUH) in 622 (year 1 of the Hejra). Islamic scriptures emphasise the sacred status 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 with 10 minarets. The Green Dome was built to cover their sacred tombs.

Meals on your own, overnight 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 world's first built mosque 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.

Free meals, overnight in 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.

Free meals, overnight in 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.