Saudi Arabia, From Jeddah to Medina

Umrah experience in Saudi Arabia 4^*

On arrival at Jeddah International Airport, having completed the necessary formalities, 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.

Dinner at leisure and overnight stay at the hotel.

After the Fajr prayer in Masjid al-Haram, breakfast at your hotel. This day is dedicated to self-reflection, taking in the spiritual atmosphere and soaking up the positive energy emanating from the Kaaba as you perform your five daily prayers.

Meals at leisure and overnight stay at the hotel.

Start your day with the Fajr prayer at Masjid al-Haram, then return to the hotel for breakfast. The Great Mosque encloses the Kaaba. This holy edifice is located at the centre of the mosque. It also includes the Black Stone, the Station of Ibrahim, as well as Safa and Marwa. 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 rounds, each starting and ending at Hajar al-Aswad, make up a Tawaf. Attend the Zuhr prayer, then continue with the Sa'ee, 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 at Masjid al-Haram. You can then return to the hotel for a rest. In the afternoon, return to Masjid al-Haram to attend the Asr prayer. Spend the evening at Masjid al-Haram until the evening prayers of Maghrib & Isha.

Meals at leisure and overnight at the hotel.

Start your day with the Fajr prayer at 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 loved ones who have not had the chance to visit this holy place. You can also visit other ziyarat places such as Mount Arafat, Mina Valley, Jabal Thawr and Jabal al-Nour. In the afternoon, return to Majsid al-Haram to attend the Asr prayer. Spend the evening at Masjid al-Haram until the evening prayers of Maghrib and Isha.

Meals at leisure and overnight at the hotel.

After Fajr prayer at 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. Transfer to your hotel on arrival, and time allowing, you can attend the Dhuhr prayer. The afternoon will be devoted to prayers at the Masjid al-Nabawi mosque, built by Muhammad himself (PBUH) in 622 (year 1 of the Hijrah). Islamic scriptures emphasise the sacred nature of Medina. It is the second largest mosque in the world and the only one with 10 minarets. The Green Dome was built to cover the sacred tombs of the Prophet (PBUH) and his disciples Abu Bakr and Umar.

Meals at leisure and overnight at the hotel.

After Fajr prayer at Masjid al-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 (Masjid al-Qiblatayn). Then back to the hotel for a short break before spending a spiritual afternoon at Masjid al-Nabawi.

Meals at leisure and overnight stay at the hotel.

After Fajr prayer at Masjid al-Nabawi, breakfast at the hotel. Head to Mount Uhud, the Uhud Martyrs' Cemetery and pray at the Uhud Mosque. Return to the hotel and continue your spiritual life at Haram al-Nabawi. You can also take advantage of this day to visit Rawda ach-Charifa.

Meals at leisure and overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel, then transfer 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 the United-Kingdom, 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 British 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 coverage.

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

• Customs regulations

On arrival in Saudi Arabia, luggage 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 the United-Kingdom (https://embassies.mofa.gov.sa/sites/uk/EN/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 therefore strictly forbidden to eat, drink or smoke in public, under penalty of arrest and expulsion. Women must pay greater attention to their dress code.
• 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.