Saudi Arabia, Jeddah

A short getaway from Jeddah to Mecca 4^*

Upon arrival at Jeddah Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel in Makkah. The journey to the Holy City will take approximately one hour.

The day is dedicated to spiritual pursuits, allowing you to immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere and recharge with the positive energy emanating from the Kaaba as you perform your Umrah rituals at Al-Masjid al-Haram.

Dinner at your leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Following the Fajr prayer at Al-Masjid al-Haram, breakfast will be served at your hotel. The day offers the opportunity to visit Mecca and its markets, as well as to engage in spiritual activities around the Kaaba in the Great Mosque. Furthermore, there is the option of visiting other 'ziarates', including Mount Arafat, the Mina Valley, Mount Thur and Mount Nour. In the afternoon, return to Al-Masjid al-Haram to attend the Asr prayer. At the end of the day, return to Jeddah for the evening.

Dinner at your leisure, overnight stay at the hotel

Following breakfast at the hotel, you will proceed to Bayada Island. The meeting point is the Al Ahlam marina at 7 a.m. The boat trip to Bayada Island, which is often compared to the Maldives, will take approximately 40 minutes. The island is renowned for its pristine white sandy beaches, azure waters and exceptional coral reefs. There will be ample opportunity to sunbathe on the boat, snorkel or scuba dive to observe the coral reefs. A selection of refreshments, including snacks, drinks and a fruit basket, will be available on board. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy the island's beautiful beaches while concluding the experience with a delicious meal on board before returning to shore at approximately 2 p.m. You will then have the remainder of the day at your disposal to visit the vibrant city of Jeddah. A tour of the Jeddah Corniche will allow you to appreciate the green spaces, playgrounds and cafés that line the promenade. Next, head to the historic Al-Balad district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Museum of Islamic Art, which houses an impressive collection of works of art and historical artefacts.

Dinner at your leisure and overnight stay 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 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).

• Traditions 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.