Saudi Arabia, Jeddah

A celebration of the sacred and a coastal getaway, from Mecca to Jeddah 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. Hotel check-in This is day a dedicated to spirituality, meaning you can make the most of the spiritual atmosphere and soak up the positive vibes emanating from the Kaaba as you perform your Umrah rituals at Al-Masjid Al-Haram.

Make your own dining arrangements and overnight stay 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 spiritual moments around the Kaaba in the Great Mosque. You also have the option of completing other "ziyarats" 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 the Al-Masjid Al-Haram until the Al-Maghrib and Al-Ishaa evening prayers.

Make your own lunch and dinner arrangements, overnight stay at the hotel

After the Fajr prayer at Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, breakfast at the hotel and departure for Jeddah. Enjoy a free day to explore Jeddah at your own pace. This dynamic and cosmopolitan city offers a multitude of activities and sites to discover. Start your day with a visit to the Jeddah Corniche, a magnificent seafront promenade where you can relax and admire the panoramic views of the Red Sea. Enjoy the green spaces, playgrounds, and cafés lining the promenade. Then head for the historic district of Al-Balad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through the narrow streets and discover traditional coral houses, bustling marketplaces, and craft shops. Don't miss a visit to Naseef House, a remarkable example of local architecture. For a cultural break, visit the Museum of Islamic Art, which houses an impressive collection of works of art and historical artefacts. There you can discover the rich history of Islamic culture through the ages. If you're a shopping enthusiast, Jeddah has no shortage of modern shopping centres and traditional markets. The Red Sea Mall and the Mall of Arabia are popular shopping and dining destinations. Finally, round off your day with dinner in one of the city's many restaurants. Sample local or international dishes and savour 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 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

Saudi Arabia has been granting tourist visas to nationals of 49 countries, including 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 English 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 your country.

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.