Religious Traces Pilgrimage

Day 1: Jeddah-Makkah (75 miles)
Arrival at Jeddah International airport, after visa and immigration formalities our representative will meet and escort the guests to their air-conditioned vehicle for their transfer to the Holiest spot in all over the world for Muslims. Overnight in Makkah.

Day 2: Makkah
We will start the day with an early wake up to catch the “Fajr” prayer at the holy Mosque, then we head back to the hotel for breakfast. Then we will start an orientation tour of Makkah, the holiest city of Islam, a religious center to which Muslims must attempt a pilgrimage once during a lifetime. The Kaaba/QIBLA is located in the center of the mosque and also includes the Black Stone, the shrine of Ibrahim, Al-Safa and Al-Marwah. Millions of pilgrims visit the mosque throughout the year, the modern landmarks as Abraj Al Bait skyscrapers complex World’s Largest Clock Tower Makkah Clock Royal Tower rises more than 1312 feet above ground. It is the largest clock tower in the world, with a diameter of more than 130 feet That can be seen from all areas of Makkah al-Mukarramah from a distance of more than 5 miles. The clock consists of four interfaces, and the largest word (Allah is Great) in the world can be seen above the clock, where the letter (A) in the word (Allah) is more than 75 feet long. The two testimonies of faith “I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah” and “Muhammad is His slave and messenger” can also be seen. when he was forced to flee to Madinah he returned and captured the city in 630. Makkah is the holiest city for Muslims. It embraces Masjid Al Haram (the Great Mosque) and Kaaba, the Qibla for Muslims to which they turn in their prayers. Muslims yearn to visit Makkah to perform Hajj or Umrah. In this city, Prophet Muhammad, the most honorable of creation, the seal of the prophets and messengers, our master Muhammad, peace be upon him, was born, and from it, the tolerant message of Islam was launched to all corners of the world after the Holy Quran was revealed. Makkah that still enjoys great attention for providing the best services to pilgrims., is also a modern city, the third most populated of the Kingdom. We will assist to the “Zuhr” prayer, Lunch in the city on your own. This afternoon will be devoted to rest, and attend the payers of “Aassir” “Maghreb” & “Ishaa”. Move to Makkah Mall, one of the most famous shopping centers in Makkah with a large number of shopping enthusiasts flocking to it..Dinner at leisure. Back to hotel for overnight. [B]

Day 3: Makkah (Ziarah)
After “Fajr” prayer at Masjid al-Haram, breakfast at your hotel. This morning we will do a “Ziarah” tour in order to perform a pilgrimage to sites associated with Muhammad, his family members and descendants, his companions and other venerated figures. During the tour we will visit: Mina (the City of Tents where are accommodated thousands of pilgrims and where is performed the Stoning of the Devil), Muzdalifah (The Sacred Grove) and Mount Arafat (the place where the Prophet stood and delivered the Farewell Sermon to his Companions). During the tour we will attend the “Zuhr” prayer. Lunch in the city on your own. The afternoon will be devoted to the holy prayers and to profit of Makkah and its spirituality. Collecting the Zamzam water as a souvenir is a must to not forget during the procession. Move to Makkah Mall is one of the most famous shopping centers in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, and a large number of shopping enthusiasts flock to it, Attend the payers of “Aassir” “Maghreb” & “Ishaa”. In Masjid al-Taneem mosque is also known as Masjid Ayesha (the mosque of Aiesha) since Muhammad's wife Ayesha had put her Ihram (restriction on pilgrimage) from this place once. This was allowed by the prophet as a special case when Ayesha could not complete her umra on account of being in an impure state due to menstrual period. Ayesha's brother who accompanied her to Taneem and back did not perform another Umrah along with his sister, understanding that it was a special allowance made for Ayesha or any woman who happens to becoming impure due to her menstrual period, Proceed to Al Diyafa Souk Al Diyafa is one of the most famous shopping places in the city of Makkah, as it contains a large group of shops, which include many goods of the best brands, whether local or international. Dinner at leisure. Back to hotel for overnight in Makkah. [B]

Day 4: Makkah (Heritage)
After “Fajr” prayer at Masjid al-Haram, breakfast at your hotel. today will start our tour of visit to Makkah Museum of Antiquities and Heritage It was built in 1946 AD by order of King Abdulaziz Al Saud. It contains 13 exhibition halls, another for VIP visitors, a place designated for museum management, a hall for lectures, a library and warehouses. These halls include: Hall of Saudi Antiquities - Prehistoric Hall - Geological and Natural History Hall - Pre-Islamic Hall - Hall of the Prophet’s Biography - Hall of Writing Development - Currency Hall - Hall of Hajj - Hall of the Grand Mosque Architecture - Hall of the Saudi State - Education Hall - Hall of Makkahn Heritage - Hall of Masterpieces of Islamic Art. Drive 10 minutes far away from Masjid Al Haram to visit The Kiswa Factory of the Holy Ka'aba factory produces the cloth that covers the Kaaba throughout the year. The factory takes around ten months to make it. On every 9th of Dhul Hajjah,(First day of Hajj) the new Kiswa replaces the old one during the annual pilgrimage. You can visit the factory for an hour or so to watch the lucky few who sew the gold letters onto the fabric. Lunch en route on you own, Attend the payers of “Aassir” “Maghreb” & “Ishaa”. At Namirah Mosque A mosque that was built in Arafah where the Prophet, may peace and prayers be upon him, delivered a sermon for the last farewell Hajj. In Namirah Mosque, thousands of pilgrims pray Zuhr and Asr prayers on the day of Arafah. It is located to the west of Arafah. The western part of the Mosque is located in Wadi ‘Arnah, which is a valley of Makkah Al-Mukarramah where the Prophet prohibited pilgrims from standing there because it is not a part of Arafat, but it is very close thereto. Namirah Mosque is known in many books by several other names, such as the Mosque of the Prophet Ibrahim, Arafah Mosque, and Arnah Mosque. The name Arafah Mosque was originated from a village outside Arafah Area where the Prophet, may peace and prayers be upon him, resided and then moved to the valley, where he prayed Zuhr and Asr prayers and delivered a sermon in the Mosque. During the era of the Saudi State, the Mosque witnessed the largest expansions in history, where it became the second largest mosque in Makkah in terms of area after the Holy Mosque. Departure to Souk Al-Khalil Souk Al-Khalil -1 opened in 2013, located under Jabal Omar Hilton Suites Makkah – and Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency Makkah just steps away from the Grand Mosque (Masjid Al-Haram), Souk Al-Khalil -1 is one of the biggest commercial centers in Jabal Omar destination, where it features a diverse mix of retailers ranging from international retailers and local favorites to high-end boutiques. The selection of brands includes Abdul Samad Al-Qurashi, Footlocker, and MotherCare, in addition to luxury retailers such as Rolex, Sephora, and more. Dinner at leisure, overnight in Makkah.

Day 5: Makkah
After “Fajr” payer at Masjid al-Haram, breakfast at your Hotel. Drive to Jabal Al Nour (Noor) - Mount of Revelation - Makkah also known as “Mountain of Light” or “Mountain of Enlightenment,” is located around 4 kilometers away from Masjid al-Haram towards the northeastern side of Makkah. It holds tremendous significance for Muslims and is a major attraction throughout the year for pilgrims who come to Makkah to perform the Hajj and Umrah. The first verses of the Holy Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) inside the cave of Hira at the summit of this hill. It is less than 4 meters in length and is only wide enough to fit five people. The Prophet used to climb the summit and spend time in the cave and meditate. According to Muslim belief, it was here that the angel Gabriel gave the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) his first revelation during the month of Ramadan in 610 C.E. Continue to explore Cave of Thawr the place to which the Prophet and his companion, Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq, lay hidden while they were on their way to Madina during Hijrah (Migration). It is located to the northern side of Thawr mountain, to the south of Makkah. Its height is 760 meters above sea level. It is about four kilometers away from the southern side of Makkah al-Mukarramah. It is a hollow rock of 1.25 m high. It has two entrances, one to the western side, by which the Prophet and his companion entered, and another entrance to the eastern side. we will assist to the “Zuhr” prayer, Lunch in the city on your own. This afternoon will be devoted to rest, and attend the payers of “Aassir” “Maghreb” & “Ishaa” Continue to The Longest Pedestrian Road in the World, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia built the longest pedestrian road in the world. It is more than 25 kilometers long from Jabal Al Rahma (Mount of Mercy) in Arafah, to Mina, passing through Muzdalifah, to facilitate the movement of pilgrims according to the highest international standards, in order to provide pilgrims with comfort and safety during movement between the holy sites “Arafah – Muzdalifah, and Mina”. It includes 4 tracks. Drive back to hotel for overnight In Makkah

Day 6: Makkah, Madinah  
After “Fajr” payer at Masjid al-Haram, breakfast at your Hotel. checkout, depart Makkah by train to the second holiest city in all over the World Al-Madīnah, formally Al-Madīnah al-Munawwarah (“The Luminous City”) or Madīnat Rasūl Allāh (“City of the Messenger of God “Madinah-Ancient name is YATHRIB” Madinah is celebrated as the place from which Muhammad established the Muslim community (ummah) after his flight from Makkah (622 CE) and is where his body is entombed. A pilgrimage is made to his tomb in the city’s chief mosque. after two and half hours. and half we’ll arrive to the train station of Madinah, transfer hotel for check in. Afterward move to the great mosque of Madinah Al-Masjid an-Nabawi “AL HARAM AL NABAWAI” to attend noon “Zuhr” prayer. Lunch at leisure. The afternoon will be devoted for the prayers at Al-Masjid an-Nabawi. It has been built by Prophet Muhammad himself in 622 (the Hegira year 1). Islamic scriptures emphasize the sacredness of Madinah. Madinah is mentioned several times in the Quran, two examples are Surah At-Tawbah. verse 101 and Al-Hashr. verse 8. Al-Masjid an-Nabawi is the burial site for Prophet Muhammad and his companions, the caliphs Abu Bakr, Omar & Ali. It is the second largest mosque in the world and the only one with 10 minarets. The Green Dome is built to cover the holy tombs. After that long day. Dinner at leisure. Overnight in Madinah.

Day 7: Madinah (Holy Ziarat)
After Fajr prayer at Masjid Al Nabawi, breakfast at your hotel we will visit the city of Madinah. We will start with the visit of Holy Quba Mosque (the oldest mosque in the world, dated to the lifetime of the Prophet, its first stones were positioned by him as soon as he arrived on his emigration from Makkah to Madinah), Holy Masjid al-Qiblatayn (where Muhammad received the command to change the Qibla from Al Quds to Makkah), Masjid al-Fath (one of the Seven attached mosques) and Jannat Al-Baqi' (cemetery which contains the graves of some of the Prophet's family and companions. Then lunch in the city on your own. This afternoon will be devoted to rest, and attend the payers of “Aassir” “Maghreb” & “Ishaa”. In the Haram of Masjid an-Nabawi “AL HARAM AL NABAWAI” drive to Al Rashed Mall, leisure/shopping time. dinner on you, back to hotel for overnight. [B]

Day 8: Madinah (Heritage)
After Fajr prayer at Masjid Al Nabawi, breakfast at your hotel. We will start with the visit of Dar Al Madinah museum is located in the Knowledge Economic City. It is a purpose-built museum that showcases the history of The Blessed City of Madinah. It has many exhibits that show how the city expanded from the time of our Beloved Prophet Muhammed (Peace and Blessings of God Be Upon Him) to the current time. It also contains rare manuscripts and a variety of model representations. Continue to One of the latest specialized exhibitions that opened recently in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Prophet's Mosque Building Exhibition it is considered a historical legacy because it contains precious holdings and rare artifacts that enrich the experience of the visitor to the city. For the first, second, and third Saudi states, and it extends for more than 1,400 years, it bears witness to the beauty and accuracy of Islamic architecture, its engineering designs, and its exquisite urban decorations. we will attend the “Zuhr” prayer at Masjid Al Ghamama, lunch break on your own, free time in Musalayat area which contains Masjid Abu Bakir & Msjid Omar the Rashidi Caliphs “Prophet Mohammad companions” proceed to The International Fair and Museum of the Prophet's Biography and Islamic Civilization It is concerned with a comprehensive cultural definition of the Prophet, may God’s prayers and peace be upon him, his noble manners, his great morals, and his tolerant law, with a distinct scientific approach, tight research foundation, unique technical renewal, and innovative creative presentation, through the latest means and technologies, under the supervision of the Muslim World League. Back to Al Masjid Al Nabawi to attend the payers of “Aassir” “Maghreb” & “Ishaa”. Driver to Al Noor mall for leisure/entertainment, back to hotel for overnight. [B]

Day 9: Madinah
After Fajr prayer at Masjid Al Nabawi, breakfast at your hotel. We will start with the visit of Madinah Hijaz Railway museum; it was originally designed to bring Muslim pilgrims from Damascus to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah but ended in ruins less than two decades after its start. Its sun-scalded remains can be seen today, cut adrift across northwestern Saudi Arabia in the form of sand-dusted rails, abandoned stations and rusted locomotives. Continue to Al Aqiq valley to explore Arwa bin zubair castle Wadi Al-Aqiq is an integral part of the history and present of Madinah, as it was mentioned in many historical books that monitored the cultural and social aspects in the past. It is also one of the most famous valleys in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, and on one of its sides sits a historical palace of the honorable follower, Urwa bin Al-Zubayr. we will attend the “Zuhr” prayer at Masjid al-Qiblatayn, lunch at leisure, drive Beit Al Hara Madinah traditional & Folklore museum shows the life in Madinah since almost 100 years ago. Drive to Alia Al Madinah Farm nature Famous Madinah dates tress with hand craft market, Dayes festival, local café shop, Ending the day at Al Masjed Al Nabawi to attend the hotel prayers Aassir” “Maghreb” & “Ishaa”. Overnight in Madinah. [B]

Day 10: Madinah, Jeddah, USA
Breakfast at your hotel. Check-out Transfer to Jeddah/Madinah International airport for your departure flight. [B]

{B] = Breakfast

Schedule of visits are subject to change based on Holidays & Time. We hold the right to withdraw the packages by notification, due to any high price hike from our suppliers or any unforeseen reasons
Some sightseeing will be closed without any prior notice from the Saudi tourism authorities for renovation issues
Fridays & Saturdays: Saudi weekend
-Fridays Noon “Duhr/Juma’a” Prayer: weekly Holy prayer time all attractions are closed for minimum 3Hrs.
Kiswa factory visit subject to approval

USEFUL INFORMATION

Food & Drinks
Local food is often strongly flavored and spicy. The most common meats are lamb and chicken, beef is rare and pork is forbidden under Islamic law. The main meat meal of the day is lunch. Foreign cooking is on offer in larger towns and the whole range of international cuisine, including fast food, is available in the oil-producing Eastern Province and in Jeddah. All water from the tap should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilized. Bottled water is cheap and safe. Fresh milk is pasteurized but powdered or boxed milk is also available as an alternative. Avoid dairy products, which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be washed and fruit peeled.

Tipping
The practice of tipping is becoming much more common and waiters should be given 10%

Weather
Saudi Arabia has a desert climate. In seaside Jeddah, it is warm for most of the year, though winter is probably the most pleasant time for a visit. Riyadh, which is inland, is hotter in summer and colder in winter when occasional heavy rainstorms occur. Early spring and late autumn are lovely times to visit this desert capital. The Rub al Khali, or "Empty Quarter," seldom receives rain, making Saudi Arabia one of the driest countries in the world.

Clothing
Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and light trousers, sun hats, and sturdy shoes. Travelers should check the weather forecast when preparing for their vacation to Saudi Arabia. The weather gets pretty hot in the summer, so wearing clothes made from natural fabrics like cotton and linen can help ease your discomfort.
Women travelers are not required to wear an Abaya and head covering, but they should cover as much flesh as possible and wear opaque clothing to avoid drawing unwelcome attention. Foreign women can also walk out in public without a scarf, save at religious locations such as mosques.

Internet
The Ministry of Post, Telegraph and Telephones provide internet facilities in most cities. But email can also be accessed from many hotels and internet cafes.

Electricity and Plug Standards
Electrical sockets in Saudi Arabia are Type G (BS-1363). If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug-adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it's crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for all types. Electrical sockets in Saudi Arabia usually supply electricity at 230 volts AC/ 60 Hz frequency. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 230-volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliance isn’t compatible with 230 volts, a voltage converter will be necessary.