Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version
Viewed by 65 travelers

7-Day Itinerary: Makkah and Madinah Exploration

Sunday, October 1: Arrival in Makkah

Start your journey by arriving in Makkah, the holiest city in Islam. Begin your day by performing Umrah, a spiritual pilgrimage that includes Tawaf (circumambulation) around the Kaaba and Sa'i (walking) between the hills of Safa and Marwa. In the afternoon, visit the Grand Mosque, where you can marvel at the magnificent architecture and join Muslims from all over the world in prayer. In the evening, explore the bustling streets surrounding the mosque, filled with market stalls and restaurants offering delicious Saudi Arabian cuisine.

  • Performing Umrah: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Grand Mosque: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Exploring Makkah Streets: Varies, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
  • Al Baik - A popular fast-food chain known for their crispy fried chicken and flavorful sauces. Average cost for a meal is about 20 SAR per person.
  • Al Johara - A charming restaurant serving traditional Saudi Arabian cuisine, including dishes like Kabsa and Mandi. Average cost for a meal is about 40 SAR per person.
  • Abdul Aziz Restaurant - A local favorite for grilled meats and kebabs, offering a wide range of options for meat lovers. Average cost for a meal is about 30 SAR per person.
Monday, October 2: Makkah Cultural Exploration

Spend your morning visiting the Abraj Al Bait Towers, home to the Clock Tower Museum. Learn about the history and significance of Makkah, as well as the Islamic lunar calendar. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the Zamzam Well, where you can witness the sacred water source that has been providing for pilgrims for centuries. End your day with a visit to the Al Diyafa Mall, where you can shop for traditional Saudi Arabian handicrafts and souvenirs.

  • Abraj Al Bait Towers: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Clock Tower Museum: SAR 25, 1-2 hours
  • Zamzam Well: Free, 1 hour
  • Al Diyafa Mall: Varies, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
  • Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Al Baik Restaurant, known for its tasty chicken broast and crispy fries. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
  • Head to Al Tazaj Restaurant for lunch and savor their succulent grilled chicken served with aromatic saffron rice. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
  • For a memorable dinner experience, dine at Al-Nakheel Floating Restaurant, offering a variety of fresh seafood dishes with stunning views of the Red Sea. Average cost for a meal is about $30 per person.
Tuesday, October 3: Journey to Madinah

Start your day by traveling to Madinah, the second holiest city in Islam. Upon arrival, visit the Prophet's Mosque, a place of great historical and spiritual significance. Spend your afternoon exploring the Quba Mosque, the first mosque built in Islamic history, and take a moment to reflect in the serene atmosphere. In the evening, stroll through the Date Market, where you can taste and purchase a variety of delicious dates, a local specialty.

  • Prophet's Mosque: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Quba Mosque: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Date Market: Varies, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
  • Breakfast: Al Baik Restaurant - Enjoy a traditional Arabic breakfast at Al Baik Restaurant, known for their delicious shawarma and falafel wraps. Average cost for a meal is about 10 SAR per person.
  • Lunch: Bait Aljawharah Restaurant - Indulge in authentic Arabian cuisine at Bait Aljawharah Restaurant, where you can savor dishes like mandi and kabsa. Average cost for a meal is about 40 SAR per person.
  • Dinner: Al Nakheel Restaurant - Experience a lavish dining experience at Al Nakheel Restaurant, renowned for their seafood specialities and extensive grilled meats. Average cost for a meal is about 100 SAR per person.
Wednesday, October 4: Madinah Heritage Tour

Embark on a heritage tour to explore the rich history of Madinah. Start your day by visiting the Qiblatain Mosque, known for its unique architectural design and the historical event of the change in prayer direction from Jerusalem to Makkah. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the stories of the Battle of Uhud at the Uhud Mountain and the surrounding area. End your day with a visit to the Seven Mosques, a cluster of mosques that are historically significant.

  • Qiblatain Mosque: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Battle of Uhud: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Seven Mosques: Free, 1-2 hours
Thursday, October 5: Madinah City Exploration

Spend your morning exploring the King Fahd Quran Printing Complex, where you can witness the intricate process of Quran printing and learn about the preservation of Islamic texts. In the afternoon, visit the Madinah Islamic University, known for its beautiful architecture and educational programs. End your day with a leisurely walk along the beautiful Al-Masjid an-Nabawi Garden, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.

  • King Fahd Quran Printing Complex: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Madinah Islamic University: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Al-Masjid an-Nabawi Garden: Free, 1-2 hours
Friday, October 6: Madinah Spiritual Experience

Start your day by attending the Jumu'ah (Friday) prayer at the Prophet's Mosque, a deeply spiritual experience shared by Muslims from around the world. Afterward, take a guided tour of the Quba Mosque to learn more about its historical significance. Spend your afternoon visiting the Qasr Al-Hunayn Museum, where you can explore artifacts and exhibits that showcase the rich heritage of Madinah.

  • Jumu'ah Prayer: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Quba Mosque: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Qasr Al-Hunayn Museum: SAR 10, 1-2 hours
Saturday, October 7: Departure from Madinah

On your last day, bid farewell to Madinah and depart for your next destination with cherished memories of your spiritual journey. Take a moment to reflect on your experiences and the connections made with fellow pilgrims.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Makkah and Madinah, make sure to visit the Jabal al-Noor (Mountain of Light) in Makkah, where the Hira Cave is located. This cave holds great significance in Islamic history as it is where Prophet Muhammad received his first revelations. In Madinah, take a leisurely stroll along the beautiful Green Dome Park, located near the Prophet's Mosque. This serene park is a favorite spot among locals for relaxation and reflection.

For checking hotel and flight prices, click here.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version