7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Medina and Makkah
Wednesday, September 20: Arrival in Medina
Arrive in Medina and settle into your hotel. In the morning, visit the Prophet's Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi) to pay your respects. Afternoon can be spent exploring the Quba Mosque and the Qiblatain Mosque. In the evening, take a leisurely walk around the Date Market to experience the local culture.
Prophet's Mosque: Cost estimate: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Quba Mosque: Cost estimate: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Qiblatain Mosque: Cost estimate: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Date Market: Cost estimate: Varies, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Medina is Al Baik Restaurant, known for its delicious Arabic-style breakfast dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 25 SAR per person.
For lunch, head to Al Tazaj Restaurant, where you can enjoy flavorful grilled chicken with rice or bread. Average cost for a meal is about 35 SAR per person.
In the evening, treat your family to a dinner at Al Bawadi Restaurant, specializing in traditional Arabian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 60 SAR per person.
Thursday, September 21: Historical Tour of Medina
In the morning, visit the Uhud Mountain and the Uhud Martyrs Cemetery to learn about the history of the Battle of Uhud. In the afternoon, explore the Qasr Al Haram and the Qasr Al Madinah, ancient palaces from the time of the Prophet Muhammad. In the evening, take a walk along the beautiful Medina Corniche.
Uhud Mountain and Martyrs Cemetery: Cost estimate: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Qasr Al Haram: Cost estimate: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Qasr Al Madinah: Cost estimate: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Medina Corniche: Cost estimate: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Friday, September 22: Travel to Makkah
In the morning, check out from your hotel in Medina and travel to Makkah. Perform Umrah upon arrival. Afternoon can be spent exploring the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) and experiencing the Tawaf. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
Travel to Makkah: Cost estimate: Varies (Transportation), Time spent: 4-5 hours
Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram): Cost estimate: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Tawaf: Cost estimate: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Dinner at a local restaurant: Cost estimate: Varies, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Saturday, September 23: Exploring Makkah
In the morning, visit the Cave of Hira and the Cave of Thawr, significant historical sites. Afternoon can be spent exploring the Abraj Al Bait Towers and the Clock Tower Museum. In the evening, enjoy a stroll along the Zamzam Well and try some traditional Saudi Arabian tea.
Cave of Hira: Cost estimate: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Cave of Thawr: Cost estimate: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Abraj Al Bait Towers: Cost estimate: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Clock Tower Museum: Cost estimate: Varies, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Zamzam Well: Cost estimate: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Traditional Saudi Arabian tea: Cost estimate: Varies, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Sunday, September 24: Excursion to Jabal Al-Nour
In the morning, take a trip to Jabal Al-Nour and hike to the top to visit the Cave of Hira. Afternoon can be spent exploring the Al-Rajhi Mosque and the Makkah Museum. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Arabian dinner at a local restaurant.
Jabal Al-Nour: Cost estimate: Free, Time spent: 4-5 hours
Cave of Hira: Cost estimate: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Al-Rajhi Mosque: Cost estimate: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Makkah Museum: Cost estimate: Varies, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Arabian dinner at a local restaurant: Cost estimate: Varies, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Monday, September 25: Visit to the Zamzam Tower
In the morning, visit the Zamzam Tower and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the observation deck. Afternoon can be spent shopping at the Makkah Mall and exploring the Al Hijaz Mall. In the evening, take a relaxing walk in the Al-Rasaifah District.
Zamzam Tower: Cost estimate: Varies, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Makkah Mall: Cost estimate: Varies, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Al Hijaz Mall: Cost estimate: Varies, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Al-Rasaifah District: Cost estimate: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Tuesday, September 26: Departure from Makkah
Check out from your hotel in Makkah and depart for your onward journey. Take some time to reflect on your spiritual journey and bid farewell to the holy cities of Medina and Makkah.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
One of the hidden gems in Medina is the Quba Mosque, known for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere. Locals also enjoy visiting the Dates Market, where you can find a variety of delicious dates and other traditional Arabian treats. In Makkah, the Al-Rasaifah District is a local favorite, offering a peaceful and picturesque environment for a leisurely walk. Don't miss the opportunity to try traditional Saudi Arabian tea, a popular beverage among locals.