15-Day Cultural and Spiritual Journey: Lahore to Makkah, Madinah, and Istanbul

Day 1: Travel to Jeddah

Lahore to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on June 21, 2025

10:45AM

Flight from Lahore to Jeddah

Depart from Allama Iqbal International Airport Lahore to King Abdulaziz International Airport Jeddah. Typical flight duration is approximately 4-5 hours. Book with airlines like Saudia or Pakistan International Airlines.
CURRENCY300-500 per person (approximate economy class), 5h

4:00PM

Transportation from Jeddah Airport to Makkah

Take a private taxi or arrange a hotel transfer for approximately 100-150 SAR. The drive takes roughly 1-1.5 hours.
SAR100-150, 1h30m

6:00PM

Check-in at Makkah hotel

Recommended hotels near Masjid al-Haram are Makkah Clock Royal Tower or Hilton Suites Makkah. Book in advance for the best rates and proximity.
SAR500-700 per night for double occupancy, N/A

7:30PM

Dinner near Masjid al-Haram

Dine at Albaik for famous Saudi fried chicken, open until late. It's popular and reasonably priced.
SAR40-70 per person, 1h
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Day 2: Explore Makkah

Makkah, Saudi Arabia on June 22, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a buffet breakfast offered at the hotel to energise for the day.
Included in hotel cost, 1h

8:30AM

Visit Masjid al-Haram

Explore the holiest mosque in Islam. Perform prayers and take time for spiritual reflection. Open 24/7.
Free, 3h

1:30PM

Lunch at Al Tazaj Fakieh

Enjoy traditional Saudi grilled chicken dishes in a casual setting close to the mosque.
SAR50-80 per person, 1h

3:00PM

Visit Abraj Al-Bait Mall

Shop or explore this large complex adjacent to the mosque offering luxury retail and dining options.
Free entry, 2h

6:30PM

Dinner at Albaik or local restaurant

Try local cuisine or revisit Albaik for favourite dishes to end the evening.
SAR40-70 per person, 1h
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Day 3: Makkah Spiritual Day

Makkah, Saudi Arabia on June 23, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast to prepare for your day.
Included, 1h

8:30AM

Visit Cave of Hira

Travel about 15 km north of Makkah to Jabal al-Noor to visit the famous Cave of Hira where Prophet Muhammad received his first revelations.
Free, 3h

12:00PM

Lunch at Shawarmer

Famous for affordable and delicious shawarma sandwiches near Makkah.
SAR30-50 per person, 1h

2:00PM

Rest and Prayer at hotel

Take an afternoon break to rest and prepare for evening prayers.
N/A, 2h

6:00PM

Evening prayers and stroll at Masjid al-Haram

Experience a peaceful evening with prayers and walk inside the holy mosque area at sunset.
Free, 2h

8:30PM

Dinner at Albaik

Relax with a well-known fast food meal with local flavour at Albaik.
SAR40-70 per person, 1h
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Day 4: Makkah to Madinah

Makkah to Madinah, Saudi Arabia on June 24, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Eat an early breakfast before check-out.
Included in hotel stay, 1h

9:00AM

Travel from Makkah to Madinah by bus or private taxi

Travel approximately 450 km by modern bus or taxi. The journey takes 4-5 hours by highway.
SAR100-200 per person by bus; private taxi more expensive approx SAR700-1000, 5h

3:00PM

Hotel check-in Madinah

Recommended hotels include Crowne Plaza Madinah or Anwar Al Madinah Movenpick, near Al-Masjid an-Nabawi.
SAR450-700 per night double occupancy, N/A

4:00PM

Visit Al-Masjid an-Nabawi

Explore one of the holiest mosques in Islam, open all day and night, and perform prayers.
Free, 2h

7:30PM

Dinner at Al Baik Madinah

Try another location of famous Saudi fast food favorite Al Baik near the mosque.
SAR40-70 per person, 1h
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Day 5: Explore Madinah

Madinah, Saudi Arabia on June 25, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel for an active day ahead.
Included, 1h

8:30AM

Visit Quba Mosque

Visit the first mosque in Islamic history, about 3 km from the city centre; open during daylight hours.
Free, 2h

11:00AM

Visit Qiblatain Mosque

See the mosque famous for its two qiblah directions, open for visitation during the day.
Free, 1h

1:00PM

Lunch at Al Tazaj Madinah

Enjoy grilled chicken and traditional Saudi dishes in a relaxed dining setting.
SAR50-80 per person, 1h

3:00PM

Rest and free time

Return to hotel for rest or optional shopping in local markets.
Variable, 3h

6:30PM

Visit the Date Market Madinah

Explore local dates and sweets at the popular market open until evening.
Free entry, souvenirs extra, 1h

8:00PM

Dinner nearby hotel

Try local Saudi cuisine in a nearby restaurant or hotel dining area.
SAR50-80 per person, 1h
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Day 6: Madinah Leisure

Madinah, Saudi Arabia on June 26, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start a leisurely day with hotel breakfast.
Included, 1h

9:30AM

Visit Madinah Museum

Learn about Islamic history and heritage, ideal for cultural understanding. Opening hours 9:00AM to 5:00 PM.
SAR10 per person, 2h

12:00PM

Lunch at a local restaurant

Dine on traditional cuisine such as Kabsa or Mandi rice dishes.
SAR60-90 per person, 1h

3:00PM

Free time for shopping or rest

Explore more stores or relax at your hotel.
Variable, 3h

6:00PM

Evening prayers at Al-Masjid an-Nabawi

Experience peaceful evening prayers at the holy mosque.
Free, 2h

8:30PM

Dinner at local cafe

Enjoy a casual dinner with light meals and tea.
SAR40-60 per person, 1h
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Day 7: Fly to Istanbul

Madinah to Istanbul, Turkey on June 27, 2025

6:00AM

Hotel breakfast and check-out

Enjoy your last breakfast in Madinah and prepare for departure.
Included, 1h

8:00AM

Transfer to Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport

Arrange a taxi or hotel transfer costing approximately SAR100-150, travel time 30-45 minutes.
SAR100-150, 45m

11:00AM

Flight from Madinah to Istanbul

Fly direct from Madinah to Istanbul Ataturk or Istanbul Airport; flight time approximately 5-6 hours.
Approximately USD 300-450 per person economy class, 6h

5:00PM

Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to hotel

Take an airport taxi or shuttle (~150-200 TRY) to hotel in Sultanahmet area to be near main attractions.
TRY150-200, 1h

7:00PM

Check-in and dinner nearby hotel

Recommended hotel: Hotel Amira Istanbul or Sirkeci Mansion, known for comfort and location. Dine at nearby Mediterranean or Turkish restaurants like Sultanahmet Fish House.
TRY100-150 per person for dinner, 1h30m
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Day 8: Istanbul Historic Sites

Istanbul, Turkey on June 28, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy the hotel breakfast buffet before sightseeing.
Included in hotel, 1h

9:30AM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Explore this magnificent historic Byzantine cathedral turned mosque and now museum. Opens 9AM to 7PM.
TRY100 per person, 2h

12:00PM

Lunch at Sultanahmet Koftecisi

Try traditional Turkish meatballs (köfte) at this famous historic restaurant.
TRY50-70 per person, 1h

1:30PM

Visit Blue Mosque

Admire iconic mosque architecture; open from 9AM to 6PM (closed during prayer times).
Free, 1h30m

3:30PM

Explore Topkapi Palace

Discover the Ottoman sultans’ former residence and museum, open 9AM to 5PM.
TRY150 per person, 2h

6:00PM

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Turkish kebabs and fantastic Bosphorus views.
TRY100-150 per person, 1h30m
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Day 9: Istanbul Bosphorus & Shopping

Istanbul, Turkey on June 29, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a relaxing hotel breakfast.
Included, 1h

9:30AM

Bosphorus Cruise

Enjoy a 2-hour scenic ferry cruise along the Bosphorus strait to see the city skyline and historical mansions. Departures typically start at 9AM.
TRY50-70 per person, 2h

12:00PM

Lunch at a cafe near Eminonu

Try fresh fish sandwiches (Balik Ekmek) popular at the Galata Bridge area.
TRY40-60 per person, 1h

1:30PM

Shop at Grand Bazaar

Explore one of the world’s largest covered markets; open 9AM to 7PM. Great for souvenirs and Turkish handicrafts.
Free entry, 3h

5:00PM

Coffee and Turkish tea break at Hafiz Mustafa

Enjoy traditional Turkish sweets and beverages in a historic cafe.
TRY50-70 per person, 1h

7:00PM

Dinner at Meze by Lemon Tree

Savour delicious mezze dishes and modern Turkish cuisine in a cosy setting.
TRY100-140 per person, 1h30m
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Day 10: Istanbul Relax and Culture

Istanbul, Turkey on June 30, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for your last full day in Istanbul with a hotel buffet breakfast.
Included, 1h

9:30AM

Visit Basilica Cistern

Explore the ancient underground water storage system dating back to Byzantine times; open 9AM-5:30PM.
TRY40 per person, 1h

11:00AM

Explore Istanbul Archaeological Museums

See extensive collections of artefacts from various civilisations; opens 9AM-5PM.
TRY50 per person, 2h

1:30PM

Lunch at Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Sample traditional Turkish köfte in this historic eatery near the Blue Mosque.
TRY50-70 per person, 1h

3:00PM

Free time for stroll or shopping

Walk around Sultanahmet Square or revisit markets for last-minute gifts.
Variable, 3h

7:00PM

Farewell dinner at Nusr-Et Steakhouse

Enjoy a memorable dinner at one of Istanbul’s most popular steak restaurants.
TRY200-300 per person, 2h
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Day 11: Return to Lahore

Istanbul to Lahore on July 1, 2025

7:00AM

Hotel breakfast and check-out

Enjoy your final breakfast in Istanbul and prepare for the journey home.
Included, 1h

9:00AM

Transfer to Istanbul Airport

Taxi or shuttle to the airport, approx 45 minutes from Sultanahmet.
TRY150-200, 45m

12:00PM

Flight from Istanbul to Lahore

Fly with Turkish Airlines or another carrier. Flight duration approx 6-7 hours direct.
USD 350-500 per person, 7h

11:00PM

Arrival in Lahore

Arrive at Allama Iqbal International Airport and conclude your journey.
N/A, N/A
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