Saudi Arabia - Tour Packages
The desert heart of Islam, birthplace of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and home to two holy cities for Muslims, Makkah, and Medina, Saudi Arabia is one of those destinations that is enshrouded in mystery and mystic in every grain of sand. And until you get to feel those sand beneath your feet, you’ve never really been around the world.
If you are a Muslim, it would be your earnest desire to visit the Bait Allah anyways, the exalted Haram Shareef in Makkah and Madinah with your Umrah tour or Hajj, but if you also wish to discover true Arabic hospitality and outstanding natural and man-made landscapes by visiting modern and ancient places for the purpose of tourism like AlUla, Riyadh, Jeddah, Hofuf, Taif, Khobar, Yanbu, Dhahran, Dammam, it is also possible with Saudi Arabia now open for everyone.
Places to Visit in Saudi Arabia
You are a pilgrim and wish to spend time in the holy cities of Makkah or Medina for your Umrah or you wish to explore the temperate climate of the Red Sea for seafood, sun, sand, and marine adventures, Saudi Arabia has everything for you. From national parks to the mountainous north the country is dotted with a range of places that you can visit during your tour, here are some of them
- The Holy City of Makkah
Makkah is considered the holiest city amongst all Muslims. Muslims around the world offer their prayers 5 times a day in the direction of the city. The annual Hajj pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of the faith, moreover millions of pilgrims visit the city year-round to perform the Umrah pilgrimage as well.
For most Muslims around the world, an opportunity to visit Makkah is the ultimate blessing for it is also the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the city where the Quran was first revealed to him.
- The Holy City of Medina
Second, to Makkah, Medina is another destination in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia visited mainly for pilgrimage. The Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid Nabawi) is Medina's main attraction that was constructed by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself and is also the place where he is buried.
Medina is also the city where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) lived and preached after the migration from Makkah in 622 A.D. (Hijrah).
Medina is also a base town for day trips or overnight trips to the Red Sea and to the places deeper into the desert :
Yanbu -230 kilometers from Medina by road and takes around 2½ hours to drive (One way)
Hegra - 356 kilometers from Medina by road and takes around 04 hours (One way)
Al Wahbah Crater - 287 kilometers from Medina by road, and takes 03 hours (One way)
Khaybar - 180 kilometers north of Medina, and takes about 02 hours (One way)
- Al Ahsa Oasis
Beyond Saudi Arabia's vast deserts, Al Ahsa is a lush desert oasis, recognized as the UNESCO World Heritage region and a holder of a Guinness World record as the largest self-contained oasis in the world. Al Ahsa offers hot and cold springs, many historic mosques, awe-inspiring panoramic views, and an opportunity to explore this 6,000-year-old oasis, which has long been a gateway to the Arabian Peninsula for travelers from the East.
- Riyadh
The capital city and a modern metropolis is a financial hub with glittering high-rises and a burgeoning contemporary art scene, Riyadh's fascinating, centuries-old history also can be found within its souqs, compelling museums, and ancient architecture.
- AlUla
Deep in the desert in the northwestern region of Saudi Arabia, AlUla is home to Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site — Ancient tombs that remain as the legacy of 7,000 years of human civilization, stunning natural rock formations, and canyons.
- Diriyah
Considered by many as the 'Pearl of Saudi Arabia,' Diriyah’s history goes back thousands of years. A meeting spot for traders and adventurers traveling to or from Asia, Africa, or Europe, It was once part of the ancient trade and pilgrimage route.
- Jeddah
Jeddah is where ancient meets modern in a real sense. The ancient port of Jeddah has been a gateway to traders, international artists, and pilgrims on their Umrah or Hajj journey to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. It is now a buzzing cosmopolitan hub, but a visit to Al Balad, the magical historical quarter is a must.
- Tabuk
The capital city of the Tabuk Region in northwestern Saudi Arabia served as a resting point for Jordanian and Egyptian pilgrims on their way to visit the holy cities of Makkah and Medina. For today's traveler, it offers ancient archaeological sites, tombs, Souqs, charming coastal towns, such as Haql and Sharma, with clear seas and pristine beaches. Prophet Moses or Musa (PBUH) lived in the east of Tabuk for a decade, you may also visit to explore ancient archaeological sites and the setting of the story of the prophet Moses or Musa (PBUH)
- Yanbu
The port city on the Red Sea coast of western Saudi Arabia, Yanbu is a few hours drive towards the west of Medina. You’ll find many of the attractions in the historical area around the harbor, which comes alive at night. Visit the local restaurants to eat Red Sea-caught fish while overlooking the water or discover the lanes of the newly restored Souq Al Lail (night market). Local dates and green mulkhiah leaves are very popular products to buy.
- King Abdullah Economic City
Also known as KAEC started close to Jeddah along the coasts of the Red Sea in 2005 as a business zone, however, it is set to become a major tourist magnet with International Golf tournaments, a motorsports park, and a massive waterfront with a friendly Beach Walk at Yam Beach that also offers a range of watersports opportunities.
- The city of Hail
Nestled between Mount Shammer to the north and Mount Salma to the south, the city of Hail was once the capital of all the Arabian Desert. It was also the home to legendary Arabian poet Hatim Al Tai (Arabian Nights).
- Taif
Traveling along a winding road through the mountains, local fruit markets, rose farms, and deep valleys are something that you can expect when visiting Taif. The city is a cool escape and usually referred to as Saudi’s unofficial summer capital and the City of Roses
- Dammam
Dammam is a modern metropolis with endless breathtaking views of the tranquil Arabian Gulf, its lush green parks, airy waterfronts, sandy beaches, a range of cultural hubs, museums, and Dammam's Share Al Hob souq are some of its top attractions for visitors.
There are plenty of other cities and places to visit in Saudi Arabia like Al Baha, Abha, Asir, Al Jouf, Jazan, Duba, Al Namas
Top Attractions in Saudi Arabia
The majority of the visitors to the holy cities of Makkah and Medina are pilgrims wishing to spend as much time as possible within the opulent complexes of the Masjid al-Haram and Al-Masjid an-Nabawi respectively making it topmost attractions of Saudi Arabia
- Masjid al-Haram
You name Mecca and the ‘Masjid al-haram mosque comes up in your mind. It is the most sacred mosque due to its most revered association with Islamic history, every Muslim visiting Mecca during Hajj or Umrah visits Al-Masjid Al-Haram to perform various spiritual rites required during Umrah and Hajj. Hajj is one of the 5 pillars of Islam and every able Muslim who can afford must perform it once in a lifetime. Umrah is considered a lesser pilgrimage that can be performed any time of the year (except for the time of Hajj).
- Al-Masjid an-Nabawi
Situated in the city of Medina, the Prophet’s Mosque, as Al-Masjid an-Nabawi is known in English, is now one of the world’s largest mosques and the second holiest site in Islam. As it is always open, you can visit any time.
Umrah Pilgrimage
Umrah is a holy pilgrimage to visit Saudi Arabia, which can be performed any time of the year (except for the time of Hajj), some of us have little understanding of the travel processes which needs to be completed before visiting the holy cities of Makkah and Medina and performing rituals of the holy pilgrimage so there are Umrah packages available.
Umrah Tour Packages
Generally, the Umrah package includes all travel services as part of the package so that you can focus only on your pilgrimage and performing rituals than worrying about your hotel, transportation, visa processing, meals, and guidance.
The quality of Umrah packages depends on the services offered and the inclusions of the package. Some of the Umrah Packages are longer in durations but there is a much shorter duration (like 07 days or less) of Umrah packages. Moreover, it is up to you as packages can be customized as per your requirements. In a customized Umrah package, you can opt for services that suit your budget and the time available to you.
Many people prefer longer duration packages, which allow them to spend more days in the holy places, but at the same time, there are many people who want to visit Mecca and Madina on Umrah but have less time.
Choose an Umrah package or a holiday Tour Package to visit Saudi Arabia today.