When planning an overseas trip, that too a religious trip such as an Umrah, planning is crucial. It is especially so for a journey that entails the sacred cities of Makkah and Madinah. While it is Makkah that is the centre of Umrah’s religious rites, Madinah, the city, is just as significant spiritually. The city houses Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) burial place at the Pioneer (Masjid al-Nabawi) and it is said that to go on the journey and not visit there would be a major sin.
Optimal Time To Spend On An Umrah Trip
Though the main rites of Umrah last only a few hours, the trip typically lasts from 5 to 14 days. For many pilgrims, their experiences are about more than the rituals. This consists of sightseeing, shopping, and absorbing the spiritual ambience in the holy cities.
Five days is a whirlwind visit to both cities, but for a more relaxed experience, allow 7-14 days. A longer stay allows you to perform multiple Umrahs, see important historic sites, and to take in the natural beauty of Makkah and Madinah.
Itinerary for Mannasik of Hajj for Pilgrims Raising Muraqabah: 4 Days of the Makkah-cum-Madinah Tour
Day 1: Arrive in Makkah and Perform Your First Umrah
Upon arrival at Jeddah (the closest airport), you will undertake a 1.5- to 2-hour drive to Makkah. Arrive at your hotel and after check-in, head towards the Masjid al-Haram for your 1st Umrah. The main rituals include:
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Tawaf: Circumambulating the Kaaba seven times.
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Safa and Marwah: Walk between the hills.
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Shaving or cutting of the hair: On completion of the Tawaf and the Sa’i, pilgrims shave their heads or trim their hair.
You may take a rest in your hotel after your first Umrah and get ready for your next day.
Day 2: Relaxation, Worship, and Ziyarats
Take rest or offer Masjid al-Haram prayers more so. If you have not taken off Ihram from the first Umrah, you can do another Umrah on this day. Other pilgrims frequently make their way to other nearby places, including:
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Dear mountains (where the cave of Hira is situated)
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Ghar al-Thawr (Cave of Thawr, namely where the Prophet and Abu Bakr took refuge during Hijrah)
Then in the afternoon, you can go to local markets or discover more of Makkah.
Day 3: Perform the 2nd Umrah
Your day should begin with some supplications in Masjid al-Haram, followed by going to Masjid Ayesha to put on your Ihram for the second time. Then again offer your second Umrah and spend the rest of the day in prayers and visiting the adjacent places. Makkah is known for its street food, so do not miss out on the tasty local food.
Day 4: Depart to Madinah
Pilgrims would usually perform Tawaf al-Wida prior to leaving Makkah towards Madinah. This isn’t mandatory and is not necessarily standard. You will leave for Madinah after your last Umrah. Six hours by road or a 2.5‐hour high‐speed train ride, depending on traffic for the road option.
4 Day Madinah Itinerary for Your Umrah Trip
Day 1: Arrive in Madinah
It takes about 2.5 hours to 6 hours to travel from Makkah to Madinah, depending on whether you are flying or travelling by road. Upon arrival, rest at your hotel and then proceed to Masjid al-Nabawi. Welcome the mosque with Tahiyyat al-Masjid then pray. Be sure to go to the Rawdah, an area considered to be part of Paradise.
Day 2: Pay a Visit to the Rawdah / Explore Madinah
The Rawdah is a very special area inside Masjid al-Nabawi and an honor to pray in. Use the Nusuk app to book an appointment and secure a visit to this sacred spot. Then wander the Madinah markets – click here for our guide on what to buy, they are famous for their high-quality dates and Islamic souvenirs.
Day 3: Visit the Holy Sites of Madinah
Madinah is abundant with history related to early Islamic days. Consider visiting:
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Masjid Quba: The first Mosque in Islam.
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Masjid Qiblatain: The mosque of the two Qiblas.
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Uhud Mountain: Location of the legendary Battle of Uhud.
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Al Baqi Cemetery: Where many of the Prophet’s companions are buried.
These historical sites will help personalize and deepen your understanding of Islam’s origins.
Day 4: Departure from Madinah
On your last day in Madinah, perform Fajr in Masjid al-Nabawi and say goodbye to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). You can visit the local markets once again to buy last-minute gifts before flying back, if your flight’s time permits.
Shopping and Souvenirs in Makkah and Madinah
Another aspect of your Umrah tour, other than spiritual rituals, is your shopping in both Makkah as well as Madinah. Both have an extensive selection of traditional Islamic items ranging from dates to prayer rugs that are ideal souvenirs of your pilgrimage.
Shopping in Makkah
Makkah is not just the heart of Islam; it’s a shopping hub too. Abraj Al Bait Towers (close to Masjid al-Haram) is a large shopping center with an assortment of goods from luxury brands to traditional Islamic items. You can shop for things like:
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Islamic books
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Prayer beads
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Prayer rugs
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Perfumes
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Gifts and souvenirs for those loved ones
On your way around, get some shopping done at the Souq Al-Madina and the Mecca Mall, where there are plenty of colorful shopping and ranges of stores to suit every taste.
Those heading home often like to purchase dates, which can be found gift-boxed at designated stalls throughout special stalls around Masjid al-Haram. Ajwa dates, the ultimate Islamic food as a special Gift from Madinah and can be used as gifts for friends and family.
Tip: You might want to purchase dates and other gifts from Madinah as the quality is said to be better and prices cheaper compared to Makkah.
Shopping in Madinah
Shopping in Madinah is more relaxed than in Makkah. Souvenir shops crammed with Islamic trinkets, prayer books, translations of the Quran, and the most halal of Arabic perfumes fill the market squares around Masjid al-Nabawi. And you will come across numerous shops, where you can buy excellent quality dates and honey, which are definitely worth taking back home with you as gifts.
Madinah Dates and Gifts:
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Ajwa dates – these tasty and spiritually significant dates are what many tourists come to Madinah to purchase. MORE: The best souvenir to bring back from your trip to Madinah.
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Islamic Calligraphy: Madinah is known for its beautiful hand-painted Islamic calligraphy art, showcasing verses from the holy Quran and hadiths of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
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Perfumes: Attar (natural perfumes) are an essential purchase in Madinah. The city is famous for its many scented oils, which can be used or donated as gifts.
The markets for dates are among the most well-accepted in the region, around Masjid Quba and at the local souks. Most of the products they carry are common goods, but they have some souvenir goods especially dates such as Sukkari and Mabroom, which can be eaten on site or taken home to family and friends.
Food and Dining – Umrah Package Trip: What to Eat During Your Umrah Journey?
When it comes to Umrah, food is a key aspect of the experience, and Makkah and Madinah have a decent range of local dishes you must try. The culinary experience also offers a wide range of dining, from typical Saudi cuisine to international culinary treats.
Food in Makkah
In Makkah, there are so many local restaurants and street food stalls with traditional meals such as:
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Kabsa: A rice dish, flavored with spices, and accompanied with lamb or chicken.
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Mandi: A recipe of rice and meat, with plenty of veggies and spices.
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Jareesh: Crushed wheat dish, prepared together with chicken or meat.
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Mutabbaq: A stuffed, savory pastry filled with minced meat or vegetables.
There is also a variety of foreign food shops as well as fast food for the less adventurous. There are several restaurants at the Abraj Al Bait Mall with a view of Kaaba where you can enjoy your meal while basking in the spiritual air.
Food in Madinah
In Madinah, you will find a great selection of real Saudi and Arabian food. One favorite dish is Mandi, which is a traditional dish with rice and meat and is also generally available in Madinah. Everybody knows the local culinary scene has dishes such as:
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Sambusa: A savory pastry filled with meat or vegetables.
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Shawarma: A common street food choice, meat seasoned right and inside pita bread.
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Falafel: Balls made from ground chickpeas that are deep-fried and are a common vegetarian option.
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Dates and Arabian coffee: Be sure to experience the traditional Saudi hospitality of dates being served with Arabic coffee (Gahwa).
A lot of places including restaurants and hotels serve buffet-style food where you can taste many kinds of food from different countries.
Visit Ziyarah Places in Madinah and Makkah
There are so many historical and religious sites in both Makkah and Madinah to visit during your Umrah trip. These cities have Masjid al-Haram and Masjid al-Nabawi, Quba Mosque and Mount Uhud as their sacred sites respectively.
A few of the important ziyarah locations include:
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Jabal al-Noor (Mountain of Light): Famous for the Hira Cave, where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) reportedly received his first revelation.
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Jabal al-Thawr: A mountain where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Abu Bakr (RA) hid themselves in the cave during Hijrah (migration).
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Masjid al-Quba: The very first mosque in Islam.
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Masjid Qiblatain: The Qiblah (The direction Muslims face while praying) was changed from Jerusalem to Makkah, here.
For pilgrims staying at Makkah, a visit to these places will deepen your knowledge of Islamic history and the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Getting Around Makkah and Madinah
Both Makkah and Madinah have superior modes of transportation to facilitate easy traveling for the pilgrims. In Makkah, the majority of pilgrims depend on local taxis, which can also be arranged via apps, or SAPTCO buses for transportation. But for those who want a faster and cushier option, the Haramain High-Speed Train now takes people between Makkah and Madinah in under 2.5 hours.
Taxis, buses, and walking are common modes of transport in Madinah. Pedestrian access on walkways makes moving around and visiting surrounding areas convenient due to proximity near Masjid al-Nabawi.
Final Words
It isn’t just about doing it though, it’s also about developing spiritually, being introspective, and making a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whether you are in Makkah or Madinah, there will be plenty of chances to pray, contemplate, experience new adventures, and, of course, shop.
While taking an amazing itinerary of two cities, you will maximize your experience of the two well-loved cities, also concentrate on the spiritual part of your journey. From performing the rituals to buying the Islamic products, each aspect of the flavored Umrah will take the steps for getting you nearer to Allah.
If you are organizing your Umrah travel, you need to consider other Umrah packages, according to your needs. Regardless of whether you are traveling alone, with a partner, or as a family – one of our packages will enable you to get the very most from your time in Makkah and Madinah.
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