Mecca Saudi Arabia 2 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Holy Sites Exploration
Morning:
- Arrive at King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah.
- Transfer to Mecca by a pre-arranged private taxi (approximately 1 hour drive).
Afternoon:
- Check-in at your hotel. For luxury: Ritz-Carlton, Jeddah or InterContinental Mecca. For budget: Ibis Styles Mecca or Ajyad Makkah Hotel.
Important Note: All tourists must be part of an organized tour group, and women must be accompanied by a male guardian (mahram) according to Saudi Arabian law.
Afternoon:
- Visit the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram), the largest mosque in the world and Islam’s most sacred site.
- Perform Umrah if you are a Muslim pilgrim, or witness the rituals if not.
Evening:
- Dinner at Al Baik Mecca, a popular fast-food restaurant serving traditional Saudi chicken and Arabic bread.
Transportation: Taxis in Mecca are metered, but it’s best to negotiate a fixed price for longer trips.
Day 2: Historical Sites and Departure
Morning:
- Visit Jannat al-Baqi’, the cemetery where members of the Prophet Muhammad’s family are buried.
- Explore Masjid Al-Kudwah, one of Islam’s oldest mosques and a significant historical site.
Afternoon:
- Lunch at a local restaurant serving traditional Saudi cuisine. Try Machboos (chicken or meat with rice) or Kunafa (a sweet cheese pastry).
Late Afternoon:
- Visit Mount Arafat and Muzdalifah if you are on the Hajj pilgrimage. For Umrah pilgrims, head back to the hotel for rest.
Evening:
- Transfer to King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, for your flight home.
Things to Know:
- Modest dress is required in public places. Women must wear a full-length black abaya and a headscarf. Men should avoid shorts or sleeveless shirts.
- Photography is generally prohibited inside the Grand Mosque, but you can take pictures from outside the mosque.
- English is widely spoken among younger generations in Saudi Arabia. It’s helpful to have some basic Arabic phrases for communication with the elderly.