Makkah (Mecca) is the cradle of Islam and the destination of millions of pilgrims each year. From the Kaaba in Masjid al‑Haram to the valleys and mountains where early Islamic history unfolded, every step carries meaning. This 7‑day itinerary is designed to help you perform Umrah with confidence, pray in calm windows, and still savor the city’s food, museums, and nearby gems.

Expect pre‑dawn serenity, midday heat, and evenings that hum with prayer and community. Non‑Muslims are not permitted to enter Makkah or its perimeter; Jeddah and Taif are open to all and make excellent day trips. Dress modestly, stay hydrated, and plan around prayer times and Friday crowds.

Practical tips: fly into Jeddah (JED) and connect to Makkah by Haramain High‑Speed Rail or car. Book a hotel within walking distance of the Haram if possible. Peak periods—Ramadan (especially the last 10 nights) and the Hajj season—require extra lead time for bookings.

Makkah

The spiritual center of Islam, Makkah is anchored by Masjid al‑Haram and its seven‑century layers of history. Beyond Umrah and daily prayers, visit Mount Arafat (Jabal al‑Rahma), Mina’s tent city, Muzdalifah, Masjid al‑Jinn, and the Exhibition of the Two Holy Mosques Architecture.

Where to stay (near the Haram):

• Raffles Makkah Palace – all‑suite elegance steps from the Haram, ideal for families wanting space.
• Swissôtel Makkah – direct mall access and renowned Al Ruwad buffets.
• Makkah Clock Royal Tower, A Fairmont Hotel – iconic views over the Kaaba, multiple dining options including Mazaq Café.
• Hilton Makkah Convention Hotel – modern rooms, reliable service, good value just beyond the closest ring.
• Al Kiswah Towers Hotel – budget‑friendly towers with shuttle service.

Compare more stays: VRBO Makkah | Hotels.com Makkah

How to get here: Fly to Jeddah (JED) then ride the Haramain High‑Speed Rail (~24–35 minutes, roughly 46–69 SAR each way). Book flights via Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com, and trains via Trip.com Trains. Taxis/ride‑hailing take ~60–90 minutes depending on traffic.

Eat and drink: for a classic Saudi breakfast, try Abu Zaid (mutabbaq, foul, masoub). For quick meals near the Haram, Albaik (fried chicken) and Al Tazaj (grilled chicken) are crowd favorites. For family rice feasts, Al Romansiah serves kabsa and mandi; for coffee, Barn’s is a reliable local roastery, while hotel cafés like Mazaq (Fairmont) offer calm and views.

Jeddah (Day Trip)

Jeddah blends Red Sea breezes with heritage coral‑stone houses in Al‑Balad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a fast hop on the Haramain train from Makkah, perfect for a dose of Hijazi culture and traditional souqs.

Getting there: Haramain High‑Speed Rail Makkah ⇄ Jeddah in ~24–35 minutes (budget ~46–69 SAR each way). Book via Trip.com Trains.

Taif (Day Trip)

Perched in the Sarawat Mountains, Taif offers cool air, rose farms (spring season), and sweeping switchback views over Al Hada. It’s an easy mountain drive from Makkah and a refreshing change of pace.

Getting there: 90–120 minutes by car via Al Hada Road; hire a driver or join a guided tour.

Day 1: Arrival in Jeddah, Onward to Makkah

Afternoon: Arrive at Jeddah (JED). Ride the Haramain High‑Speed Rail to Makkah Station (~24–35 minutes), or take a taxi/ride‑hail (60–90 minutes). Check in to your hotel near the Haram—consider Swissôtel Makkah for family‑friendly access or Fairmont Clock Royal Tower for panoramic views.

Evening: Stroll into Masjid al‑Haram to orient yourself, timing Maghrib and ‘Isha prayers. For dinner, keep it light at Al Tazaj (grilled chicken with fresh saj bread) or a comfort‑food fix at Albaik on Ibrahim Al‑Khalil Street. Early night—tomorrow is special.

Day 2: Guided Umrah and Haram Time

Morning: Begin Umrah at off‑peak hours (pre‑dawn through mid‑morning is calmer). If it’s your first time or you want smooth logistics, book:

Private Umrah Guided Experience in Makkah

Your guide will help arrange ihram, intention at the miqat (or Masjid Taneem if needed), tawaf, sa‘i between Safa and Marwa, and the concluding trim/shave.

Afternoon: Rest and rehydrate. Enjoy a late lunch buffet at Swissôtel’s Al Ruwad (international spread with kid‑friendly stations) or Raffles’ Al Qasr for refined Saudi dishes.

Evening: Return for ‘Isha and quiet dhikr. Dessert idea: masoub (banana‑honey wheat pudding) from Abu Zaid—energizing and traditional.

Day 3: Ziyarat—Makkah’s Sacred Sites

Morning: Take a focused ziyarat tour to understand the geography of Hajj and early Islam:

A Spiritual Journey Through the Holy Sites of Makkah

Typical stops include Mount Arafat (Jabal al‑Rahma), Namirah Mosque, Muzdalifah, Mina (Jamarat area), and often Masjid al‑Jinn or Jannat al‑Mu‘alla (view from outside).

Afternoon: Lunch at Al Romansiah (try lamb mandi or chicken kabsa with spicy daqqous). Spend the hottest hours at the Exhibition of the Two Holy Mosques Architecture—models, artifacts, and marble calligraphy provide rare insight into the Haram’s evolution.

Evening: Shop dates (ajwa, sukkari) in Abraj Al Bait Mall and enjoy Saudi qahwa with cardamom at Barn’s. After ‘Isha, a slow tawaf on upper levels can be more breathable.

Day 4: Hira Cave and Living History

Morning: Pre‑dawn transfer to Jabal al‑Nour for the ascent to Hira Cave (moderate hike; sturdy shoes and water essential). Reach near sunrise for cooler temps and city views, then descend before heat builds.

Afternoon: Recover with a simple lunch—mutabbaq or foul with fresh tamees bread. Nap, journal, and hydrate.

Evening: Explore lesser‑visited mosques like Masjid al‑Khayf (view from outside) if time allows, then dinner at your hotel or Al Qasr (Raffles) for refined Hijazi flavors. If energy permits, return to the Haram for night prayers.

Day 5: Optional Day Trip—Taif’s Cool Mountain Air

Full‑day excursion (8–10 hours). Drive 90–120 minutes up Al Hada Road, famed for hairpins and valley views. In season (roughly March–April), rose farms burst with fragrance; year‑round, the Al Hada cable car and Shubra Palace museum (if open) are highlights. Consider a guided option that includes lunch:

Full Day Taif Tour with Lunch

Evening return to Makkah for ‘Isha. Light dinner near your hotel.

Day 6: Optional Day Trip—Jeddah’s UNESCO Al‑Balad

Morning: Haramain train to Jeddah (book via Trip.com Trains). Join a heritage walk through coral‑stone alleys, latticed rawasheen balconies, and traditional souqs:

Historic District Tour in Jeddah By a Local Guide

Afternoon: Try a Hijazi lunch—sayyadiyah (spiced rice with fish) or saleeg (creamy rice with grilled chicken). Browse spice stalls for cardamom, saffron, and hibiscus. Coffee in a restored heritage house café is a treat.

Evening: Train back to Makkah for ‘Isha. Late snack at Albaik or a calm tea in your hotel lounge.

Day 7: Farewell Morning and Departure

Morning: Perform a final tawaf (Tawaf al‑Wada, if traveling soon) and take a few quiet moments for dua. Breakfast at Abu Zaid or your hotel buffet.

Afternoon: Check out and transfer to Jeddah (Haramain train or taxi). Fly onward—compare options on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. If you have extra time, relax at your hotel café and hydrate for the journey.

Optional/Alternate Tour Add‑On

If you prefer a combined package that can include Makkah and a Madinah ziyarat on other days of your trip, consider:

Umrah Guide

Where to Eat—Specific Suggestions

• Breakfast: Abu Zaid (mutabbaq, foul, masoub); hotel cafés like Mazaq (Fairmont) for date‑filled pastries and Saudi qahwa.
• Lunch: Al Romansiah (kabsa/mandi platters for sharing), Al Tazaj (quick grilled chicken), classic Bukhari rice houses around Kudai.
• Dinner: Albaik (crispy chicken and garlic sauce), Al Qasr at Raffles (smart‑casual Saudi and international), Al Ruwad at Swissôtel (vast buffet, efficient with kids).
• Coffee/Dessert: Barn’s (ubiquitous Saudi roastery), hotel lounges for calm between prayers; try luqaimat (honeyed fritters) when available.

Timing & Etiquette Tips

• Best tawaf windows: after ‘Isha until late night, or pre‑dawn before Fajr.
• Fridays are very crowded; arrive early for Jumu‘ah or plan non‑Haram activities that morning.
• Hydration, sun protection, and comfortable footwear are essential, especially for Hira or city walks.
• Non‑Muslims: Makkah entry is prohibited; Jeddah and Taif day trips are suitable alternatives with similar cuisine and culture.

Bookable Highlights Recap

• Private Umrah Guided Experience in Makkah
• A Spiritual Journey Through the Holy Sites of Makkah
• Historic District Tour in Jeddah By a Local Guide
• Full Day Taif Tour with Lunch

For flights and rail: Trip.com Flights | Kiwi.com | Trip.com Trains

Hotels near the Haram: Raffles Makkah Palace | Swissôtel Makkah | Fairmont Clock Royal Tower | Hilton Makkah Convention Hotel | Al Kiswah Towers Hotel

This 7‑day plan balances devotion and discovery: guided Umrah, quiet moments in the Haram, and a thoughtful circuit of Makkah’s sacred geography—with room for Jeddah’s old town and Taif’s mountain air. May your journey be safe, restorative, and unforgettable.