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Cheaper Way to Do Umrah & Explore Turkey with Saudia Airlines ✈️🕋

Many people dream of performing Umrah and, in the same journey, exploring beautiful destinations like Istanbul and Bursa.
The good news? You can actually do both — and sometimes for less than the price of a return ticket to just one of those places.

Recently, I found out that flying with Saudia Airlines can be a real money-saver compared to other options. 
On my search via Trip.com :

• Saudia Airlines: Around RM2,900 for KUL → Istanbul → KUL
• Turkish Airlines: Above RM4,000 for KUL → JED → KUL

The difference?
With Saudia, you can take advantage of Saudi Arabia’s 96-hour (4-day) Stopover Visa — perfect for a short Umrah trip before continuing your journey to Turkey.

💡 Tip – Stay Connected with Airalo eSIM
Avoid the hassle of hunting for a SIM card upon arrival. Buy an Airalo eSIM before your trip, so you’ll have internet the moment you land — perfect for navigation, translation apps, and staying in touch with loved ones.

Why This Works

The Saudi 96-Hour Stopover Visa is a budget-friendly gateway to performing Umrah while en route to another destination.
The cost is minimal — just admin and insurance fees (around RM250) — and if you’re lucky, Saudia Airlines may even include a free one-night hotel stay as part of their stopover program.

With this single visa and one long-haul flight ticket, you can:

• Spend up to 4 days in Saudi Arabia
  • 2 days in Makkah – Perform Umrah and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Masjid al-Haram.
  • 2 days in Madinah – Visit the Prophet’s Mosque and explore historical Islamic sites.
• Continue to Turkey – Wander through Istanbul’s vibrant streets, enjoy Bursa’s scenic views, and experience the rich blend of history and culture.

It’s a smart travel hack that combines spiritual fulfilment with cultural exploration — without the cost of two separate international trips.

💡 Tip – Book Hotels the Halal-Friendly Way
When booking in Makkah, Madinah, or Turkey, use HalalBooking.com — it’s a great platform for finding hotels that cater to Muslim travellers. You can filter by prayer facilities, halal food options, and even proximity to the Haram.

4 Days in Saudi Arabia – A Spiritual Pause Before the Next Journey 🕋

The first leg of this journey is not just about travel — it’s about the heart. The 96-hour stopover begins the moment you land in Jeddah, but your spiritual preparation starts even earlier, in the air.

Day 1 – Miqat in the Sky

Before your flight on Saudia Airlines, pack your ihram clothes somewhere easy to access. Onboard, as the pilot announces that the plane is approaching the Qarn al-Manazil miqat point, make your way to the lavatory or your seat to change into ihram (men), while women dress modestly as they normally do for prayer.

Once dressed, make your niat Umrah and recite the talbiyah softly:

“Labbaik Allahumma Umrah” – “Here I am, O Allah, for Umrah.”

From that moment, you are in a sacred state.
Upon arrival at Jeddah airport, take the Haramain High Speed Railway (HHR) to Makkah — a fast and comfortable way to reach the holy city in about 50 minutes.

Check into your hotel, rest, then walk towards Masjid al-Haram. The first sight of the Kaabah never fails to make hearts tremble. Perform your Umrah slowly, letting each tawaf and sa’i wash away the weight of the world.

Day 2 – Full Day in Makkah

Spend this day as close to the Haram as possible.
Perform your prayers there, join the jamaah, and in between, take quiet moments to make dua for yourself, your family, and the ummah.

If energy allows, you can visit nearby historical sites such as Jabal al-Nour (Cave of Hira) or Jabal Thawr, but remember — the priority is your time in Masjid al-Haram.

Day 3 – Journey to Madinah

After Fajr, prepare for your journey to Madinah al-Munawwarah via the Haramain train. The 3-hour ride is smooth and scenic.

Upon arrival, check into your hotel and walk to Masjid an-Nabawi. Standing in the Rawdah, between the Prophet’s grave and his pulpit, is said to be like standing in a garden of Paradise.

Offer salam to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, Abu Bakr, and Umar ibn al-Khattab. Spend the rest of the day in peaceful ibadah, joining the locals in prayer.

Day 4 – Ziarah in Madinah & Return to Jeddah

Use the morning for a short ziarah tour — visit Quba Mosque, Uhud Mountain, and the martyrs of Uhud.

Return to your hotel for checkout, then take the train back to Jeddah to catch your onward flight to Istanbul.

💡 Tip – Stay Near the Haram and Nabawi
A hotel within walking distance saves time and energy. You’ll be able to attend more prayers in the mosque without worrying about long commutes.

5 Days in Turkey – A Journey to Remember 🇹🇷

After 4 blessed days in Makkah and Madinah, the next chapter of the journey begins — a 5-day exploration of Turkey’s charm, history, and flavours.

Day 5 – Arrival in Istanbul

The moment you step out of the airport, Istanbul’s cool air greets you.
Check into your hotel, rest a bit, then head out in the late afternoon to Sultanahmet Square.
Here, the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia stand proudly, both steeped in centuries of history.
As the call to prayer echoes across the square, you’ll feel the spiritual connection continue even though you’ve left Saudi Arabia.

Dinner can be a simple kebab plate from a nearby halal restaurant — portions are generous, and the bread is always fresh.

Day 6 – Bosphorus & Grand Bazaar

Start the day with a Bosphorus cruise, where Europe and Asia meet on shimmering waters.
The view of the old palaces, bridges, and colourful houses along the shoreline is something you’ll want to capture with your phone or camera (another reason to keep that Xiaomi or Samsung fully charged 📱).

In the afternoon, lose yourself in the Grand Bazaar — a labyrinth of over 4,000 shops.
Whether it’s Turkish tea sets, handmade scarves, or just the joy of bargaining, it’s an experience that lingers.

Day 7 – Travel to Bursa

Take a morning ferry or bus to Bursa, once the capital of the Ottoman Empire.
Bursa feels calmer than Istanbul, with its leafy streets and friendly shopkeepers.
Visit the Green Mosque and Green Tomb, both beautifully decorated with intricate tiles.

End the day with a hot Turkish bath (hamam) — a tradition that leaves you refreshed and ready for more adventures.

Day 8 – Uludağ Mountain

Bursa is famous for Uludağ Mountain, especially if you visit during winter when it’s covered in snow.
Take the cable car up the mountain and enjoy the sweeping views — in summer, the green slopes are perfect for hiking, and in winter, they’re a ski lover’s paradise.

Evenings in Bursa are perfect for tasting Iskender Kebab, the city’s signature dish: thinly sliced meat on bread, smothered with tomato sauce and melted butter.

Day 9 – Return to Istanbul

On your final day, head back to Istanbul for some last-minute shopping at Spice Bazaar — the scent of cinnamon, saffron, and dried fruits will make you wish you could take the whole market home.

A sunset walk by the Galata Bridge is the perfect farewell to Turkey before your flight home.

💡 Tip – Travel Light but Smart
A good power bank, lightweight luggage, and a reliable eSIM can make a world of difference when moving between cities.

Sample Itinerary & Estimated Cost

💡 Why it’s worth it:
For less than RM6,000, you can perform Umrah (Makkah & Madinah) and explore Istanbul & Bursa — all with one long-haul flight ticket and a budget-friendly Saudi Stopover Visa.

What to Keep in Mind

• The 96-hour stopover visa is single-entry. If you want to stop in Saudi again on your return, you’ll need to apply again.
• Always check Saudia’s free hotel offer availability in advance.
• For Umrah, ensure you have someone experienced to guide you with niat and other rukun requirements.
• Turkish weather can be very different from Makkah/Madinah, so pack wisely.

Why I’m Inspired to Share

This idea was inspired by a sharing by a member of the Umrah DIY Facebook group on her 6-day DIY Umrah journey. She proved that with proper planning, even short trips can be deeply fulfilling.

My plan stretches it a bit longer so you can savour both Saudi Arabia and Turkey without feeling rushed.
Sometimes, the best trips are the ones that combine faith, culture, and smart budgeting.