Ultimate DIY Umrah Plus: 16 Days Across Istanbul, Bursa, Konya, Cappadocia & Ankara – RM7,762.18

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

Have you ever dreamed of extending your spiritual journey of Umrah into an epic exploration of Islamic history and natural wonders? What if you could pray in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, then walk in the footsteps of prophets and saints across Turkey—all in one seamless, budget-friendly trip?

This 16-day DIY Umrah Plus package is designed for travelers who seek both spiritual fulfillment and cultural enrichment. It combines a deeply meaningful Umrah pilgrimage with an overland adventure through Turkey’s most iconic cities—Istanbul, Bursa, Konya, Cappadocia, and Ankara—all for an estimated total cost of RM7,762.18

Why This “Umrah Plus” Journey?

This itinerary is for those who believe that travel is not just about seeing new places, but about connecting with history, culture, and faith. By extending your journey to Turkey, you’ll:

• Witness the grandeur of Ottoman architecture in Istanbul and Bursa
• Experience the spiritual serenity of Konya, home of Mevlana Rumi
• Marvel at the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia
• Explore the modern capital of Ankara, rich with ancient history

This is more than a vacation—it’s a pilgrimage within a pilgrimage.

Embedded Map of Route

Part 1: The Spiritual Foundation – Your 7-Night DIY Umrah

Your journey begins with the heart of your trip: Umrah. We’ve detailed a complete step-by-step plan in our previous blog post:
“Umrah Your Way: A 7-Night DIY Umrah Plan with Trip.com (From RM2,696.39)”

This package includes:

• ✅ Saudi Tourist eVisa
• ✅ 3 Nights in Madinah (e.g., Zaha Al Madina Hotel)
• ✅ 4 Nights in Makkah (e.g., Al Kiswah Towers Hotel)
• ✅ All ground transportation (NWBus + taxis)
• ✅ Ziyarah tours & meals

Estimated Cost: RM2,696.39

Note: You’ll arrive in Jeddah via Istanbul (with a 4-hour transit) and overnight at Jeddah Airport before proceeding to Madinah.

Part 2: Part 2: Multi-City Flights via Trip.com

Booking your flights as a multi-city itinerary is key to a smooth journey. Here’s how to do it on Trip.com :

Trip.com Flight Search Form

1. Select 'Search' at the above Trip.com's Flight Search form. 

2. At the flight search page, instead of selecting "Round-Trip," click on "Multi-City".

3. Enter your flight details step-by-step:

• Segment 1: Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Jeddah (JED) – [Your Departure Date]
• Segment 2: Jeddah (JED) to Istanbul (IST) – [Date after your Umrah]
• Segment 3: Istanbul (IST) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL) – [Your Return Date]

4. Click "Search" and compare the options.

5. Sample Flight (Turkish Airlines):

• KUL → JED (via IST) – Transit 4h → Arrive JED 1:00 AM
• JED → IST → Direct flight to Istanbul

• IST → KUL – Return flight

  Cost: ~RM3,056

Booking this way is often smarter and cheaper than booking separate one-way tickets. For our sample dates, we found a fare with Turkish Airlines for RM3,056, which includes:

• Onboard meals
• Personal item (4 kg)
• Carry-on baggage (7 kg)
• Checked baggage (23 kg) / 30kg checked baggage (IST-KUL)

Pro Tip: Mid-week flights (like Wednesdays) are often cheaper and less crowded!

Part 3: The Cultural Extension – Turkey Exploration

Turkey Tourist eVisa

Apply online at the Official Republic of Türkiye e-Visa Website. Most nationalities receive approval within minutes.

Detailed Itinerary & Costs

Day 9: Arrival in Istanbul (Evening)

Upon arrival from Jeddah, the city of Istanbul greets you with its blend of Islamic heritage and vibrant culture. Days are spent exploring the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, the serene Blue Mosque, and the grand Topkapi Palace, once home to Ottoman sultans. A stroll through the bustling Grand Bazaar reveals treasures of Turkish craftsmanship, from intricate lanterns to fine silks.

Meals are a delight here, with famous halal dishes like Iskender kebab, pide, and Turkish tea with baklava at historic eateries such as Sultanahmet Köftecisi. A gentle Bosphorus Cruise caps off the day, offering panoramic views of this city that bridges Europe and Asia.

• Activities Summary:
  • Arrive at IST, transfer to hotel
• Accommodation: Demhat Hotel Old City (2 nights)
  • Twin share: RM290.86/2 nights → RM145.43 per person
• Istanbul Aiport Transfer by Klook Travel - RM149.55 (RM37.39 per person)

You’re also welcome to explore other highly-rated hotels within your budget—Istanbul offers many beautiful and affordable options.

Trip.com Hotel Search Form 

Day 10: Istanbul Exploration

• Activities Summary:
  • Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace
  • Grand Bazaar & Spice Bazaar
  • Bosphorus Cruise
  • Eyüp Sultan Mosque
• Halal food highlights: 
  • Iskender kebab, pide, baklava & Turkish tea from renowned halal-certified eateries.

Day 11: Istanbul → Bursa (Stopover) → Konya (Overnight Bus)

After breakfast in Istanbul travel to Bursa

• Transportation  Istanbul → Bursa: 
  • FlixBus Istanbul (Alibeyköy) → Bursa
  • Depart 12:05 → Arrive 15:35 | Cost: RM62.58

Bursa – the First Ottoman Capital, known for its spiritual calm and rich Ottoman history. The Green Mosque and Tomb stand as early symbols of Islamic architecture, while the Silk Market offers a taste of the city’s vibrant trade heritage. Lunch can be enjoyed at a halal restaurant serving authentic Iskender kebab, which originated here. As night falls, guests travel onward by overnight bus or train to Konya, saving on hotel costs and waking up in a city of devotion.

• Activities Summary:  (Bursa):
  • Visit Ulu Cami (Grand Mosque) and Koza Han Silk Market
  • Enjoy Bursa-style Iskender kebab
• Transportation  Bursa → Konya:
  • Overnight bus FlixBus Bursa → Konya (save hotel cost)
  • Depart 22:00 → Arrive 05:30 | Cost: RM108.49

Trip.com Hotel Search Form 

Day 12: Konya → Goreme (Overnight Bus)

Konya – Spiritual Home of Rumi, is a place of deep reflection, being home to the revered poet and scholar Jalaluddin Rumi. The Mevlana Museum invites visitors to ponder his timeless messages of love, humility, and unity. A visit to Alaeddin Hill and Mosque completes this spiritual stop. Here, travelers can enjoy etli ekmek (Turkish-style flatbread) and sac kavurma (pan-fried lamb) at local halal eateries before retiring for the night.

• Activities Summary: 
  • Visit Mevlana Museum & Alaeddin Hill
  • Optional: Sufi Whirling Ceremony
• Transportation: FlixBus Konya → Goreme (Cappadocia)
  • Depart 01:00 → Arrive 05:00 | Cost: RM61.54

Days 13: Goreme (Cappadocia) – Allah’s Canvas of Creation

The following morning leads to Goreme, a gateway to the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia. Just after Fajr, guests may take a breathtaking hot air balloon ride, floating above valleys and fairy chimneys bathed in golden sunrise hues – a moment of awe at Allah’s artistry in nature. The Goreme Open Air Museum, Pasabag Valley, and Uchisar Castle offer further glimpses into centuries-old cave dwellings and unique rock formations. Dining options include pottery kebabs and manti (Turkish dumplings), prepared fresh and halal.

• Activities Summary: Goreme Open Air Museum, Pasabag Valley, Devrent Valley, Uchisar Castle
• Accommodation: Asma Cave House (1 night)
  • Twin share: RM211.76 → RM105.88 per person

• 

Day 14: Cappadocia → Ankara

• Activities Summary: 
  • Hot air balloon ride - Top Hot Air Balloon Experience in Cappadocia with Hotel Transfers by Klook Travel (RM404.90)
  • Devrent Valley exploration
• Transportation: FlixBus Goreme → Ankara
  • Depart 17:15 → Arrive 21:30 | Cost: RM71.40
• Accommodation: Antik Otel. Ankara (1 night)
  • Twin share: RM152.52 → RM76.26 per person

Day 15: Ankara → Istanbul (Overnight Bus)

Traveling onward to Ankara, the Turkish capital reveals a blend of modernity and ancient history. Visits include the Ataturk Mausoleum and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, showcasing relics from civilizations that once thrived in this land. Halal-friendly dining includes grilled meats, traditional soups, and freshly baked Turkish bread, offering comfort after a day of exploration.

• Activities Summary: 
  • Anitkabir (Ataturk Mausoleum)
  • Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
• Transportation: Return to Istanbul by overnight bus
  • Option 1 : FlixBus Ankara → Istanbul , Depart 23:59 → Arrive 07:00 | Cost: RM98.53
  • Option 2: Train Ankara → Istanbul , Depart 17:20 → Arrive 21:46 | Cost: RM88.00

Day 16: Istanbul & Departure

The journey concludes back in Istanbul for a final day of leisure. Guests may revisit favorite sites, shop for Turkish delights and handmade souvenirs, or simply enjoy one last meal overlooking the Bosphorus before flying home to Kuala Lumpur.

• Activities Summary: 
  • Last-minute shopping at Grand Bazaar
• Flight: IST → KUL (17:15 departure)
• Istanbul Aiport Transfer by Klook Travel - RM149.55 (RM37.39 per person) 

Estimated Costs Breakdown (Per Person)

Trip.com Hotel Search Form 

Practical Tips

• Travel Light: You’ve couriered belongings from Makkah—pack only essentials (7–10 kg).
• Book in Advance: Use Trip.com for hotels and FlixBus for transportation to secure the best rates.
• Visa: Apply for your Turkey e-Visa at least 72 hours before departure.
• Currency: Use Turkish Lira (TRY) for local transactions.

Spiritual Highlights

• Konya: Visit the tomb of Mevlana Rumi for profound spiritual reflection.
• Istanbul: Pray at Eyüp Sultan Mosque and experience the legacy of the Ottomans.
• Bursa: Explore early Ottoman architecture and Islamic history.

✅ How to Book

• Flights: Use the Trip.com Multi-City tool as described above.
• Hotels: Filter by “Free Cancellation” and “8+ Guest Rating” on Trip.com.
• Buses: Book via FlixBus or Obilet for the best rates.

Trip.com Flight Search Form

Final Dua: May your journey be blessed with safety, enlightenment, and countless spiritual rewards. May Allah accept your Umrah and grant you unforgettable experiences in the lands of faith and history.

Wasalaamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

Disclaimer: All prices are estimates and subject to change. Always check current travel advisories and entry requirements.