Proposed Travel Plan for Toni, Saiful, and Me:
- A 9-Day Turkey & Saudi Arabia Adventure with a 96-Hour Stopover Visa
Introduction:
Traveling with friends always adds an extra layer of joy, and I’ve been planning an unforgettable adventure for the three of us—Toni, Saiful, and myself. This 9-day trip will take us through the captivating sights of Turkey and the spiritual wonders of Saudi Arabia. We’ll make use of Saudi Arabia’s 96-hour stopover visa to spend two spiritually enriching days in both Makkah and Madinah. We’ll explore Turkey’s rich history, vibrant markets, and tantalizing cuisine and our time in Saudi Arabia, . This itinerary combines moments of spiritual reflection with cultural discovery, offering the best of both worlds.
Let’s jump into the details of our journey!
Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul, Turkey
- Morning: Arrive at Istanbul Airport. Transfer to the hotel for check-in and a brief rest.
- Afternoon: Begin by exploring the historic Sultanahmet District:
- Hagia Sophia
- Blue Mosque
- Topkapi Palace
- Stroll around Sultanahmet Square
- Evening: Savor a traditional Turkish dinner and take a relaxing walk along the Bosphorus.
Day 2: Exploring Istanbul
- Morning: Start the day with a scenic Bosphorus Cruise, passing sights like Dolmabahce Palace and the Bosphorus Bridge.
- Afternoon: Visit the famous Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar for some authentic Turkish shopping.
- Evening: Visit the Galata Tower for panoramic views of the city before heading to a local restaurant for dinner.
Nevşehir Airport
If youre looking for a flight for going to Cappadocia, the closest airport to Cappadocia is Nevşehir Airport, which is approximately 30 kilometers away from the city center.
Day 3: Flight to Cappadocia
- Morning: Fly from Istanbul to Cappadocia.
- Afternoon: Discover the wonders of Göreme National Park:
- Göreme Open-Air Museum
- Fairy Chimneys and rock-cut churches
- Pigeon Valley
- Evening: Watch the sunset from Uchisar Castle, a perfect way to end the day.
Day 4: Hot Air Balloon Ride & Return to Istanbul
- Early Morning: Soar over the breathtaking landscape of Cappadocia in a hot air balloon.
- Morning: Explore the Derinkuyu Underground City or Pasabag Monks Valley.
- Afternoon: Fly back to Istanbul to relax and prepare for the next part of the journey.
Day 5: Free Day in Istanbul
Spend the day at your own pace, preparing for the upcoming spiritual stopover in Saudi Arabia. You can explore more of Istanbul or simply relax.
Makkah (1 Night - Complimentary Night by Saudia, subject to availability)
Day 6: Flight from Turkey to Jeddah – Makkah (Stopover Begins)
- Morning: Fly from Istanbul to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
- Afternoon: Upon landing, transfer to Makkah.
- Evening: Perform Umrah or visit Masjid al-Haram for prayers and Tawaf.
- Night: Spend time in spiritual reflection at Masjid al-Haram.
Day 7: Full Day in Makkah
- Morning: After Fajr prayers, perform Tawaf and spend personal time near the Kaaba.
- Afternoon: Explore significant nearby sites, such as Jabal al-Nour (Cave of Hira).
- Evening: Continue spiritual activities in Masjid al-Haram or explore the local area.
- Night: Travel by road to Madinah (approximately 4-5 hours). Upon arrival, visit Masjid an-Nabawi (The Prophet’s Mosque) and enjoy a peaceful evening walk along the Quba Walkway for coffee.
Day 8: Full Day in Madinah
- Fajr: Attend Fajr prayers at Masjid an-Nabawi.
- Morning: Cycle to Masjid Quba using Careem’s bicycle service and perform two rakaats of prayer.
- Afternoon-Evening: Explore Madinah via the Al Madinah Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, visiting landmarks like the Quba Mosque, Qiblatain Mosque, and Jannatul Baqi cemetery.
- Night: Spend reflective time at Masjid an-Nabawi, especially in the Rawdah area.
Day 9: Madinah to Jeddah & Return
- Morning: Fajr at Masjid an-Nabawi followed by more spiritual activities.
- Afternoon: Visit Mount Uhud and Masjid al-Ghamama.
- Evening: Travel back to Jeddah and catch a flight back to Istanbul or your home country.
Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the links in this guide are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Sertai komuniti kami melalui Newsletter.
Terima Kasih
Terima Kasih
