How to Plan a 9-Day Trip to Turkey and Saudi Arabia: A Complete Guide

Combining Turkey and Saudi Arabia in one trip can offer a unique blend of rich history, culture, and spirituality. In this guide, I’ll share tips and recommendations based on my upcoming journey—a 9-day itinerary with a stopover visa in Saudi Arabia.

1. Plan Your Itinerary Wisely

With only nine days, it’s crucial to plan ahead. Here’s how I’ve divided my time:

• Day 1-2: Makkah (Saudi Arabia)

Begin with spiritual fulfilment by spending two days in Makkah. Whether youre performing Umrah or visiting significant Islamic sites, Makkah provides a perfect start to your trip.

• Day 3-4: Madinah (Saudi Arabia)

After Makkah, head to Madinah, another essential city in Islamic history. You can visit Masjid Nabawi and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before continuing your journey.

• Day 5-9: Turkey (Istanbul & Cappadocia)

Turkey offers a stunning contrast with its mix of ancient history and vibrant culture. Spend your time in Istanbul visiting landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar.

2. Getting a Stopover Visa in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia now offers a 96-hour stopover visa, which allows travelers to spend up to four days in the country before continuing to their next destination. This visa is only available to passengers flying with SAUDIA Airlines or Flynas, and your layover must be at least 12 hours but no longer than 96 hours. The visa is non-extendable and can be applied for online.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Search for Your Flight
  Enter your departure city, destination, travel dates, and travel class on the SAUDIA or Flynas booking platform.
• Choose Your Stopover Flight
  Select your stopover city (e.g., Jeddah, Riyadh), and ensure your stopover duration is up to 96 hours.
• Apply for the Stopover Visa
  On the Seats and Extras page, select the option to apply for a stopover visa.
• Complete Your Payment
  After booking your flight and applying for the visa, complete the payment. You will receive an email with your issued visa and travel insurance for your stay in Saudi Arabia.

Saudia Airlines makes it easy to plan stopovers in Makkah and Madinah.

3. Accommodation Tips

For accommodation, I booked the hotel using my affiliate link on HalalBooking.com:

• In Saudi Arabia: Book hotels close to the Haram in Makkah and Madinah to save time on transportation.
  • Recommended Hotels: Look for hotels that offer shuttle services to the mosques.

• In Turkey: Choose a central location in Istanbul to explore historical sites on foot.
  • Recommended Areas: Sultanahmet for proximity to major attractions or Taksim for more vibrant nightlife and dining.

4. Packing Essentials for a Multi-Country Trip

Traveling to both Saudi Arabia and Turkey means you’ll need to pack wisely for different weather conditions and cultural expectations:

• For Saudi Arabia: Dress modestly, especially in religious sites. Make sure to pack comfortable walking shoes, as you’ll be walking a lot between landmarks.
• For Turkey: Pack layers since the weather can change, especially in the fall or spring. Turkey is more relaxed in terms of dress code, but modest clothing is still recommended when visiting mosques.

5. Currency Exchange and Payment Methods

• Saudi Arabia: The currency is Saudi Riyal (SAR). ATMs are available, and most places accept cards.
• Turkey: Turkish Lira (TRY) is the currency. While credit cards are widely accepted, it’s good to have cash on hand, especially in local markets.

6. Must-Visit Attractions

• In Makkah: Visit the Grand Mosque and Kaaba, and explore local souks for traditional products.
• In Madinah: Don’t miss Masjid Nabawi and nearby historical landmarks like Quba Mosque.
• In Istanbul: The Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace are must-sees. Take a boat ride along the Bosphorus for a unique perspective of the city.

7. Dining and Local Cuisine

• Saudi Arabia: Try traditional dishes like Kabsa (a rice and meat dish) and dates. Many restaurants near the Haram cater to pilgrims with international options as well.
• Turkey: You can’t miss Turkish kebabs, baklava, and Turkish coffee. Istanbul is a culinary haven, with a wide range of street food and fine dining options.

8. Religious and Cultural Etiquette

• In Saudi Arabia: Respect local customs by dressing modestly and adhering to prayer times. Non-Muslims cannot enter Makkah, so be mindful of your travel route.

• In Turkey: While more relaxed, Turkey is still a Muslim-majority country, so modest clothing is recommended when visiting mosques. Always remove your shoes before entering.

9. Navigating Transport

• Saudi Arabia: Most visitors rely on private taxis or rideshare services to move between cities. Trains also connect Makkah and Madinah.
• Turkey: Istanbul’s public transportation system is efficient, with trams, buses, and ferries. Consider getting an IstanbulKart for easy travel.

Conclusion:

Combining a trip to Turkey and Saudi Arabia is a unique experience, offering a blend of spiritual reflection and cultural exploration. With careful planning and the right visas, you can enjoy the best of both worlds. Whether youre a first-time traveler to these regions or a seasoned explorer, this 9-day itinerary will help you make the most of your journey.

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.

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