For UK Muslims, going to Umrah is a beautiful desire to come true at least once in their lives. However, travellers from the United Kingdom can face different challenges when arranging the lesser pilgrimage to Makkah from various UK cities like Manchester by booking Manchester Umrah Packages. In this case, making an Umrah itinerary is necessary to make sure an enjoyable trip from the UK. From improving your physical health to completing the religious rituals in Makkah, this travel itinerary will cover every phase of your holy journey. Our step-by-step Umrah itinerary for a hassle-free journey from the UK is below:
Phase 1: Before you leave the UK
Before leaving for Saudi Arabia, UK travellers must do some important tasks. These important tasks include the following:
Book your Umrah Package (4-7 weeks before)
First, research reliable UK travel agents that have specializing in Hajj and Umrah. Make sure the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah approves these travel agents. Also, read online reviews on Google and other travel-related websites like Trustpilot or Yell.
After checking the agency’s reliability, inform about your budget, travel time that suitable for you, and duration of stay with the agent. A travel agent will guide you through different types of Umrah packages. Umrah packages usually include flights (direct or indirect), hotels in Makkah and Madinah (3-star to 5-star), ground transportation within Saudi Arabia, and more.
A travel agent can manage your Saudi visa (Umrah visa or EVW) application. Provide all necessary documents, such as your valid UK passport (valid for at least six months before your travel date), passport-size photographs, and more.
Note: You can plan your Umrah on your own from the UK now. However, arranging your lesser pilgrimage with the help of the travel agent is suitable if you want to avoid any problem throughout the whole process.
Maintain your physical fitness (3-5 weeks before)
Improve your physical health for Umrah is an important task that should be done before leaving for Makkah. Umrah may be a challenging journey due to walking and long rituals. However, you can do this difficult task with ease if you are physically healthy. Getting physical health has many steps, such as starting daily walking some weeks before travelling, eating a healthy meal, taking enough sleep, and more.
Pack your luggage (1-3 days before)
Packing your luggage wisely for Umrah is also another important task that UK travellers must do before leaving for Makkah. First, select things that you will need during the pilgrimage. Pack these things in your luggage because they are necessary for you. Necessary things for Umrah include travel documents, two sets of Ihram clothing, comfortable and loose-fitting clothing, personal hygiene items, mobile phone, emergency contact numbers, cash, and more.
Also, packing your luggage according to the weather in Makkah and Madinah is important. If you are going to Umrah during summer, pack light clothing, while packing warm clothing is suitable when travelling during winter.
Extra Tip: If you are traveling to Umrah during summer like July with booking July Umrah Packages, drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
Learn about Umrah (Ongoing)
Before leaving the UK, travellers must know about Umrah, in terms of rituals and importance. Understand the whole process of the lesser pilgrimage and its rituals, such as Tawaf and Sa’i through reading books or watching helpful videos.
Moreover, know about the importance of Umrah in Islam because it is a great way to seek forgiveness and numerous blessings from Allah. At the last, make a true intention to start your Umrah journey.
Phase 2: Arrival in Saudi Arabia and performing Umrah
Let’s explore an Umrah itinerary for 10 days below:
Day 1: Arrival in Saudi Arabia
Before entering Saudi Arabia, make sure you wear Ihram clothing before crossing the Miqat (announced on the plane). Make the Niyyah (intention) and start reciting Talbiyah. Typically, most UK flights land in Jeddah (for Makkah) or Madinah (if starting there). After landing at the airport (Jeddah Airport), clear immigration and collect your luggage. Then, go to your hotel through bus or private transfer arranged by your agent. After reaching at your hotel, check-in and take a rest.
Day 2: Perform Umrah
After taking a rest, go to Masjid Al Haram to perform Umrah. Enter the Grand Mosque and proceed to the Kaaba to perform Tawaf. To make Tawaf, start at the Black Stone (Hajar Al Aswad) and encircle the Kaaba in an anti-clockwise direction seven times. Remember, every circle round the Kaaba will end at the Black Stone. After doing Tawaf, offer two rakats of prayer at the Station of Abraham (Maqam Ibrahim) and drink Zamzam water.
To perform Sa’i, proceed to Safa and walk towards to Marwa. Continue this process between the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times. After doing Sa’i, men must shave their heads, while women should cut their hair (around 1 inch). When you shave your head or trim your hair, your Umrah will be done. Exit the state of Ihram and wear your regular clothing. After doing Umrah, stay at the Grand Mosque and engage in various acts of worship like reciting the Quran.
Day 3-5: Stay in Makkah
Enjoy your stay in Makkah after doing your Umrah. Explore numerous historical sites in Makkah, such as the Cave of Hira, Mount Arafat, Jannat Al Mu’alla, and more. These historical landmarks have great importance in Islam and are connected to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Also, explore the local markets and malls in Makkah and buy various things for yourself and your loved ones.
Day 6: Go to Madinah
After staying in Makkah, travel to Madinah through bus or private transfer arranged by your agent. The Haramain High-Speed Railway is the cheapest way to travelling between the two Holy Cities in Islam. Pilgrims can reach Madinah from Makkah within 2 hours and 10 minutes. After reaching Madinah, check-in at your hotel and take a rest. After taking a rest, go to Masjid Al Nabawi. Visit Rawdah Shareef after entering the Prophet’s Mosque. Engage in different acts of worship at Masjid Al Nabawi.
Day 7-9: Stay in Madinah
Enjoy your stay in Madinah and visit different historical sites, including Mount Uhud, Al Baqi Cemetery, Quba Mosque, Salman Farsi Garden, Qiblatain Mosque, and more. These historical landmarks are linked with various events of the Prophet Muhammad’s life. In addition to visiting numerous historical sites in Madinah, explore various local markets and malls to buy different souvenirs for your loved ones.
Day 10: Departure from Saudi Arabia
Check out of your hotel and travel to the airport, where you will depart. If you are departing from Madinah Airport, spend more time in exploring city. However, if you are leaving Saudi Arabia from Jeddah Airport, travel to your destination (Jeddah) early as soon as possible. The Haramain High-Speed Railway can reach you Jeddah from Madinah within 3 hours. Think about this fastest way of ground transportation in Saudi Arabia if you want to save your money and time.
To Sum UP
Performing an enjoyable Umrah trip from the United Kingdom is a beautiful wish for every UK Muslim. However, making this task with ease is a big challenge. But don’t worry, make an Umrah itinerary that includes your preparations for the pilgrimage before leaving the UK. Also, this travel itinerary will cover your whole stay in Makkah and Madinah, from completing rituals to exploring historical sites.
