Your Umrah,thoughtfully arranged.

Makkah lies in a valley in the west of the Arabian Peninsula. At its centre is Masjid al-Haram, the largest mosque in the world, which surrounds the Kaaba — the direction Muslims face in prayer.

The rites of Umrah — entering the state of ihram, the tawaf around the Kaaba, the sa'i between Safa and Marwah, and the shortening or shaving of the hair — are completed in and around Masjid al-Haram.

When planning your time in Makkah, it helps to consider the dates and the season, how close you would like to stay to the Haram, and the pace that suits everyone travelling with you.

Madinah lies to the north of Makkah and is home to Masjid an-Nabawi, the mosque established by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Its green dome and wide courtyards make it one of the most recognisable places in the Muslim world.

A visit to Madinah is not one of the rites of Umrah, but many pilgrims choose to spend several days there, before or after their time in Makkah.

When planning your time in Madinah, consider how many nights you would like to stay, how you will travel between the two cities, and the arrangements that suit families, elders and groups.