Planning a pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah raises a lot of questions. How close is the hotel to the Haram? Is the flight direct? Who handles the visa? A 10 nights 5 star Umrah package from a provider like AL Islam Travels bundles flights, hotels, transfers and permits into one booking, so you can focus on worship instead of logistics.
Ten nights gives you real breathing space. Most pilgrims split the stay, with five nights in Makkah and five in Madinah. That leaves time for the Umrah rites, extra prayers in both mosques and proper rest between them. Older parents and young children cope far better when the schedule is not rushed.
This guide covers hotel tiers, a typical day-by-day plan, costs for travellers from the UK, US, Canada and Australia, and tips for choosing a reliable provider. We keep it practical and honest. By the end, you will know what to ask before you pay a deposit.
Why pilgrims choose a luxury stay in Makkah and Madinah
Comfort matters more than most first-time pilgrims expect. Tawaf, sa’i and the walks between prayers add up to several kilometres a day in desert heat. A hotel a few minutes from the Haram turns every trip back to your room into a short, easy stroll.
Why does location matter so much? A licensed Umrah operator in Makkah says guests who stay within a few hundred metres of the Haram attend more congregational prayers, because they do not dread the walk. Lifts, air conditioning and good meals matter just as much after a long flight.
Demand keeps rising. According to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (2023), more than 13 million international pilgrims performed Umrah in the 2022-23 season. The Saudi Vision 2030 programme (2016) aims for 30 million Umrah pilgrims a year by 2030. Busier courtyards mean tighter hotel supply near the Haram, so booking a 10 nights 5 star Umrah package early gets you better rooms and fairer prices.
Hotel tiers and what each one offers
Not every five star hotel sits the same distance from the Haram. In Makkah, the Fairmont Makkah Clock Royal Tower, Swissôtel Makkah and Pullman ZamZam stand right beside the mosque. Higher floors in several of these towers look onto the Kaaba. In Madinah, hotels such as the Oberoi Madinah and Anwar Al Madinah Mövenpick are a short walk from Masjid an-Nabawi.
Closer hotels cost more and fill fast. Lifts get busy at prayer times, so allow a few extra minutes. A 4 star hotel 400 to 600 metres away trims the bill, but that walk feels long in summer heat or after tawaf. A 3 star hotel suits fit travellers on a tight budget.
We suggest matching the tier to the people travelling. Elderly parents, or anyone with mobility needs, should pick the shortest walk. Younger groups often prefer a standard 5 star room a little further out and spend the savings on ziyarat tours.
The table shows typical ranges per person, sharing a room, for ten nights outside Ramadan on UK departures.
| Hotel tier | Walk to Haram | Approx. cost (10 nights) | Best for |
| 3 star | 800 m to 1.5 km | £1,100 to £1,700 | Tight budgets, fit travellers |
| 4 star | 400 to 600 m | £1,500 to £2,300 | Families wanting balance |
| 5 star standard | 150 to 400 m | £2,000 to £3,200 | Comfort seekers |
| 5 star Haram-front | Under 100 m | £3,000 to £5,000+ | Seniors, Kaaba-view rooms |
How a ten-night pilgrimage runs, day by day
Once you confirm a booking, the paperwork starts. Your provider applies for your Umrah visa through Saudi Arabia’s Nusuk platform. You need a passport valid for at least six months and proof of the meningococcal ACWY vaccine. The visa allows a stay of up to 90 days, so ten nights sits well within the limit.
Here is how a typical itinerary runs:
- Nights 1 to 5: Fly to Madinah, check in, pray at Masjid an-Nabawi and visit Quba Mosque and Mount Uhud.
- Night 5 or 6: Put on ihram, make your intention at the miqat and take the Haramain high-speed train to Makkah, about two hours.
- Night 6: Check in, complete tawaf and sa’i, then trim or shave your hair.
- Nights 7 to 9: Pray at the Haram, visit Jabal al-Nour and Mount Arafat, and rest.
- Night 10: Offer final prayers, check out and fly home.
Wondering how the rites fit around prayer times? A good guide plans that for you, so crowds and heat cause less stress. Private transfers also save tired pilgrims from queuing for taxis late at night.
Costs and how to choose a reliable provider
Prices swing more than most people expect. A 10 nights 5 star Umrah package from the UK usually runs between £2,000 and £4,500 per person sharing a room, outside Ramadan. Travellers from the US often pay roughly $3,000 to $6,000, and Canadian and Australian prices land in a similar range once flights are included.
What moves the price
Season is the biggest factor. The last ten nights of Ramadan, school holidays and late December can lift prices by half or more. Room sharing matters too: a quad room costs far less per head than a double. Direct flights from London cost more than one-stop routes via Istanbul or Dubai, but they save hours.
Take a family of four from Manchester. One quad room in a 5 star hotel keeps the total lower than two double rooms, and the children stay close to their parents. Many families then spend the savings on a Haram-view upgrade in Makkah. Is a Haram-front room worth the extra? For older pilgrims, usually yes.
How to pick an operator
A low price can hide gaps. Before you pay, check these points:
- A valid Saudi-approved licence and Nusuk registration
- ATOL protection from the UK Civil Aviation Authority, or equivalent consumer protection in your country
- Named hotels with exact walking distances in writing
- Flight details, baggage allowance and transfer times
- A clear list of what is included, such as meals, visa and ziyarat
- A 24-hour contact in Makkah and Madinah
A provider that arranges Umrah all year, like AL Islam Travels, will already know which hotels sit closest to the Haram, how Nusuk permits work and how to time transfers around prayer. A general agent who sells Umrah once in a while may not. Does the operator answer your questions before you pay? That tells you plenty.
Frequently asked questions
What does a 10 nights 5 star Umrah package include?
Most include return flights, Umrah visa processing, five nights in a 5 star Makkah hotel, five in Madinah, breakfast or half board, and airport transfers. Some add ziyarat tours and a guide. Always check the written itinerary for exclusions before paying.
How much does a 5 star Umrah package from London cost?
Expect roughly £2,500 to £4,500 per person sharing, outside Ramadan. Haram-front rooms, direct flights and December departures sit at the top end. Prices in the last ten nights of Ramadan can pass £6,000, so book early.
Is a 5 star Umrah package from Manchester cheaper than from London?
Often a little, but not always. Manchester flights usually connect through Istanbul, Doha or Dubai, which can lower fares but add travel time. Compare the total price, hotel distance and flight duration together before you decide.
How many nights should I spend in Makkah and Madinah?
Five and five is the common split for ten nights. Some pilgrims prefer six in Makkah and four in Madinah to spend more time at the Haram. A good operator can adjust the split to suit your family and your flights.
Do I need a permit or vaccination for Umrah?
Yes. Saudi Arabia requires an Umrah visa issued through the Nusuk platform, plus proof of the meningococcal ACWY vaccine. Your provider normally applies for the visa. Rules change, so confirm current requirements with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
Which months suit a 5 star Umrah package given Makkah’s heat?
November to March is the most comfortable period. Summer highs in Makkah often pass 40°C. Air-conditioned hotels and covered walkways help, but older pilgrims and young children should avoid peak summer if they can.
How close should a Madinah 5 star hotel be to Masjid an-Nabawi?
Aim for 300 metres or less. At that distance, you can walk to all five daily prayers comfortably, even in warm weather. Hotels closer than 150 metres cost more but suit seniors and wheelchair users best.
Can I book a luxury Umrah package from Toronto or Sydney?
Yes. Operators arrange flights from Canada and Australia, usually connecting through Gulf hubs such as Doha, Dubai or Abu Dhabi before landing in Jeddah or Madinah. Ask whether the quote includes long-haul flights, or only the land portion.
When is a 5 star Umrah package cheapest?
Usually outside school holidays, Ramadan and December. Quieter weeks in the cooler months can cut the price noticeably, though exact dates shift with the Hijri calendar. Ask your provider for a price comparison across two or three departure dates.
Can families with children join a 5 star Umrah package?
Yes. Children need their own visa and passport, and many hotels offer family or connecting rooms. Ask about child fares on flights and whether meals suit young children. Shorter walking distances help families a great deal.
Your next step is simple. Decide your travel dates, your budget per person and how close to the Haram you want to stay. Then ask two or three providers for written itineraries and compare them line by line. If you want a clear quote with named hotels and walking distances, reach out to AL Islam Travels and ask for a full itinerary. Take your time, compare calmly and choose the plan that suits your family.
