Distinctive Dubai

Arrive in Dubai, the quintessential land of opulence, wealth and astonishing skyscrapers soaring alongside ancient mosques. Take the rest of the day to rest, relax and acclimate to the adrenaline-charged tempo of this city and your new time zone. After a meet and greet at the airport with our English-speaking guide, we’ll transfer to our hotel in Dubai.

After breakfast we’ll embark on a half-day Dubai City Tour, discovering the traditional city of merchants and sampling the historic sites Dubai has to offer. Walk among the traditional houses in Bastakiya, visit the Dubai museum at the Al Fahidi Fort, shop for gold and spices in the old souks, ride the traditional abra boat and you will have photo opportunities at the iconic Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Mosque. After lunch, the rest of the day is at leisure. (B, D)

Marina Dhow Cruise with dinner

Take a leisurely stroll along Dubai’s vast coastline this morning or head to the colossal Dubai Mall for shopping and perhaps indoor skiing on the vast slopes. Then join the thrilling Desert Safari this afternoon. Board a 4X4 vehicle in Dubai and head out towards the highest sand dunes of the surreal surrounding desert. Feel the thrill of “dune bashing” as you spiral up and down the enormous golden dunes. Stop to watch the beautiful sunset before reaching the Bedouin Campsite. You’ll be welcomed with traditional Arabic coffee and you might have the opportunity to ride a camel. Then, enjoy a specially prepared Barbeque Dinner, prepared on an open fire. Later, a captivating belly dancer enchants you with her swirling dances under the starlit sky before our return to Dubai. (B)

Desert Safari with BBQ dinner

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll depart for a full-day city tour of Abu Dhabi. Discover Abu Dhabi, capital of the Emirates, known as the Arabian Jewel. Visit the beautiful Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. Drive along the beautiful Corniche and view the city skyline. You will have an opportunity to take photos at the Iconic Emirates Palace and visit the Heritage Village. Upon completion, we return to our hotel. (B)

After breakfast we leave for a half-day guided tour of Sharjah city, cultural centre of the Emirates, known for its major museums, distinctive landmarks and elegant mosques. Visit the Islamic Museum, housing over 5000 artifacts from all over the Islamic World and the Heritage Museum depicting Sharjah’s rich and diverse heritage. We’ll take time to stroll in the unique covered souk — bargain to your heart’s content for jewelry, handicrafts, and carpets before returning to Dubai. (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll take a half-day tour of modern Dubai City. You will see the iconic landmarks and architectural wonders that represent today’s Dubai. The tour will take you through Sheikh Zayed Road, Palm Island, inside Atlantis the Palm, Dubai Marina and end in downtown Dubai, which houses the world’s Tallest Tower, Biggest Mall and Longest Fountain Show. You will visit the world’s tallest building and witness Dubai from the 124th Floor. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Today is at leisure and you’re free to relax or explore Dubai on your own. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel; we have a late check out and will transfer to the airport for the late-evening return flight home. (B)