8 Day Dubai Special (Etihad Los Angeles Special) 2020 Itinerary

DAY 1, Sunday - Depart for the United Arab Emirates
Depart for Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

DAY 2, Monday - Arrive in Dubai
Arrive in Dubai, the quintessential land of opulence, wealth and astonishing skyscrapers that stand alongside traditional mosques and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure to rest, relax and acclimate to the adrenaline-charged tempo of this city and your new time zone
Overnight: Dubai

DAY 3, Tuesday - Dubai City Tour
Spend your morning at leisure. This afternoon, embark on a city tour of fabulous Dubai, one of the world's most futuristic cities with its dramatic skyline, once a tranquil port of Bedouin traders and pearl divers. Begin with a photo stop at Dubai's signature landmark, Burj Al Arab, the celebrated sail-shaped hotel facing the Persian Gulf. Continue with a brief stop at the magnificent Jumeirah mosque. Afterwards, drive to the oldest part of the city. The Bastakiya area is where old wind-towered houses of wealthy merchants can still be seen. While in the area, visit the Dubai Museum in the Al Fahidi Fort, which has survived for two centuries. Continue the tour through the cloth markets and end up at the Abras, where local water taxis will take you across the Creek to the area of spice and gold souks. Walk through the bustling alleys of these souks and allow the mystical aromas of numerous spices tantalize your senses. The jewelry on sale, varies from the traditional to the latest designs at amazingly affordable prices. After the Dubai city tour, spend time at leisure
Overnight: Dubai
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Wednesday - Full Day in Dubai
Today is free to experience the city independently or join the optional excursion to Abu Dhabi, the ultra-sophisticated capital of the United Arab Emirates, often called the "Arabian Jewel". Drive past Jebel Ali, the largest man-made port in the world before arriving at the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, an iconic symbol of Abu Dhabi. Continue along the city's glamorous Corniche, with blue waters glittering on one side and shimmering skyscrapers lining the other. At the Breakwater, pause to take photos of the city's fabulous skyline. Then, on to Heritage Village, a reconstructed traditional desert village. Here, journey to the past and experience life in Abu Dhabi before oil revenues altered the landscape. Many different aspects of desert life are attractively displayed in the open-air museum along with workshops, where craftsmen demonstrate traditional skills while women sit weaving and spinning*. After lunch on your own, visit Zayed House for a fascinating peek into the life of the late Sheikh Zayed, "Father of the Nation". Return to Dubai via Yas Island, where the Ferrari World theme park and brand-new Formula I race track is located
*The Women's Handicraft Centre is anticipated to be closed through Ramadan. In the event we are unable to visit the Women's Handicraft Centre during the optional Full Day Abu Dhabi Tour, we will replace it with a visit to Al Huson Palace.
Optional: Full Day Abu Dhabi Tour (AM)
Overnight: Dubai
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Thursday - Full Day in Dubai
Spend the day at leisure to further explore this vibrant city on your own. Or, participate in the optional tour to Sharjah, a cultural center 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. Time to stroll in the unique covered souk and bargain to your heart's content for jewelry, handicrafts, and carpets before returning to Dubai. Tonight, attend the optional Dhow Dinner Cruise. Dhows have been the traditional ships used in the UAE for many centuries and this evening you have the chance to board one of these vessels and enjoy a sumptuous buffet while you quietly cruise by the landmarks of this city
Optional: Half Day Sharjah Tour (AM)
Optional: Dhow Dinner Cruise (PM)
Overnight: Dubai
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Friday - Full Day in Dubai
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. Perhaps, join the thrilling optional 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. Upon arrival at the Bedouin campsite, you'll be welcomed with traditional Arabic coffee and might have the opportunity to ride a camel. Then, savor a specially prepared barbecue dinner. Later, watch a Tanoura dance show, followed by a captivating belly dance before returning to Dubai*
*For the Half Day Desert Safari with dinner, there will be no belly dancing following the Tanoura dance show and no alcohol will be served during dinner through Ramadan.
Optional: Half Day Desert Safari with dinner (PM)
Overnight: Dubai
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Saturday - Depart the United Arab Emirates
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast