Deluxe Dubai & Abu Dhabi

Day 1: Depart USA.

Your deluxe journey to Dubai and Abu Dhabi begins as you depart New York or Los Angeles today on Emirates Airline.

Day 2: Arrive Abu Dhabi.

Accommodation: Southern Sun Abu Dhabi Hotel

Your Emirates Airline flight will land in Dubai in the afternoon (from JFK) and evening (from LAX) where you will be greeted and transported to your deluxe hotel in Abu Dhabi, the vibrant capital and second most populous city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Just 50 years ago, Abu Dhabi was best described as a fishing village, and today, thanks to enormous wealth due to the city’s oil reserves, Abu Dhabi has transformed into a spectacular, attractive, and distinctly Arab city. Upon check in at one of Abu Dhabi’s best reviewed hotels, you’ll have the remainder of the evening at leisure to explore your beautiful hotel or the surrounding area.

Day 3: Abu Dhabi City Tour & Dhow Cruise with Dinner.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Palace Hotel

You’ll wake up in Abu Dhabi, one of the seven sheikhdoms of the UAE and the largest geographically, making up more than 80% of the UAE’s total area. Known for its impressive skyscrapers and beautifully landscaped parks, Abu Dhabi also strikes a balance by preserving its Islamic heritage and Arab cultural roots. After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll embark on a city tour where you’ll become acquainted with the city’s striking examples of modern architecture, which reflect distinctly Islamic themes captured using modern materials. You’ll learn about the natural resource (oil) that has been so central to the development of Abu Dhabi and the rest of the UAE. You’ll proceed to an authentic Fish Market comes alive with sorters and traders. Then, a drive along the beautiful Corniche will give you a breathtaking view of the city. Later, visit the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Mosque, a massive yet beautiful structure that is said to be able to accommodate more than 40,000 worshipers. This stop is an absolute “must see” for anyone visiting Abu Dhabi. In the evening, you’ll enjoy a spectacular Dhow Cruise with a festive dinner — the perfect way to appreciate the beauty of the city under moonlight on a traditionally decorated wooden boat. Your vessel will slip silently across the sea overlooking Lou Lou Island and the Emirates Palace Hotel.

Day 4: Abu Dhabi.

Meals: Breakfast

A day at leisure to explore Abu Dhabi, relax at your beautiful hotel, or perhaps enjoy an optional half day Museum and Cultural Tour in Abu Dhabi. (USD 50).

Day 5: Abu Dhabi/Dubai.

Meals: Breakfast

After a morning at leisure in Abu Dhabi, you’ll depart for dazzling Dubai, a truly global city that has experienced such a rapid pace of development that perhaps the only constant themes are progress, and excess. Rooted in Islamic tradition, Dubai is a refreshingly open society where it’s easy for visitors from all over the world to feel at ease and immerse themselves in the wide variety of exciting experiences that are possible in Dubai. Arrive in Dubai, where you’ll check into your 5-star hotel located in Deira, the heritage district. The balance of your day is at leisure. Hyatt Regency Dubai

Day 6: Dubai Heritage & Modern Dubai City Tour (including Burj Khalifa “At the Top”)

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Burj Al Arab

Dubai is a city that provides a new setting at every turn, richly mixing together the old and the new. Today, you’ll start with a magnificent view of Dubai Creek, passing by the heritage area of Bastakia, one of the city’s most picturesque heritage sites. Then, proceed to Fort Al Fahidi, the oldest standing building in Dubai and home to the Dubai Museum, where you’ll gain an appreciation for the city’s fascinating story of development. Continue your journey by Abra (traditional boat), crossing the Dubai Creek towards the Spice Market, followed by the Golden Souk where you’ll have the opportunity to indulge in a bit of shopping. You’ll then shift from “Heritage Dubai” to “Modern Dubai”, which mixes the charm of traditional souks with inspiring modern skyscrapers. Naturally, you’ll start with the world’s tallest building, “Burj Khalifa”, where you’ll have the opportunity to experience the amazing “At the Top” visit. Adjacent to the Burj Khalifa, you’ll visit one of the world’s largest shopping malls, which is home to a spectacular aquarium, designed to world class standards allowing you to experience the exotic wonders of aquatic life first-hand through breathtaking views. Then, you’ll drive towards the Dubai Marina district, where you’ll marvel at the world’s largest man-made island, the Palm Jumeirah. Next stop is the Lost Chambers within the Atlantis, where you’ll explore a labyrinth of elaborately themed chambers with forgotten artifacts, mysterious scripts, and an array of marine life.  Your tour will conclude at Souk Madinat Jumeirah, a colorful and vibrant market where you’ll have a fantastic view of the famous “7-star” hotel, Burj Al Arab.

Day 7: Dubai at Leisure or Optional Musandam Cruise.

Meals: Breakfast

A full day at leisure in Dubai, where perhaps you’ll decide to go skiing in the Mall of the Emirates, or participate in an optional full day Musandam Cruise. Please refer to the “Optional Tours” tab for more detail.

Day 8: Desert Safari & BBQ Dinner.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

After a morning at leisure, you’ll embark on an exciting desert safari! Your safari guides will take you in 4-wheel drive vehicles into the golden sand dunes of Arabia. Savor a beautiful sunset overlooking the desert and then continue on to a Bedouin campsite to enjoy camel riding, Henna design, and more before enjoying a delicious BBQ buffet. To add to the atmosphere of the evening, you’ll be entertained by an enchanting belly dancer performing to classic Arabian rhythms.

Day 9: Depart Dubai/Arrive USA.

Meals: Breakfast

Bid farewell to Dubai this morning as you transfer to the airport and board your return flight to the USA. Your memorable journey comes to an end as you touch down in the USA later today.