Journey to Dubai
10 DAYS
Dubai 8
Basic Inclusions
Accommodations
Accommodations in centrally-located three-star or four-star hotels. Rooming on a double basis.
Meals
All breakfasts. Three lunches. Seven dinners. Barbeque dinner on Day 7.
Transportation
Round-trip transportation on scheduled airline. All public transportation tickets included where applicable.
Guide
Tour escort throughout. Special arrangements as noted.
Travel Protection
Passports provides and pays for a Post Departure Travel Protection Plan that includes coverage for Trip Interruption, Trip Delay, Medical Expense and Evacuation and more.
Tour Summary
Itinerary Includes
Tour escort throughout
Days 1-2: Arrival Dubai
Arrival transfer
Day 3: Dubai
Half-day city sightseeing: Local Guide, Burj Al Arab photo stop, Jumeirah Mosque, Dubai Museum
Day 4: Dubai
Optional Excursion to Al Ain
Day 5: Dubai
Excursion to Abu Dhabi: Al Bateen Dhow Yard, Al Hosn Palace, Corniche Road drive
Day 6: Dubai
Optional Excursion to Fujairah, Khor Fakkan and the Al Badiyah Mosque,
Day 7: Dubai
Sunset Safari Excursion: Barbeque dinner
Day 8: Dubai
Excursion to the Musandam Peninsula: Double-decker dhow cruise with buffet lunch and snorkeling
Day 9: Dubai
Day 10: Departure
Departure transfer
UNPARALLELED STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE
Detailed Itinerary
Days 1-2: Arrival
A dream comes true as you board an international flight headed for Dubai, located on the shores of the Persian Gulf. Of the seven emirates that form the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is the emirate that has the largest population (about 1.5 million) and the second-largest land area (about the same size as the state of Rhode Island).
This captivating city-state is one of the world's leading trade and commercial centers and is home to remarkable skyscrapers and man-made islands. However, along with contemporary wonders, you will see historic landmarks that radiate traditional old city charm.
Overnight: Dubai
Day 3: Dubai City Sightseeing
Enjoy a sightseeing tour where you will see Zabeel Park and the historic district of Bastakiya.
A half-day local guide, well-educated and specially-trained on the history and culture of Dubai, will accompany your group.
There will be a photo stop at the Burj Al Arab. This hotel, which was designed to look like a sail, was built on a man-made island that is connected to the mainland by a short causeway.
You will visit the magnificent Jumeirah Mosque, known for its twin minarets. Built of white stone in the medieval Fatimid tradition, it is a tribute to the modern Islamic style of architecture.
A visit is included to the Dubai Museum, housed in the Al Fahidi Fort. Artifacts and dioramas depict the city's heritage and culture, with one exhibit illustrating the underwater world of pearl divers.
The afternoon is unscheduled.
You may want to cross the Dubai Creek aboard an abra (water taxi) that will take you to Deira to visit the Spice Souk and the Gold Souk. At the Spice Souk, visitors find perfumes, nuts, dried fruits and spices from all over the Middle East, as well as textiles and rugs. The Gold Souk offers potential buyers a wide variety of gold jewelry from more than 300 different jewelers.
Overnight: Dubai
Day 4: Dubai, Optional Excursion to Al Ain
Plan your free time or consider an optional excursion.
Enjoy an excursion to Al Ain, located in Abu Dhabi and known as the "Garden City" of the United Arab Emirates. This oasis city, which borders the Sultanante of Oman, is surrounded by brilliant red sand dunes and overlooked by impressive mountains.
Attractions include the fruit and vegetable market and the camel market, where local merchants and shepherds buy and sell their prized animals. Some owners will dress their camels in colorful reins to make them stand out from the crowd.
Consider a visit to the Al Ain Museum and its extensive archaeological and ethnographical collections.
A must-see is the Al Ain Oasis, which is irrigated by falaj, an irrigation system of narrow waterways that dates back to 1000 BC. Many species of date palms grow alongside other fruit trees, such as mango, fig, orange and banana trees.
Overnight: Dubai
Day 5: Excursion to Abu Dhabi
Today's excursion takes you past Palm Jebel Ali, one of Dubai's famous palm-tree shaped islands, which are to date the world's three largest artificial islands. You're on your way to Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the emirate of Abu Dhabi and the cosmopolitan capital of the United Arab Emirates. The wealthiest emirate of the UAE, Abu Dhabi offers a stunning display of spectacular mosques, modern architecture, exceptional shopping centers, amusement parks, pristine beaches and lush gardens.
A visit is included to Al Bateen Dhow Yard to see the building of traditional dhow boats. Skilled craftsmen use hand tools and follow age-old methods to create these beautiful, sleek boats. Teak and mahogany are the most common types of wood used since both are strong and resist the salt in the ocean water.
Enjoy a visit to Qsar al-Hosn, a bastion built in the 1760s that's regarded as the cradle of Abu Dhabi. It later became a fortress known as the White Fort, and served as the seat of government through the 1960s. Recent restoration has revealed the ochre brickwork below the white paint applied in the early 1900s.
Enjoy a ride along the attractive coastal boulevard stretched for miles along the landscaped waterfront between the Al Bateen and the Al Maryah districts.
Overnight: Dubai
Day 6: Dubai, Optional Excursion to Badiyah, Khor Fakkan and Fujairah
Plan your free time or consider an optional excursion.
Today's excursion takes you to the coast of the Gulf of Oman.
Stop to view the oldest mosque in the Emirates, which is still used for worship.
Stop in the seaside town of Khor Fakkan. This town is surrounded by majestic mountains and beautiful beaches.
You may want to visit to the Sharjah Archaeological Museum.
You'll visit the town of Fujairah. Landmarks include the Ain Al Madhab Gardens, the Fujairah Museum, Al Hayl Castle, the Bithnah Fort, and the open air market.
Overnight: Dubai
Day 7: Dubai, Sunset Safari Excursion
Enjoy some free time in Dubai today.
You may want to visit the Dubai Zoo to see animals such as the Barbary sheep, scimitar-horned oryx, Siberian and Bengal tigers, Socotra cormorants, gorillas and Arabian wolves.
Today, enjoy a desert safari excursion. Drive up and over sand dunes until the perfect spot is reached to watch the sun set on the horizon. A camel ride, henna tattooing and belly dancing entertainment are included.
Enjoy a barbeque dinner during today's excursion before heading back to your hotel for the night.
Overnight: Dubai
Day 8: Excursion to the Musandam Peninsula
Set out on an excursion to the Musandam Peninsula, which is located for the most part in the Sultanate of Oman.
The mountainous Musandam tip of the Arabian Peninsula separates the Persian Gulf from the Gulf of Oman. Its northernmost cape forms the narrow and highly strategic choke point called the Strait of Hormuz. Less than thirty-five miles away lies the coast of Iran.
Your destination, down south at the base of the vast peninsula, is the Dibba coast, which has been called a Musandam gem for its spectacular coastline and majestic mountains.
Embark on a day-long cruise aboard a double-decker boat modeled on the traditional lateen-rigged dhows used for centuries around the Red Sea. Sail along a coast etched by inlets and sandy coves, with tiny villages set here and there between mountains and seashore.
Take a dip in the clear waters: snorkeling equipment and a towel are provided.
Onboard, you will enjoy a buffet lunch as well as unlimited refreshments and fruits.
Overnight: Dubai
Day 9: Dubai
Enjoy some free time in Dubai today.
Plan a visit to the Dubai Aquarium or the Heritage and Diving Village.
Shop for that perfect souvenir or simply relax at the beach.
Overnight: Dubai
Day 10: Departure
Most good things must come to an end. Your suitcase full of memorabilia and of photos ready to be processed, you'll arrive home later today, eager to share your discoveries with family and friends.
CUSTOM TOURS
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Dubai City Sightseeing
Burj Al Arab photo stop
Jumeirah Mosque
Optional Excursion to Al Ain
Excursion to Abu Dhabi
Free Time in Dubai
Sunset Safari Excursion
Excursion to the Musandam Peninsula
Going Places Blog
Indulge in the extended version of our March dinners video. Enjoy a deeper look into the gastronomic experiences provided during our tours, enriched with cultural insights.