8 Day Classic Dubai & Abu Dhabi Tour
TOUR DETAILS
Special Features
During the Dubai City Tour, view the man-made Palm Island and Dubai’s signature landmark Burj Al Arab
Specially arranged lunch and meeting at Dubai's important Sheikh Mohammed Centre to Cultural Understanding
Ascend to the very top of Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world
Embark on a city tour of Abu Dhabi that includes a visit to the Louvre Abu Dhabi
Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a masterpiece of modern Islamic architecture
ITINERARY
DAY 1: Friday - Depart for the United Arab Emirates
Depart for Dubai
DAY 2: Saturday - Arrive in Dubai
Arrive in Dubai, the quintessential land of opulence, wealth and astonishing skyscrapers and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure to rest, relax and acclimate to your new time zone
Overnight: Dubai
DAY 3: Sunday - New Dubai Tour
A fabulous day discovering 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 to the Jumeirah Palm, a man-made island, which was built in the shape of a palm tree, known for its posh residential buildings, villas, and luxury resorts. Upon entering the island, board the Palm Monorail which will take you to the far end of the palm. Marvel at the stunning views of the island as you ride high above the ground. The next station will be close to Atlantis hotel for a photo stop before you continue via Sheikh Zayed road to the world’s tallest tower Burj Khalifa. Here, while at the top, a guide will help answer all your questions from your vantage point on level 124 of the building. Free time for lunch in Dubai Mall. After an afternoon at leisure, return to the hotel for an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager and fellow travelers, followed by a Welcome Dinner
Overnight: Dubai
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4: Monday - Old Dubai Tour
Today, 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. Afterward, you're invited to the important Sheikh Mohammed Centre in the heart of the old Bastakiya area for a specially arranged local Emirati lunch and meeting. Enjoy an open discussion and learn more about Emirati culture and local traditions. Later, choose to join the 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 will have the option to ride a camel. Then, savor a barbecue dinner, specially prepared. Later, enjoy a Tanoura dance show, then watch as a captivating belly dancer enchants you with her swirling dances before returning to Dubai
Optional: Half Day Desert Safari with dinner (PM)
Overnight: Dubai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 5: Tuesday - Full Day in Dubai
Enjoy the morning and afternoon at leisure or, join an optional tour to Sharjah in the afternoon, cultural center of the Emirates, known for its major museums, distinctive landmarks and elegant mosques. As you begin your tour, you will have the opportunity for a photo stop of the cultural square. Then, visit the Islamic Museum, housing over 5,000 artifacts from all over the Islamic World and the Heritage Museum depicting Sharjah's rich and diverse heritage. Your tour continues to one of the UAE's oldest souqs, Al Arsa Souq, where you can find traditional merchandise including jewelry. Next, make your way to the fruit and fish market. Later, spend some time in Sharjah's main shopping hub, known as the Blue Souq, before returning to Dubai for the evening
Optional: Half Day Sharjah Tour (PM)
Overnight: Dubai
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6: Wednesday - Al Ain Tour
Today, travel to Al Ain, the Garden City of the UAE and one of the oldest settlements. A green city with an incredible number of public parks, it is also the birthplace of H.H. Sheikh Zayed, the former president of the UAE. Start at the Hili Archaeological Gardens, the excavation site of a Bronze Age settlement that dates back to 3000 B.C. Next, visit the most important museum in the UAE, Al Ain National Museum, which houses artifacts of ancient times that have been discovered in and around the city, ancient Arabic manuscripts and royal treasures. Then, stop at the largest oasis in the city of Al Ain, Al Ain Oasis. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum, the residence of Sheikh Zayed and his family between 1937 and 1966. Depart for Abu Dhabi and arrive in time for a Farewell Dinner with your fellow travelers
Overnight: Abu Dhabi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7: Thursday - Abu Dhabi Tour
Start off the day with a city tour of the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, also known as the Arabian Jewel. Begin at the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, an iconic symbol of Abu Dhabi. Drive through al Bateen area, also known as the Royal and Presidential District. Stop at the Zayed House for a fascinating sneak peek into the life of the late Sheikh Zayed, 'Father of the Nation'. Continue to the Emirates Palace for a photo stop. Drive 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. After lunch at a local restaurant, admire cultural art at the Arab World's first universal museum, the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Enjoy your final night in Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates at leisure to explore the city or take a seaside stroll along the beautiful Corniche
Overnight: Abu Dhabi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 8: Friday - Depart the United Arab Emirates
Transfer to the airport in Dubai for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
Escorted Package Includes
6 nights First Class accommodations
4 nights Dubai
2 nights Abu Dhabi
Hotel taxes, fees & service charges including Dubai & Abu Dhabi tourism fees
Hotel porterage
All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
11 meals: 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
Entrance fees per itinerary
Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring