Description
The Tour
Exploring both ancient and modern Arabia, this tour showcases the contrasting images of Dubai and lets you explore the ancient traditions and merchant history of the rapidly developing Emirates of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Day 1: London Heathrow Dubai
Relax on your overnight flight to Dubai with Virgin Atlantic.
Day 2: Dubai
On arrival, you will be transferred to the Hilton Dubai Creek where you will spend the next 3 nights. This spacious, contemporary hotel offers excellent creek views, a relaxing rooftop pool and Verre, one of Dubai's top restaurants overseen by Gordon Ramsay.
Day 3: City Tour of Dubai
The perfect way to see the contrasting faces of Dubai, today youll experience both ancient and modern. Start your day with a drive to the Jumeirah area for a photo opportunity of some of Dubais most iconic landmarks, passing by the Jumeirah Mosque, Sheikh Zayed Road and Burj Al Arab, the worlds tallest and most talked about luxury hotel. Return to the city where your first stop is at Bastakia, the oldest part of the city where the old wind-towered houses, homes to wealthy merchants of the past, still line the streets. Visit nearby Dubai Museum in the Al Fahidi Fort, dating back more than 200 years, built to defend the early settlers. Continuing through old Dubai and the material market, take an abra (local water taxi) across the creek to the area of the spice andgold souks. Walk through the bustling alleys and enjoy the mystical aromas of the numerous spices and the breath-taking amount of dazzling jewellery, varying from traditional to the latest designs at amazingly affordable prices.
Day 4: Desert Safari
After a morning of leisure, prepare for a thrilling afternoon of dune bashing! Travelling in luxury 4WD vehicles, you will take a short drive into the desert to commence your desert driving adventure. The Jeeps will speed up and down the desert of the golden sand dunes, provoking many shrieks and excited laughter. As the afternoon comes to an end, you will arrive at the desert campsite where, after witnessing the magical Arabian sunset, you can try your hand at camel riding at a nearby Bedouin camp or a traditional aromatic shisha. A delicious barbecue dinner is prepared on open fires and a variety of beverages are available as you relax on Persian rugs, traditionally arranged to create a typical Bedouin camp under the stars. As the evening draws on, the tempo of the music increases as a belly dancer starts dancing to the rhythm of the music. The perfect way to experience a true Arabian night. (B/D).
Day 5: Al Ain
After checking out of your hotel, travel to the historic city of Al Ain in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Known as The Garden City, Al Ain is one of the oldest settlements in the region. This oasis town is a stunningly green city with numerous public parks, a welcome alternative to its desert surrounds. Your first visit is to Al Ain Museum, the most important in the Emirates, where you can see excavated artefacts, ancient Arabic manuscripts and royal treasures. Next, you will visit the camel market before visiting the nearby oasis village of Buraimi, where you will have lunch. The village is an exciting experience with old forts, date palm groves and 2,000-year-old irrigation systems called falaj, which are still in use. Afterwards, visit the Hili Gardens, an excavation site of a tomb dating back to 3,000 BC. Check in at the Hilton Al Ain for an overnight stay. (B/L).
Days 6-8: Jumeirah Beach
After breakfast, return to Dubai. Spend the next 3 nights at the Hilton Jumeirah Beach. Overlooking a beautiful sandy beach, spend your time soaking up the sun, indulging in various water sports or shopping in luxurious malls. (B)
Day 9: Dubai London Heathrow
Transfer back to Dubai for your flight to London Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic. (B)
Tour Notes
- Tour departs UK on Sun, Tue, Thu, Fri and Sat from London Heathrow.
- Beverages are not included with lunch on day 5 and should be paid locally.
- The desert safari on day 4 involves off-road driving through rough country. Expectant mothers, children under 3 and adults over 65 years cannot be accepted on this tour.
- Meals as detailed in itinerary. (B) breakfast, (L) lunch, (D) dinner.