Depart the USA on your flight from the USA to Dubai.

Arrive in Dubai and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

Take a journey to the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood to explore Old Dubai. Part of the attraction of the district, which showcases the traditional way of life in Dubai from the mid-19th century until the 1970s, is simply wandering through its narrow lanes. Here, you’ll discover creative art spaces, museums, and cafés housed in traditional L-shaped homes made from gypsum, coral, and limestone. Look up, and you can’t miss the buildings topped with distinctive wind towers. While exploring this neighborhood, you will visit the Textile Souk, full of colorful fabrics and kitsch souvenirs. Embark on a water taxi ride by Dubai Creek at Bur Dubai Abra Station. This waterway reflects Dubai’s historical roots when early settlers relied on its waters for their livelihood. Enjoy a short trip across the Creek to Deira on traditional wooden boats, known as abras, before continuing to the Spice Souk. As you wander through the stalls, you can savor the aromas of cardamom, turmeric, dried lemons, and rose petals. (B)

Visit the Burj Khalifa, which stands at 828 meters and is currently the tallest building in the world. It is next to the Dubai Mall, one of the world’s largest shopping centers with 1,200 shops. Visit the viewing platform 452 meters above sea level. Ride the building’s express elevator to the 124th floor at a speed of 10 meters per second. From there, you can enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree view of Dubai and its unique skyline. Enjoy free time at the impressive Dubai Mall afterward. Next, visit one of the most iconic landmarks in Dubai, the Jumeirah Mosque. Adopting an ‘Open Doors, Open Minds’ policy, Jumeirah is the only mosque in Dubai that welcomes visitors of all faiths to admire the surroundings and learn about Islam and the local culture. Continue to Burj Arab, Dubai’s most iconic luxury hotel, shaped like the sail of a ship. Built on a man-made island, this fourth-tallest building in the world is also the most photographed.
This afternoon, take a ride into the remote Lahbab desert outside the city. Head off the road into bright red dunes and have your camera ready to capture what looks like giant beanbags of sand. During a break to gather the convoy, use optional quad bikes on-site. Then, hold tight as you cruise toward the highest slopes. Your safari includes a barbecue dinner and a folkloric show. Take a camel ride and surf the dunes on a sandboard before you return to your hotel. (B, D)

Enjoy a free day exploring Dubai on your own. Maybe visit the Museum of the Future, take a boat ride to see Dubai from the sea, see more than 150 million flowers at the Miracle Garden, or visit the Global Village, where 90 cultures come together. (B)

Continue to Abu Dhabi, the capital and the second most populous city of the United Arab Emirates (after Dubai). Visit the architectural beauty of the country’s largest mosque, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, known as the acclaimed symbol of contemporary Islam. The impressive construction blends the cultural diversity of Islamic art and contemporary design with impressive features, including the world’s largest marble mosaic, imported chandeliers from Munich incorporating millions of Swarovski crystals, and columns inlaid with mother-of-pearl. Visit Qasr Al Watan, the Palace reflecting Emiratis and their leaders. Absorb the essence of culture, architectural features, and the awe-inspiring history of the Emirates. Learn about the amazing journey spurring Arabian design to the present state. Finish your day at Ferrari World, the first Ferrari-branded theme park with rides, attractions, and
Ferrari-inspired shows. (B)

Enjoy a free day exploring Abu Dhabi on your own. Maybe fill your day by visiting the Louvre Abu Dhabi, seeing the white sand beaches of Corniche, or visiting the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi. (B)

Return to the USA