What's Included - 6 Nights | Airfare | Experiences | Hotel | Breakfast | Transfers | Coach
Comprised of seven emirates, the UAE offers travelers a world of experiences in a small country. On this 6-night escorted vacation, explore the major cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, plus Sharjah and Al Ain.
What's Included
Not included:
Unique Explorations
Explore the many wonders of Dubai, from Al Fahidi Historic District to the Gold Souk.
Visit the oasis city of Al Ain and tour its many highlights, from the camel market to Hilli Gardens.
Pick up souvenirs at the colorful Souk Al Arsa in Sharjah, the cultural capital of the UAE.
Enjoy a full-day tour of Musandam Peninsula, dubbed the "Norway of Arabia."
What's better than one Emirate? How about seven Emirates? On this vacation, go beyond Dubai and discover the beauty, history and culture of the United Arab Emirates.
Your escorted trip begins in the glitzy city of Dubai, home to the Burj Khalifa, Gold Souk, Dubai Mall and so much more. Enjoy a half-day city tour before heading outside the city on a desert safari adventure! You'll then travel by coach to the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi. Stroll the beautiful grounds of Sheikh Zayed Mosque and tour the Formula 1 racetrack on a city tour as you take in this stunning city.
From Abu Dhabi, enjoy a full-day tour of Al Ain, an oasis city filled with beautiful relics of the past. Your next adventure takes you to Sharjah, the cultural capital of the UAE that's home to countless grand mosques and colorful souks where you can pick up unique souvenirs. Your final day is spent in the "Norway of Arabia," the Musandam Peninsula in Oman.
Helpful links for travel to the UAE:
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Day 1. Welcome to Dubai!
Say hello to the glamorous city of Dubai! Arrive at Dubai Airport, and meet with a representative, ready to help you navigate your way to your airport transfer. Once settled in, celebrate your first night in the United Arab Emirates by sampling a staple dish; indulge in a serving of iconic shawarma or perhaps something more exotic like camel.
Transfer to Dubai hotel
Hilton Garden Inn Jadaf is located just 10 minutes from downtown Dubai. Guest rooms are equipped with free WiFi, complimentary toiletries, and coffee/tea making facilities. There is an onsite restaurant and bar to satisfy the needs of guests. The hotel also has an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness center.
Today is packed with culture and natural wonders. Embark on your city tour today, then enjoy a thrilling adventure to the Arabian Desert.
Dubai City Tour (half day)
Discover the spectacular and lively metropolis of Dubai, which developed from a small fishing village at the Dubai Creek. Visit Bastakyia, the old town district of Dubai. Then, learn everything about the local history and geography of the city when visiting the Dubai museum, located in the ancient fortress of Al-Fahidi.
Ese the local water taxis, called “Abras”, to cross the Dubai Creek. From there, enjoy the spectacular view of the city while heading towards the district of Deira. Your senses will sing as you take in all of the exotic spices in the famous Spice Souk. Take the chance to get a unique and affordable souvenir when you visit the adjacent Gold Souk.
Then proceed to Jumeirah area for a photo stop of the awe-inspiring Grand Mosque of Jumeirah. Stop for a photo stop of Burj Al Arab hotel, then pass by the region of Burj Khalifa, where you'll find the world's tallest tower.
4-wheel-drive Desert Safari with barbecue dinner
Embark on a thrilling desert safari! Hop in a 4WD vehicle and speed through golden sand dunes, known as dune bashing. Enjoy the thrill of going up and down the dunes before heading to the main camp site. After witnessing the gorgeous Arabian sunset, enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner that is prepared on an open fire. Listen to traditional music and watch a belly dancer dance to the rhythm of the music. There's no better way to experience a true Arabian night than this.
Say goodbye to Dubai for now as you transfer to Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. Enjoy a comprehensive half-day tour taking you to the city's iconic sights like the Sheikh Zayed Mosque.
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Novotel Abu Dhabi Al Bustan is located near the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Zayed Sports City, and Embassies district. Guest rooms are equipped with free WiFi, television, and coffee/tea making facilities. The onsite restaurant serves lunch and dinner, and the pool bar offers fantastic city views while you sip a cocktail. The hotel also features an outdoor pool, fitness center, and spa services.
Abu Dhabi City Tour, with lunch
Explore the capital of the United Arab Emirates! Your first stop will be at Sheikh Zayed Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world and the key place of worship in the country. The beautiful mosque is completely clad in marble, and features intricate Islamic decoration and carvings as well as extensive landscaping.
You'll then head toward Abu Dhabi downtown and Heritage Village, which houses a small museum and depicts the traditional daily activities of the Arab community prior to the discovery of oil. Drive along the spectacular Corniche, past gleaming white mosques, glass-clad offices and elegant high-rise apartments to the tip of the breakwater for a superb view of the city’s magnificent skyline.
You'll then visit the Saadiyat Island project where the Guggenheim Museum is being built to complete the image of Abu Dhabi as a cultural destination. After lunch, visit the Craft Center in Abu Dhabi. In the afternoon, visit the Louvre Museum, an art and civilization museum located in the Saadiyat Island Cultural District. Your tour ends at Yas Island, which houses the Formula 1 Yas circuit and the first attraction park of Ferrari in the world.
This morning, visit a unique Camel leather tannery factory. It is the first tannery to produce an exclusive range of leathers tanned using the most advanced environmentally friendly technologies, guaranteed metal-free, sustainable and biodegradable. Unlike traditional leathers universally produced with synthetic oils to gain their required softness, the natural oils used in the process consist of vegetable sustainable extracts.
After, continue to Al Ain, known as the "Garden City of the Gulf." The birthplace of the United Arab Emirates' founder Sheikh Zayed was once a vital stop on the caravan route between Oman and the Gulf.
Hotel
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet is a unique mountain oasis resort at the top of historical Jebel Hafeet at the lofty height of 3,000 feet. The hotel features 124 rooms and suites offering ultimate comfort and tranquility in a verdant and spectacular setting. Guests will have easy access to a variety of cultural, historical, and tourist attractions in addition to recreational and natural areas. The hotel boasts a reputation as being one of the most unique in the area with exceptional leisure facilities including three swimming pools and a modern fitness center.
Full-day Al Ain Tour, including lunch
Located in the Hajjar Mountains, Al Ain is rich in tradition and one of the oldest cities in the UAE. For thousands of years the oasis of Al Ain has been an important caravan stop on the ancient trade routes across Arabia. Visit the camel market, the largest in the UAE, and Al Ain Palace, one the most important cultural places in Al Ain city. It is a direct testimony to the period of rule of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan in Al Ain, and was his original place of residence there. The Palace is also the birthplace of HH Sheikh Mohamad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
You'll also visit Al Jahili Fort, one of the largest castles in Al Ain and the best example of the local Islamic military architecture. After lunch in the city, proceed to the National Museum of Al Ain, where you will learn everything about the history of this region. In the afternoon, step back in time at Hilli Gardens, famous for the archaeological excavations from the third millennium B.C.
In the morning, embark on a half-day tour to Sharjah, the cultural capital of the UAE. Visit mosques, a heritage museum, and two colorful souks!
A Tip For Your Trip: In Sharjah, it's recommended to dress modestly.
City Seasons Dubai
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
City Seasons is located in the commercial center of Deira. Guest rooms are equipped with free WiFi, complimentary toiletries, television, and bathrobes. The hotel features a swimming pool, fitness center, and spa. There are two lounges and a restaurant where guests can drink and dine. Enjoy close proximity to the Deira City Center Mall!!!
Half-day Sharjah Tour, with lunch
Explore the city of Sharjah, the cultural capital of the UAE known as the ‘Pearl of the Gulf." Pass by the King Faisal Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the Emirates, then see the renovated Fort of Sharjah, former residence of the ruling family. Continue to the Sharjah Heritage Museum, which conserves and displays the rich traditional customs and culture of Sharjah as a source of pride and inspiration to Emiratis, and to visitors to the UAE. Begin a journey of discovery through Sharjah's rich and diverse heritage and explore traditions that have endured the test of time.
After the visit, it’s now time to explore the colorful Souk Al Arsa. See how the traditional Omani Halwa (sweet) is made in one of the shops in Souk Al Arsa. Before returning to Dubai, enjoy a brief stroll at the Blue Souk – a treasure trove of carpets, jewelry and handicrafts. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant or in the hotel restaurant.
Leave the United Arab Emirates for a day as you travel to the Musandam Peninsula in Oman. Known as the "Norway of the Arabia," Musandam is filled with fjord-like inlets, pebble beaches and sheltered bays.
Full-day Musandam Dhow Cruise on the Gulf of Oman, including lunch
Cruise the waters of the Indian Ocean in Musandam, a spot where the waters of the Gulf of Oman are the gateway to the natural sea treasures. The Musandam Peninsula is the northernmost part of Oman and has one of the most rugged, isolated and beautiful coastlines in the world. Towering Hajar Mountains rise directly out of the sea creating spectacular fjord-like scenery, providing an awe-inspiring backdrop for the caves, bays and pebble beaches along the coast. The sheltered bays also offer a safe environment for snorkelers and divers to explore. Marine life in the Gulf of Oman is rich in diversity with fish, corals, turtles and invertebrates.
Enjoy a dhow cruise in the fjords of Musandam, offering an insight into this fantastic landscape. See if you can spot any dolphins and have lunch on board. This traditional type of dhow is equipped with comfortable seats, cushions and carpet. Enjoy sea safaris, snorkeling, swimming, playing and more.
Note: Please carry your passport along with you, as it is required for a police check.
Your Emirates vacation ends today. Spend the morning at leisure before transferring to the Dubai airport for your flight home.
Transfer to Dubai airport (DXB)
Fly home!
We will select the most economical flight schedule for you. Please note that shorter and more convenient flight options may be available at an additional cost.
Advertised vacation package prices are per person based on two people traveling together, unless otherwise noted. Advertised package rates are based on select departures from Columbus, Ohio.
Vacation packages include round-trip economy class airfare on valid international carriers as noted in specific package inclusions.
Carriers may vary based on city of origin.
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