Dazzling Dubai & Abu Dhabi

Overview

Dubai is the ultimate playground of the rich and famous and, some say, the center of the universe for luxury living. There are lush, manicured golf courses, like emerald oases among the sand dunes. Hotels and resorts are built on man-made islands in the shape of a palm Tree. There’s even an indoor ski resort where you can romp in the snow inside at a frosty 32 degrees while outside, it’s a toasty 100 in the shade. And just 90 miles down a super highway, you’ll find another sparkling city, the capitol of the UAE, with enough glitz and glamour, gourmet dining, art, architecture and culture to keep even the most discerning traveler happy and satisfied.

Our Dazzling Dubai and Abu Dhabi package offers a blend of these two spectacular treasures, with no-compromise accommodations, amenities and services that are 5-star all the way, at less than 3-star prices.

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Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Depart USA

• Check in for your overnight flight to Dubai

Day 2: Dubai

3 nights JW Marriott Marquis or similar, Dubai.

• Arrive in Dubai, meet our representatives, and transfer to your centrally located hotel
• Check-in is at 3:00pm, or you can add guaranteed early check-in to your reservation

Day 3: Dubai

Breakfast.

• Enjoy a guided panoramic tour of Dubai -- see the highlights of this amazing place
• The balance of the day is at leisure in one of the most dazzling cities in the world, or join several exciting optional excursions

Optional Excursion: Half Day Dubai City Tour, $65. Today's exciting optional morning tour will take you to picturesque Dubai Creek, which the Ancient Greeks called the River Zara. The first settlements by the Bani Yas tribe were along its banks, and later it served as a port for ships coming from as far as India and East Africa. Today, this saltwater creek divides the modern city into two parts, Deira on the north and Bur Dubai to the south, and remains a busy waterway both for traditional dhows and sleek luxury yachts. This is your first photo opportunity with a magnificent panorama of the city and its amazing futuristic skyline.

Next stop is the Bastakiya district, where traditional courtyard houses, with characteristic wind towers that cleverly catch the breezes to cool the houses, line the narrow alleys. Many of the houses in this picturesque area of Dubai, previously home to the city's merchants, have been lovingly restored by proud locals who wish to preserve the unique ambience of the district.

Continue to the Dubai Museum, housed in the massive, restored Al Fahidi Fort. Inside, lifelike dioramas offer a fascinating view of life in Dubai before the discovery of oil. You'll learn the importance of the date palm to the desert culture, the maritime traditions of fishing and pearl-diving, boat building and much more. Take a walk through the bustling, exotic souks, where you'll find beautiful and bargain-priced textiles, spices and gold. Another highlight of your city tour is a chance to take one of Dubai's most reliable and inexpensive forms of transportation, the Abra water taxi.

Your coach will bring you back to your hotel.

Optional Excursion: Burj Khalifa, $59. In the afternoon, you may choose to independently visit the Burj Khalifa (formerly known as Burj Dubai), officially opened in 2010 as the tallest building in the world. This miracle of international cooperation and coordination houses a luxury Armani hotel, offices of some of the world's most successful companies, and for a lucky few, homes that are as high as the clouds. Take in sweeping views of the city from the breathtakingly high "At the Top" observation deck.

Optional Excursion: Desert Safari & BBQ Dinner, $90. For those in the mood for adventure, in the late afternoon, set out on an optional desert safari tour, where you'll discover the vastness and stark beauty of the desert that surrounds Dubai. Experience an exciting jeep ride over the neighboring sand dunes. You'll also enjoy a traditional BBQ dinner and live belly dancing entertainment on this exciting optional tour. *The sand dunes jeep ride is not recommended for people with neck, back or cardiac concerns.

Day 4: Dubai

Breakfast.

• Relax and explore on your own

Optional Excursion: Dhow Dinner Cruise, $85 (purchased locally). This evening, we recommend an optional dinner cruise by dhow boat on the Dubai Creek. A magnificent view of both sides of Dubai Creek illuminated by night adds to the charm of this wonderful way to experience Dubai.

Day 5: Dubai & Abu Dhabi

2 nights Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi or similar, Abu Dhabi. Breakfast.

• Today, leave Dubai and transfer to Abu Dhabi
• Upon arrival, enjoy a city tour including the highlights of Abu Dhabi
• Continue to your hotel for check-in

Full Day Itinerary: After breakfast, check out of your hotel and board an air conditioned motor coach with your English-speaking guide bound for Abu Dhabi. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour of Abu Dhabi including stops at the Grand Mosque, the heritage village, a photo opportunity at Emirates Palace, and a drive along the Corniche a glamorous walkway that runs along the city's coastline replete with parks and fountains, from which you'll enjoy a contrast of modern skyscrapers against the sparkling waters of the Persian Gulf. Afterwards, continue to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is at leisure to shop or explore independently.

Day 6: Abu Dhabi

Breakfast.

• Enjoy a full day at leisure in Abu Dhabi for shopping and exploration

Day 7: Abu Dhabi & Dubai

1 night JW Marriott Marquis or similar, Dubai. Breakfast.Enjoy your buffet breakfast and some free time this morning

• Transfer by motor coach back to Dubai and upon arrival check into your hotel
• The remainder of the day is at leisure
• Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Orlando (MCO), and Washington, DC-Dulles (IAD) depart Dubai after midnight tonight, see the flight schedule for details

Day 8: Depart Dubai/Arrive USA

Box breakfast.

• Transfer to the airport to board your flight home, arriving in the USA later today
• Hotel check-out is at noon, or you can add guaranteed late check-out to your reservation depending on your flight schedule

Dubai Optional Excursions Package: $180

Save by pre-booking a discounted package of our most popular optional excursions:

• Dubai City Tour (Day 3)
• Burj Khalifa (Day 3)
• Desert Safari & BBQ Dinner (Day 3)

You can book these excursions individually in Dubai. But you can save over $30 if you purchase this special package ahead of time—with or before your final payment. These are not "seat in coach" excursions that pick up passengers at various hotels; all are operated for Friendly Planet groups only. (A minimum of 4 passengers is required for optional excursions to operate).

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Trip Details

• What should I know before I go? We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
• Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Travel visas are required for this package. Please review the visa & entry requirements.
• Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Depart from another city? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
• Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
• Should I purchase travel insurance? Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
• What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
• What should I know about Dubai? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.

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