Dazzling Dubai
Experience the best of luxurious Dubai: comprehensive city tour, including Burj Khalifa; Sahara Desert safari; optional Abu Dhabi excursion
Overview
Style | Small Group TourTravel with a small, intimate group of no more than 16 likeminded travelers (and often much fewer), escorted by an English speaking guide and/or tour manager for some or all of your journey. (Some exceptions, including special promotional packages, may accommodate up to 30.) More of these packages
Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout |
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Departures | January – December 2025 | Group Size | 16 travelers max |
Themes | City Stays | ||
Activity Level | Recreational | ||
What to Expect | This package is a great fit if you seek a blend of light activities as well as leisure time. Throw on your favorite comfortable shoes and enjoy guided walking tours on easy terrain, as well as coach touring. Travel safely and confidently with our new health & safety protocols. | ||
Already booked? | Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more. |
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Welcome to the playground of the rich and famous! Dubai is bigger, grander, more lavish (and considerably more expensive) than any other place on Earth. One of the world's most expensive hotel, the Burj Al Arab, is a universally recognized sailboat-shaped architectural wonder; the world's tallest building, the Burj al Khalifa, rises high in the city's center; an entire series of man-made islands, in the shape of palm fronds and another series in the shape of the entire world, are being created off the shore line; countless souks shine bright with glittering gold on display – all in Dubai! The surrounding desert stretches as far as the eye can see, with rippling dunes that are ideal for thrilling 4x4 adventures and camel riding. With all of this and more, it's a surprise that you don't have to be rich and famous to enjoy this amazing destination for yourself. In true Friendly Planet style, your 6-day vacation package to Dubai includes airfare, deluxe hotel accommodations, meals, transfers, comprehensive city tours with English-speaking guides, and more!
Package includes
- Flights
- Coach
- Transfers
- Hotel
- Meals
- Guides
- Round trip flights from NYC via Emirates Airlines including taxes & fees
- 4 nights deluxe hotel accommodations in Dubai
- 6 meals: 4 lavish breakfasts & 2 dinners
- Arrival & departure transfers with meeting, assistance and porterage
- Comprehensive touring program and entrance fees
- Professional, English-speaking tour guide
Optional add-ons
- Flights from other cities are available. Request pricing when making your reservation.
- Optional day excursion to Abu Dhabi
Why you'll love it
- Stroll through bustling souks and browse the packed alleys brimming with unique textiles, spices, and gold.
- Visit Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, and get a bird's eye view of the city from the towering observation deck.
- Hop on a traditional abra and glide through Dubai's waterways, passing by admirable landmarks.
- Gain an insight into Islamic life at Jumeirah Mosque.
- Journey back in time during a walking tour of Bastakya Al Fahidi District.
- Marvel at the fantastic fountain show at the Dubai Mall.
- Discover the awe-inspiring exhibits and interactive displays at the Museum of the Future.
- Explore Dubai's surrounding dunes on an exciting Jeep desert safari tour before enjoying a traditional BBQ dinner with a belly-dancing performance.
- Join an optional day excursion to Abu Dhabi, and explore Jebel Ali, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Sheik Khalifa Palace, Yas Island, and more!
Itinerary at a Glance
- 1 Depart USA
- 2 Dubai
- 3 Dubai
- 4 Dubai
- 5 Dubai
- Optional Excursion: Full-day Abu Dhabi, $185
- 6 Depart Dubai/Arrive USA
Videos
Dates & Prices
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Depart USA
- Check in for your overnight flight to Dubai
Day 2 Dubai
- Arrive in Dubai, meet our representatives, and transfer to your centrally-located hotel
- Check-in is at 3:00 pm, or you can add guaranteed early check-in to your reservation
JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai or similar
Full Day ItineraryArrive in Dubai. After customs formalities, you'll be met by our representatives in Dubai and then escorted to your centrally located hotel.
Day 3 Dubai
- Visit the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world
- Explore the Gold and Spice Market
- Enjoy an abra ride before a walking tour at Bastakiya Al Fahidi District
- Learn about Islamic life in the UAE at Jumeirah Mosque
- See the Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis
- Witness the spectacular Dubai Mall Fountain Show
- Meet your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner
JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai or similar Breakfast & dinner
Full Day ItineraryAfter breakfast, visit the Burj Khalifa (formerly known as Burj Dubai), which 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 homes as high as the clouds for a lucky few. Take in sweeping city views from the breathtakingly high "At the Top" observation deck.
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Dubai's Gold and Spice Market, where the scents of exotic spices mingle with the glittering gold on display. Immerse yourself in a world of sensory delights as you explore this bustling market and try your hand at haggling!
Glide through Dubai's waterways on a traditional abra as the boatman expertly navigates through the bustling water traffic. Sail past some of Dubai's most iconic landmarks, like the towering Burj Khalifa and the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, in spectacular panoramic fashion.
Later, stop at Jumeirah Mosque to gain insight into Islamic life in the United Arab Emirates during a lecture by one of the Mosque's clerks. Feel free to ask questions!
Wander through the charming alleyways of Bastakya Al Fahidi District on a walking tour that will transport you back in time. As you stroll along the narrow streets, admire the traditional wind-tower architecture and learn about the district's rich history from your knowledgeable guide.
Enjoy free time to explore and have an independent lunch at Souq Madinat Jumeirah, a vibrant market in Dubai inspired by traditional Middle Eastern architecture. Browse local handicrafts and sample delicious cuisine while taking in stunning views of the Arabian Gulf.
Stop by for Palm Jumeirah, a man-made island shaped like a palm tree, and Atlantis, located on the crescent of the Palm, for photo ops, followed by a drive-by of the glittering Marina Skyline.
End your day with excitement! As the sun sets, the fountain show at the Dubai Mall begins. Water dances in perfect synchronization with music and lights, creating a mesmerizing experience for all who witness it.
Join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.
Day 4 Dubai
- Discover the fascinating exhibits at the Museum of the Future
- Explore the beautiful Miracle Garden
- Set out on an exciting Jeep desert safari with a local BBQ dinner
JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai or similar Breakfast & dinner
Full Day ItineraryAfter breakfast, stop at the Dubai Frame for a photo opportunity before visiting the Museum of the Future, an extraordinary destination where imagination meets innovation. This captivating museum is a testament to Dubai's vision of embracing cutting-edge technology and shaping a better future for humanity. Be immersed in a world of awe-inspiring exhibits, interactive displays, and thought-provoking installations. The museum showcases the latest advancements in science, technology, and innovation across various fields, offering a glimpse into the future.
Then, step into the Dubai Miracle Garden, an extraordinary garden home to over 50 million blooming flowers, meticulously arranged to create stunning displays that defy imagination. Marvel at the garden's record-breaking displays, including the world's largest flower wall, a spectacle that will leave you awestruck. Immerse yourself in the fragrance of countless floral varieties, from roses and tulips to exotic blooms that perfume the air and evoke a sense of tranquility.
Set out on a desert safari tour, where you'll discover the vastness and stark beauty of the desert surrounding Dubai. Experience an exciting jeep ride over the neighboring dunes. End the day with a traditional BBQ dinner and live belly-dancing entertainment.
Special Notes
- Dubai Miracle Garden is closed from May to October due to weather conditions and will be replaced by a visit to the Butterfly Gardens.
- The sand dunes jeep ride is not recommended for people with neck, back, or cardiac concerns. Passengers who cannot do the jeep ride will relax at the rest area during this time.
Day 5 Dubai
- Relax and explore on your own, or join an optional excursion to Abu Dhabi
JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryThe day is yours to explore at your pace, or take an optional excursion to Abu Dhabi.
Optional Excursion: Full-day Abu Dhabi, $185Today, see another sophisticated city in the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi. Enjoy a panoramic view of Jebel Ali, the largest artificial port, en route to the iconic symbol of Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Later, drive along the sweeping curve of the Corniche, replete with parks and fountains, from which you'll enjoy a contrast of modern skyscrapers against the sparkling waters of the Persian Gulf. Visit the Heritage Village and learn about the history of Abu Dhabi in a reconstructed oasis. Walk through the open-air museum and see artisans demonstrate traditional skills. Later, pass by the Sheik Khalifa Palace, home to the president of the UAE. Afterward, take a photo stop at Yas Island, where the Ferrari World theme park and Formula 1 race track are located. Return to Dubai.
Day 6 Depart Dubai/Arrive USA
- Transfer to the airport to board your flight home, arriving in the USA later today
- Passengers returning to JFK will receive a breakfast box
- Hotel check-out is at noon, or you can add guaranteed late check-out to your reservation
Breakfast
Hotel
In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.
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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.