Experience the luxurious United Arab Emirates cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi- a perfect combonation of rich history mixed with modern wonders. Visit one of the largest mosques in the world in Abu Dhabi and ascend 1,475 feet into the sky in Dubai. Explore local vegetable, spice, and gold markets; BBQ and Bedouin campsite and enjoy an exhilarating 4-wheel Jeep safari through the golden sand dunes. Your desert adventure awaits in these two wonderful cities.
Day
1 Depart the USA
Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Dubai, United Arab
Emirates.
Day
2 Welcome to Abu Dhabi
After arrival in Dubai, you will be met by your Mayflower Cruises & Tours representative and transferred to your hotel in Abu Dhabi.
Day
3 Abu Dhabi City Tour
After breakfast, embark on a full day of sightseeing in Abu Dhabi. On your guided tour, witness the majesty of the world-famous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – one of the largest mosques in the world and Heritage Village, a reconstruction of a traditional oasis village. Enjoy a photo stop at Emirates Palace, the opulent, luxury hotel, before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant. Experience the local flavor of the country with a visit to a fruits & vegetable market where each vendor proudly arranges his produce in a display of vibrant colors. An excellent photo opportunity awaits! Tonight, join your Tour Manager and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at the hotel.
Meals: B, L, D
Day
4 Abu Dhabi
Today is free of planned activities allowing you to explore Abu Dhabi on your own to discover its rich past and vibrant character. Your Tour Manager will be available to offer suggestions.
Meal: B
Day
5 Abu Dhabi – Dubai
Following breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Dubai – a global city and business hub of the Middle East. Upon arrival, enjoy a city tour of modern Dubai beginning with a drive along the marina area and Palm Jumeriah – the world’s largest man-made island. Visit the Lost Chambers at Atlantis The Palm. Surround yourself with sea life in an awe-inspiring walk through glass tunnels. Sharks, stingrays, piranhas, lobsters and the tiniest of seahorses are just some of the creatures you will come face-to-face with in this spellbinding underwater world.
Following lunch at a local restaurant, visit the colorful Arabic Souk Madinat Jumierah. Explore the vibrant marketplace for boutique brands, souvenir gifts, luxury fashion and jewelry. Your modern city tour ends at the hotel for an evening at leisure.
Meals: B, L
Day
6 Dubai
Following breakfast, embark on a guided tour to explore the city’s heritage and history. Enjoy magnificent views of Dubai Creek and stop at the Dubai Museum – recording the city’s past with all of its developing stages. Sail across the creek aboard a traditional Abra boat. Visit one of the city’s most popular marketplaces – Spice Souk and Gold Souk. Its narrow passages are lined with small stores selling every type of herbs and spice under the sun. The Gold Souk offers a huge selection of jewelry made from gold, silver, diamonds and other precious metals and stones. Following lunch, enjoy a photo stop at the Jumeirah Mosque – Dubai’s most beautiful mosque and one of only a handful in the UAE that are open to non-Muslims.
Visit the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, and one of the world’s largest shopping malls. After ascending 1475 feet in a high-speed elevator to reach At The Top observation deck, you will be greeted by breathtaking, unobstructed 360-degree views of the city, desert and ocean below.
Meals: B, L
Day
7 Dubai
After a morning at leisure, embark on a desert safari. Your safari guides will take you in 4-wheel drive jeeps into the golden sand dunes of Arabia. Experience the thrill of a lifetime while riding through the dunes. Witness a beautiful scenic sunset overlooking the desert then continue to a Bedouin campsite for a delicious BBQ dinner buffet. At the campsite you can enjoy camel riding, henna design and an enchanting belly dancer performing to the Arabic rhythms.
Meals: B, D
Day
8 Dubai
Your morning and afternoon is at leisure before embarking on the dhow dinner cruise along the Dubai Creek. Spend a relaxing evening onboard a traditionally decorated wooden dhow as it sails under the moonlight. The architecture of both Dubai’s past and present is brought to its full beauty against the evening sky as the ship moves silently along the creek. What a fantastic way to end your journey in the UAE.
Meals: B, D
Day
9 Dubai/USA
Following breakfast, transfer to the Dubai airport for your flight home. Filled with life enriching experiences from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the memories will last forever.
Meal: B