Itinerary Details
Alexander+Roberts
The United Arab Emirates
Day 1: Our VIP Arrival Service in Dubai
On arrival at the airport, our exclusive VIP Arrival Service whisks you from the terminal to a comfortable lounge where you can relax while entry formalities are handled - and your checked luggage is retrieved and brought to you. Upon completion of immigration and customs, you'll be escorted by private car to the luxurious Taj Dubai in the heart of the city. The rest of this day is yours to relax and enjoy as you wish.
Day 2: Heritage of Dubai
Begin your guided sightseeing at the famous Gold and Spice Souk before taking an Abra ride to the Bastakia area to view the traditional wind towers and the old Fahidi Fort. Our morning ends at the Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding. Here in this traditional wind-tower house, we'll sit down to a congenial lunch of authentic Emirati cuisine. Your engaging private guide and special local guest will be on hand to continue this morning's exploration into the culture, stories and daily life of Dubai.This evening enjoy dinner at Abd al Wahab, one of our favorite local restaurants. B+L+D
Day 3: Dubai Today
Showcasing Dubai's 21st-century engineering and architectural wonders, your privately guided tour begins today at Souk Madinat Jumeirah, an evocative re-imagining of an authentic Middle Eastern marketplace complete with winding streets, pillared arcades, merchant stalls and boutiques selling both high-end luxury goods and traditional artisan-made crafts. Tantalizing food stalls, street musicians and the ringing sounds of craftsmen at work complete this experience of an old world, Arabian bazaar. Finish your guided sightseeing at Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah - an astounding manmade archipelago in the Arabian Gulf and home to iconic landmarks like the soaring Atlantis Resort.Less than 100 years ago, Dubai was a sleepy trading post known primarily for the pearl trade. But in just a few generations, it has morphed into a truly cosmopolitan global city, a major world transport hub, and a regional financial center. Its skyline is recognized around the world and you will take in the breathtaking sunset views from the Observation Deck atop the Burj Khalifa. Designed by the American architectural firm of Skidmore, Owings and Merrill and soaring 2,722 feet, it's the world's tallest freestanding structure. B
Day 4: The Thrill of the Desert
Enjoy a morning on your own in Dubai before jetting off this afternoon to experience the thrill of Dubai's desert in a private 4x4 vehicle. After deflating the tires, enjoy an exciting dune-bashing ride across the golden sands, with a photo stop atop a dune. Visit the Sahara Desert Fortress for a traditional Bedouin experience, including Arabic coffee and a camel ride. The evening ends with a delicious BBQ dinner cooked over an open fire, followed by a captivating belly dance performance under the stars. B+D
Day 5: Onward to Abu Dhabi
Leaving the glittering skyline of Dubai behind, journey onward to Abu Dhabi where you'll check in to your luxurious hotel. Then join your guide to visit the unique Falcon Hospital which provides critical care for up to 200 of these amazing birds of prey. Learn about the enduring importance of falconry in the local culture and watch as these birds are treated by specialist veterinarians and skilled technicians - including pedicurists who care for the birds' sharp talons! A flying demonstration by healthy falcons reveals their extraordinary grace and power.Today's sightseeing also includes the newly-opened Louvre Abu Dhabi, set in a striking waterfront building designed by the accomplished French architect Jean Nouvel. This is a ground-breaking cultural partnership with the Louvre in Paris and includes the sharing of artwork and important temporary exhibitions that will range from the ancient world to the modern era.Continue along the lovely waterfront Corniche and finish your sightseeing at the city's liveliest markets. Hidden among the fruit and vegetable vendors at Port Zayed, Abu Dhabi's Date Market is a bustling alley where merchants specialize in the remarkable variety of dried fruits and dates popular throughout the Middle East; don't' be surprised if you are invited to sample some of these tempting treats! Not far away, the Fish Market is filled with freshly caught seafood brought in that day by the city's fleet of dhows. Other businesses specialize in cleaning and preparing the fish to their customer's exact tastes - grilled, fried, or seared! B
Day 6: Abu Dhabi + Qasar Al Hosn
Today you'll be spellbound by the new additions to Abu Dhabi's glittering skyline and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Visible from all of the bridges that connect Abu Dhabi with the mainland, this is one of the world's largest mosques - topped with 80 white marble domes that are supported by 1,000 pillars and punctuated by graceful 350-foot tall minarets. In the heart of the city, Union Square will fascinate you with its unusual sculptural landmarks inspired by the rich customs and traditions of the United Arab Emirates.Later on explore Qasr Al Hosn; this is the symbolic birthplace of the Emirate and traces its origins to the middle of the 18th century when Bani Yas tribesmen built a simple coral and stone watch tower to protect their settlement and coastal trade routes. Later, succeeding generations of the ruling Al Nahayan family added imposing walls, towers, entrances and residential quarters - transforming Qasr Al Hosn into an impressive fort and finally the iconic palace it is today.After free time in the Abu Dhabi Marina Mall, head on to Abu Dhabi's Presidential Palace, which newly opened to visitors in 2019. Inside the Palace complex, you'll visit Qasr Al Watan. Also known as the Palace of Nations, this glorious landmark pays homage to the region's heritage and design - with soaring white domes, lovely Arabian gardens, a vast marble-inlaid courtyard and the Great Hall - sumptuously decorated using white, yellow and blue to symbolize the landscapes of the UAE. End your day of sightseeing with a stop for a lavish afternoon tea at Le Cafe of the Iconic Emirates Palace Hotel. B+D
Day 7: Departure
You'll be escorted to the Dubai Airport for your onward journey. B
