Dazzling Dubai 2023

Experience dynamic and opulent Dubai; flights, deluxe hotel, city tour & Burj Khalifa included

Overview

from$2199Tour + Flights from$1399Tour Only 6days
price per person, double occupancy,* during sale,** based on Sep 10, 2023 departure from JFK
Save $450 on this package!
$150 Discount during our Great Escape Sale. Expires Jun 5, 2023.**
$300 Instant Savings. Expires Jun 29, 2023.*   All prices reflect savings.
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$199 deposit. Lock in your spot for less.††
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Carefree Booking. Change your travel plans with no penalties. See details & restrictions.
Style Independent PackageThese un-escorted packages have no set schedule or guides, so you have the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own from your centrally-located hotel. More of these packages
Freedom to explore at your own pace; unescorted
Departures August – December 2023
Themes City Stays
Activity Level Easy
What to Expect This leisurely-paced independent package requires minimal walking and is suitable for most levels of physical fitness. Travel safely and confidently with our new health & safety protocols.
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Dubai is bigger, grander, more lavish (and considerably more expensive) than any place we've ever been. The world's most expensive hotel, the Burj Al Arab, that universally recognized sailboat-shaped architectural wonder; the world's tallest building, the Burj al Khalifa, rising in the middle of town; 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 – all in Dubai! The city is surrounded by sand—miles and miles of sand—with rippling dunes that are perfect for 4x4 adventures and camel riding. There is absolutely nothing like Dubai in the world, but 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, daily breakfast, transfers, a city tour & visit to the Burj Khalifa.

 

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
  • 4 meals: 4 lavish breakfasts
  • Arrival & departure transfers with meeting, assistance and porterage
  • Guided city tour of Dubai

Optional add-ons

  • Exciting optional excursions in Dubai
  • Optional day excursion to Abu Dhabi
  • Flights from Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Houston (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX), Newark (EWR), Orlando (MCO), San Francisco (SFO), Seattle (SEA), and Washington D.C. Dulles (IAD). Request pricing when making your reservation.

Why you'll love it

  • Enjoy four nights in Dubai, and spend your days exploring the city at your own pace or join any of our optional excursions.
  • Stroll through bustling souks and browse the packed alleys for stunning textiles, spices, and gold.
  • Join an optional morning tour to Dubai Creek and enjoy a panoramic view of the city's incredible skyline.
  • Visit the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa, and get a bird's eye view of the city from the towering observation deck.
  • 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!
  • Take an optional day excursion to Ski Dubai, the Middle East's first very indoor ski resort.

Itinerary at a Glance

Dazzling Dubai 2023 map
  • 1 Depart USA
  • 2 Dubai
  • 3 Dubai
  • Optional Excursion: Desert Safari & BBQ Dinner, $115
  • 4 Dubai
  • Optional Excursion: Full Day Abu Dhabi, $170
  • 5 Dubai
  • Optional Excursion: Hot Air Balloon Ride and Falconry Demonstration (purchased locally), $330
  • Optional Excursion: Miracle Gardens (purchased locally), $55
  • Optional Excursion: Ski Dubai packages (purchased locally)
  • 6 Depart Dubai/Arrive USA

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Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

Instant Savings: Get $300 off if you book by Jun. 29, 2023!
Dates & Prices, with flights
per person, double occupancy*, during sale**,
including Instant Savings and sale discounts**
2023 DEPARTURES
Dates Regular
Price
Instant
Savings
Sale Your
Price
Departs U.S.: Sun, Aug 27, 2023
Finishes: Fri, Sep 1, 2023
Book by Thu, Jun 29, 2023 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Aug 27 – Sep 1
$2999 –$300 -$150 $2549 Select
Departs U.S.: Sun, Sep 10, 2023
Finishes: Fri, Sep 15, 2023
Book by Thu, Jun 29, 2023 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Sep 10 – Sep 15
$2649 –$300 -$150 $2199 Select
Departs U.S.: Sun, Sep 17, 2023
Finishes: Fri, Sep 22, 2023
Book by Thu, Jun 29, 2023 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Sep 17 – Sep 22
$2649 –$300 -$150 $2199 Select
Departs U.S.: Sun, Oct 1, 2023
Finishes: Fri, Oct 6, 2023
Book by Thu, Jun 29, 2023 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Oct 1 – Oct 6
$2749 –$300 -$150 $2299 Select
Departs U.S.: Sun, Oct 15, 2023
Finishes: Fri, Oct 20, 2023
Book by Thu, Jun 29, 2023 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Oct 15 – Oct 20
$2749 –$300 -$150 $2299 Select
Departs U.S.: Sun, Nov 5, 2023
Finishes: Fri, Nov 10, 2023
Book by Thu, Jun 29, 2023 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Nov 5 – Nov 10
$2749 –$300 -$150 $2299 Select
Departs U.S.: Sun, Nov 19, 2023
Finishes: Fri, Nov 24, 2023
Nov 19 – Nov 24
$2749 Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Sun, Dec 3, 2023
Finishes: Fri, Dec 8, 2023
Book by Thu, Jun 29, 2023 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Dec 3 – Dec 8
$2849 –$300 -$150 $2399 Select
Dates & Prices, tour only
per person, double occupancy*, during sale**,
including Instant Savings and sale discounts**
2023 DEPARTURES
Dates Regular
Price
Instant
Savings
Sale Your
Price
Starts: Mon, Aug 28, 2023
Finishes: Fri, Sep 1, 2023
Book by Thu, Jun 29, 2023 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Aug 28 – Sep 1
$2199 –$300 -$150 $1749 Select
Starts: Mon, Sep 11, 2023
Finishes: Fri, Sep 15, 2023
Book by Thu, Jun 29, 2023 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Sep 11 – Sep 15
$1849 –$300 -$150 $1399 Select
Starts: Mon, Sep 18, 2023
Finishes: Fri, Sep 22, 2023
Book by Thu, Jun 29, 2023 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Sep 18 – Sep 22
$1849 –$300 -$150 $1399 Select
Starts: Mon, Oct 2, 2023
Finishes: Fri, Oct 6, 2023
Book by Thu, Jun 29, 2023 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Oct 2 – Oct 6
$1949 –$300 -$150 $1499 Select
Starts: Mon, Oct 16, 2023
Finishes: Fri, Oct 20, 2023
Book by Thu, Jun 29, 2023 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Oct 16 – Oct 20
$1949 –$300 -$150 $1499 Select
Starts: Mon, Nov 6, 2023
Finishes: Fri, Nov 10, 2023
Book by Thu, Jun 29, 2023 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Nov 6 – Nov 10
$1949 –$300 -$150 $1499 Select
Starts: Mon, Nov 20, 2023
Finishes: Fri, Nov 24, 2023
Nov 20 – Nov 24
$1949 Sold Out
Starts: Mon, Dec 4, 2023
Finishes: Fri, Dec 8, 2023
Book by Thu, Jun 29, 2023 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings!
Dec 4 – Dec 8
$2049 –$300 -$150 $1599 Select

If you want a few extra days to explore on your own, we may be able to arrange for you to stay later than the scheduled dates, including extra hotel nights and separate airport transfers, for an additional charge. Ask us about prices and availability when (or after) you book. More information Want to extend your trip?

Options & Fees

Dazzling Dubai
Rooming Selection
Double Occupancy included
Single Occupancy
Aug 27, 2023;  Sep 10, 2023;  Sep 17, 2023 $599
All other dates $749
Optional Excursions
Discounted Optional Excursions Package1 $225
Guaranteed Early Check-in2
Double Occupancy $140
Single Occupancy $260
Guaranteed Late Check-out3
Double Occupancy $140
Single Occupancy $260

1. Includes Desert Safari with Dinner and Abu Dhabi Day Tour.

2. Your room will be booked to guarantee it is available if you arrive at the hotel before 3pm.

3. Your room will be booked to guarantee it is available until you transfer to the airport (for return flights late in the evening)

So that we can offer you the best deals, our packages are, like most hotels and cruises, priced based on double occupancy rooms or cabins. We charge solo travelers an extra fee to cover the extra costs of single occupancy rooms or cabins. (Consider: if you booked a $200/night hotel room solo, you would pay the $200 yourself; but if a couple booked the same room, each one would pay only $100.) But you only pay extra for the rooms or cabins, nothing else, including meals, sightseeing, tips, etc. Why are single rooms more?

Flights & Departure Cities

Departure Airports
New York Kennedy (JFK) included

This package includes round-trip flights from the city listed above. Please review the flight schedule, especially if you're booking connecting flights.

Want to fly from another city? For this package, you may request flights from Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, Orlando, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington D.C. Unfortunately, we don't offer flights from any other cities, but you can book your own connecting flights. Ask us for a quote for flights from your preferred city when (or after) you book, and we'll get back to you with the price and availability within 3 business days. Of course, you can also book your own flights. More information

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

Day 3 Dubai

  • Enjoy a guided city tour of Dubai -- see the highlights of this amazing place
  • Visit the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world
  • Learn about Islamic life in the UAE during a lecture at Jumeirah Mosque

JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary
Abra water taxis, Dubai Creek

Today's exciting half-day 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 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. 

The 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 places 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 ambiance 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, 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.

Later, 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 that are as high as the clouds for a lucky few. Take in sweeping city views from the breathtakingly high "At the Top" observation deck.

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!

Return to your hotel and spend the remainder of your day at leisure, or enjoy an optional Desert Safari and BBQ Dinner.

Optional Excursion: Desert Safari & BBQ Dinner, $115
Jeep ride over sand dunes

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 surrounding Dubai. Experience an exciting jeep ride over the neighboring 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.

Purchased as a package with Desert Safari & BBQ Dinner (Day 3) and Abu Dhabi (Day 4) (Min of 4 passengers)

Day 4 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 Itinerary

The day is yours to explore at your pace, or take an optional excursion to Abu Dhabi.

Optional Excursion: Full Day Abu Dhabi, $170
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi

Today, 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.

Purchased as a package with Desert Safari & BBQ Dinner (Day 3) and Abu Dhabi (Day 4(Min of 4 passengers)

Day 5 Dubai

  • Enjoy another full day at leisure in Dubai, or choose one or two exciting optional excursions
  • Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Orlando (MCO), and Washington, DC-Dulles (IAD) depart Dubai after midnight tonight, see the flight schedule for details

JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai or similar Breakfast

Optional Excursion: Hot Air Balloon Ride and Falconry Demonstration (purchased locally), $330
Falconry demonstration

Early this morning before dawn, get picked up at your hotel for a one-hour hot air balloon ride from a desert conservation area outside the city. See the sunrise as you lift off the ground and ascend approximately 4,000 feet over the stunning surrounding desert landscape. Learn about desert conservation, then have an exciting opportunity to see Peregrine falcons fly alongside the balloon in a trained demonstration. After your balloon ride, enjoy a delicious breakfast.

Note: This activity is not operational from May through Oct due to weather conditions. Tour duration is from approximately 4-10 am.

Optional Excursion: Miracle Gardens (purchased locally), $55
Miracle Gardens, Dubai

Discover the wonders of the Dubai Miracle Garden, with its unique display of flowers, floral designs, and sculptures.

Note: This activity is not operational from May through Oct due to weather conditions. This optional tour may overlap with the Ski Dubai visit. Tour duration is from approximately 11 am-2 pm.

Optional Excursion: Ski Dubai packages (purchased locally)
Ski Dubai

Experience the incredible Ski Dubai, the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East! Choose from fun snow packages, including the Polar Pass or Polar Express. With the Polar Pass, take a ride on a toboggan, see real-life penguins, practice your snowball throwing skills, and take a chairlift to roll your way down the slopes in a giant snowball globe. In addition to the Polar Pass inclusions, the Polar Express package offers the chance to experience a 150-meter-long zip line and an introduction to skiing for adults.

Note: Does not include ski or snowboard equipment; does include winter clothes. Tour duration is from approximately 11 am-2 pm.

Cost varies from $95-$120 per person

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

Dubai Optional Excursions Package: $225

Pre-book a Dubai Optional Excursions package that included our most popular optional excursions:

  • Desert Safari & BBQ Dinner (Day 3)
  • Abu Dhabi (Day 4)

The optional excursion package is operated for Friendly Planet groups only. (A minimum of 4 passengers is required for optional excursions to operate).

Hotel

JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai
JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai
Deluxe

The 5 star JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai is conveniently located in the business district of Dubai. Its location offers guests easy access to notable attractions, such as the world-renowned Dubai Mall and the jaw-dropping Burj Khalifa.

More information

In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.

Reviews & Photos

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Trip Details

More Common Questions

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* Advertised prices may include an "Instant Savings" discount and/or sale discount, available for a limited time. Prices reflect these discounts. Advertised prices are per person, based on double occupancy; single occupancy rooms may be available for an additional charge. Advertised prices are the best available based on the least expensive travel dates, departure city, and other options, and do not include optional excursions or other optional items. Your total price will vary based upon the dates, flights, and other options you select during the booking process. For packages including flights, prices include Airline Taxes, Fees & Sept. 11th Security Fee, but do not include excess baggage fees or advance seat reservations. Prices and availability subject to change. More about our prices.

** Sale discounts valid for a limited time on for new bookings only. Not valid for Biblical Journeys tours or private, custom, or group travel. Advertised sale discounts generally also include any applicable "Instant Savings" discounts. Bookings made with sale discounts are eligible for travel agent commissions but may not be combined with any other offers, discounts or credits, except our "Instant Savings" discounts.

† The Carefree Booking policy is not travel insurance and only applies to a new booking—defined as booking without the use of funds on file from a previous cancellation. With our Carefree Booking policy, if you book one of our scheduled departures and decide later not to travel for any reason, you can transfer all payments you've made excluding the cost of any issued flight tickets, towards another available departure date or package, with no change fees or penalties.

Alternately, you can choose to receive a future travel credit for all payments made, excluding the cost of any issued flight tickets; or you can choose to receive a refund for that same amount, minus the deposit, per person future travel credit.

You may use these credits anytime, however they must be used or transferred within 5 years of your booking.

The Carefree Booking policy only applies to your original booking—limiting rebookings to one. Subsequent bookings will be subject to standard cancellation penalties. Additionally, any coupon or discount (other than our Instant Savings) does not transfer from the cancelled booking and therefore will not be applied to the new booking.

Travel protection premiums may be credited to your new tour provided: no claim is filed; (no vendor penalties such as Air, sea or rail etc have been incurred); and your new trip departs within 1 year of the cancellation of your original tour.

Valid for bookings made on or after September 23, 2022 Offer may not be available on all packages, including private and custom group departures and Biblical Journeys. Changes or cancellations requested after final payment due date are subject to our regular change and cancellation fees & policies. For more information and some additional restrictions, see our terms & conditions.

†† $199 deposit available on select packages. Valid for new bookings only. Changes to your package, departure date, or flights may require an increased deposit. If you select our optional travel protection plan, the premium will be added to your deposit. See additional terms & conditions.

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