Dazzling Dubai

Overview

Itinerary at a Glance

• 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

Videos

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

Hotel

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

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.
• What should I know about the United Arab Emirates? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.

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