Dazzling Dubai

Overview

Itinerary at a Glance

• 1 Depart USA
• 2 Dubai
• 3 Dubai
• Optional Excursion: Half Day Dubai City Tour, $65
• Optional Excursion: Burj Khalifa, $59
• Optional Excursion: Desert Safari & BBQ Dinner, $90
• 4 Dubai
• Optional Excursion: Full Day Abu Dhabi, $120
• Optional Excursion: Dhow Dinner Cruise (purchased locally), $85
• 5 Dubai
• Optional Excursion: Hot Air Balloon Ride and Falconry Demonstration (purchase 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 panoramic tour of Dubai -- see the highlights of this amazing place
• The balance of the day is at leisure in one of the most dazzling cities in the world, or join several exciting optional excursions

JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai or similar Breakfast

Optional Excursion: Half Day Dubai City Tour, $65

Today's exciting optional morning 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 coming 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. This is your first photo opportunity with a magnificent panorama of the city and its amazing futuristic skyline.

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 houses 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 and 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.

Your coach will bring you back to your hotel.

Optional Excursion: Burj Khalifa, $59

In the afternoon, you may choose to independently visit the Burj Khalifa (formerly known as Burj Dubai), 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 for a lucky few, homes that are as high as the clouds. Take in sweeping views of the city from the breathtakingly high "At the Top" observation deck.

Optional Excursion: Desert Safari & BBQ Dinner, $90

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 that surrounds Dubai. Experience an exciting jeep ride over the neighboring sand 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.

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

Optional Excursion: Full Day Abu Dhabi, $120

Today, see another sophisticated city of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi. Enjoy a panoramic view of Jebel Ali, the largest man-made 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 craftsmen demonstrate traditional skills. Later, pass by the Sheik Khalifa Palace, home to the president of the UAE. Afterwards, take a photo stop at Yas Island, where the Ferrari World theme park and Formula 1 race track are located. Return to Dubai.

Optional Excursion: Dhow Dinner Cruise (purchased locally), $85

This evening, we recommend an optional dinner cruise by dhow boat on the Dubai Creek. A magnificent view of both sides of Dubai Creek illuminated by night adds to the charm of this wonderful way to experience Dubai.

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 (purchase 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 just 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 the 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 a variety of 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 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.

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