Compare Amazing Abu Dhabi and Dubai by Indus Travels vs United Arab Emirates in 8 days - Emirate City Escape - Luxury by Exoticca

Make your way to your own way to International airport for your flight to Dubai.  Enjoy in-flight meals and services on your overnight flight 

On arrival at Dubai International Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Dubai

Experience the sites of old Dubai and the ultra-modern attractions of the new city on a comprehensive full-day tour. Our journey starts at the world’s tallest building, ‘Burj Khalifa’, situated above The Dubai Mall one of the world’s largest shopping malls, where you will have the opportunity to visit the 50metre long aquarium and visualize the exotic wonders of aquatic life firsthand through breathtaking views. Our journey continues to Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah, a manmade island that has become a potent symbol of our Emirate. We will have a photo stop opposite the ultra-luxurious Atlantis the Palm hotel. Your unforgettable journey will end at Souk Madinat Jumeirah, a colorful and vibrant market in an Arabian city. Winding paths and passageways will lead you through a real Arabic bazaar like ambience mixing high end boutiques, local artisans and delicious cuisines in an explosion of sensations that finish in beautiful views towards the canals of the resort Madinat Jumeirah and the stunning vista of the Burj Al Arab. Continue to experience the historic sites and vibrant cosmopolitan life of Dubai. See Dubai's famous landmarks like the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel and the beautiful Jumeirah Mosque, and learn interesting details about them from your local guide/driver. Take in views of the city's most picturesque palaces and residential areas, and venture into Al Bastakiya, Dubai's inspiring old quarter. Then visit the spice souk. You will also have free time to shop in the glistening gold souk! This evening, picked up by driver for Dhow dinner cruise on sharing basis with return transfer: Awaken your senses as you cruise gently along Dubai Creek - on board of an exquisitely decorated traditional Dhow. Lively Arabian music adds flavour to the buffet of Continental and Oriental dishes. Silhouettes of heritage villages against the bright city lights trace the merging of the past with the present. Revel in the traditional charm of Arabian dhow cruise in modern comfort (Dhow Dinner inclusive of water and soft drinks). Overnight at your hotel in Dubai

Enjoy this morning at leisure. At around 3.30 PM you will meet your safari guide and proceed on a dune drive at Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. The mysterious desert beckons you for a magical evening out – an adventure you’ll never forget. Leaving behind the bustle of the city in the afternoon, our safari guides will transport you for a thrilling journey over rolling dunes deep into the heart of the desert. From the crest of a high dune, watch the sun cast its orange glow over the vast expanse of rippling sand all round you as it sets. Like a shimmering mirage in the distance you will see the flickering lights of your camp where a traditional Arabian welcome awaits you. The encampment conjures up images of the Arabian nights. Relax on comfortable low cushions in Bedu tents and quench your thirst, have your hands painted with intricate henna designs, experience a short camel ride, or just enjoy the aromatic shisha. A feast of grilled meats, fresh salads and delectable Arab sweets is served and under a galaxy of stars, you will be entertained by the bewitching belly dancer swaying to the haunting strains of Arabian music. You won't want this enchanting evening to end. Overnight in Dubai

Enjoy this day at leisure or consider the following optional tour. Overnight in Dubai 

This morning enjoy your drive and city tour of Abu Dhabi; the capital of the United Arab Emirates and the residence of the Federal National Council. One of the world’s largest producers of oil, Abu Dhabi, has actively attempted to diversify its economy in recent years through investments in financial services and tourism. Your journey begins in Dubai, where you will travel past the world’s largest man made port at Jebel Ali and onward for the two–hour drive to Abu Dhabi. You will be mesmerised by the grandness of the new additions to Abu Dhabi’s skyline, as well as the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which is one of the largest mosques in the world. You will visit the Grand Mosque - This architectural work of art is one the world’s largest mosques, with a capacity for an astonishing 40,000 worshippers. It features 82 domes, over a 1,000 columns, 24 carat gold gilded chandeliers and the world's largest hand knotted carpet. The main prayer hall is dominated by one of the world’s largest chandeliers –10 metres in diameter, 15 metres in height and weighing twelve tonnes.

You will then be driven through the heart of the city where you can see the famous Union Square, which houses symbolic themes inspired by the customs of the country. After a drive along the Corniche, you will visit the Heritage Village, specially designed by late HH Sheikh Zayed Ben Sultan al Nahyan, as a reminder of the past for the younger generation. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy shopping at Abu Dhabi Marina Mall, home to a large array of luxury boutiques and souvenir stores. Overnight in Abu Dhabi

Enjoy your days at leisure or perhaps enjoy an optional tour. Overnight in Abu Dhabi

Enjoy your days at leisure or perhaps enjoy an optional tour. Overnight in Abu Dhabi

Today you will be transferred to the International Airport for your flight back home.

Day 1: US - Night on board

Ready to experience the culture and glamour of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates? Head to your departure airport to catch a flight to Dubai.* Night on board. * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2: Dubai

Arrive in Dubai, considered one of the most luxurious cities in the world. Clear immigration and customs before transferring to the hotel. Get comfortable at the hotel and take in the views of the beautiful city skyline. Overnight stay in Dubai. * You will have the option to add early check-in on arrival in Dubai (before 3:00 p.m.) in the next step of the booking process.

Day 3: Dubai

Breakfast at the hotel. Get to know the city as you set off on a half-day tour of Dubai. * Begin in the historic area of Bastakia, home to old merchant houses, cafes, and restaurants. Board an Abra Water Taxi and cruise along the waterways of Dubai Creek before disembarking and explore the Spice Souk and Gold Bazaars, the most famous in the world. Return to the hotel and enjoy the evening at your leisure. We recommend an optional Dhow Cruise and Dinner this evening.** Overnight stay in Dubai. * Please note: this excursion operates on Friday afternoons and Monday, Wednesday, and Sunday mornings only. ** Optional Dhow Cruise and Dinner: Take a traditional Dhow Cruise along Dubai Creek and enjoy spectacular views of the skyscrapers and Dubai's illuminated skyline as you enjoy dinner on board.

Day 4: Dubai

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day at your leisure, enjoying a shopping spree in Dubai's fabulous malls or relaxing at your leisure on the beach. We recommend an optional tour of the city's modern attractions.* In the late afternoon, take a luxury 4x4 desert excursion and enjoy an unforgettable barbecue dinner in a traditional Bedouin camp under the starry night sky with authentic Bedouin entertainment, belly dancing (except during the month of Ramadan) and traditional music. Return to the hotel and overnight stay in Dubai. * Optional Half-Day Modern Dubai Tour: Visit the most emblematic sights in the city including the Jumeirah Mosque and the Burj Al Arab, the world's most luxurious hotel. Travel to the man-made palm-shaped island of Palm Jumeirah to see the amazing Atlantis Hotel before heading back to the city on the monorail. Afterwards, explore glittering Dubai Marina, the Mall of Emirates, to see the impressive Ski Dubai, and the jaw-dropping Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Please note: this excursion operates on Mondays and Fridays only.

Day 5: Dubai - Abu Dhabi - Dubai

After breakfast at the hotel, set off to Abu Dhabi, the immense capital of the United Arab Emirates, located to the south of Dubai. * On arrival, enjoy a comprehensive city tour to get to know the most emblematic sights of this Emirate metropolis. Start at the immense Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, an icon of the city and one of the largest mosques on earth. Clad in marble, it's a dazzling example of Islamic architecture. Afterwards, head to Al Bateen to see the Royal Palaces before driving along the spectacular Corniche, past gleaming mosques and elegant high-rises. See the impressive artificial Lulu Island and take a photo stop at the Breakwater for panoramic views of the city. Pass by the outside of the Emirates Palace Hotel and explore the luxurious interior of the Presidential Palace: Qasr al Watan. Stop for lunch at a traditional restaurant before exploring the cultural delights of the Louvre Museum, an incredible art and civilisation museum. After an action-packed day, return to Dubai. Overnight stay in Dubai. * Please note: this excursion operates on Tuesdays and Saturdays only.

Day 6: Dubai

Breakfast at the hotel. Today is free to discover this modern Emirati metropolis at your leisure. We recommend visiting the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world and a symbol of the city of 828 meters and 160 floors. Since its inauguration in 2010, it offers the best views of the desert and the city. Underneath is the largest shopping centre in the world, the Dubai Mall where 1200 stores of all kinds are located. A shopping paradise! As night falls, we recommend an optional dinner overlooking the Dubai Fountains.* Overnight stay in Dubai. * Optional Dinner at Dubai Fountains: Enjoy an unforgettable dining experience at a restaurant overlooking the musical fountains of Dubai. The Dubai Fountains are one of the largest and most complex fountains in the world, situated on a 30-acre lake surrounding the Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa. Enjoy dinner as you watch the dancing musical fountains.

Day 7: Dubai

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day at your leisure in Dubai. Why not take a relaxing stroll through the beautiful flower beds of Dubai Miracle Garden, head to Jumeriah Beach or soak up the view from the top of the Burj Khalifa! Alternatively, we recommend an optional half-day excursion to the Emirates of Sharjah and Ajman.* Overnight stay in Dubai. * Optional Sharjah & Ajman Half-Day Excursion: Get to know the Emirate states of Sharjah and Ajman, to the north of Dubai. Explore the handicraft stalls at the Blue Souk and pass by Faisal Mosque. Explore the authentic Al Arsha Souk, home to an array of unique Islamic arts and discover the history of the Emirates at the Ajman Museum. After lunch at a traditional restaurant, return to Dubai. Please note: this excursion operates on Thursdays only.

Day 8: Dubai

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day at your leisure, shopping, sunbathing or exploring the delights of Dubai. Why not discover the sea life at the Dubai Aquarium or enjoy a fun-filled day at the Aquaventure Waterpark. Alternatively, we recommend an optional excursion to Fujairah, on the UAE's East Coast.* Overnight stay in Dubai. * Optional Full-Day Fujairah Excursion: Set off to Fujairah, another of the United Arab Emirate states. Stop at the local market, at the foot of the Hajar Mountains and visit Masafi, home to a natural water source. Enjoy captivating views of the huge Wadis and head to the coast for a dip in the Indian Ocean. Lunch on the beach before passing through traditional fishing villages to visit Bidaya Mosque, the oldest in the UAE, and Fujairah Fort. Please note: this excursion operates on Saturdays and Sundays only.

Day 9: Dubai - US

Breakfast at the hotel. It's time to bring your time in beautiful Dubai to a close. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US. Arrive in the US and end your trip.