Compare Amazing Abu Dhabi and Dubai by Indus Travels vs Turkey Backroads by Intrepid Travel

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 Cappadocia/Ankara

Gunaydin! Your trip begins bright and early at 8.30 am with a welcome meeting in Cappadocia. Once the formalities are out of the way, we'll make our way to the UNESCO World Heritage – Hattusa Ancient Site. This site is the former capital of the Hittite Empire, known for its well-preserved temples and royal residences. You'll have time to explore the site with your local leader and discover the Lions' Gate and the Royal Gate, and the ensemble of rock art at Yazilikaya before we make our way to Ankara for the evening.

Day 2 Ankara

After breakfast this morning, you'll enjoy an orientation walk through the city with your locally based leader. First up, we'll visit the Mausoleum of Kemal Atatürk, founder, and first president of the Turkish Republic. Then we'll visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations where you'll be guided through the deep history of Turkey. Finally, we’ll visit the Castle of Ankara and our last stop will be the Haci Bayram Mosque which is located next to the temple of Augustus from Roman era. "Res Gestae Divi Augusti" (The Works of the Deified Augustus) was written on the walls of the Ankara Augustus-Roman Temple in two languages and painted red. You'll enjoy a stop at a traditional local spot for lunch, your leader will guide you in choosing the best delicacies to try. The afternoon is all yours to explore as you wish.

Day 3 Eskisehir

After breakfast this morning, you'll take a fast train to Eskisehir. Drop your bags at the hotel and hit the street to start exploring this fascinating city. First stop – Eskisehir Odunpazari Village, where you can wander the quaint and colourful houses. For lunch, head to a local restaurant run by four sisters and their mother for a cooking demonstration. You’ll make ci borek, a traditional Turkish dish made from thin dough layers filled with ground meat, onions, and spices. Learn how to prepare the filling and dough before the chefs cook up and serve your flavoursome creations. In the afternoon, you might like to visit one of the many museums in the area or jump on a short gondola along the Porsuk River.

Day 4 Istanbul

After breakfast this morning, we'll depart on a train bound for Istanbul. This afternoon, your tour leader will introduce you to the lively Taksim district, the beating heart of modern Istanbul. Walk across the Golden Horn in view of the medieval Galata Tower. Board one of the world’s oldest funicular railways, operating since 1875, for the short journey 500 metres to Taksim. Alight at Istiklal Caddesi, arguably the city’s most popular strolling, shopping and snacking street, and take a walk among the local people who call this city home. Try an islak burger (a burger drenched in sauce) and visit a hidden local coffee house. Maybe stay with your travel companions for an optional celebratory dinner and take advantage of the late-night entertainment.

Day 5 Istanbul

With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave the accommodation any time after breakfast. If you plan to stay on to see all Istanbul has to offer – which is highly recommended – we are happy to book additional accommodation (subject to availability). Please enquire at the time of booking to see if this is an option.