Discover the Emirates (8 Days)

On this 8-day trip, we cover all the highlights of the United Arab Emirates. Be fascinated by Dubai’s rich history and tradition; explore the sights and landmarks of Abu Dhabi, a fascinating mix of tradition and progression; take a day to explore the picturesque East Coast, from quaint fishing villages to mountain canyons and beautiful beaches; and enjoy a magical and memorable evening as you watch the sun go down through the dunes and indulge in a delicious dinner at a traditional Bedouin style camp. Finally, with some leisure time included, we can help you select additional unique adventures to complete your trip.

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

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Arrive: Dubai

Accommodation: Grand Hyatt Dubai

Burj khalifa, Dubai, Emirates, Pixabay.com

Welcome to Dubai!

You will be met prior to Immigration by a representative upon arrival at Dubai International Airport, escorted through immigration formalities and transferred to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 2

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Dubai:

  • Traditional Dubai City Tour

Accommodation: Grand Hyatt Dubai

Meals: B

This morning you have some leisure time to explore the city on your own, or relax and adjust to the time difference.

In the afternoon, we embark on a must-do tour in Dubai! Be fascinated by Dubai’s rich history and tradition on a tour around the Al Fahidi Cultural Neighbourhood, Dubai Creek and the Gold and Spice Souks. Explore the Dubai Museum to learn about times gone by, and cross the Dubai Creek in a traditional abra (water taxi).

  • The tour starts with pickup from your hotel and drive to the traditional side of Dubai,
  • On the way we pass by Zabeel Palace
  • Arriving on the older side of the city, we drive past the Al Fahidi Cultural Neighbourhood to see the famous wind-tower architecture and cobbled streets
  • Visit Dubai Museum to learn about the rich heritage.
  • Crossing from the Bur Dubai side of the Creek, we take a traditional abra (water taxi) crossing over Dubai Creek to the Deira side.
  • Follow our entertaining guide through the famous Spice and Gold Souks of Dubai
  • The tour ends after some leisure time in the Souk, and we return to your hotel

Day 3

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Dubai: 

  • Enjoy a day at leisure, or we can arrange a private tour for you around the area

Accommodation: Grand Hyatt Dubai

Meals: B

Helicopter, Dubai, Emirates, Supplier Photo (Exeter)

Enjoy a day at leisure in Dubai. Explore on your own, or we can arrange an exciting activity for you, such as a private Sharjah heritage tour, a walking food tour, an exhilarating adventure driving across the dunes, an off-road adventure on a trail through the Hajar Mountains, an aerial experience over city and coastline in a seaplane, a helicopter tour over Dubai, a jet-ski tour, and so much more!

Day 4

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Abu Dhabi: 

  • Explore Abu Dhabi on a full day city tour

Accommodation: Grand Hyatt Dubai

Meals: B

Explore the sights and landmarks of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, on a full day tour from Dubai. From the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to Yas Island, this tour takes in all of the capital’s sights.

  • Leave Dubai heading for the capital along Sheikh Zayed Road
  • Stop for refreshments on Yas Island, with views of the Yas Marina F1 Circuit
  • Visit the traditional fruit, vegetable and date market
  • Pass by the dhow and fish market area to see traders at work
  • Stop at Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi and opt to have lunch at one of the cafes
  • Drive along the Abu Dhabi Corniche
  • Pass the Emirates Palace Hotel, Al Bateen area and the palaces
  • Tour Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
  • Leaving Abu Dhabi behind, return to Dubai and to your hotel

Day 5

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East Coast:

  • Explore the picturesque East Coast of the United Arab Emirates

Accommodation: Grand Hyatt Dubai

Meals: B

East Coast Tour, Dhabi, Emirates, Supplier Photo (Exeter)

Take a day to explore the picturesque East Coast of the United Arab Emirates. From quaint fishing villages to mountain canyons and beautiful beaches, this tour visits the highlights of the East

  • From your hotel, drive along the desert highways and into the Hajar Mountains
  • Crossing through the mountains, head to the East Coast
  • Our first stop will be at the Fujairah Fort and museum
  • On our way to Al Aqah in Fujairah, we stop for a photo at Bidiyah Mosque, the oldest and smallest mosque in the United Arab Emirates
  • We stop for lunch at a beach-side hotel with time after lunch to swim in the beautiful ocean
  • On the return journey, drive through Dibba and its new Corniche
  • In the little town of Masafi, shop at the Friday Market, open daily, to browse local crafts, pottery and carpets

Day 6

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Dubai: 

  • Enjoy a day at leisure, or we can arrange a private tour for you around the area

Accommodation: Grand Hyatt Dubai

Meals: B

Desert Dune BUggies, Dhabi, Emirates, Supplier Photo (Exeter)

Enjoy a day at leisure in Dubai. Explore on your own, or we can arrange an exciting activity for you, such as a private Sharjah heritage tour, a walking food tour, an exhilarating adventure driving across the dunes, an off-road adventure on a trail through the Hajar Mountains, an aerial experience over city and coastline in a seaplane, a helicopter tour over Dubai, a jet-ski tour, and so much more!

Day 7

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Surrounding Dubai: 

  • Sundowner Dune Dinner Safari

Accommodation: Grand Hyatt Dubai

Meals: B, D

Sundowner Safari, Dhabi, Emirates, Supplier Photo (Exeter)

The desert is the ideal venue for a magical and memorable evening. Watch the sun go down as you drive through the dunes to arrive at our traditional Bedouin style camp where a delicious dinner awaits.

  • Leave your hotel and the city behind driving into the desert with our entertaining safari guide in four-wheel drive Land Cruisers
  • Enjoy the fun of a dune drive in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
  • Stop to watch a falcon display (weather permitting)
  • At sunset, stop for photos from the top of a dune
  • Arrive at our Bedouin-style camp where desert activities and a bonfire await
  • Try a camel ride, sand-boarding and henna hand painting or relax on large carpets and cushions with an aromatic shisha
  • Move to the seating area and sample an Arabic style, three-course buffet
  • Enjoy unlimited beer, wine and alcoholic beverages (except on the eve of religious holidays
  • Watch a belly dancing performance (except in Ramadan and during religious holidays)
  • Enjoy the tranquillity of the desert as we turn off the camp lights for a few minutes so that you can see the stars in the night sky

Day 8

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Depart: Dubai

Meals: B

Airplane, Pixabay.com

Breakfast followed by checkout and transfer to Dubai International Airport for departure flight.

Accommodation

Grand Hyatt Dubai

Towering majestically over the edge of Dubai’s historic creek or overlooking the glorious Dubai skyline, this city resort offers the comfort and convenience that you seek. With contemporary guest rooms, experience the luxury of Dubai like never before. Indulge in culinary excellence with 13 authentic restaurants and bars under one roof. Recharge and relax at a state of the art fitness centre; 4 swimming pools; or enter a world of peace and tranquility at the Spa.

Discover the Emirates (8 Days)