7 NIGHTS / 9 DAYS
Day 1: Canada - Dubai (UAE)
Flight with a good itinerary.
Day 2: Dubai
Arrival at the airport in Dubai. You will be greeted by our local representatives and transferred to your hotel for your first night.
Day 3: Dubai
Breakfast at the hotel and departure for a full day tour of Dubai. Once a small fishing village on the Dubai Creek, today the city is a glamorous metropolis of the Arabian Gulf. Starting at the Atlantis hotel located at the crescent of Palm Jumeirah, you will stop at the Burj Al Arab hotel for photos before seeing the awe-inspiring Grand Mosque of Jumeirah. Built in medieval Fatimid style, this stone structure is a tribute to modern Islamic architecture. You will then proceed to Bastakyia, the old town district of Dubai, where you will visit the Dubai Museum located in the ancient fortress of Al Fahidi. Using local water taxis called Abras to cross Dubai Creek, enjoy spectacular views of the city while heading towards the district of Deira. Here, you will be enchanted by the large variety of exotic spices in the famous Spice Souk. Take the chance to get a unique souvenir while visiting the adjacent Gold Souk.
In the afternoon after lunch, you will join a desert safari. Driving through the desert of golden sand dunes, you will reach the main camp site. After witnessing a memorable, true Arabian sunset with its glory and magic, a delicious barbecue dinner will be prepared on open fires to the sound of an orchestra, soon joined by a traditional dancer. Overnight in Dubai. (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)
Day 4: Dubai - Abu Dhabi
Following breakfast, departure toward Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. You will start at the famous Yas Island which houses the Formula 1 circuit and the first Ferrari theme park in the world. Continuation to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, completely cladded in marble and featuring intricate Islamic decorations and carvings as well as extensive landscaping. Then, you will drive toward downtown Abu Dhabi for lunch.
After lunch, you will visit Heritage Village, which houses a small museum that depicts the traditional daily activities of the Bedouins prior to the discovery of oil. Driving along the Corniche, past gleaming white mosques, and elegant high-rise apartments, you will reach Qasr Al Hosn fort. You will visit this historical landmark from the late 18th century, the oldest stone building of Abu Dhabi. In the late afternoon, you will visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi, an art and civilization museum located in Saadiyat Island Cultural District. Dinner and overnight in Abu Dhabi. (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)
Day 5: Abu Dhabi - Al Ain
Breakfast at your hotel. This morning you will continue to Al Ain, one of the oldest cities in the UAE, located at the foot of the Hajjar Mountains. For thousands of years, the oasis of Al Ain has been an important caravan stop on the ancient trade routes across Arabia. You will drive to Jebel Hafeet for a photo stop before having lunch in the city.
In the afternoon, you will see the largest camel market in the country before visiting Jahili fort, one of the largest castles in Al Ain and an example of the Islamic military architecture. Then, you will visit Al Ain Palace, a direct testimony to the reign of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his original residence. Finally, you will proceed to visit Qasr Al Muwaiji, where you will learn everything about the history of this region. At the end of the afternoon, you will check in your hotel. Dinner and overnight in Al Ain. (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)
Day 6: Al Ain - Sharjah - Dubai
Following breakfast, you will proceed to the Hilli Gardens, famous for the archaeological excavations from the third millennium B.C. After driving 2 hours through the desert, you will reach Sharjah for a half day tour. You will pass by King Faisal Mosque and the Fort of Sharjah, former residence of the ruling family, before visiting the Sharjah Heritage Museum which conserves and displays the rich traditional customs and culture of Sharjah as a source of pride and inspiration to Emiratis and the visitors to the UAE. After the visit, you will have time to explore the colorful Souk Al Arsa, set up in a traditional way, where you will have an opportunity to see how the traditional Omani Halwa (sweet) is made. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant where you will discover the Bedouin meal named Mandi, a succulent recipe of meats or fish cooked with marvellous spices from this part of the world.
Continuation to Dubai with a stop at Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest tower. Free time to explore the immensity of Dubai Mall between first-class stores, places of relaxation and entertainment, sports activities, jewellery souk and gigantic aquarium. A climb to Burj Khalifa will be offered as an option. Free dinner and overnight in Dubai. (Breakfast-Lunch)
Day 7: Dubai
After breakfast, full day at leisure to enjoy the facilities of your hotel, relax at one of Dubai's many white sand beaches, or continue your exploration of the city by yourself or by opting for an optional excursion ($). (Breakfast)
Day 8: Dubai
Enjoy a last day free after breakfast to relax at the beach or you can opt for an optional full day tour to Musandam ($), the northernmost province of the Sultanate of Oman (passport required to cross the border), for a wonderful day cruise on a traditional dhow. (Breakfast)
Optional full day boat tour of Musandam ($) with lunch:
Wander to a spot near the waters of the Gulf of Oman and let this boat ride be your gateway to the natural treasures of the gulf. Musandam has one of the most peaceful, isolated, and beautiful coastlines in the world, where the towering Hajar Mountains rise directly from the waves, providing an awe-inspiring backdrop for caves, bays, and pebble beaches along the coast. Marine life in the Gulf of Oman is rich in diversity with fish, corals, turtles, and invertebrates. A dhow trip into the Fjords of Musandam offers an insight into this fantastic landscape and guarantees an ambience of peace and tranquility, as you bond with nature and explore the wonders of the sea. If you are lucky, you might even spot Dolphins along the cruise as you enjoy lunch on board. The traditional type of dhows is equipped with comfortable seats, cushions, and carpets. Additionally, enjoy snorkeling and swimming, as well as see Oman’s typical limestone houses from the comfort of your boat.
Day 9: Dubai - Canada
Breakfast at your hotel. You will be transferred to the airport for your return flight home. (Breakfast)
-End of services-
