iExplore Dubai (Trip #52985)

Tour Overview

Dubai is the quintessential home of sand, sun and shopping. A century ago, it was a tranquil town whose coral-and-gypsum huts housed Bedouin traders and pearl divers. Today the merchants have gone international and science-fiction skyscrapers stand alongside the mosques and wind towers of Old Dubai.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 01: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Arrive Dubai International and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. In the early evening your local representative will collect you from the hotel and transfer you to the Dubai Creek for an ‘Evening of Elegance’ an enchanting two-and-a-half hour dinner cruise combines the best of sightseeing, fine dining and live music for entertainment. The Fairmont Hotel (D)

Day 02: Dubai
Half-day ‘City of Merchants’ Dubai City Tour. A fascinating historical excursion, the route takes you to the magnificent Jumeirah mosque; past modern palaces sprawled along the coast. In Bastakia, stop for a while to admire the old wind-tower houses built by wealthy merchants. Close by, stands the 150-year old Al Fahidi Fort. Here, the Dubai Museum records the city’s past as an important pearl diving and trading center. Continue your journey by Abra - local water taxi. Cross the creek to see the modern metropolis with its splendid architecture dwarfing the bustling alleys of our next destination, the gold and spice souks. The Fairmont Hotel (B)

Day 03: Dubai
Take a scenic drive in to the desert and arrive at Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa located within part of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve – a large protected desert reserve and home to the wild Oryx – an endangered native ‘antelope’ of the UAE that roam freely around the resort. Arrive in time to enjoy lunch and then check in to your private desert retreat of only 52 luxurious villas with tented ceilings. Relax in your private plunge pool, take a guided nature walk or an enthralling dune drive, a horseback ride through the dunes or a sunset camel safari with a glass of champagne on route. Archery lessons are also available along with falconry demonstrations – a tradition in the region with the techniques preserved at Al Maha. Full Board basis applies at this resort along with two complimentary activities each day. The resort guest relation’s officers will assist you in planning your activities and relaxation time! Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa (B,L,D)

Day 04: Dubai
Early morning activity per your choice such as a fun filled dune drive or a relaxing nature walk with one of the specialist safari guides. Enjoy a day at leisure watching the wildlife of the conservation reserve wander past your villa. In the early afternoon enjoy your second activity of the day. For dinner why not make special arrangements with the resort chef to have dinner at your villa. Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa (B,L,D)

Day 05: Dubai
Mid morning return transfer to Dubai to arriving around mid-day to your hotel. Check-in and relax for the afternoon or take a visit to one of Dubai’s many shopping malls for a spot of retail therapy. One of Dubai's many landmark projects, the Jumeirah Beach Residence is essentially a new ''city'' that is making its mark on Dubai's Jumeirah coastline, the Hilton Dubai Jumeirah resort faces the sea and is designed to ensure that guests enjoy the maximum benefit of the coastline and its' landscaped gardens. Hilton Dubai Jumeirah (B)

Day 06: Dubai
Enjoy a full day private Mountain Safari in the area called Hatta that borders part of the Sultanate of Oman. The journey will take you through some of the winding ‘Wadi’s’ or deep valleys between the mountains. ‘Up the Wadi’ Mountain Safari to Wadi Hatta. Drive along a highway cutting a swathe through the rolling desert and its changing hues. Then the real adventure begins as you turn into the Hajar Mountains where canyons line our route. Follow the trails of the wadis and stop for an alfresco picnic lunch in one of the wadis. After lunch, visit the Hatta Heritage village, arestored fort converted to a museum which provides fascinating historical insight of the area. Hilton Dubai Jumeirah (B,L)

Day 07: Dubai - Depart
Transfer to Dubai International Airport where you are assisted with check in procedures. (B)

Departure Dates

Departures on request, please call for details.

Prices

2008
January - May
$3950 per person, double occupancy
$6750 per person, solo

June - September
$3150 per person, double occupancy
$5495 per person, solo

October - December
$4095 per person, double occupancy
$7295 per person, solo

Inclusions:
· Meeting and assistance at airport upon arrival, and assistance at airport upon departure.
· 2 nights accommodation at the Fairmont Hotel (Fairmont Room)
· 2 nights accommodation at Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa (Bedouin Suite)
· 2 nights accommodation at the The Hilton Dubai Jumeirah (Executive Sea View Room)
· Meals as mentioned in the above program
· All transfers and excursions in private air-conditioned car with English speaking driver
· Sightseeing as indicated including the services of a private English-speaking guide, except for excursions at Al Maha Resort which are conducted by lodge staff on an non-exclusive basis
· All entrance fees
· Taxes and service fees

Exclusions:
· International airfare and airport taxes
· Meals, unless otherwise indicated
· Items of a personal nature
· Gratuities and porterage
· Travel insurance
· Visas (if required)
· Holiday or Peak Season surcharges

These trips are priced assuming two travelers. Surcharges for solo travelers and discounts for groups, if any, will be applied. Prices assume itinerary is purchased "as is". Minor changes to hotels or hotel add-ons to the beginning or the end of the existing itinerary can be made at no extra charge. Any customization requiring us to start with a new base itinerary will require a non-refundable upfront planning fee of $250 that is creditable towards the final trip price.

All prices are in US dollars and do not include international airfare, unless otherwise noted.

Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy. Prices are shown in U.S. dollars and may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable) and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.