Best of the UAE: 11-day highlights trip

Dubai Airport - Deira - Sheikh Zayed Road

Day 1: Welcome to Dubai

Upon arrival you will be met with a warm greeting and our representative will help you with the baggage from transferring you to your hotel; from this moment you won't need to worry about anything - we will be with you in every stage of your vacation.

Once you've checked in and freshened up, feel free to spend the rest of the day at your own pace and leisure.

In the evening, there's an optional dinner at Atlantis, the Palm Hotel, a famed hotel located in one of many man-made islands built off the coast of Dubai. Tonight will be a luxury dining experience with some of the world’s finest culinary delights from different cuisines prepared by award-winning chefs - choices that suit every mood and appetite. 

Dubai - Dubai Museum - Duba Marin Dinner

Day 2: Cruise through Dubai's City Streets

Indulge in breakfast at your hotel this morning before you enjoy a full second day after your much needed relaxing the first day.

This morning, you'll be picked up from your hotel to begin a city tour, starting with Palm Island, where you will have the opportunity to take some photos of the iconic Burj Al Arab Hotel. Drive through the residential areas of Jumeriah, one of the luxurious parts of the city and home to the beautiful Jumeirah Mosque.

From here, you'll begin to explore the history of the city, first in the Al Bastakiya Area where you can still find some parts of the town which existed over 40 years ago and learn about the culture and history of the city by visiting the Museum of Al Fahidi Fort.

This evening, you'll embark on a Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise, a perfect blend of sightseeing cruising with delicious Arabic Dinner while listening to the sound of music.

Dubai - Dubai Desert Safari - Dubai Desert Camp

Day 3: Embark on a Desert Safari

Why not spend your free morning exploring the iconic shopping malls like Emirates Mall, whose main highlight is Ski Dubai which offers you a chance to ski, snowboard, meet the penguins, zip line or take a chairlift ride.

In the afternoon, we'll head to the pristine deserts, where you will get to live out your Arabian Dream with our evening desert safari and Bedouin camp experience.

From the edge of the desert, your adrenaline-filled ride begins. Fasten your seats and sit tight and get ready for a ride into the desert - the ups and downs and the curves make you feel like you are on a roller coaster.

At the end of the dune bashing, you will be transferred to a traditional Bedouin camp for a delicious BBQ dinner with live shows. 

Dubai - Sharjah City - Ajman City

Day 4: Discover the Lesser Known Emirates

This morning, we'll embark on a half-day city tour of Sharjah and Ajman starting at the Cultural Square of Sharjah, representing the spiritual heart of the city and encircled by many stately buildings built in traditional Islamic architectural style.

Then it's onto Al Majarrah Souk, home to the Sharjah Museum of the Islamic Civilization full of exquisite Islamic artifacts from all around the world, before moving onto Al Hisn Fort and the Blue Souk offering an authentic and greater variety of traditional goods from the region.

Our tour will continue onto Ajman, the smallest Emirate in the UAE, and Umm Al Quwain, the emirate known for those who enjoy sounds of waves and peace.

Dubai - Fujairah City - Fujairah Museum

Day 5: Embark on an Adventure to the East Coast

Embrace yourself for an eye-pleasing sightseeing tour today where you will pass through the different landscapes of the oasis of Al Dhaid, Masafi, and Sharjah.

Along the way, we'll visit traditional Arabian Souks set among mountains and valleys with the open market before the  Fujairah Museum to learn more about the east coast. The small red stone building museum gives a rare opportunity to discover weapons, utensils, costumes used by a diversity of peoples within agriculture, fishing, and pottery.

After Fujairah fort, we'll stop at the beaches at Oman Gulf to relax on the pristine coastline of the Emirates, before continuing to Al Bidya Mosque, the oldest surviving mosque in the UAE.

Dubai Hotel - Musandam Dibba - Musandam Cruise Tour

Day 6: Bathe in the Cool Arabian Waters

We hope that after a comfortable night's sleep and delicious breakfast, you're ready for your next adventure.

This morning we're headed to Dibba to board a traditional Arabian wooden dhow, where onboard you will be provided with Arabian coffee and welcome drinks. The double-decker dhow highlights the traditional Omani vessel design and insides it includes floor coverings and cushions for your comfort. Admire the strikingly beautiful scenery with all silence and peace around you.

If you want to dive into the waters, there will be opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, speed boating, and banana boating before we drop you off in the beach area to explore the shore. 

Dubai Hotel - Al Ain Oasis - Camel Market

Day 7: Journey to Al Ain

Your guide will meet you this morning to begin the drive to Al Ain, the best place to learn about the history and culture of the United Arab Emirates.

We will start the tour by visiting Al Ain Museum, built in 1969, charting the history of Al Ain from the stone age through the foundation of UAE and home to artifacts recovered from the many archaeological sites scattered across the region.

After a visit to Al Ain Palace Museum, we'll visit the Camel Market, giving you one a kind experience to get a closer look at the animal that enjoys a special place in the traditions of Emiratis. 

We will then move onto the World Heritage listed Al Ain Oasis, spread across 3000 acres, and providing a unique insight into the inhabitants of the region who began taming the deserts 4000 years ago.

The Al Ain tour will come to an end with a visit to the Emirate's highest and UAE second highest peak, Jebel Hafeet Mountain.

Abu Dhabi City - Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque - Louvre Museum

Day 8: The White Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum

Today's city tour of Abu Dhabi starts with a visit to the biggest mosque of UAE, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque popularly known as ‘The White Mosque’.

It captures a unique interaction between the Islamic world and world cultures, built with a vision to incorporate the architectural styles from different Muslim civilizations and the mosque celebrates the cultural diversity of the world.

Drive through Al Bateen, an area home to the presidential palace, royal family palaces, high-rise hotels overlooking the Persian Gulf, and more before moving onto the heritage village of Abu Dhabi, where you will have the chance to experience the traditional aspects of the desert way of life.

We'll end the day at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the first secular museum in the Middle East that translates the spirit of openness of cultures, before heading back to your hotel.

Abu Dhabi - Leisure Day - Abu Dhabi Beach

Day 9: Explore Abu Dhabi at Your Own Pace

After breakfast at your hotel this morning, spend the day at your own pace and leisure, relaxing by the beautiful beach of Abu Dhabi.

Otherwise, there's an optional tour to Ferrari tour or you could re-visit that which entranced you yesterday.

Located in the Saadiyat district of Abu Dhabi, the region's Louvre encompasses 9,200 sq. m of galleries which showcases the collection from many notable French museums including Musee du Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, and Centre Pompidou.

Abu Dhabi's Corniche is an eight-kilometre stretch of perfectly shaped waterfront beaches, cafés and fine dining restaurants, making it one of the best places in Abu Dhabi for a day out. 

Abu Dhabi City - Free Day - Abu Dhabi Hotel

Day 10: Journey to Dubai

After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, check out from your hotel in Abu Dhabi before a private transfer will drive you to your hotel in Dubai.

After checking in and freshening up, spend the rest of the day at your own pace and leisure. Why not spend the day visiting Dubai Mall or Mall of Emirates for your last-minute shopping needs in the city or maybe visit Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest skyscraper which stands over the city, inviting you to its observation deck to stand above the Emirate.

Or head back to the Palm islands and stroll through the ongoing development that makes the UAE, the unique country it is.

Abu Dhabi Hotel - Dubai City - Dubai International Airport

Day 11: Say Farewell to the UAE

This morning you’ll have some free time to spend it your own pace and leisure, enjoying everything that this quaint city has to offer.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end but we hope you have enjoyed your time exploring the very best the UAE has to offer. The rich natural beauty, storied history, and the people that make the county what it is.

We hope you have had a memorable trip and wish you pleasant onward travels!