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- Boutique
- 10-day trip
- From €5,695 p.p.
Dubai trip | Bustling Dubai with desert stay
Dubai, a bustling metropolis on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, is known worldwide for its opulent modernity and futuristic skyline. With iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, and man-made islands like the Palm Jumeirah, Dubai reflects unprecedented ambition. The city combines traditional Arabian hospitality with ultramodern luxury, with extravagant shopping malls, gourmet restaurants and sprawling desert adventures. Dubai is a melting pot of cultures, where historic neighbourhoods like Al Fahidi meet innovative architecture. This cosmopolitan oasis remains an unforgettable destination where the future goes hand in hand with the past. During this trip, you will stay overnight in the desert for a magical experience and also visit Abu Dhabi, among other places.
Travel programme
Travel overview
- Day 1 Flight to Dubai
- Day 2 Exploring Dubai
- Day 3 Desert adventure
- Days 4–6 Dubai & desert buggy tour
- Days 7–9 Visit to Abu Dhabi & free days in Dubai
- Day 10 Flight from Dubai
Air travel to Dubai
Today you’ll travel to the cosmopolitan city of Dubai, situated in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula on the coast of the Persian Gulf. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by your driver, who will take you to your hotel by private transfer.
Your hotel is situated in Deira, Dubai’s old quarter. Although Dubai is known as a modern metropolis where nothing is too extravagant and anything is possible, this is the neighbourhood where you can still experience the historic atmosphere and culture of this Emirate.
Inclusief:
- Private transfer to your hotel
- Overnight accommodation including breakfast
Exclusief:
- International flight
Explore Dubai
In the afternoon, you’ll explore Old Dubai. Despite its many skyscrapers, Dubai has a vibrant heritage that is often overlooked by many tourists. Explore Bastakiya, one of Dubai’s oldest neighbourhoods, and discover the city’s well-preserved cultural treasures for the remainder of the tour. Learn more about 19th-century life in Dubai as you stroll through the alleyways of the historic Al Fahidi district.
Climb aboard an Abra, a traditional water taxi that has ferried locals across Dubai Creek for generations. Stroll through the gold and spice souks. Stop at the city’s most photographed mosque, the Jumeirah Mosque. Keep your eyes peeled throughout the road trip, as you’ll pass the historic Union House flag where the UAE forged a union almost half a century ago. Take your must-have photo on Jumeirah Beach with the iconic Burj Al Arab in the background.
Inclusief:
- Half-day excursion Old Dubai in private service
- Overnight accommodation including breakfast
Desert adventure
Your desert adventure begins today. A private transfer will take you to The Nest by Sonara. This unique accommodation is situated in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, about an hour’s drive from the city. This overnight stay is based on ‘The Nest Experience’. This includes activities such as archery and a traditional camel ride in the desert. At sunset, you can enjoy delicious drinks in The Nest Lounge. Once it’s dark, a Sky Safari is included. Enjoy this magical desert experience!
Inclusief:
- Private transfer to your hotel
- The Nest Experience
- Sky safari (21:00 - 22:30)
- Half-board accommodation
Dubai & buggy desert tour
You’ll be returning to the city of Dubai. This time, however, you’ll be staying in a different neighbourhood. A private transfer will take you to your hotel on the coast. Various excursions are planned for the coming days, but there’ll certainly be time to explore Dubai at your leisure or enjoy the facilities of the comfortable Ritz-Carlton hotel.
On day 5 of your itinerary, a full-day excursion through modern Dubai is on the programme. During the tour, get a taste of the modern lifestyle and stroll through the Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping centres in the world. You’ll also have the chance to visit the famous Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. Take in the view of the city from the deck of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. Visit Dubai Marina, a spectacular harbour that winds its way through this cosmopolitan city.
The next day, it’s time for an extra desert adventure. In the afternoon, you’ll head out into the desert for a buggy tour. Race across the sand dunes in your own buggy and sandboard down a dune. You’ll also visit Fossil Rock, where you’ll learn more about the fossils that have been found there.
Inclusief:
- Private transfer to your hotel
- Day tour Modern Dubai incl. visit Burj Khalifa in private service
- Dune buggy tour with private dinner (approx. 5 hours)
- Overnight stays including breakfast
Visit to Abu Dhabi & days off Dubai
On day 7, a full-day tour of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is on the programme. It is a city that retains its identity whilst continuing to develop; it is home to the F1 Grand Prix and the forthcoming Louvre and Guggenheim museums.
Visit the breathtaking Sheikh Zayed Mosque, one of the world’s largest mosques. Continue through a beautiful residential area lined with palm trees for a photo stop at Al Husn Palace (from the outside). Carry on along the Corniche and admire Abu Dhabi’s skyline, passing the Emirates Palace Hotel – one of the world’s most luxurious hotels – for a photo stop. Visit the Qasr al Hosn Centre, an exhibition housed in the city’s oldest building that tells the story of Abu Dhabi and its people. Continue to the Heritage Village and then on to the Louvre Museum. The building is magnificent from the outside, but even more beautiful on the inside.
The rest of your stay in Dubai is at your leisure.
Inclusief:
- Day tour Abu Dhabi in private service including entrance to the Louvre and lunch
- Overnight stays including breakfast
Accommodations
Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa
Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa is ideally located opposite Dubai Museum and close to the Meena Bazaar, Gold Souk and Spice Market. The accommodation comprises elegant rooms and suites with workstations, safes, televisions and air conditioning. Guests can enjoy delicious meals and...
Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa is ideally located opposite Dubai Museum and close to the Meena Bazaar, Gold Souk and Spice Market. The accommodation comprises elegant rooms and suites with workstations, safes, televisions and air conditioning. Guests can enjoy delicious meals and relax with drinks at the hotel's restaurants and bars. Facilities and services include a fitness centre, room service, a free shuttle service to and from La Mer Beach, a beauty salon, car rental, airport transfers, meeting rooms, a business centre, a spa and Wi-Fi.
Your stay: 2 nights
The Nest By Sonara
The Nest by Sonara offers exceptional accommodation in the Dubai Desert Conservations Reserve, in the United Arab Emirates. Accommodations consist of charming and luxurious "Nests", which almost seem to merge with the surroundings. Each "Nest" are fully equipped with modern comforts and feature ensuite...
The Nest by Sonara offers exceptional accommodation in the Dubai Desert Conservations Reserve, in the United Arab Emirates. Accommodations consist of charming and luxurious "Nests", which almost seem to merge with the surroundings. Each "Nest" are fully equipped with modern comforts and feature ensuite bathrooms and private terraces. Dinner takes place in the restaurant under the stars.
The Nest By Sonara
The Nest by Sonara offers exceptional accommodation in the Dubai Desert Conservations Reserve, in the United Arab Emirates. Accommodations consist of charming and luxurious "Nests", which almost seem to merge with the surroundings. Each "Nest" are fully equipped with modern comforts and feature ensuite...
The Nest by Sonara offers exceptional accommodation in the Dubai Desert Conservations Reserve, in the United Arab Emirates. Accommodations consist of charming and luxurious "Nests", which almost seem to merge with the surroundings. Each "Nest" are fully equipped with modern comforts and feature ensuite bathrooms and private terraces. Dinner takes place in the restaurant under the stars.
Your stay: 1 night
The Ritz-Carlton Dubai
The Ritz-Carlton Dubai is located in the heart of the Dubai Marina District with excellent shopping, restaurants and beaches all within easy reach. Wake up to inspiring Gulf views from the luxurious rooms before indulging in all that the luxury Dubai hotel has to offer....
The Ritz-Carlton Dubai is located in the heart of the Dubai Marina District with excellent shopping, restaurants and beaches all within easy reach. Wake up to inspiring Gulf views from the luxurious rooms before indulging in all that the luxury Dubai hotel has to offer. Hotel facilities include a beach and pools for relaxing, exceptional restaurants, a spa to bring body and mind into perfect balance, and the outstanding Ritz Kids Club to entertain younger guests.
Your stay: 6 nights
Destinations
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is one of the seven emirates that make up the country United Arab Emirates. It is by far the country's largest emirate and also its capital. Despite being more conservative than neighbouring Dubai, Abu Dhabi seems unable to resist ostentatious extravagance. Characterised by unfathomable wealth, it inspires an array of superlatives. It is home to the world's most leaning building, the largest indoor theme park, the world's fastest rollercoaster and even the largest hand-woven carpet! What was little more than an obscure fishing village 30 years ago is now miraculously one of the world's most modern cities with rows of skyscrapers, incredibly chic shopping malls and world-class luxury hotels, many of which offer pristine private beaches. If you are looking for over-the-top attractions, look no further than this stunning city-state.
Dubai
Size is synonymous with Dubai, and the city continues to 'push' its boundaries further ahead - first, largest, longest. Part of Dubai's appeal lies in a dreamy world of attractions and unprecedented luxury; mega shopping malls, vibrant nightlife, fine dining and premier hotels. Famous structures include the Burj Khalifa, The Palm, Burj Al Arab, and The World Island. Although Dubai strictly maintains its traditional values, it offers space for different religions; a rare quality within the conservative Arab world. The combination of all this means that Dubai has emerged as a cosmopolitan metropolis, a worldly city that is interesting to visit for both leisure and business trips.
United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula, stretches along part of the Gulf of Oman and the southern coast of the Persian Gulf. From stunning first-world cities to rich cultural history and breathtaking nature, the UAE offers something for every type of traveller. Chic, fast-paced Dubai offers all the modern (and futuristic) comforts; Abu Dhabi is a cultural capital with its galleries, museums and traditional cuisine; and Ajman and Fujairah offer incredible swimming, diving and water sports in their clear, warm waters. The country holds many world records: the world's fastest rollercoaster, the tower with the biggest lean, and the largest cluster of 21st-century cultural buildings. The verdant Mangrove National Park, Dubai's vast orange desert and the dramatic cliffs of the Snoopy Islands plunging into turquoise waters are just some of the spectacular natural wonders of this bountiful country.
Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
The vast wilderness of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is a unique and ecologically rich environment that stretches across 225 square kilometres of Dubai and has received international recognition for protecting its native habitat. Spectacular landscapes with endless yellow sands, rare plants and flowers and an exciting array of wildlife make this a wonderland for any nature lover, outdoor enthusiast or photographer to explore. Visitors can look forward to seeing animal species such as caracal, wild dog and Arabian oryx, and fascinating vegetation such as naturally healing wild herbs. Activities on offer include 4x4 safaris, guided walks, camel riding, falconry, sandboarding, henna tattooing and shisha smoking. Several luxury wellness centres, spas and restaurants serving delicious regional delicacies provide sublime relaxation for weary travellers.
Dubai trip | Bustling Dubai with desert stay
We offer this trip from €5,695 per person.
The tour price is indicative and is subject to factors including availability and travel dates.
Included
• Accommodation in excellent and unique lodges and hotels
• All meals as mentioned in the ‘itinerary’
• All excursions as mentioned in the ‘itinerary’, including a dune buggy tour with a private dinner
• All necessary private transfers as specified
• Meet & Greet on arrival
• National Geographic or similar travel guide
• Administration fees (€50 per booking)
Positive impact of your trip:
• A contribution of €50 per person towards a positive impact via the Avila Foundation
Not included
• International flights
• Travel and/or cancellation insurance
• Visa fees
• Tourist tax (where applicable)
• Seat reservations
• Personal expenses/tips
• Any departure tax when leaving the destination
• Entrance fees, where applicable
• Meals not specified and optional excursions
• Contribution to the Contingency Fund (€2.50 per booking)
• SGR contribution (€5 per person)