Magnificent Dubai & Abu Dhabi Vacation

After breakfast, set out on a guided half-day heritage city tour. Step through the coral-stone wind-tower architecture of the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood (Bastakiya). Cross Dubai Creek on a traditional wooden Abra boat to explore the fragrant sacks of the Spice Souk and the world-renowned window displays of the Gold Souk. In the afternoon, head to The Dubai Mall. Ascend via high-speed elevator to the 124th and 125th floors of the Burj Khalifa ("At the Top") for panoramic vistas across the city, the desert, and the Persian Gulf. In the evening, watch the choreographed Dubai Fountain show set to music at the base of the illuminated tower. Overnight stay in Dubai.

Begin your morning visiting the Dubai Frame in Zabeel Park, walking across its 50-meter-high glass sky-bridge that frames historic Old Dubai to the north and modern Downtown to the south. Return to your hotel to rest before your afternoon excursion. Between 2:30 PM and 3:00 PM, board a 4x4 Land Cruiser for an adrenaline-fueled Red Dune Desert Safari in the Lahbab Desert. Experience 45 minutes of dune bashing over high red sands, try sandboarding down the dunes, and pause for desert sunset photos. Arrive at a Bedouin-style camp for camel rides, henna painting, and shisha. Savor a BBQ buffet dinner with live fire shows, belly dancing, and Tanoura performances under the desert stars. Return to your hotel by 9:30 PM. Overnight stay in Dubai.

Drive south along the Sheikh Zayed Highway into the UAE capital. Visit the BAPS Hindu Mandir, exploring its hand-carved pink sandstone and Italian Carrara marble spires. Continue to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, admiring its 82 white marble domes, gold-leaf colonnades, reflective pools, and the world's largest hand-knotted carpet. Drive along the scenic Abu Dhabi Corniche, take photo stops outside the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental and Qasr Al Watan, and view the exterior of the Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island. Return to Dubai by early evening. Overnight stay in Dubai.

After breakfast, drive to the world-famous palm-shaped archipelago of Palm Jumeirah. Ascend to The View at The Palm on Level 52 of The Palm Tower for 360-degree vistas of the palm fronds and the Arabian Gulf. Board the scenic Palm Monorail from Gateway Station to Atlantis, The Palm. In the afternoon, explore the waterfront promenade of Dubai Marina Walk and JBR The Beach for boutique shopping and cafe hopping. In the evening, dine at one of the waterside restaurants overlooking the illuminated yachts in the marina basin. Overnight stay in Dubai.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out. Visit Souk Madinat Jumeirah, an atmospheric traditional Arabian bazaar with winding waterways framing close-up views of the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab. Complete any last-minute shopping for dates, camel-milk chocolates, and saffron before your private chauffeur transfers you to Dubai International Airport (DXB) for your onward flight home.