Compare 6 Day Istanbul Special 2018 Itinerary by Gate 1 Travel vs United Arab Emirates: See & Experience it ALL in 6 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours by Charlie The Traveler

DAY 1, Tuesday - Depart for the United Arab Emirates
Depart for Dubai

DAY 2, Wednesday - Arrive in Dubai
Arrive in Dubai, the quintessential land of opulence, wealth and astonishing skyscrapers and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure to rest, relax and acclimate to your new time zone
Overnight: Dubai

DAY 3, Thursday - Dubai City Tour
A fabulous day discovering Dubai, one of the world's most futuristic cities with its dramatic skyline, once a tranquil port of Bedouin traders and pearl divers. Begin with a photo stop at Dubai's signature landmark, Burj Al Arab, the celebrated sail-shaped hotel facing the Persian Gulf. Continue to the Jumeirah Palm, a man-made island, which was built in the shape of a palm tree and houses, residential buildings, villas, and luxury resorts. Upon entering the island, board the Palm Monorail which will take you to the far end of the palm. Marvel at the stunning views of the island as you ride high above the ground. The next station will be close to Atlantis hotel for a photo stop before you continue via Sheikh Zayed road to the world’s tallest tower Burj Khalifa. Here, while at the top, a guide will help answer all your questions from your vantage point on level 124 of the building. Free time for lunch in Dubai Mall. Afterward, drive to the oldest part of the city. The Bastakiya area is where old wind-towered houses of wealthy merchants can still be seen. While in the area, visit the Dubai Museum in the Al Fahidi Fort, which has survived for two centuries. Continue the tour through the cloth markets and end up at the Abras, where local water taxis will take you across the Creek to the area of spice and gold souks. Walk through the bustling alleys of these souks and allow the mystical aromas of numerous spices tantalize your senses. The jewelry on sale varies from the traditional to the latest designs at amazingly affordable prices. Return to the hotel for an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager and fellow travelers, followed by a Welcome Dinner
Overnight: Dubai
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 4, Friday - Full Day in Dubai
Take a leisurely stroll along Dubai's vast coastline this morning or head to the colossal Dubai Mall for shopping or, join the thrilling optional Desert Safari this afternoon. Board a 4X4 vehicle in Dubai and head out towards the highest sand dunes of the surreal surrounding desert. Feel the thrill of "dune bashing" as you spiral up and down the enormous golden dunes. Stop to watch the beautiful sunset before reaching the Bedouin campsite. You'll be welcomed with traditional Arabic coffee and will have the option to ride a camel. Then, enjoy a barbecue dinner, specially prepared. Later, a captivating belly dancer enchants you with her swirling dances before returning to Dubai
Optional: Half Day Desert Safari with dinner (PM)
Overnight: Dubai
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Saturday - Al Ain Tour
Today, travel to Al Ain, the Garden City of the UAE and one of the oldest settlements. A green city with an incredible number of public parks, it is also the birthplace of H.H. Sheikh Zayed, the former president of the UAE. Visit Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum, the residence of Sheikh Zayed and his family between 1937 and 1966. Stop for lunch in a local restaurant. The tour also includes a visit to the most important museum in the UAE, Al Ain National Museum which houses artifacts of ancient times that have been discovered in and around the city, ancient Arabic manuscripts and royal treasures. See a traditional camel market and go to the Hili Archaeological Gardens, the excavation site of a Bronze Age settlement that dates back to 3000 B.C. Return to Dubai in the evening
Overnight: Dubai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 6, Sunday - Full Day in Dubai
Enjoy the morning at leisure or, join an optional tour to Sharjah, cultural center of the Emirates, known for its major museums, distinctive landmarks and elegant mosques. Visit the Islamic Museum, housing over 5,000 artifacts from all over the Islamic World and the Heritage Museum depicting Sharjah's rich and diverse heritage. In the afternoon depart for Abu Dhabi and arrive in time for a Farewell Dinner with your fellow travelers
Optional: Half Day Sharjah Tour (AM)
Overnight: Abu Dhabi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 7, Monday - Abu Dhabi Tour
Start off the day with a city tour of the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, also known as the Arabian Jewel. Drive past Jebel Ali, the largest man-made port in the world before arriving at the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, an iconic symbol of Abu Dhabi. Continue along the city's glamorous Corniche, with blue waters glittering on one side and shimmering skyscrapers lining the other. At the Breakwater, pause to take photos of the city's fabulous skyline. Then, on to Heritage Village, a reconstructed traditional desert village. Here, journey to the past and experience life in Abu Dhabi before oil revenues altered the landscape. Many different aspects of desert life are attractively displayed in the open-air museum along with workshops where craftsmen demonstrate traditional skills, while women are weaving and spinning. Afterward, stop at the Zayed House for a fascinating sneak peek into the life of the late Sheikh Zayed, 'Father of the Nation'. Have lunch on your own and consider taking the optional tour of the Falcon Hospital this afternoon to get a deep insight in the tradition of falconry. Enjoy your final night in Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates at leisure to explore the city or take a seaside stroll along the beautiful Corniche
Optional: Falcon Hospital Tour (PM)
Overnight: Abu Dhabi
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8, Tuesday - Depart the United Arab Emirates
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast