Abu Dhabi -
A Capital Adventure
En route to Abu Dhabi you'll drive past the largest man-made port at Jebel Ali and then on past stunning coastal desert scenery. When you arrive at the capital city of the United Arab Emirates you'll be taken with the way the modern architecture interprets Islamic themes in today's materials. Shimmering skyscrapers, villas and palaces line your route along the Riviera-styled cornice overlooking the waters of the Gulf and enticing offshore islands. Visit the Heritage Village and the ancient Al Husn Fort before moving on to the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation. After a buffet lunch (included), see an old dhow (boat) yard and the charming Batinah harbor. On your return journey you'll drive past Sports City, the biggest stadium in the Middle East. Today is an engrossing view of an Emirates that is so like Dubai and yet so different.
Oasis Adventure – Al Ain
A stop on the caravan trail since time immemorial, this charming desert town is now a garden city and boasts a university. On the way there you'll stop at the archaeological digs at Hili, which date back some 5,000 years, before proceeding to the oasis town of Buraimi. You'll see its ancient irrigation system and saunter through the quaint, minuscule souk. Continue to Al Ain and visit the Al Ain Museum next to the old fortress. After lunch (included), stop by the Al Ain Palace Museum, the former residence of the current ruler, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Interesting displays, including a collection of family portraits, offer an insight into how the sheikh's family lived and entertained. The day concludes with a visit to a traditional camel market before returning to Dubai.
East Coast – Fujairah
En route to the East Coast, drive past the Sharjah International Airport. Designed by the ruler of Sharjah, its mosque shape is unique and eye catching. Continue through the multihued desert landscape to the oasis of Dhaid. Browse the local market for crafts, pottery and carpets. Then it's on to a drive through Dibba, a picturesque fishing village on the way to the Bidiya mosque, the oldest and smallest in the U.A.E. Continue along the coast through the lovely green town of Khor Fakkan. Enjoy lunch (included) near the Indian Ocean in Fujairah. See its 300-year-old fort before exploring the rest of Fujairah, a town abandoned when mountain dwellers moved away from oil exploration to start a fishing village.
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Jumeirah Mosque
This is an opportunity to visit one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in Dubai. Generally, non-Muslims are not permitted to enter a mosque. However, the Jumeirah Grand Mosque is the first and only mosque in the U.A.E. to open its doors to non-Muslims, so this is a rare and fascinating experience. This unique tour will enable participants to learn about the "five pillars" of Islam, the Emirati culture and its traditions.
Desert Safari Evening
The evening begins with an exciting four-wheel-drive ride across the desert. Witness the skills needed to navigate through the Arabian Desert! Your desert drive will take you through the world-class Al Maha nature reserve and includes a visit to a camel farm. There will be a sunset photo stop before arriving at a desert camp where you will enjoy a traditional Arabian feast featuring BBQ meats and sumptuous Arabic Mezza (Arabian hors d'oeuvres). During this fascinating evening you will have the opportunity to ride a camel and listen to mystical Arabian music, all under a blanket of brightly shining stars.
Included Tour Of Dubai
This is an exciting overview of a breathtaking city. Travel past the magnificent Jumeirah Mosque and the modern palaces of the current ruler sprawled along the coast to arrive at the Bastakia, where you'll be intrigued by the old wind-towered houses built by wealthy merchants years ago. Next take an Abra-ride (water taxi) across the Dubai Creek and enjoy spectacular views of Dubai's splendid architecture. Then it's on to a tour through the souks. Breathe in the aroma of old Dubai as you walk alleys laden with spice souks and end up at the modern gold souk. Here you'll see some of the finest and purest gold on earth. Continue to the unique Al Dawaar revolving restaurant, where you will enjoy lunch accompanied by stunning views of Dubai and the Arabian Gulf from 25 floors above the city.
All land accommodations, local transportation and sightseeing is arranged and operated by Arabian Adventures who may use other suppliers or providers to render the services.
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