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Example Itinerary

Classic UAE

Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Price Per Person
Destinations
UAE

The UAE, a small desert nation on the Persian Gulf, has recently become a premier destination attracting visitors around the world. Dubai, known for luxury shopping and ultramodern architecture, garners the lion's share while the capital, Abu Dhabi, is equally as luxurious though understated by comparison and lesser seen. Visit both emirates on this journey which has all the quintessential glitz Dubai is known for, as well as a dive into its lesser-seen heritage and culture. Survey the land from the tallest building in the world, then sail across the creek on a traditional boat to the old souks. Visit a manmade archipelago filled with mega malls and global restaurants, then head out to the desert to ride a camel and relax at a bedouin camp. This 5-day classic journey of UAE shows you all the different facets that make this desert jewel truly shine.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Dubai Souks: In the heart of the city along the creek lies the souks of old Dubai where shoppers can haggle for gold and silver, perfume, spices, and textiles.
  • Tallest Building in the World: Claiming this illustrious title in 2009, this skyscraper is as impressive to look at as it is to survey the lands from its observation deck on the 124th floor.
  • Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: The largest mosque in all the emirates, this impressive structure can accommodate over 40,000 worshippers. Its artful design and opulent materials makes it a sight to behold for all visitors.
  • Culinary Walking Tour: Get a taste of the real Dubai and local culture on this walking tour to local favorite eateries.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Map ▲

Dubai »

Your journey to this small Persian Gulf nation kicks off in high style in glitzy Dubai as you're met right off the plane and escorted with expedited service through the airport and whisked off via private car to your luxury hotel. Settle in and freshen up. In the late afternoon, head out of the city for a desert adventure. Begin with the exhilarating local sport known as 'dune bashing,' a wild ride up and down giant sand dunes in 4x4s. Then, head to a desert camp where you can enjoy dinner and entertainment under the stars, including camel rides, henna art, falconry, belly dance and fire show, and much more. Return to your hotel in the evening.

Hotel Options

Day 2

Map ▲

Dubai »

This morning, head for the heavens via elevator. The Sky Deck observatory is perched on the 148th floor of the Burj Khalifa, the highest in the world. Those wanting a true bird's eye view of the city can opt to charter a seaplane over the city which flies over Dubai Creek and downtown area. Back on ground, continue to the souks, atmospheric traditional Arab markets that sell everything from gold and organic fruit to handwoven textiles and mounds of colorful spices. Then, like the locals do, take the abra taxi across the creek to the Dubai Museum to learn about the city's humble beginnings as a fishing village prior to the discovery of oil. For lunch, enjoy traditional Emirati cuisine and enlightening conversation hosted at SMCCU, a learning center with the mission of introducing visitors to Emirati culture and traditions. Round out the day with a visit to the eye-catching Palm Jumeirah. A monorail takes you down the heart of this artificial palm-shaped archipelago known for its flashy hotels and celebrity-chef restaurants.

Dubai
Dubai

Day 3

Map ▲

Abu Dhabi »

Go beyond Dubai's shiny veneer of global brands and imports to find authentic local culture and flavor on this morning's culinary and heritage walking tour. Discover local favorite hangouts and eateries and get a taste of what locals really eat. Then, it's time to move onward to Abu Dhabi, the capital, just over an hour's drive south. Get acquainted with the national bird, the falcon, at the Falcon Hospital. These revered birds were once essential to the survival of Bedouin families; now these prized sporting pets have passports and sometimes get their own business class seat on airplanes. Drive by Yas Island, a popular leisure island that is home to the F1 race track, Ferrari World themepark, golf course, mall, and more. Arrive at the beautiful Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in the late afternoon as the setting sun casts a symphony of colors on the mosque's pure white marble cladding. The mosque is opulently detailed from the world's largest hand-knotted carpet to intricate glasswork and massive crystal chandeliers.

Hotel Options

Day 4

Map ▲

Abu Dhabi »

Take a peek at the uber-yachts docked at Yas Marina before a stroll along the waterfront Corniche nearby where you can take in the seafront and surrounding landscaped gardens and tower blocks. Then take in classic artwork at the new Louvre located on Saadiyat Island, a sanctioned cultural and leisure area of luxury hotels, restaurants, shops, museums, and a NYU campus. Stop at a date market to sample and learn more about the local fondness for this sweet dry fruit. Explore the natural mangroves on a private cruise and spot local wildlife including flamings, foxes, and sea snakes. End the day at Qasr Al Hosn, the symbolic birthplace of Abu Dhabi and its oldest building. Restored as a museum, this landmark tells the story of the emirate.

Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi

Day 5

Map ▲

Departure

Spend the morning as you wish, whether another stroll along the promenade or a relaxing long breakfast, until it is time for your private transfer to the airport for your flight onward.

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

Travelogues

An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.

Sands of Time: In Search of the Old UAE

Sands of Time: In Search of the Old UAE

Author
Jay Tindall

After spending some time in the most infamous of UAE cities, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, I felt it time to take a better look at what lays outside these soaring modern landscapes and see if I could discover some worlds of old.

Read Article
Al Fahidi: Dubai’s Haven of History and Culture

Al Fahidi: Dubai’s Haven of History and Culture

Author
Ronan O'Connell

Yes, there are the skyscrapers, Burj Khalifa, and man-made islands, but there’s still some culture left in Dubai, and you’ll find it in Al Fahidi.

Read Article
The UAE: A Tale of Two Cities

The UAE: A Tale of Two Cities

Author
Jay Tindall

On my recent trip to UAE trip, I wanted to visit Dubai & Abu Dhabi, but I really wanted to reach far beyond them to discover the true essence of UAE and appreciate its rich history and cultural significance

Read Article

What Others Say

Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.

A family from Mexico

A family from Mexico

We had a trip that was truly unforgettable and perfect in every sense. Thank you to Remote Lands for all the time, care and dedication that was invested to make it come true. Remote Lands is really an outstanding travel company!!!

UAE, Oman

A Family from Toronto, booked by Wonderland Travel

A Family from Toronto, booked by Wonderland Travel

We loved the level of service and attention to detail...we felt very spoiled.

Thailand, Hong Kong

A Family from Florida

A Family from Florida

We had such amazing and varied experiences that it is almost hard to put into words.

China, Japan

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