Summary
Short description
Discover the beautiful beaches, ultra-modern cities and the magical desert of the United Arab Emirates while staying in some of the region's very best accommodation
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Highlights
- Experience the best of the UAE by visiting three of its gems
- Take a private transfer deep into the Arabian Desert and stay in opulent luxury
- Visit the towering city of Dubai for unbeatable shopping and entertainment
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Beach | City | Natural world | November holidays | Relaxation
Combine palm-studded beaches, duty-free shopping and stays in some of the world's most opulent hotels in Abu Dhabi and Dubai with desert resorts that seem plucked from The Arabian Nights. Begin this nine-day tailor-made holiday in Abu Dhabi, the UAE's glittering capital. Enjoy three days here, relaxing in the lap of luxury at your chosen hotel, or exploring the city and its surrounds, home to a fascinating blend of modern and traditional culture, magnificent mosques, centuries-old forts, world-class theme parks and mile after mile of gorgeous, golden beaches. Next, journey deep into the Arabian Desert for its unique atmosphere where camel rides, 4x4 safaris and horse riding are on offer. Finish your holiday in dazzling Dubai, where luxury hotels and sleek, sumptuous malls provide unrivalled entertainment, dining and shopping options.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
UK to Abu Dhabi
Arrive in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, and transfer to your hotel. With a kilometre of private beach, an incredible CHI spa, its very own souk and a fleet of Arabic boats to transport guests along the canals and waterways that tie the resort together, the Shangri-La Hotel (Deluxe) is stylish, self-contained resort located on the creek. Alternatively, stay at the famous Emirates Palace, the hotel that usually steals the headlines in this city on the rise. Stretching over a kilometre from wing to wing, this national landmark is the epitome of modern Arabian luxury - a salute to excess where chandeliers can weigh 2.5 tonnes and more than 5kg of edible gold is used every year just to decorate deserts. Facilities include a 1.3km private beach, 11 restaurants, two glorious pools and the beautiful Anantara Spa.
Stay: Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri (Deluxe) or Emirates Palace (Ultra)
Days
2-3
Abu Dhabi
These days are left free for you to relax at your hotel or to get out and explore the emirate. Visit the opulent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, with its 80 domes, 1,000 columns and gold-plated chandeliers. Ride a bike along the Corniche Road, an impressive 8km of manicured waterfront. Head out on safari at the Arabian Wildlife Park on Sir Bani Yas Island, home to more than 1,000 free-roaming animals. Watch traders haggling over livestock at the Al Ain Camel Market, the last of its kind in the UAE. Tour the 200-year-old Al Maqtaa Fort, which sits in wonderful contrast to the ultra-modern bridge that stands beside it. While away a morning at the Heritage Village, a fascinating replica of an old nomadic settlement, complete with souk, mosque and Bedouin encampment. Ride the world's fastest roller-coaster at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, also home to the largest collection of Ferraris outside of Maranello. Or take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Yas Marina Circuit, site of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and one of the most technologically advanced motorsport arenas in the world.
Meals: Room only at the Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Breakfast included at Emirates Palace
Stay: Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi (Deluxe) or Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi UAE (Ultra)
Days
4-5
Arabian Desert
Venture deep into the Arabian Desert by private transfer and stay for 2 nights at either the truly spectacular Al Maha (Ultra) or Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa (Deluxe), a low-rise Arabian styled resort in the heart of the dunes with buildings made from mock-sandstone. Rooms open directly onto the sands, facilities include a pool, spa and four restaurants, and optional activities range from 4x4 desert safaris and camel rides to falconry and horse riding.
Meals: Breakfast included at Bab Al Shams, full board at Al Maha
Stay: Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai or Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai (Ultra)
Days
6-8
Dubai
Travel by private road transfer to the bright lights and towering spires of Dubai and spend three nights at the One and Only Royal Mirage, situated in a prime location on Jumeirah Beach. Spend the rest of the day and the next two days at leisure, enjoying the vast range of entertainment, dining and shopping options that Dubai has to offer, or else simply relax and soak up the atmosphere of one of Dubai's most enduring and luxurious hotels. The resort offers three distinct hotels in one opulent complex: our Deluxe option includes a stay at the Arabian Court, an Arabian pleasure palace of a resort of courtyards and fountains, our Ultra option at the Residence, an intimate sanctuary for the privileged few.
Stay: One and Only Royal Mirage Arabian Court (deluxe), One and Only Royal Mirage Residence and Spa (ultra)
Meals: Breakfast included
Day
9
Departure
After a relaxing breakfast you will be transferred by private car to Abu Dhabi International airport for your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast included
Map
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
9-day tailor-made holiday from £2,070 pp incl. flights
Deluxe
Low Season
from £2,070 pp. incl. flights
High Season
from £3,760 pp. incl. flights
- Return scheduled flights to Abu Dhabi
- Private transfers between airport and all hotels
- Accommodation and meals as specified in the itinerary
- Use of a VIP airport lounge in the UK (subject to airline and departure terminal)
Price varies according to exact travel dates and additional supplements apply for travel over Christmas, New year, Easter and selected other holiday seasons - please call for a personalised quotation.
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
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