DUBAI ADVENTURE with optional OMAN EXTENSION
5 Nights / 7 Days Unique Arabian Experience!
|
|||||||||||||||
|
Dubai, a city of unparalleled grandeur, a city that boasts year round sunshine. One of the most fantastically developed locations in the world, Dubai offers unlimited leisure activities. Located on the pristine shores of the Arabian Gulf, Dubai is one of the seven emirates that form the United Arab Emirates. It is a city of contrasts with a distinctive blend of a contemporary city, set against a background of the timeless desert. For centuries, this enchanting city has enthralled thousands of seafarers and merchants. Today, it still lives on in its age-old values of hospitality, and prides itself on a booming economy with an accent on trade and tourism. A very safe city, Dubai features some of the world's finest hotels, ultra modern sport and leisure facilities, and of course spectacular shopping!
Exclusively for Women
Not Included:
Dubai Entry Requirements: *** Valid Passport required. U.S. citizens need a simple Visitor’s Visa. No Inoculations*** Day 1 – Thursday, December 3: Depart New York on overnight flight to Dubai. Day 2 – Friday, December 4: Arrive Dubai, UAE: Arrive in Dubai and after clearing customs, you will be met by your tour manager who will assist with your luggage and transfer to the hotel. Once there, enjoy a welcome drink of fresh juice, as it will be morning, and we will see that you are checked into your room as quickly as possible.
Hotel features include 255 well appointed rooms, each with a seating area and marble bath. Amenities include air conditioning, wireless internet connection, a safe, hairdryer, coffee/tea maker and minibar. There are 9 eclectic dining options to choose from including international fare at Fountain Restaurant, the traditional pub vibe of Somerset's, and authentic Italian cuisine at La Veranda. The hotel gym is easily accessible on the first floor, while the pool is ideal for unwinding and sunning on the roof top. The rest of the day is at your leisure and our guide will have lots of suggestions for your free time. Dinner is on your own. (B service on the plane)
This evening, enjoy a scenic cruise aboard a traditional Arabic Dhow that glides silently along the creek of Dubai under a starry sky. With a capacity for 80 passengers, this traditional wooden vessel offers an intriguingly different view of this amazing city during a two-hour cruise. To experience the scenery by night with its beautifully lit city is truly mesmerizing. Special points of interest include the spectacular architecture of the Chamber of Commerce building, the late 19th century Arabian architecture of Sheikh Saeed’s house (ruler from 1912-1958) and Heritage Village, dedicated to showcasing the UAE’s maritime past, trading activities and local history. A sumptuous international buffet dinner is served onboard where you will enjoy the delicious taste of true Arabian hospitality. (B, D) Day 4 – Sunday, December 6: Full Day Tour to Abu Dhabi: We’ll depart the hotel after breakfast for Abu Dhabi, located at a distance of just 100 miles. One of the richest and most modern cities of the world, Abu Dhabi is the capital of UAE and the center of oil business and administration of the country. Built on a natural sand island, the emirate includes a number of offshore islands and vast expanses of desert. The city is renowned for its lush greenery, planned development and beautiful cornice. The city also includes mangrove swamps, fine beaches, coral reefs and some spectacular desert scenery.
Our day is not over! We arrive in a Bedouin camp after sunset, where we are welcomed in traditional Arabic style with dates and Arabic coffee. The sound of an Arabic live band and different dancers provide a glimpse of local culture and entertainment. Listen to music playing while sipping cocktails from the open bar, and have your hands painted with beautiful designs drawn by the Henna Ladies. The memorable evening continues with a sumptuous barbeque dinner and a belly dance show, before returning to the hotel in our 4x4 vehicles. (B, D) Day 6 – Tuesday, December 8: Dubai: Enjoy a full day at leisure to relax or explore on your own. Later in the evening, at about 11:00 pm, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight home. (B) Day 7 – Wednesday, December 9: Dubai / USA: Your flight departs Dubai at 2:00 am this morning, arriving JFK at about 7:45 am local time in New York. Extension to the Sultanate of OmanIncluded is 4 nights deluxe hotel accommodations with full American breakfast daily, dinner on your final night, private transfers, guided tours by your tour managers (a separate one in each city) and the Oman visa fee. Day 7 – Wednesday, December 9: Dubai / Salalah: After an early breakfast, you will transfer to the Dubai airport for your flight to Salalah, the “Garden City” of the south. En route, there is a five-hour layover with change of plane in Muscat. For about $35, you can relax in the Plaza Premium Lounge in the departure area. This unique lounge offers hot food, a shower, nap facilities, massage chairs, Internet stations, Wi-Fi, Business services, TV, international newspapers and magazines, flight information and luggage handling. Upon arrival in Salalah, you will be met by your Omani guide and swiftly transferred to our hotel. The 4* Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah is situated on 45 acres of lush tropical garden, overlooking the Indian Ocean and on a long stretch of pristine white sandy beach. Just 10 minutes drive from the Salalah International Airport, 8 minutes from the city center and 15 minutes from the Port of Salalah. All 153 rooms are stylishly appointed and equipped with private bathroom, radio, international direct dial telephone, voice mail, interactive television including satellite channels, and mini-fridge. The Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah boasts of the only 'Green' 9 hole Par 3 Golf Course in Oman. Depending on our arrival time, today we will visit a Garden Farm, which has groves of coconut, banana, papaya and vegetables, where the Old Ruined Houses are still in existence. We include a photo stop at the beautiful Shanfari Mosque with its exquisite artwork and stained tiles, then a visit to the site of Prophet Saleh’s Sacred Camel Footprint where you can see the clear camel footprint on the rock. Next, a visit to the Al Husn Souq where frankincense crystals of Dhofar and typical Dhofari frankincense burners are sold. Walking along the city’s promenade (waterfront corniche), one can see single storied houses dwarfed by tall, swaying palms. Al Husn Palace, summer residence of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, stands at one end of the promenade. Dinner on your own this evening is recommended at one of the hotel’s various fine restaurants. (B) Day 8 – Thursday, December 10: Full Day Tour of Salalah: After breakfast, we visit the fishing village of Taqa, an old town with an interesting castle surrounded by watchtowers and Taqa stone houses. From here we proceed to Khor Rori creek, the site of the ruined city of Samhuram, and capital of ancient Arabia’s frankincense trade. Excavations have produced evidence of an ancient city with trade links by sea to Far Eastern destinations, and with even distant Greece. Mirbat, the ancient capital of Dhofar, was an important town as early as the 9th century for its trade in frankincense, horses and slaves. You will see some of the old houses famous for its woodcarvings. One of Dhofar’s best-known historic sites is Bin Ali’s Tomb. The twin domed structure houses the tomb of Mohamed bin Ali who died in 1135 AD and is a fine example of medieval architecture. In the afternoon we visit the Biblical “Nabi Ayoub” Prophet Job’s Tomb, perched high up in the “Jebels” (mountains). En route are spectacular views of the plains, mountain landscape and emerald green pastureland. We will visit the nearby Bird Sanctuary, before proceeding to see the “blow-holes” at Mughsail Beach (perforations in the limestone rock through which sea water gushes during high tide). There is a spectacular drive along a 9-mile section of the road to the Yemen border, called Hairpin Bend. The views are breathtaking due to heights involved, and the bends are not scary. This road also takes us to a wadi, a seasonal stream that is at other times a valley or a riverbed. En route, we will see the stark shape of leafless Frankincense trees that dot the landscape. Once traded as a commodity more precious than gold, the frankincense harvested in Dhofar is rated the best in the world. Our return to the hotel is scheduled by 6:00 pm and dinner is at leisure. (B)
The 5* Muscat Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa is a luxurious three-hotel resort village and signature spa in the Sultanate’s capital of Muscat. It is nestled alongside the sparkling bay of Al Jissah in a dramatic desert setting of rugged mountains and inviting beaches. A hidden retreat set amid 124 acres of ocean and desert scenery, it is just fifteen minutes from the Sultanate’s capital of Muscat, and expresses the welcoming heritage of Oman. The Spa at Shangri-La is the most extensive and well-appointed private spa in Oman, with twelve treatment villas that create a sanctuary of personal rejuvenation and relaxation. Day 10 – Saturday, December 12: Full Day Tour of Muscat: At 8:00 this morning we will drive westwards along Muscat’s busy and impressive highway, passing many beautiful and important sites and landmarks. This famous route was once traveled by renowned travelers like Ibn Batuta and Marco Polo, en route to Nizwa, the traditional capital of the vast interior region of Oman. As we approach Nizwa, we will see the impressive New Souq complex that has been sensitively designed using Omani fort architecture and elegant Islamic arches. The air-conditioned halls of this souq are full of fresh fruit and vegetables, herbs and spices, huge stacks of dates and freshly caught fish. This is the best place to buy Bedouin jewelry, where silver is still sold by weight. At the far end, a gate leads up to Nizwa Fort, a 17th century round-tower fort that is Oman’s most impressive tower. Built on a solid base of rock, the huge tower was designed to withstand the vibrations of 24 cannons. From the top, a superb panoramic view gives visitors a bird’s eye view all around Nizwa and the surrounding plains, a sure delight for all avid photographers! We continue to Jabreen Fort, the finest of Oman’s castles, built in the late 17th century. It became a seat of Omani learning. The castle displays the highest achievement in Omani ceiling painting and beautifully executed woodcarvings. Then we drive through the lush green oasis village of Birkat-Al-Mauz, pausing for a photo stop in front of its unique two-tiered Falaj system and tiny castle. We will return to the hotel in Muscat in the evening. (B)
Next, we visit the Bait Al Zubair Museum collection reflecting the splendid Omani Heritage. The collection includes traditional Omani weapons such as swords, daggers, rifles and accessories, along with jewelry, cosmetics and regional costumes. The latest addition of the Museum is a typical Omani Town House that graphically depicts the lifestyle between the 1920’s and 1970. Visitors can see examples of both rural and urban traditional architecture. The recently renovated and restored town house enables you to step back in time and experience how people lived, as well as give you a rare glimpse of photographs, print and maps detailing the changing face of Muscat, the capital of Oman. Afterwards, we drive via the waterfront Corniche and visit the Muttrah Souq, one of the most popular Souqs in the Middle East. Take a walk in its labyrinthine alleyways, beckoning with a myriad of merchandise, from imported fabrics to exotic Oriental spices, perfumes and richly handcrafted artifacts. A visit to this frenetic, pulsating hub of Muscat’s Old Quarter makes for a delightful experience. By 2:30 pm it will be time to leave Muscat and drive to Dubai (approximately 5-6 hours). We proceed to the Hatta border for UAE and Oman immigration and custom formalities. (Timings at immigration and customs could take some time, as there are two borders involved). After completing immigration formalities we will continue our journey to Dubai where we will stop at abut 8:00 pm for an international buffet dinner at a local restaurant. At 11:00 pm we will transfer to the airport for our flight home. (B, D) Day 12 – Monday, December 14: Dubai / USA: Your flight departs Dubai at 2:00 am this morning, arriving JFK at about 7:45 am local time in New York. |
|||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||
Located in the heart of the city, the Movenpick Hotel Bur Dubai is just 10 minutes from Dubai International Airport, and in close proximity to Wafi City (for a luxurious shopping and dining experience), and Jumeirah Beach. Just across the street and within easy walking distance from the hotel are restaurants, the American Hospital, and Lamcy Plaza, a vibrant shopping mall with an extensive range of products and services. The mall also offers one of the most comprehensive food courts in the UAE, with over 17 different cuisines in an area that can accommodate up to 700 people at a time. 
Our tour to Abu Dhabi begins with a trip to the Women’s Craft Centre, where the Women's Association carries out weaving, embroidery, sewing, basketry and other handicrafts. This is an excellent place to see the skills of the local women on display for sale. You can take photographs of the handicraft items but not the artists. Next is a picture stop at the famous Sheikh Zyed Mosque and Al Husn Palace, the longest cornice going up to the end of the break water that stretches out into the sea with a view of the city’s splendid skyline. The trip then takes you to Mina Souk – the largest carpet market in the region followed by a drive through the palace grounds of the Ruler. The return to the hotel will be about 6:00 pm, and after a long day of touring, we recommend that you have dinner at your leisure in one of the hotel’s nine restaurants. (B)
Day 5 – Monday, December 7: Dubai / Desert Safari: Awake and enjoy breakfast at leisure. A good part of today is yours to do as you wish. This afternoon at about 4:00 pm, we will leave for a Desert Safari Extravaganza! Within an hour you are out on the high dunes where our 4x4 vehicle begins “dune bashing.” For the adventurous, this is when the driver takes you on a roller coaster ride up and down dune after dune (we offer an alternative for those prone to car sickness). Then we stop at a Camel Farm to see these animals called the “Ship of the Desert” because of their special characteristics to survive in such an environment. Afterwards, our driver takes us to the top of a high dune to watch a magical sunset. 
Day 9 – Friday, December 11: Salalah / Muscat: Enjoy the morning at leisure. At about 11:00 am we will transfer to the airport for our short flight to Muscat. Arrival time is scheduled to be about 2:30 pm. Following a 45 minute drive to the hotel, you are free to enjoy the remainder of the day. (B)
Day 11 – Sunday, December 13: Muscat / Dubai: After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and begin the day with the Mystical Muscat Experience, a tour that offers a unique opportunity to witness a modern commercial center existing in harmony with its traditional culture. The tour winds through Oman’s exclusive residential area of Shati Al Qurum with its elegant villas. We will visit inside at the Grand Mosque, the most exquisite mosque in Oman. For this special occasion, you need to be dressed appropriately, with arms, legs and head covered (long loose slacks or a long skirt, with long sleeved top and scarf). From here, we continue to the magnificent Al Alam Palace, the official residence of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, the ruler of Oman. The palace is an architectural marvel for both its design and its location between the twin Portuguese forts Mirani and Jalali, and we will stop for a brief photograph opportunity from outside only.
Trips designed by women for women