Classic Uae

DAY 1 (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.

DAY 2 (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 helicopter for a 15-minute flight 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.

DAY 3 (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 theme park, 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.

DAY 4 (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 flamingos, 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.

DAY 5 (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.