The cosmopolitan city of Dubai has maintained its Islamic architecture and is obvious by such monuments as the 'Jumeirah Mosque'. A chance for a photo-shoot (if you wish) when the still of the moment guides you further towards the oldest part of the city. Batakia remains nestled amidst a bustling city where one can admire the serenity of the old wind-tower houses built by wealthy merchants at the beginning of the century.
"Al Fahidi Fort' nearly 200 years old houses the Dubai museum and reveals the history of this city. Travel through the colors of the textile market to reach the 'abra' station. Then drift across the creek in 'water-taxis' to feel the warmth of the city. At the other end we proceed across the busy alleys where the aroma of the 'spice souk' filters the surrounding atmosphere. Finally, dazzle though the glitters of the famous Gold Souk to round off the tour.
Timings: 8.30 am / 3.30 pm
Duration: Half Day
Price/Person: AED 90 (USD 24)
Sharjah is recognized as the 'Cultural Capital of the Arab World' by UNESCO. The tour of Sharjah starts at the cultural roundabout where cultural museums revolve around a central symbol of faith.
The opportunity for a photo break at the Majarah Souk and Souk Al Asrah will proceed with a visit to the Al Naboodah house and Al Hisn Palace. The tour then leads to the opulent Central Souk 'Al Markaz', boasting wind-towers and mosaic colors. The souk exhibits more than 600 shops, Pearl Monument and close by lies the grandeur of the King Faisal Mosque. The cultural moment ends here and we then proceed back to Dubai.
Timings: 8.30 am / 3.30 pm
Duration: Half Day
Price/Person: AED 90 (USD 24)
A land of luxury and affordable items awaits the shopper. Our tour takes you to the finest shopping malls around the town like, the Deira City Centre, Bur Juman and Lamcy Plaza, the biggest departmental store in the Middle East. Our tour will visit one of these magnificent malls before proceeding.
We then splash through the colors of the textiles market and Al Fahidi 'electronic' street. Here the shoppers can find all sorts of electronic items at the most affordable prices. Bargaining skills will definitely be at a test.
To conclude the tour, we visit one of the finest gold souks in the world. Here one can buy the finest quality of precious metal in an amazing variety. A true 'City of Gold'.
Timings: 8.30 am / 3.30 pm
Duration: Half Day
Price/Person: AED 90 (USD 24)
The two-hour drive to Abu Dhabi passes through the world's largest man-made port, Jebel Ali. The scenery of changing sand dunes and acacia trees en route leaves an interesting impression before entering the cosmopolitan city of skyscrapers and beautiful gardens. The corniche gives the visitors a striking resemblance to that of French Riviera in this picture perfect setting of a city.
Next we visit Al Husn Palace, built by the end of the 18th century. We then proceed to the local Carpet Souk before stopping for a hearty lunch break at a local restaurant.
A drive along the corniche brings a moment to admire the grace of Abu Dhabi. As we reach the edge of the corniche, one view is worth a million words. The traditional art of Dhow building will be observed in close-view at the Dhow Yard, leaving behind a grand impression of Abu Dhabi 'crown jewel'.
Timings: 8.30 am
Duration: Full Day
Price/Person: AED 185 (USD 50)
Al Ain, for its lush gardens has come to be known as the 'oasis city'. The city is an important archaeological site with excavations dating back to 3000 B.C and now its known as the UAE's 'University City'.
We begin our journey with a visit to the museum. This follows by a journey to the camel market. There we meet the ships of the desert, the camels, of Arabian past.
We break for lunch before proceeding to old forts of Buraimi (Oman territory) and ancient irrigation system called 'Falaj'. We stop at the archaeological digs of Hili dating back to 2700 BC before proceeding to Dubai.
Timings: 8.30 am
Duration: Full Day
Price/Person: AED 185 (USD 50)
Our journey passes through a variety of landscapes to reach Dhaid, a picturesque town with lush vegetation. Roads with its highs and lows pass through the spectacular Hajar mountains range and en route, we stop at the local 'Friday Market' of Masafi. We then proceed towards the fishing harbor of Dibba.
This follows by a visit to Al Bidiyah Mosque, the oldest historical monument of the UAE, along the coastal road to Indian Ocean.
The journey breaks for lunch at the coastal restaurant. The coastal ride continues from Khorfakkan to Fujairah, viewing the historical Bitnah Fort, which brings the tour to an end. We pass through the mountains of 'angles and turns' and head back to Dubai by late afternoon.
Timings: 8.30 am
Duration: Full Day
Price/Person: AED 185 (USD 50)
