Dubai & Surrounding Cities
8 days from £3200 per person
For those with a little time this tour makes for an excellent exploration of the Emirates, mixing ancient Middle Eastern traditions with burgeoning modern cityscapes.
Dubai
Dubai, the heart of the Arabian Desert is a city of superlatives; the tallest buildings, the most decadent hotels, fanciest cocktails, largest malls, the cleanest mono-rail etc.
Abu Dhabi
We recommend heading to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) if you are keener on experiencing local Emirati life. Life here is more relaxed and intimate with a greater focus on preserving the traditions and heritage.
Fujairah
The only one of the seven Emirates to sit on the eastern coast of the peninsular with a backdrop of the Hajar Mountains. While the industrial city itself has little to offer Fujairah’s beaches are some of the nicest in the UAE, ideal for sun-worshipers, open water swimmers and scuba divers.
Ras Al Khaimah
Few people think of Ras Al Khaimah when thinking of holiday destinations but it’s certainly one to be looked at closely for glorious sun-soaked beaches, supremely comfortable hotels
Ajman’s Beaches
Quieter than many of the neighbouring Emirates beaches, Ajman’s beaches are noted as being some of the prettiest beaches in the United Arab Emirates, and is the place to head for if you're looking for serious sun-and-sand relaxation. Clear lagoons, natural mangroves and pristine sandy beaches which are rimmed by some of the nicest beach front properties, each with a private strip of beach and with a host of watersports available.
Al Ain Oasis
Abu Dhabi’s garden city, this UNESCO World heritage site, complete with its original Falaj irrigation system, provides a unique insight into what was once a vital link along the caravan trade route to Oman. The recently added meandering paths, shaded beneath a thick canopy of date palms and other fruit trees, and eco-centre, highlights the measures being taken to preserve the delicate oasis ecosystem and celebrates the invaluable contribution local farmers have made in maintaining traditional farming methods here to sustain the oasis.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Designed by the Pritzker-prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the first universal museum in the Arab world, encompasses 9,200 square metres of galleries, displaying works of historical, cultural, and sociological significance, from ancient times to the contemporary era and enriched by loans from notable French museums including Musee du Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, and Centre Pompidou.
Umm Al-Quwain Museum
Situated in Umm Al-Quwain Fort, once home to the ruling family, the museum holds artefacts from nearby excavations at Mowaihat and Ed-Dur. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ed-Dur, overlooking Al Beidha Lake, is one of the largest archaeological sites in the UAE, and is listed among the most important lost cities of Arabia. The fort itself was built in 1768 by Sheikh Rashid Bin Majid Al Mualla, and continued to be the home of the ruling family until the 1960s. You will find exhibits showcasing the history of the royal family and Umm Al-Quwain, as well as ship building and fishing.
Jebel Jais Mountain
Jebel Jais is the UAEs highest peak and Jebel Jais Viewing Deck Park is the perfect place to base your explorations from. From here there are walking paths, hiking trails, biking trails, a viewing deck and for the thrill seekers, the world’s longest zipline! You can be assured of dramatic mountains views however you choose to see them, and you may run into some of the mountains local residents, being home to goats, camels, foxes, wildcats, and hundreds of bird species.
Al-Bidya Mosque
The oldest mosque in the United Arab Emirates, about 35 kilometres north of Fujairah city, is one of the country's, and the Emirate of Fujairah's, most important historical sites. Built on a low hillside overlooking the Arabian Sea, and guarded by two watchtowers, its origins remaining largely a mystery. Famous for its unique compact mud-brick structure, it has four pointed domes resting on one single internal pillar.
The Hajar Mountains
The jagged peaks of the Hajar Mountains, slicing through the northern region of the UAE, are a world away from the desert landscapes and cities more associated with the country. Take a road trip into the mountains, exploring the villages and small forts that dot the area. Expect steep roads, hairpins bends and stunning panoramas.
The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation
One of the best museums in the Emirates focusing on the full breadth of Islamic history and culture. It holds a wealth of fascinating and well-laid out exhibits that trace the course of Islam from the early years of the Islamic empires through to the present day. Astrolabes, manuscripts, ceramics and coins all compete for your attention, but don’t miss the gold-embroidered curtain for the door of the Holy Ka’ba and the mosaic inside the central dome detailing the zodiac constellations. The building itself is every bit as impressive as its collection, situated in Sharjah’s historical centre on the Majarrah waterfront, with its large gold dome, it was originally built to be a souk.
Desert Adventures in Abu Dhabi
Head into the desert to enjoy a host of activities including four-wheel-drive dune bashing, a dune-buggy ride or sand boarding, camel trekking, camping beneath the stars, or hiking to the summit of the Jebel Hafeet, the second highest peak of the UAE. The not so active can also enjoy a drive to the summit along its beautiful winding road that twists upwards through the mountain scapes.
