Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Enchanting Emirates...the time to go is now

Hello Dubai

“To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries” – Aldous Huxley

The Middle East is a geopolitical region encompassing the Arabian Peninsula, the Levant, Turkey, Egypt, Iran & Iraq. A grand epic, a cradle of Civilisations & a beautiful, complicated land that is home to some of the Planet's most hospitable people. Quite simply extraordinary, one of the world's most fascinating & rewarding travel destinations - a tapestry of enchantment awaiting adventurous souls.

As you step into this fascinating region of ancient Wonders & vibrant Cultures, let the words of ancient intrepid Travelers, Poets & Dreamers guide you through an inspirational journey that transcends borders & speaks to the wanderlust in the heart of modern Marco Polos or Ibn Battutas & so many others who travelled on ‘land’ (we are not referring to the Seafaring Explorers).

And with its man-made palm shaped Islands, an array of opulent Hotels, palatial Beach Resorts & the sci-fi-esque city of iconic Skyscrapers, the newly minted United Arab Emirates has always been a show-stopping, headline-grabbing destination, offering an intriguing blend of Islamic Culture & Modernity. An intriguing land that combines old-world Souks & modern city-sized Shopping Malls, rolling Sand Dunes, indoor Ski slopes, championship grass Golf Courses & remote Bedouin villages. The 7 Emirates defy an easy definition with a mix of evolution especially, Dubai & Abu Dhabi, are a stirring alchemy of profound traditions & ambitious futuristic vision Come…discover the Sheikhdoms with us & prepare to be charmed…

Middle East, is a crossroads of Culture & Modernity, evoking images of rolling Sand Dunes, majestic Deserts, bustling Bazaars & awe-inspiring Architecture.

Here, history is not something you read about in books. It is a story written on the stones that litter the region, from the flagstones of old Roman roads to the building blocks & timeless Pyramids of ancient Egypt, the rose-red City of Petra in Jordan, delicately carved Tombs & Temples of Persepolis in Iran. From the soaring Skyscrapers of Dubai to the ancient ruins of Palmyra in Syria, the region is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be explored.   

The Middle East’s cities read like a roll-call of historical heavyweights: Jerusalem, Beirut, Cairo, Istanbul, Isfahan... Aside from ranking among the oldest continuously inhabited cities on Earth, these ancient-modern Metropolises are places to take the pulse of a region.

This is where humankind first built Cities & learned to write and it was from here, that Judaism, Christianity & Islam all arose. It is in these cities, that you find the stirring, aspirational Architecture that so distinguishes the 3 great monotheistic Faiths. Wherever you find yourself, the past is always present because here, perhaps more than anywhere else on Earth, history is the heart & soul of the land.

Above all else, however, your most enduring memory of the Region, is likely to be its people. At some point in the Middle East, you will be sitting in a Coffeehouse or looking lost in a labyrinth of narrow lanes alongside the more secular charms of Bazaars, when someone will strike up a conversation & within minutes, invite you home to meet their family & share a meal. Or someone will simply approach & say with unmistakable warmth, ‘Welcome’. These spontaneous, disarming & utterly genuine words of welcome can occur anywhere across the region. Their gracious Welcome, many Kindnesses & boundless Hospitality speak of an altogether more civilised age. And when they do, they can suddenly (& forever) change the way you see the Middle East portrayed in the West.

From the gravitas of the Sahara to the blue tiles of Isfahan, this is a region for discerning travellers, for those looking for the Story behind the Headline & where the Bridges between ancient & modern Civilisations are evident everywhere. If you believe what the Media & crooked Politicians tells you & decide not to visit, you would be missing out on the journey of a lifetime.

Enough & now let us talk about the barely 100 years old U A E.

For most people, the United Arab Emirates means just one place: Dubai, the sci-fi-esque city of iconic Skyscrapers, palm-shaped Islands, city-sized Malls, indoor Ski Slopes & palatial Beach Resorts. But beyond the glitter, awaits a diverse mosaic of different Emirates, each with its own character & allure & Ruler.

The United Arab Emirates is a union of 7 sovereign Sheikhdoms, formed when the British withdrew from the Gulf in 1971. The Sun always shines here, it's naturally desert climate & convenient location in the Arabian Gulf has endowed it with warm seas & cozy Beaches. Together with a booming economy, where Trade & Tourism are encouraged, it also makes for the ultimate Shopping destination.

Comprised of little more than Sand Dunes, crumbling Forts & Fishing villages, a century ago, UAE has grown into a show-stopping, headline-grabbing destination which offers an intriguing blend of traditional Islamic Culture, Modernity & rampant Consumerism.

Every year, tourist attractions are constantly being upgraded & added - from one of the world's largest Aqua Parks to Cultural & Wildlife Museums. From Wind Towers to towering Skyscrapers, the country has a unique blend of the traditional Arab, Islamic culture combined with the modernity of a cosmopolitan living environment. Its state-of-the-art tourist infrastructure with numerous world-class Hotels, Sports events & Shopping spectaculars held annually, ensures its position as the Middle East's number one tourist destination

Powered largely (but by no means exclusively) by oil wealth, UAE today is defined by opulent Hotels, ultra-modern Architecture & a seemingly unending thirst for new & innovative Mega-projects. Man-made Islands in the shape of Palm Trees? Tick. Billionaire Royals taking over Premiership of Football Clubs? Tick. Tallest building on the Planet? Naturally.

While the UAE these days appears to be little more than a stage for Dubai (one out of 7) to strut its increasingly crazy stuff, there is far more to this fabulous little federation than Disneyesque dioramas. The UAE is a contradictory destination, an Islamic state where the DJs’ turntables stop spinning just before the Muezzins’ morning call to Prayer can be heard & where a traditional Bedouin lifestyle & customs continue alongside a very Western version of rampant Consumerism. While many visitors marvel at the fantastic (in the true sense of the word) Hotel & real estate Projects, the real wonder is how the savvy Sheikhs manage to harmonise such disparate & seemingly opposing forces.

An hour's drive south of Dubai, oil-rich Abu Dhabi, the Capital of UAE, is positioning itself as a hub of Culture, Sport & Leisure. Beyond, looms the vast Al Gharbia region, which is dominated by the northern reaches of the Rub' Al Khali Desert. Its magical silence is interrupted only by the whisper of shifting Dunes rolling towards Saudi Arabia.

North of Dubai, Sharjah does Art & Heritage best, while tiny Ajman & Umm Al Quwain provide glimpses of life in the pre-oil days & Ras Al Khaimah snuggles against the mighty Hajar Mountains. For the best swimming and diving, though, head across the range to Fujairah to frolic in the clear waters of the Gulf of Oman.

But the most exciting is the Emirate of Dubai.

Hospitality| Innovation| Shopping| Cultural Dynamism| History

It is hard not to admire the ‘happening’ Emirate of Dubai, for its indefatigable verve, gutsy ambition & ability to dream up & realise Projects that elsewhere would never get off the Drawing Board. This is a superlative craving society that showcases the world's tallest building, an Island shaped like a Palm Tree, a huge indoor Ski paradise, the world's fastest Roller Coaster & Starchitect designed & Art Museums of international stature. Sci-fi concepts such as flying Taxis, a lightning-fast Hyperloop train & an army of Robocops are all reflections of a mindset that fearlessly embraces the future.

With many more grand Projects always in the pipeline, it is clear that Dubai is a city firmly in charge of writing its own narrative. Famous sights like the Burj Dubai, the world's only 6* Hotel, the massive Palms Island mini-city & so much more - it is an exciting city & worth a stopover or an in-depth exploration.

Located at the cross-roads of Asia, Europe & Africa, Dubai is well positioned to attract Tourists looking for somewhere new & different, a destination combining the traditions of the East with the comforts of the West. It offers something for every traveller. It is one of the 7 Emirates of the United Arab Emirates & is one of the country's main cities, sometimes called "Dubai City" to distinguish it from the Emirate. Famous for its soaring Skyline rising from the Desert, it is a relatively new, world-class City, which is growing very quickly.

The first Middle Eastern City to make the UNESCO list of Creative Cities of Design, with Emiratis making up only a fraction of the population, Dubai is a bustling microcosm peacefully shared by cultures from all corners of the world. This diversity expresses itself in the Culinary landscape, Fashion, Music & Performance. Although rooted in Islamic tradition, this is an open society where it is easy for newcomers & visitors to connect with myriad experiences, be it eating like a Bedouin, dancing on the beach, shopping for local Art or riding a Camel in the desert. Dubai is a fertile environment conducive to breaking down cultural barriers & preconceptions.

Ever since you first set foot in this tiny powerhouse Emirate, it will fascinate you with its energy, optimism & openness towards people from all over the world. For a die-hard Foodie, the staggering variety of authentic global fare is exhilarating & even the Shopping here is actually a joy instead of a chore. Dubai is a place that is constantly in flux & it is exciting to see it grow & mature as a city and as a society. Wait to see what the future holds.

Dubai is a city that provides a new setting at every turn, richly mixing together the old & the new; it is without a doubt the leading tourist destination in the Middle East & a city of ages that rises out of the desert & crowns the gulf coast with its presence. Sunshine, Shopping, Seaside, Sports & Safety - 5 of the key ingredients that have earned Dubai a growing reputation as one of the world's most attractive & rapidly developing leisure destinations. Long established as the Trading & Commercial hub of the Middle East, the Emirate combines the excitement of a bustling commercial Centre with the wide open spaces of a luxurious Resort.

After dark, Dubai sometimes seems like a City filled with lotus eaters, forever on the lookout for a good time. Its shape-shifting party spectrum caters for just about every taste, budget & age group. From flashy Dance venues, sleek rooftop Terraces & sizzling Beach Clubs to fancy Cocktail Caverns, Shisha lounges & Concerts under the stars, Dubai delivers hot-stepping odysseys. Most of the Nightlife centres on the fancy Hotels, but there is no shortage of more wholesome diversions either, including community Theatre, live-music Venues & the world-class Dubai Opera.

Dubai is a top retail haunt that hosts not one but 2 huge annual Shopping Festivals. Shopping is a leisure activity here & Malls are much more than just mere collections of Stores. Some look like an Italian Palazzo or a Persian Palace & lure visitors with surreal attractions such as an indoor Ski slope, a giant Aquarium or an open-air Botanical Garden. Traditional Souqs, too, are beehives of activity humming with timeless bargaining banter. Meanwhile, a new crop of urban-style outdoor Malls has expanded the shopping spectrum yet again.

Dubai offers something for every traveller. One of the 7 Emirates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), & is one of the country's main cities, it is sometimes called "Dubai City" to distinguish it from the Emirate. Famous for its soaring Skyline rising from the Desert, it is a relatively new, world-class City, which is growing quickly. Famous sights like the Burj Dubai, the world's only 6* Hotel & the massive Palms mini-city & its indoor Ski Hills (complete with Snow) - it is an exciting City, definitely worth exploring.

You will get to experience the best of this majestic City with its modern & ancient Landmarks on this short Break.

This 2 night Break will give you a glimpse of the Emirates & an opportunity to sample the highlights of this spectacular City, enroute to wherever you are going to. Spend half a day with a local Tour-guide, learning more about Dubai’s distinctive Islamic architecture, drift across the Ceek in a Water-taxi & spend time in the glittering Gold Souk. Avail the free time to shop for bargains. Ride on a Camel over sun soaked Dunes as this foreboding landscape unwinds eternally in front of you as you experience a Desert Safari & enjoy a sumptuous BBQ feast under the stars

Many of our guides are also skilled Photographers & can assist you in taking away amazing photographs.

Welcome to an exciting region where nothing stands still…except perhaps the Herons in its mangroves - it is going to be one exciting trip…… yep, Dubai - a stirring alchemy of profound traditions & ambitious futuristic vision - is waiting & The Journeys is ready to take you on well, a journey (or journeys) of discovery.

Come…be inspired & discover the World…

Simply Discover..the ‘old’ new Dubai

Hello Dubai

Dubai 

3 Days | 2 Nights 

 

Alas, like all good things, this wonderful experience comes to an end. Time to say say au revoir to the enchanting Emirates & go onward.

 

Check-out of the Hotel by 11:00 noon (if the departure time is later in the evening, we will request the Hotel to allow the use of Facilities & to leave the Luggage at the Bell Desk).

 

“Travel is like knowledge. The more you see the more you know you have not seen” - Mark Hertsgaard

 

There are few places where the contrast between natural landscapes and urban splendors is as stark as in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where vast expanses of windswept Arabian desert & mountains yield to the glittering manmade wonders. In these ever-changing Emirates, spectacular & innovative developments grace endless golden Beaches, contrasting starkly against a silent Desert interior, a land of opulence, wealth & mind-defying Architecture that will never fail to impress.

 

You have just caught a glimpse. There is much more to discover in Dubai, let alone the other 6 Emirates & we are sure you may want to explore “again” this exciting piece of ‘land’ moving into the future, faster than the West. Hard to imagine, this was a stark barren Desert barely 50 years ago.

 

In time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep, who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to Terminal? -  Dubai International Airport for your onward journey.  B

 

 

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Enchanting Dubai -   prepare to be charmed...

Hello Dubai

*Seat in Coach. Guaranteed departures with minimum 2 guests. There may be other participants & group size may vary. Participants may come from all over the world & most of them will be English speaking. Private services with English speaking Tour-guide & vehicle can be arranged with a supplement cost. For less than 10 guests, the Tour will be guided by Tour-guide cum Driver. For 10 +, there will be a separate Tour-guide, in addition.

 

** Please note that the Program highlights the main attractions that are to be visited each day. The sightseeing tours combine ‘walking’ & driving. You will see all Landmarks from outside only. Some Monuments / places may require extra Entrance Fees to be paid for accessing some of the areas.

 

*** It is extremely rare that Programs need to be changed but it can occur. We reserve the right to change, amend or alter the Itinerary if required, for example, occasionally the tour sequence & duration of time spent in each place / city can change due to local conditions which are out of our control or due to heavy traffic conditions or bad weather. The Price will not be affected.

 

****Special Conditions, if any, related to specific Tours will be advised in due course.

 

 

 

 

Enchanting Dubai-  waiting to be experienced…

Hello Dubai

And last but not least:

Departures:

Arrival in Dubai on Any day (minimum 2 guests)

Validity:

→ December 2025  

Prices:

We offer several Accommodation choices for this Journey. The price varies by selected Accommodations. The itinerary remains unchanged.

Exchange rates fluctuate with great frequency. As Rates are very fluid currently due to a host of reasons, there may be a slight change in the Pricing. Your personalised Proposal will depict the applicable Price. 

* Airfare fluctuates by the minute & the approximate range listed is for illustration only. Actual fare to be advised at the time of Booking.

** Supplements, if applicable, are to be advised at the time of Proposal / Booking.

Some important notes

• Flights are subject to constant modifications / delays and cancellations.  In such cases, we will do all possible to find the best available alternative / solution but will not accept any liability, whatsoever.
• Our rates only include those items which are specified in the Itinerary / Inclusions.
• The cost has been calculated on the existing tariffs / conditions and in case of any currency fluctuations or amendment in local Government taxes, or any fuel hike, we reserve the right to revise the tour price accordingly.
• Our quotations are calculated on base category of accommodation at each property and are subject to modification, if the same hotel / category of room not available at the time of reservation. In that case, we will confirm a superior category of room at a comparable or better hotel and supplement charges, if any, shall be advised accordingly. Final Itinerary will illustrate updated information and / or it would be furnished at the time of confirmation.
• All prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability at the time of booking. The from price reflects the lowest available price at time of publication, which is valid for a specific start date or dates and also based on availability at the time of booking.
• Room availability is getting saturated due to heavy demands from the tourism industry, international Fairs and Congresses. Due to these constant sold- out situations the hotels are applying the cancellation rules more stringently. Once the reservation is guaranteed, the booking will be subject to full cancellation charges as per our Terms & Conditions (details will be advised at the time of deposit). We strongly recommend obtaining Insurance to protect yourself against any unforeseen scenarios.
• Additional services including Optionals, if any, can be paid directly by the clients to our local offices.

The Journeys strongly recommends that all Guests purchase appropriate Travel Insurance (Trip Cancellation / Interruption & Medical) to cover any eventuality & / or Emergency. Between missed Connections, lost or delayed Luggage, or Medical Emergencies, you want some peace of mind that your travel investment is well protected. No matter who you buy from, please consider purchasing a Travel Protection Plan before you travel. Still unsure? Talk to us.