Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Emirates...the time to go is now……

City Break - Abu Dhabi 

“ The world is a book & those who do not travel read only one page” - Saint Augustine

The Middle East is 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.

With its man-made islands, opulent hotels & iconic buildings, the 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 shopping malls, rolling sand dunes &  championship grass golf courses, remote Bedouin villages & an array of 5* hotels. The Emirates defy an easy definition with a mix of evolution. Especially, Dubai & Abu Dhabi, out of the 7 emirates, are a stirring alchemy of profound traditions & ambitious futuristic vision. Come…..discover the Sheikhdoms with us & prepare to be charmed……..

In the Middle East, history is not something you read about in books. Here, it is a story written on the stones that litter the region, from the flagstones of old Roman roads to the building blocks of ancient Egypt & the delicately carved tombs & temples from Petra to Persepolis. This is where humankind first built cities & learned to write, and it was from here that Judaism, Christianity & Islam all arose. 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.

At some point on your visit to the Middle East, you will be sitting in a coffeehouse or looking lost in a labyrinth of narrow lanes 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. And when they do, they can suddenly (& forever) change the way you see the Middle East.

The Middle East’s cities read like a roll-call of historical heavyweights: Jerusalem, Beirut, Cairo, İstanbul, Esfahan... Aside from ranking among the oldest continuously inhabited cities on earth, these ancient-modern metropolises are places to take the pulse of a region. It is in the Middle East's cities, too, that you find the stirring, aspirational architecture that so distinguishes the three great monotheistic faiths.

Above all else, however, your most enduring memory of the Middle East is likely to be its people. Their gracious welcome, many kindnesses & boundless hospitality speak of an altogether more civilised age. There they sit alongside the more secular charms of bazaars & coffee shops that seem to embody all the mystery & storytelling magic of a land that gave us The Thousand & One Nights. From the gravitas of the Sahara to the blue tiles of Esfahan, this is a region for discerning travellers, for those looking for the story behind the headline, and where the bridges between ancient & modern civilisations are everywhere evident. If you believe what the media tells you & decide not to visit, you would be missing out on the journey of a lifetime.

Enough & now let us talk about the modern Emirates.

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 6 more Emirates, each with its own character & allure.

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, U A E 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, the U A E today is defined by opulent resort 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 football clubs? Tick. Tallest building on the planet? Naturally.

While the UAE these days appears to be little more than a stage for Dubai to strut its increasingly crazy stuff, there is far more to this fabulous little federation than Disneyesque dioramas. The U A E 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.

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 in the pipeline for World Expo 2021 (October onwards, please check out our Packages), 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 and worth a stopover.

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. Dubai is one of the 7 Emirates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), & 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 quickly.

An hour's drive south of Dubai, oil-rich Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital, 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 are the Emirates of Dubai & Abu Dhabi.

Hospitality| Innovation| Shopping| Nocturnal Action| Cultural Dynamism| History

The world's largest hand-loomed carpet, the fastest roller coaster, the highest high tea, the tower with the greatest lean, the largest cluster of cultural buildings of the 21^st century - UAE capital Abu Dhabi isn't afraid to challenge world records. Come…..discover Abu Dhabi & prepare to be charmed……..

With a population of just under 1.5 million, Abu Dhabi is the headquarters of numerous oil companies and embassies. With only 420,000 citizens in the entire emirate, each has a theoretical net worth of $17 million & Abu Dhabi has been described by CNN as the richest city in the world. The city features large gardens & parks, green boulevards lining all the streets & roads, sophisticated high-rise buildings, international luxury hotel chains & opulent shopping malls.

Year-round sunshine, pristine beaches, spectacular sand dunes & pulsating cosmopolitan lifestyle await every guest in Abu Dhabi. Such idyllic setting cuddles this emirate known around the world for its massive oil reserves & majestic mosques with towering minarets. These, combined with the distinct Arabic hospitality & mystique - and world-class infrastructure - make Abu Dhabi an excellent destination both for the experienced & novice traveller.

Abu Dhabi city bursts with dazzling business-cum-leisure facilities ranging from state-of-the-art convention centre, luxurious hotels, spas, designer golf courses, theatres & now, some of the world’s most famous museums particularly Guggenheim & Louvre. The palace-like shopping malls & indigenous souqs in Abu Dhabi make for a great shopping expedition, offering the best handicraft from local Bedouins to the best of Paris’ or Milan’s high street fashion brands, sans the ubiquitous sales tax. Gastronomic treats further abound from cool & sophisticated cafes, clubs & restaurants. For the fitness conscious, jogging & cycling (or even roller blading) are a welcome treat especially during the cooler months in the city’s charming corniche or beachfront, merely minutes away from the bustling city centre.

Cultural sites abound in Abu Dhabi, whose name implies “Father of the Gazelle” most likely due to the large number of gazelles and oryx that once flocked the emirate’s arid deserts. These heritage sites provide holiday makers with a glimpse of this emirate’s storied past - reaching as far back as 5000 BC - and an understanding of its people’s culture, values and aspirations.

The famous Liwa oasis in the south is home to some of the largest and most beautiful sand dunes in the world. It is also the frontier that leads to the legendary Rub Al-Khali (Empty Quarter), a vast expanse of desert that extends through Saudi Arabia & Oman, which has been the object of many explorers’ conquest in the past.

Many of our guides are also skilled photographers & can assist you in taking away amazing photographs. Welcome to an exciting city where nothing stands still…except perhaps the herons in its mangroves.

This 3 night Break will give you an opportunity to glimpse the highlights of this spectacular city state. Spend a day with a local guide learning more about Abu Dhabi’s distinctive Islamic architecture, with stops along the way to numerous sites including Heritage village, Grand Mosque, Al Hosn Fort, and Dates Market. 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 city where nothing stands still…except perhaps the herons in its mangroves.

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, Abu Dhabi  - a stirring alchemy of profound traditions & ambitious futuristic vision - is waiting, and 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 Abu Dhabi 

City Break - Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi 

4 Days | 3 Nights 

Mystical Abu Dhabi-  prepare to be charmed

City Break - Abu Dhabi

*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 9 guests, the Tour will be guided by Tour-guide cum Driver. For 9 +, 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. Some places you will see from inside, some 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 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mystical Abu Dhabi-  prepare to be charmed

City Break - Abu Dhabi

And last but not least:

Departures:

Arrival in Abu Dhabi on Any day (minimum 2 guests)

Validity:

→ December 2024  

Prices:

We offer several accommodation choices for this tour. The price varies by selected accommodations. The itinerary remains unchanged.

Exchange rates fluctuate on a daily basis. Please contact us for current pricing and we will respond within 24 hours.

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 protect your travel investment and cover any eventuality & / or Emergency .