Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

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.

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 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…

Welcome to UAE. Arrive in the dynamic & vibrant Emirate of Dubai, a stirring alchemy of profound traditions & ambitious futuristic vision wrapped into starkly evocative desert splendour.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Dubai International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the Hotel, help you settle in & provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next few days.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

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.

Glimpse of the Future | Shopping Haven | Cultural Dynamism

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.

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 & as a Society. Wait to see what the future holds.

With many more grand Projects 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.

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.

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. Dubai is a city of ages that rises out of the desert and 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

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 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.

Both business travelers & tourists find that Dubai offers the highest standards of comfort & luxury. As befits a dynamic & prosperous business centre, Dubai's ultra-modern Hotels offer every luxury. Yet the comforts of the 21^st century co-exist comfortably with the Emirate's rich Arab-Islamic culture. 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, Dubai defies easy definition.

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.

Morning, meet the Tour-guide in the in the Lobby at 09:00 am & proceed on an exciting 4 hour sightseeing tour.

You will pass by a selection of carefully-chosen highlights including the remarkable Buildings featuring some of the most stunning Architecture to be found anywhere.

To experience the amalgamation of modern & ancient look, our route takes us to the highest buildings in the Middle East. Pass by the Palaces belonging to the ruling family of Dubai.

After a short photo break at the magnificent Dubai Creek, proceed to the oldest part of the city - Al Bastakiya where fascinating old Wind Towered Houses of wealthy Merchants are still to be seen. Drive past the Dubai Museum with its records of the City's past with all its developing stages, located in Al Fahidi Fort, which has existed for almost 2 centuries, defending the Settlers of early days.

Move through material market on the way to Abras Terminal where you will board & enjoy a ride in an “Abra” - a traditional boat used as local water taxi - which will take you across the Creek to the Spice Souk & Gold Souk - the most famous landmark of Dubai. Walk through the bustling alleys of these mystical Souks being amazed by mystical aromas of numerous spices & the breath-taking amount of dazzling Gold Jewelry varying from traditional to the latest designs at amazingly affordable prices displayed by almost 350 Shops.

Then on the way back, you will see one of the most luxurious Hotel in the world Burj Al Arab. Briefly stop for a photo shoot next to Jumeirah Mosque, an architectural landmark of Dubai.

Tour ends at a specific vantage point in the city & you will be transferred back to the Hotel (you can stay back & return to the Hotel on your own, if you so desire).

Balance of the afternoon is free for independent exploration.

Evening around 07.00 pm, you would be transferred to the historic Dubai Creek. A prominent landmark, the Creek is an area where the Arabs settled first when they moved from the villages to the emerging city. The natural saltwater Creek runs through the city & divides it into 2 portions - New Dubai Deira & Old Dubai Bur Dubai. Home to countless attractions, the river bank that lines the Creek itself is one of Dubai’s iconic sights.

Board an exquisitely decorated traditional Arabic wooden Boat known as Dhow, with panoramic windows, linen-draped Tables, live Music & an outdoor Deck. In olden times, it played an important role to boost the Region’s economy, being used for Pearl diving & Fishing. As you go inside the magnificently restored Dhow, you will be ushered by a friendly Hostess & served a Welcome Drink. You can choose to sit in its air-conditioned lower Deck or partly open upper Deck, offering unobstructed views.

The 2 hour Cruise will take you on a trip across the tranquil water, providing you a glimpse of the spectacular Creek. Enjoy an unforgettable evening, gently gliding past illuminated spectacular Souks, age-old & modern architecture, Banks & Palaces along the Creek as you enjoy a Performance from a Chanteuse rendering songs that will surely capture your taste & of course, the most awaited & popular dizzying performance of Tanoura Dancers that will enliven your mood. You will see silhouettes of heritage villages against the bright city lights & an amazing Skyline that traces the merging of the past with the present. 

As soon as cruising begins, enjoy a sumptuous array of a wide selection of freshly prepared gourmet specialties including original Emirati, Continental & Oriental cuisine - vegetarian & non-vegetarian, topped off with a luscious array of Desserts, served buffet style. Soft drinks & mineral water are included. The Dhow Cruise is an experience you surely won’t forget!

Transfer back to the hotel by 10.30 pm.

Morning at leisure to spend as you wish. Explore independently or opt for one of the Optional activities (we will be happy to offer suggestions & / or make arrangements).

Afternoon, we have an exciting experience planned for you.

Around 03.30 pm, you will be picked up for an exciting 6 hour adventure in the Desert.

The mysterious ‘Empty Quarter’ beckons you for a magical evening out - an adventure you will never forget. Embark on a thrilling experience synonymous with Abu Dhabi & Dubai Emirates - a Desert Safari. The trip provides you with an opportunity to discover the golden Sand Dunes of Arabia.  

Leaving behind the bustle of the City, depart on an interesting journey with several photo-stops during an exciting Drive over the rolling Dunes deep into the heart of Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.

Arrive at the starting point after about an hour of driving. The adventure begins with a 20 minute adrenaline-pumping roller coaster speed- ride, cascading over steep golden Dunes in a 4 X 4 vehicle, dune bashing, going up & down seeing the sand sweeping around your vehicle driven by a highly skilled Driver, provoking many shrieks & excited laughter. (Guests can also opt for one of 2 optional upgrades - 20 minute Quad Bike or Dune buggy ride - not included, extra payment. Those, not inclined, can wait it out in the Tent)

Stop on the highest Dune to watch the sun cast its orange glow over the vast expanse of rippling sand all round you watch the sun setting on the Desert, a truly magnificent sight. What better way to experience a true Arabian night than this? The Desert Safari provides plenty of great breathtaking photo opportunities, so keep your camera ready. Like a shimmering mirage in the distance, you will see the flickering lights of the Camp where a traditional Arabian banquet awaits you.

The Drive continues across the desert to the tented Bedouin Campsite in the middle of the desert, where you will have the opportunity to do something adventurous. You can also enjoy a thumping 20 minute Camel ride. You may even visit a Camel Farm (if there is one near the Campsite).

And now, the finale.

The Encampment conjures up images of the Arabian Nights. As you enter the richly decorated Arabic Tents (Majlis), you would be accorded a traditional welcome with Arabic Tea, Coffee & Dates. The Tents with Persian rugs & traditional accessories are set up to create a typical Bedouin Camp under the stars. Relax sitting on comfortable low cushions spread across the plush carpeted floor, while the traditional Oven is lit in preparation of the Dinner. Ladies can try out the traditional Arabic costumes & get an intricate Henna tattoo painted on hands or feet & click pictures with the Falcon.

After working up an appetite, enjoy a sumptuous 3 Course Barbecue Buffet Dinner prepared on open fires. A feast of grilled Seafood & Meats, a variety of fresh Salads & delectable Arab sweets is served & under a galaxy of stars. It includes a variety of veg. & non-veg options including appetizers, main-course, something sweet too, accompanied with soft drinks.

Enjoy a flavored Shisha (the iconic Arabic Water Pipe) & drinking traditional Coffee while you watch a captivating Belly Dancer gyrating around the campfire by starlight. The tempo of the Tannoura music increases as she sways to the haunting strains of classic Arabian rhythms. You may not want this enchanting evening to end but finally, it is time to go home.

Reach the Hotel by 10.30 pm.

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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