Venture into centuries-old souks and zoom up the world’s tallest skyscraper, exploring the past, present, and future of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as you make your way from the labyrinthine streets of old Dubai to the dunes and oases of the Arabian Desert to the innovation-focused city of Abu Dhabi.

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Starting at: $5,490 * Price includes special offer Make a Reservation Ask Us A Question or Call 855-330-1542

Dubai and Abu Dhabi: A Stay in the United Arab Emirates

10 days from $5,490

departure passengers

or Call 855-330-1542

Tour Details

JOURNEYS DISPATCHES

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Accommodations

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Al Seef Heritage Hotel

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Located in the bustling neighborhood of Al Seef, just across Dubai Creek from the city’s main souks, Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai brings to life the traditions of Emirati hospitality. Guestrooms are appointed in traditional Arabian décor that is both rustic and elegant, and include a wide range of modern amenities. Common spaces include airy lounges and terraces overlooking the souks or Dubai Creek. The traditional Saba’a Restaurant serves Emirati-inspired dishes and other Middle Eastern specialties.

Number of nights: 4

Bab al Shams Desert Resort and Spa

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Tucked among the dunes of the Arabian Desert, the Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa combines authentic Arabian architecture, rustic charm, and luxurious amenities. Situated on the upper floor of the resort, superior rooms are tastefully appointed, balancing modern comforts with authentic décor and offering desert or courtyard views. The resort’s award-winning restaurants offer a wide choice of dining experiences from Middle Eastern specialties to European cuisine, and onsite amenities include a rooftop lounge, several swimming pools, a spa, falconry demonstrations, and extensive gardens.

Number of nights: 1

Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

In the heart of Abu Dhabi’s business district just a short walk from the Corniche, Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi is one of the city’s most stylish hotels as well as an architectural landmark. The recently refurbished hotel offers deluxe rooms with contemporary furnishings and views of the Corniche or the towering Abu Dhabi skyline. From a fine dining experience at Stratos to the casual Market Kitchen to a bistro, a pub, and a café, the hotel offers a range of restaurants and lounges to suit every occasion. Other amenities include a fitness center, an indoor and an outdoor pool, and an inviting coffeehouse-style lounge.

Number of nights: 3

Activity Levels

Activity Level 2: Moderate

Expectations: Ten-day cultural stay featuring three regions. Full-day excursions with some longer, extensive walking tours of museums, old cities, and outdoor historic sites. Excursions can be over uneven terrain (e.g. outdoor sites, desert landscapes, unpaved paths, stairs without handrails, absence of elevators). Hotels are well located for easy access to sites and restaurants during time at leisure. The sun can be quite strong, so hats, sunglasses and sun protection are highly recommended when venturing outdoors.

Appropriate for: Travelers who are physically fit and comfortable with longer days of touring (both walking tours and coach time).

Special Air Rates & Services

FlexAir is designed to provide you with the flexibility and choice you need to personalize your air travel experience. Explore a wide range of flight options in consultation with our experienced travel professionals to select the flights, routing, class of service, and dates of travel that most fit your needs. Our partner tour operator has negotiated contracts with a wide variety of carriers that allow them to hold flight reservations and then issue your ticket close to departure without additional fees. This protects you from the need to purchase published-fare tickets, which must be ticketed within 24 hours of purchase. FlexAir reservations provide the flexibility to adjust reservations without penalty and to accommodate extensions and upgrades right up until ticketing time, usually around 60 days before departure. We look forward to providing you with more choice and the best possible itinerary for your air travel plans.

Program Includes:

Guaranteed transfers between the airport and your overseas accommodations upon arrival and departure (in most cases). We will provide you with all of the details you need to guarantee your transfer.
Air schedule change and delay assistance. Book FlexAir to ensure assistance should schedule changes or delays impact your air travel plans.
Flight insurance worth up to $250,000, subject to policy terms, is automatically included.
Confirmed airline seat assignments at the time of booking (in most cases).

Travel Insurance

For the convenience of our travelers, Travel Guard provides an on-tour Insurance Plan. On-tour emergency evacuation insurance (up to $100,000), medical expense coverage (up to $25,000), dental expense coverage (up to $500), travel medical assistance and worldwide travel assistance (U.S. Residents only). It also includes up to $25,000 medical and up to $500 dental expense coverage, and 24-hour worldwide travel and medical assistance. Please click here to view complete coverage details.

Please visit www.TravelGuard.com/SmithsonianJourneys or call Travel Guard at 1-800-208-6142 to learn about additional (optional) coverage.