Days 1 — Depart the U.S. and arrive in Dubai

Depart on an overnight flight to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), arriving the following evening.

Day 2 — Dubai

Upon arrival, clear brief Immigration and Customs formalities. You’ll be met and assisted with transfer to the Canopy by Hilton Dubai Al Seef, situated on the banks of Dubai Creek just across the water from the city’s celebrated souks. You’ll receive a customized welcome packet with maps and helpful information about Dubai and the United Arab Emirates, and your Smithsonian Journeys Travel Director will be on hand to offer suggestions for restaurants, tours, and other activities to pursue during your free time. Take the remainder of the evening to settle-in.

Day 3 — Dubai

A full breakfast will be served each morning during your stay in the UAE. After breakfast, depart on a tour of Dubai starting at the Al Shindagha Museum, located in one of the city’s oldest sections. Then, stroll a maze of twisting alleys in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, known locally as Al Bastakiya. Settled in the 1800s by Persian merchants, the district is home to lovely courtyard houses topped with traditional wind towers designed to capture the breezes off Dubai Creek. Gather with a local scholar at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding for a discussion about the history, culture, religion, and everyday life of Dubai and the UAE. Continue the conversation over a traditional Emirati meal. Later, delve into the fragrant Spice Souk and glittering lanes of the Gold Souk with a guide. This evening, gather with fellow travelers at a welcome reception and dinner with your Smithsonian Journeys Expert. (B,L,R,D)

Day 4 — 21st Century Dubai

Step out of the past and into the future today, tracing Dubai’s rapid evolution from an ordinary fishing village to a cosmopolitan center of trade and innovation. Drive by Zabeel Park and see the opulent Zabeel Palace, once the home of the country’s prime minister and known for its resident peacocks. Follow the story of the city’s transformation at the enormous Dubai Frame, then zoom up to the Sky Deck for panoramic views of both old and new Dubai. Travel to the Dubai Marina, stopping to photograph iconic sites along the way, including the Jumeirah Mosque and the stunning, sail-shaped Burj Al Arab. Visit Palm Jumeirah, one of the world-famous Palm Islands—artificial archipelagos shaped like palm trees.

After a group lunch at the Marina, head to Dubai Mall site of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, which reaches a half mile into the air. You’ll be whisked to one of the top floors for breathtaking views. Meet up this evening for an informal discussion with your fellow travelers and Smithsonian Journeys Expert before dinner at your leisure. (B,L)

Day 5 — Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, festivities under the stars

Depart Dubai early this morning and journey into the Arabian Desert to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Covering more than 55,000 acres, the reserve is home to rolling dunes and vast, sandy expanses that harbor unusual flora and fauna. Learn about efforts to reintroduce key native species and encourage the rewilding of the landscape on a wildlife drive with a local guide. The guide will explain the desert ecology while keeping a sharp look out for the recently reintroduced Arabian oryx. This evening, gather amidst the rolling desert dunes to feast under the stars and enjoy a night complete with traditional live music and dance. (B,D)

Day 6 — A Desert Sojourn

Depart Dubai and travel into a magical desert landscape where you’ll check in to the Al Wathba Desert Resort and Spa. This afternoon is free of planned activities so you can  immerse yourself in the amenities of this stunning property, perhaps spend the afternoon by the sparkling pool or indulge in a spa experience (additional charge). Later gather in the Smithsonian Journeys Travelers Corner for informal conversation about your UAE experiences so far before a festive dinner at the resort. (B,D)

Day 7 — Abu Dhabi

Today, travel from your desert resort to Abu Dhabi. The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital is the world’s first and largest hospital dedicated to the falcon, the UAE’s national bird. Since opening their doors in 1999 under the direction of a prominent German veterinary surgeon, the unique hospital treats about 6,000 birds each year, occupying the 200 air-conditioned treatment rooms. The sport of falconry has deep roots in the nation’s culture and the valuable birds are issued passports to get access to high-quality check-ups and treatment. Take the “Falcon World Tour”, a fascinating and interactive tour about falcons from ancient to modern times. Then visit the 18th-century fort of Qasr al Hosn and its original watchtower, the oldest standing building in Abu Dhabi. Over the centuries, the fort has served as home to the ruling family, the seat of government, a consultative council, and a national archive; it now stands as living monument to Abu Dhabi’s history. After checking in to your hotel, gather for dinner. (B,D)

Day 8 — Abu Dhabi

Home to just 6,000 residents at the dawn of the 20th century, Abu Dhabi sprung up from the desert beginning in the 1960s and is now a world-class capital of culture and commerce. Drive along the seaside Corniche and admire the city’s remarkable architecture—from the opulent Emirates Palace to the elegant cluster of skyscrapers known as Etihad Towers. Encounter an exquisite, modern tribute to Arabian artistry at Qasr al Watan, a presidential palace known as the “Palace of the Nation.” Later, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Continue exploring with a visit the world-renowned Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which stands out as one of the world’s largest mosques, and the only one that captures unique interactions between Islam and world cultures. Gather late in the day for an informal discussion in the Smithsonian Journeys Travelers Corner. (B,L)

Day 9 — Abu Dhabi

This morning, visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi, which opened in 2017 after an agreement between the governments of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. It’s the first museum of its kind in the Arab world, a universal museum that is a cultural beacon, bringing together different cultures. Enjoy a guided visit with a Museum Educator exploring highlights from the museum collection, the international exhibition and the museum’s architecture. Then, enjoy some time to explore the museum on your own before returning to the hotel. Lunch independently, then enjoy an afternoon free of planned activities. This evening gather for a festive farewell dinner high atop the hotel, marvel at the impressive views and twinkling lights of Abu Dhabi. (B,R,D)

Day 10 – Depart for the U.S.

After breakfast, transfer to either Dubai or Abu Dhabi International Airport in time for your return flight to the U.S. (B)

Day 1 — Depart the U.S. and arrive in Dubai

Depart on an overnight flight to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), arriving the following evening.

Day 2 — Dubai

Upon arrival, clear brief Immigration and Customs formalities. You’ll be met and assisted with transfer to the Canopy by Hilton Dubai Al Seef, situated on the banks of Dubai Creek just across the water from the city’s celebrated souks. You’ll receive a customized welcome packet with maps and helpful information about Dubai and the United Arab Emirates, and your Smithsonian Journeys Travel Director will be on hand to offer suggestions for restaurants, tours, and other activities to pursue during your free time. Take the remainder of the evening to settle-in.

Day 3 — Traditional Dubai

A full breakfast will be served each morning during your stay in the UAE. After breakfast, depart on a tour of Dubai starting at the Al Shindagha Museum, located in one of the city’s oldest sections. Then, stroll through a maze of twisting alleys in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, known locally as Al Bastakiya. Settled in the 1800s by Persian merchants, the district is home to lovely courtyard houses topped with traditional wind towers designed to capture the breezes off Dubai Creek. Gather with a local scholar at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding for a discussion about the history, culture, religion, and everyday life of Dubai and the UAE. Continue the conversation over a traditional Emirati meal. Later, take a traditional abra or water taxi across Dubai Creek and explore the fragrant Spice Souk and glittering lanes of the Gold Souk with your guide. This evening, gather with fellow travelers at a welcome reception and dinner with your Smithsonian Journeys Expert. (B,L,R,D)

Day 4 — 21st Century Dubai

Step out of the past and into the future today, tracing Dubai’s rapid evolution from an ordinary fishing village to a cosmopolitan center of trade and innovation. Drive by Zabeel Park and see the opulent Zabeel Palace, once the home of the country’s prime minister and known for its resident peacocks. Follow the story of the city’s transformation at the enormous Dubai Frame, then zoom up to the Sky Deck for panoramic views of both old and new Dubai. Travel to the Dubai Marina, stopping to photograph iconic sites along the way, including the stunning, sail-shaped Burj Al Arab. Visit Palm Jumeirah, one of the world-famous Palm Islands—artificial archipelagos shaped like palm trees. After lunch at the Marina, head to Dubai Mall site of the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo and the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, which reaches a half mile into the air. You’ll be whisked to one of the top floors for breathtaking views. Meet up this evening for an informal discussion with your fellow travelers and Smithsonian Journeys Expert before dinner at your leisure. (B,L)

Day 5 — Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

Depart Dubai early this morning and journey into the Arabian Desert to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Covering more than 55,000 acres, the reserve is home to rolling dunes and vast, sandy expanses that harbor unusual flora and fauna. Learn about efforts to reintroduce key native species and encourage the restoration of the landscape on a wildlife drive with a local guide. The guide will explain the desert ecology while keeping a sharp look out for the recently reintroduced Arabian oryx. After returning to the hotel, there’s time to explore or relax before joining fellow travelers for dinner at a nearby restaurant. (B,D)

Day 6 — Dubai / Abu Dahbi

Today, you’ll learn more about two of the prominent “religions” in the UAE, Islam and Falconry. The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital is the world’s first and largest hospital dedicated to the health and welfare of the Falcon, the UAE’s national bird. Since opening in 1999 under the direction of a prominent German veterinary surgeon, the unique hospital has about 6,000 birds pass through each year, occupying the 200 air-conditioned treatment rooms. The sport of falconry has deep roots in the nation’s culture and the valuable birds are issued passports to get access to high-quality check-ups, treatments and feather substitutions. Experience the fascinating world of falcons and falconry. Take the “Falcon World Tour”, an exciting and interactive tour all about falcons – from history to modern times. Gain deep insight into the world of those majestic birds, the history of falconry as well as the life of falcons in modern times. Afterwards, lunch independently. Rejoin with your fellow travelers for a visit to Qasr al Hosn, the oldest and most significant building in Abu Dhabi, the city’s first permanent structure, the Watchtower. Over the centuries, it has been home to the ruling family, the seat of government, a consultative council and national archive; it now stands as the nation’s living memorial and the narrator of Abu Dhabi’s history.Get together for dinner this evening at the hotel. (B,D)

Day 7 — Abu Dhabi

A cultural hub in the UAE and one of the richest cities in the world, Abu Dhabi has a rich past, a vibrant present and a thrilling future. Visit Qasr al Watan, or the “Palace of the Nation”, which is an exquisitely crafted tribute to the region’s Arabian heritage and artistry. Along the way, see the Emirates Palace, Etihad Towers and the Abu Dhabi Corniche to take in views of the Arabian Gulf. Continue for a brief visit to Heritage Village. This reconstruction of a traditional oasis village provides an interesting glimpse into the emirate’s past. Traditional aspects of the desert way of life, including a campfire with coffee pots, a goats’ hair tent, and a falaj irrigation system, are attractively displayed in the open museum. Afterward, sit down to lunch a popular local restaurant. Next on your itinerary is a visit to the world-renowned Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which stands out as one of the world’s largest mosques, and the only one that captures unique interactions between Islam and other world cultures. Join fellow travelers and Smithsonian Journeys Expert this evening for an informal discussion about the day’s discoveries and impressions. This evening, dine independently. (B,L)

Day 8 — Abu Dhabi

This morning, visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi, which opened in 2017 after an agreement between the governments of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. It’s the first museum of its kind in the Arab world; a universal museum that is a cultural beacon, bringing together different cultures to shine fresh light on the shared stories of humanity. Enjoy a group-guided visit with a Museum Educator exploring highlights from the museum collection, the international exhibition and the museum’s architecture. Then, enjoy some time to explore the museum on your own before returning to the hotel. Lunch is at leisure and the balance of the afternoon is free of planned activities so that you can follow your own path and explore the city of Abu Dhabi and its environs independently. Some options include walking along the waterfront, exploring more museums on Saadiyat Island, or enjoying the amenities of the hotel. After your experience in the desert, hear from a local speaker about what life is/was like living in the Arabian Desert in stark contrast from the gleaming cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi today. Dinner is at leisure this evening. (B)

Day 9 — Abu Dhabi

Transfer this morning to the Bab al Shams Desert Resort. Nestled among the dunes, the low-lying desert resort is the world’s favorite choice for dream desert getaways. This oasis of tranquility combines rustic charm with top-tier hospitality and luxury to bring to life an authentic desert experience. Take the majority of the day to enjoy the hotel’s amenities and optional activities including falconry, camel rides, and more. Lunch will be at leisure at the resort. This evening, get together at the Al Sarab rooftop lounge to bid farewell and discuss all the impressions and memories made this week before continuing to a special farewell dinner and show. This evening, explore the sights, sounds and tastes of Arabia at an authentic desert venue amidst the rolling dunes. Feast under the stars and enjoy a night of entertainment, live music played on traditional instruments and dancing. (B,R,D)

Day 10 – Depart for the U.S.

After breakfast, transfer to Dubai International Airport in time for your return flight to the U.S. (B)