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THIS IS NOT THE FULL BROCHURE
We invite you to call Sarah or Gwen at 1-800-762-4216 to request the full brochure. The brochure will include Important Traveler Information (and answers to most questions) and a Reservation Form. We can send the brochure through the Postal Service or as a PDF attachment. If you would like to receive a PDF, probably the best way to keep the message from going into a SPAM filter is to send a message to sarah@serioustraveler.com. If you are already on our mailing list, no need to complete the entire brochure request form.
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December 4 - 12, 2008
$4630 • 9 Days from New York, NY to Dubai on Emirates Airlines
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December 4 Depart New York
Thursday
Our tour begins this evening at New York’s JFK airport for our non-stop flight via Emirates Airlines, EK202 departing at 11:00 PM (Meals aloft)
December 5 Dubai
Friday
Welcome to the United Arab Emirates! Our group will be met upon arrival at the Dubai International Airport, assisted with immigration formalities and transferred to Atlantis the Palm for check-in this evening.
*****Atlantis The Palm
December 6 Dubai
Saturday Sharjah
This morning we will relax, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and spend time enjoying the hotel’s many facilities.
At 12:00 noon, meet with our group and guide for lunch and a short briefing regarding the activities of the week. Then, depart on a tour of the intriguing city of Sharjah.
We begin our tour at the Mohammed Al Qassimi Mosque and walk along the Corniche, watching the people working on the Dhows. Watch as they off-load the goods being transported in the same traditional manner that has been used for centuries. In this neighborhood, you will find a variety of small shops selling all kinds of goods. The shop owners are mostly Iranian nationals who moved to this area many years ago to set up trade. While strolling along, you might even find something you would like to take home as a souvenir.
A little further down the street, we will come across the Old Souk. Beautiful little stores, selling the traditional clothing such as the Kandoura, Agal, Gutrah and Kaffia or the Abaya, Sheila and Sirwal. Your guide will take time to explain the different items and how they are worn by the local Emirati ladies and gentlemen. Take your time to wander the area with your guide and stroll through the narrow alleyways to get a feeling for the bustling life of the traders in Sharjah.
Next, we stop by the ancient Al Hisn Fort, home of the former ruler of Sharjah. Our guide will describe the history of this important building. An interesting movie will also be shown on the history of the emirate of Sharjah as well as the very first airport that came into use in the UAE.
Following a short stroll through the nearby Al Arsah Souk, we will visit the beautiful Blue Souk, an impressive and ornate building where more than 600 shops sell traditional goods including carpets, gold, silver, antiques, perfumes, and clothing. From the Blue Souk, we will have a view of the King Faisal Mosque next to the Al Ittihad monument in central Sharjah city. Return to our hotel in time for dinner on our own. (B-L)
*****Atlantis The Palm
December 7 Dubai
Sunday Um Al Quwain Ras Al Khaimah
After breakfast, check out of our hotel and we embark with our guide on a private city tour of Dubai. Our route will take us to the magnificent Jumeirah Mosque, past modern palaces and expensive villas sprawled along the coast. In the old Bastakia area, we stop for a while to admire the old wind-tower houses built by wealthy merchants at a time when pearl diving was the key trade for Dubai. Close by, stands the 150-year old Al Fahidi Fort. Here, the Dubai Museum records the city’s past as the most important pearl diving city in the Gulf and soon the formidable center of trading between Europe, South East Asia, Africa and the Far East. We continue our journey by Abra – a local water taxi that shuttles across the Creek day and night. As we cross the Creek, we see the modern metropolis with its splendid architecture dwarfing the bustling alley-ways of our next destination, the gold and spice souks. There will be a break so that those who wish may purchase lunch at a local restaurant.
Continuing our journeys, we drive along the northern coast through the small emirate of Um Al Quwain to explore the ancient sites of the fortress that once stood in this area. Proceeding northwards to Ras Al Khaimah, we check in at the Hilton Hotel in Ras Al Khaimah. In the evening we visit the old Market and explore this small city built from what was once a tiny fishing village. Dinner is included tonight. (B-D)
*****Hilton Ras Al Khaimah
December 8 Ras Al Khaimah
Monday Al Ain
After breakfast, check out and proceed to Al Ain, a charming desert oasis city that has been a stop on the camel caravans for centuries. In Al Ain, we first stop at the archaeological digs at Hili which date back some 5,000 years. Our next stop is the oasis town of Buraimi. Here we saunter through the quaint souk area. Continue to Al Ain’s museum, situated next to the old Arabian fortress. After a tour of the museum, we walk through the date plantation, located on a lush green oasis. Here we will learn about the irrigation systems used in the region. Check into the Intercontinental Hotel Al Ain Hotel in time for lunch.
Later in the afternoon, visit the Al Ain Palace Museum, once the residence of the ruler of Abu Dhabi, the great Sheikh Zayed. Continue to the traditional area of the Camel Market that has been used for centuries by nomadic traders and still used by the present-day camel farmers of Al Ain.
At sunset, we shall take a winding mountain drive up to the top of Jebel Hafeet, one of the highest mountains in the UAE. Enjoy views across the valley covering the different emirates of the UAE and also the border with Oman. We shall stop at the hotel on top of the mountain to take in the view and enjoy a refreshment at sunset before returning to the Intercontinental hotel. (B-L)
*****Intercontinental Hotel Al Ain
December 9 Al Ain
Tuesday Abu Dhabi
After breakfast, check out and proceed to Abu Dhabi. In this capital city of dramatic contrasts, visit the ancient Al Husn Fort and the Abu Dhabi Corniche, with its fascinating fountains. Continue to the stunning Emirates Palace Hotel – the newest landmark of Abu Dhabi – for a coffee or tea including tea sandwiches: cucumber, smoked salmon, Turkey ham, cream cheese and air cured beef; Scones with Devonshire cream; Home made jam and a selection of pastries. You’ll see why the Emirates Palace was Named the finest hotel in the middle east, 2007.
Continue to the Heritage Village on the breakwater, from where we get a spectacular skyline view of the city of Abu Dhabi and charming Bithnah Harbour. We then check into the Intercontinental Hotel for evening relaxation. Dinner in Abu Dhabi. (B-D)
*****Intercontinental Hotel Abu Dhabi
December 10 Abu Dhabi
Wednesday Dubai
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and proceed to Dubai. Before arriving in Dubai, drive past the world’s largest man-made port at Jebel Ali, the new Dubai Marina area near the Palm Island project and other modern developments in this fast growing city. We shall also pass the Burj Dubai Tower escalating in to the sky in the new Downtown Dubai area. The tower is set to be around 150 stories high when complete.
We shall then check-in to Atlantis the Palm again at around lunchtime. After time to relax and change in to your desert wear, we set off on an adventure in true Dubai Style! We shall commence our Dune Dinner Safari with a thrilling ride through the sand dunes. Take a break to photograph the camels at the local Bedouin farm and enjoy the vast scenery of the shifting sands at sunset. We arrive at the desert camp and settle down to a succulent barbecue of assorted meats, baked potatoes, salads, fresh fruits and local dates. There will be time to receive a local and traditional Henna Tattoo as well as watch the energetic display of the belly dancer – and perhaps shown off your own dancing skills! After some desert star gazing return to the hotel. (B-D)
*****Atlantis The Palm
December 11 Dubai
Thursday
Enjoy breakfast at leisure followed by a day to relax. This day will be kept open for optional tours and activities, such as last minute souvenir shopping or a relaxing spa treatment. For lunch on your own, you may want to try a traditional Chinese Dim Sum at the Shangri-La Hotel or an elegant English afternoon tea at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel.
Subject to construction Meydan City, we will either visit Nad Al Sheba or the Arabian Ranches Golf and Polo Club.
The Nad Al Sheba Race Course is the home of the multi-million dollar horse racing event, the Dubai World Cup. Enjoy a buffet dinner and drinks whilst watching the different races of the day as some of the finest thoroughbred horses sprint the different distances around the course. Join in with predicting the winners for each race and possibly win a prize! The regular winter Thursday evening racing is very popular with the Emirate families and the residents of Dubai.
Return back to the hotel around 10:00 P.M. Atlantis has a hospitality Lounge is open for guests returning to their home on late flights. The lounge provides guests with safe stowage of their luggage as well as private shower and changing room facilities. Should guests wish to relax, there is the Open Lounge, with access to room service and a retail outlet. For guests that wish to sleep or rest, the Quiet Lounge is available with dimmed lighting, comfy sofas, blankets and the option of being woken by Atlantis staff to ensure a timely arrival at the airport at 11:30 P.M. (B-D)
December 12 Dubai
Friday New York
Our flight lifts off at 2:00 A.M. Our non-stop Emirates flight, EK203 arrives back in New York at 7:20 A.M. Welcome home!
Flight schedule always subject to change.
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
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THIS IS NOT THE FULL BROCHURE
We invite you to call Sarah or Gwen at 1-800-762-4216 to request the full brochure. The brochure will include Important Traveler Information (and answers to most questions) and a Reservation Form. We can send the brochure through the Postal Service or as a PDF attachment. If you would like to receive a PDF, probably the best way to keep the message from going into a SPAM filter is to send a message to sarah@serioustraveler.com. If you are already on our mailing list, no need to complete the entire brochure request form.
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THIS IS NOT THE FULL BROCHURE
We invite you to call Sarah or Gwen at 1-800-762-4216 to request the full brochure. The brochure will include Important Traveler Information (and answers to most questions) and a Reservation Form. We can send the brochure through the Postal Service or as a PDF attachment. If you would like to receive a PDF, probably the best way to keep the message from going into a SPAM filter is to send a message to sarah@serioustraveler.com. If you are already on our mailing list, no need to complete the entire brochure request form.
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December 25, 2008 - January 1, 2009
$4580 from Houston via Emirates Airlines
Single supplement: $1490
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December 25 Depart Houston
Thursday
Our group will gather in Houston’s International Airport, IAH this afternoon for departure at 6:25 PM on Emirates EK 212 nonstop flight to Dubai.
December 26 Arrive Dubai
Friday
Arrive Dubai at 7:05 PM where you will be greeted and assisted to our deluxe waterfront hotel. Welcome to the United Arab Emirates! Settle in for a good night’s rest, go for a swim, or to the spa, or take a refreshing walk through the shopping center next door before retiring.
Clubrooms at the Hyatt Regency, Dubai
December 27 City of Merchants
Saturday
Breakfast is served in the Clubroom, and then we are off for a fascinating historical excursion. Our route takes us to the magnificent Jumeirah mosque; past modern palaces sprawled along the coast. In Bastakia we stop for a while to admire the old wind-tower houses built by wealthy merchants. Close by stands the 150-year old Al Fahidi Fort. Here the Dubai Museum records the city’s past as an important pearl diving and trading centre. We continue our journey by Abra - local water taxi. As we cross the Creek we see the modern metropolis with its splendid architecture dwarfing the bustling alleys of our next destination: the gold and spice souks. Lunch at the Bastakia Night restaurant.
‘An Evening of Elegance’
Enjoy a 360-degree view of Dubai Creek from the sleek, all glass, Seine-designed Al Minsaf boat. This enchanting two-and-a-half hour dinner cruise combines the best of sightseeing, fine dining and soft, contemporary music. The 6,000-square-foot window of the boat offers views of Dubai’s creek side as you cruise past Sheikh Zayed’s House, the landmark National Bank of Dubai and the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry buildings. Beverages may be purchased on board. The dress code is either smart casual or national dress. Tour includes return transfer from the hotel to the boat. Children below the age of six years are not allowed onboard the cruise. (B-L-D)
Clubrooms at the Hyatt Regency, Dubai
December 28 Mall of the Emirates
Sunday
In the morning our coach is waiting to take us to the Mall of the Emirates. You’ll have the opportunity to snow ski (arranged individually as an option). Return to the hotel.
‘A Walk through the City of Contrasts’
Discover Dubai on Foot
What better way to get to know Dubai than on this fascinating walking tour. Our tour begins at the Shindagha area with a visit to the Sheikh Saeed House. From there we are transported into the intriguing past of Dubai as we enter the heart of the quaint old souk, which is still to date, a bustling wholesale and retail market. We walk past the Ruler’s office and enter the narrow lanes of the Bastakiya area – a cluster of beautiful, carefully restored, old houses with original wind towers. Walking along the creekside, once Dubai’s main trading artery and gateway to the outside world, we see the fascination contrasts of Dubai’s architecture. Across the creek we see sophisticated, tall glass structures that exist harmoniously alongside old Arab architecture. At the end of the creek we board a traditional water ferry or Abra to ride across the creek. Just a short walk away is the exotic spice souk, with its exquisite array of Oriental and Middle Eastern spices. Winding our way through the alleys of the spice souk we enter the dazzling gold souk that has given Dubai its title of “City of Gold”. Our last stop is the fish and vegetable market, from where we take a coach ride back to the hotel. (B)
Clubrooms at the Hyatt Regency, Dubai
December 29 Dubai
Monday
‘A New Dawn’
Experience the Future Dubai
Our journey begins at a location near the Burj Al Arab, a great photo opportunity for pictures of the world’s first seven-star hotel. Our next destination is the Palm Jumeirah. Driving across the trunk, we take a closer look at developments in the area. We then drive to the new marina for a photostop at the Marina walk. Our next stop is the Gold and diamond Park, a new complex of jewelry workshops and showrooms that is also a favored shopping destination for visitors seeking a quick turnaround on custom-made jewelry. We then visit the Information Centre of Dubailand, where guests get a preview of the dynamic upcoming projects. Dubailand – conceived as the largest destination for family - orientated tourism and entertainment in the Middle East will cover an area of three billion square feet. It will feature several attractions “The Restless Planet”, a dinosaur theme park; Sport City featuring a large state-of-the-art stadium; the Great Dubai Wheel; the Islamic Culture and Science World; and the Mall of Arabia, set to become on of the largest shopping centers in the world. Once completed Dubailand expects a footfall of 40,000 visitors a day and will contribute to attracting 15 million visitors to Dubai by the year 2015. Our final stop is the Souq Al Bahar, located at Old Town in the vicinity of the Burj Dubai. Themed as a traditional Arabian marketplace, it offers a range of shopping dining choices. It is an ideal vantage point to capture dramatic shots of the Burj Dubai soaring into the skies above.
‘Sundowner Dune Dinner’
The mysterious desert beckons you for a magical evening out – an adventure you’ll never forget. Leaving behind the bustle of the city in the afternoon, our safari guides will transport you, by four-wheel drive vehicles, for a thrilling journey over rolling dunes through the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, deep into the heart of the desert. En route you will stop to see camels resting at their camp and then, from the crest of a high dune, watch the sun cast its orange glow over the vast expanse of rippling sand all round you as it sets. Like a shimmering mirage in the distance you will see the flickering lights of your camp where a traditional Arabian welcome awaits you. The encampment conjures up images of the Arabian nights. Relax on comfortable low cushions in Bedouin tents and quench your thirst, have your hands painted with intricate henna designs, experience a short camel ride, or just enjoy the aromatic shisha. A feast of grilled meats, fresh salads and delectable Arab sweets is served, and under a galaxy of stars you will be entertained by the bewitching belly dancer swaying to the haunting strains of Arabian music. You won’t want this enchanting evening to end. (B-D)
Clubrooms at the Hyatt Regency, Dubai
December 30 Dubai
Tuesday
‘Breakfast with Thoroughbreds’ Tour of the Dubai Polo
& Equestrian Club
An aura of elegance and refinement draws visitors into the exclusive world of polo and other equestrian sports at the prestigious Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club, which boasts of 336 air conditioned stables, a world-class exercise track and three polo fields. Accompanied by an experienced guide, we start our tour early in the day by watching magnificent thoroughbreds being put through their paces at the Club’s training grounds. This is followed by a leisurely stroll around the Club’s immaculate facilities for the upkeep of horses - walkers, feed rooms, washrooms, tack rooms and a Ferrier’s workshop. Throughout the tour, we will learn much about the training and care of Arabian horses, polo ponies, thoroughbreds and show jumpers. The tour ends on a high note, with a sumptuous breakfast at the club’s Epona Terrace overlooking the polo arena where one may see a ‘chukka’ being played. Before returning to their hotel, visitors can relax and enjoy the luxurious ambience of the distinctive Club House, designed to resemble a Spanish hacienda.
The remainder of the day is free for independent activities or enjoying the facilities at the Hyatt Regency. (B-Brunch)
Clubrooms at the Hyatt Regency, Dubai
December 31 Abu Dhabi
Wednesday
‘A Capital Adventure’
Abu Dhabi City Tour
From Dubai, we travel past the world’s largest man-made port at Jebel Ali and onward for a two-hour drive through coastal desert scenery, studded with acacia trees. Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and many of its striking examples of modern architecture show intriguing interpretations of Islamic themes captured in today’s materials. Shimmering skyscrapers, villas and palaces line our route along the riviera-style corniche with its blue gulf waters and enticing offshore islands. In this city of dramatic contrasts, we visit the Heritage village and look at the ancient, renovated Al Husn Fort, before visiting the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation. On our return journey we drive past the charming Batinah harbor as well as Sports City, the biggest soccer stadium in the Middle East. An engrossing view of an emirate that is so like Dubai and yet so different.
Continue to the stunning Emirates Palace Hotel – the newest landmark of Abu Dhabi – for a coffee or tea including tea sandwiches: cucumber, smoked salmon, turkey ham, cream cheese and air-cured beef; scones with Devonshire cream; homemade jam and a selection of pastries. You’ll see why the Emirates Palace was named the finest hotel in the middle east, 2007.
Return to the hotel where the group may celebrate their own New Year’s Eve – or optionally take part of the New Year’s Eve party at the nearby Hyatt Grand Hotel. (B-Coffee)
Clubrooms at the Hyatt Regency, Dubai
January 1 Dubai-Houston
Thursday
Transfer to the airport around 6 AM. Our return flight departs this morning at 9:05 AM, and you are back in Houston at 3:55 PM. Meals enroute.
Welcome home!
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
Flight schedules always subject to change.
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© 2008 Travel Concepts International, Inc. CST 2005743-40
Travel Concepts International, Inc.
Cultural Tours to Better Understand the World and Its People
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