The Emirates: Glitter and Sand from Abu Dhabi to Dubai

Abu Dhabi - Dubai

Photography, Videography, Exploration, Food, Health, Yoga

For many people, the United Arab Emirates might seem like a paradox. A dizzying array of contrasts where arid desert sands meet the sparkling blue waters of the Arabian Gulf and where ancient Bedouin culture meets the glitz and glamour of the sci-fi-esque skyscrapers of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Between the sand and the glitter lies an alluring culture and destination that will welcome you into its warm embrace.

  • 7 days

  • 8 - 20 spots

  • Double occupancy in 3-star hotels (single rooms available)

  • 6 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches and 3 Dinners

  • TrovaTrip will provide 2 transfers from Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) , between 8 AM and 5 PM

  • TrovaTrip will provide 2 transfers to Dubai International Airport (DXB) on the last day

Activities Included

  • Abu Dhabi City Tour
  • Yas Island Visit
  • Desert Safari, 4x4 Dune Tour
  • Desert BBQ & Bedouin Experience
  • Burj Khalifa Viewing Deck
  • Old Dubai Tour
  • Abra Boat Ride on Dubai Creek
  • Emirati Market Tour and Cooking Course

Other Inclusions

  • Double Occupancy in 4-star Hotels
  • Local Guide throughout Trip
  • All City Transfers
  • Arrival Airport Transfer (until 5 pm on first day)
  • Departure Airport Transfer (morning of last day)

Optional Activities

  • Emirati Coastal Road Trip

Exclusions

  • International Flights
  • Food & Alcohol (except as noted)
  • Visas & Travel Insurance
  • Airport Transfers Outside of Designated Times
  • Tips for Guides

Itinerary

Day 1

info

Day 1

After a long journey, you’ve made it, welcome to the Emirates! After clearing immigration and customs you will be transferred to your hotel in Abu Dhabi where your adventure begins.

transfer

20 MIN

Airport Transfer

Airport Transfer

meal

dinner

Meet up with the rest of the group for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

accommodation

Centro Yas Island

Overnight in Abu Dhabi

Day 2

info

Day 2

Rise and shine to your first morning in the United Arab Emirates! Today will be a full-day tour of Abu Dhabi, the capital and cultural center of the UAE.

meal

breakfast

Included breakfast at hotel.

activity

6 HOURS

Abu Dhabi City Tour

Abu Dhabi offers so much more than its stunning skyline. Visit Yas Island, and go on a scenic drive down the Corniche of Abu Dhabi. Lined with cafes and restaurants, pedestrian walkways, and bike paths, the Corniche boasts gorgeous views of the Gulf. From there you will head into Abu Dhabi’s city center and visit the Heritage Village, a reconstruction of a traditional oasis village. Marvel at grandiose architectural masterpieces with stops at the Emirates Palace, Qasr Al Watan, and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

activity

1 HOUR 30 MIN

Yas Island Visit

Visit Yas Island, the entertainment capital of the Middle East. At the heart of the island is the Yas Marina, the home of Formula One, Ferrari World, and Clymb, the highest indoor climbing wall in the world.

accommodation

Centro Yas Island

Overnight in Abu Dhabi

Day 3

info

Day 3

After breakfast, you will have the morning free and at leisure to explore Yas Island or simply lay back and chill. In the afternoon, you will leave the city behind and enter the great expanse of the Emirati desert.

meal

breakfast

Included breakfast at the hotel.

activity

5 HOURS

Desert Safari, 4x4 Dune Tour

Begin your desert safari by hopping in a 4x4 truck and going climbing and crashing through the sand dunes. There will be plenty of opportunities to hop out and appreciate the grandeur of the golden desert.

activity

2 HOURS

Desert BBQ & Bedouin Experience

When the sun begins to set, you will reach an oasis and camp where you’ll experience Bedouin culture. There will be music, a fire, and a Bedouin BBQ for you to enjoy as the stars begin to appear and glimmer above you.

accommodation

Centro Yas Island

Overnight in Abu Dhabi

Day 4

info

Day 4

This morning you will wave goodbye to Abu Dhabi and hit the road for Dubai. Although towering skyscrapers have risen from the sands of Dubai, the lightning-fast growing city of Dubai has never forgotten its vibrant heritage and golden traditions.

meal

breakfast

Included breakfast at the hotel.

activity

45 MIN

Burj Khalifa Viewing Deck

Bring your camera, it's time for a bird’s eye view of the city from the top of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.

activity

5 HOURS 15 MIN

Old Dubai Tour

Experience Old Dubai, where you will visit Al Baskia, the Dubai Museum, and the spice market.

activity

1 HOUR

Abra Boat Ride on Dubai Creek

You will board a traditional abra boat, and ride down Dubai Creek, surrounded by the stunning skyline.

accommodation

Canopy by Hilton Dubai Al Seef

Overnight in Dubai

Day 5

info

Day 5

Today you will have a glimpse into the traditional food culture of the Emirates. After a foodie experience, the afternoon is free for you to explore Dubai on your own or relax by the pool.

meal

breakfast

Included breakfast at the hotel.

activity

5 HOURS

Emirati Market Tour and Cooking Course

Meet your chef and food expert who will give you a tour of Dubai’s food market. After food shopping in the market, you will head to the kitchen where you’ll take part in a cooking lesson. At the end, you will have the chance to sample your creations and hopefully leave the experience with a few recipes and tricks to bring home.

accommodation

Canopy by Hilton Dubai Al Seef

Overnight in Dubai

Day 6

info

Day 6

Your last full day in the Emirates is free to either relax, shop or do any last-minute sightseeing.

meal

breakfast

Included breakfast at the hotel.

activity

4 HOURS

Emirati Coastal Road Trip (Optional)

On this tour, you will embark on a scenic road trip to the coast and watch the modern skyline transform into amber sand slopes and rocky mountain ranges. You’ll pass by old ruins, visit markets, fishing villages, and the oldest mosque in the country.

meal

dinner

Swap stories with your newfound friends at your farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

accommodation

Canopy by Hilton Dubai Al Seef

Overnight in Dubai

Day 7

info

Day 7

All good things must come to an end, but only until our next adventure. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport where you will bid farewell to the Emirates.

transfer

1 HOUR

Airport Transfer

Airport Transfer

meal

breakfast

Included breakfast at the hotel.

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$1965+ USD

per traveler
Request trip

$1965+ USD

per traveler