Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your ship in Dubai in a modern and air-conditioned vehicle.
Your tour will start when your guide driver meets you at the cruise exit door and takes you to one of the modern highlights of Dubai, the Jumeirah Mosque (from outside). Here you can discover and learn about the marvelous Islamic architectural style, rich decorations of Islamic spirit, and the Jumeirah Beach Road, the most luxurious urban area in Dubai. We will pass in front of the Mercato Themed Shopping Mall and stop for photographs at the famous Burj Al Arab (Arab Tower) Hotel, one of the fanciest hotels in the world. We will then head along the skyscraper area of Sheikh Zayed Road, also referred to as Little Manhattan, where we pass by the Emirates Towers and Dubai World Trade Center, two of the most famous landmarks of modern Dubai. Next, we drive along the Zabeel Road, passing by the palaces of Dubai rulers and builders, Sheikh Muhammad Palace, and Sheikh Rashid Palace, before passing Dubai Creek to have a photo stop there. We will also pass by the Al Bastakiya’s old wind tower houses, which were built by the wealthy merchants of the past. The next stop takes us to Dubai Museum, which is built on the ruins of the famous Fahidi Fort. The museum is the 200-year-old restored Palace of Sheikh Saeed. The tour then continues to the Abra station, where we will take an Abra (water ferry) to cross to the opposite side of the creek, to have a quick shopping tour in Dubai’s souks and bazaars. By the end of the tour, you will be back on your cruise.
Meet your tour guide by the cruise exit door to start your trip to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, which is situated about 170 kilometers southwest of Dubai. The first landmark on the tour you will already reach before entering the city center of Abu Dhabi is the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque. This place of worship is also Abu Dhabi’s main tourist attraction, and the impressive white complex and minarets can already be seen from far away. Before entering the mosque, ladies will be asked to dress up in the local dress, which will be provided at the entrance. Once inside the mosque, you can admire the amazing marble artwork as well as the largest woven carpet in the world. Then, you will proceed to the city center, where many of the city’s striking examples of modern architecture show fascinating interpretations of Islamic themes captured in today’s materials. A reminder of the historical past is the renovated Al Husn Palace, which is now home to the Centre for Documentation and Research. A drive along the beautiful Corniche gives a magnificent view of the city. At the end of that road, you will pass the Emirates Palace Hotel, which is an outstanding 5* deluxe property, a favorite place for royal weddings and celebrities. Finally, you will enjoy a short and quick visit to the Marina Mall before returning to your ship. By the end of the day, you will drive back and be dropped off at your cruise.
Free day at leisure
The tour starts with a visit to the Grand Mosque, standing in stately grandeur. A visit to this beautiful piece of architecture is a must for all tourists (open daily for visitors between 0800–1100 Hrs, except Fridays/holidays). Dress code – Women should wear attire covering their arms and legs and should cover their heads with a scarf. Men should wear a normal shirt and trousers. From here, we move on to the Fish and Vegetable markets in Muttrah. Feel free to mingle with the crowd. Visit the Muttrah Souq, where you will find a mix of old and new. Sights, sounds, and fragrances are in abundance. You then proceed past the Corniche and to the capital area before you take a photo stop at the Sultan’s Palace flanked by the 16th-century Portuguese forts of Jalali and Mirani. You visit the Bait Al Zubair Museum for a fine display of Omani culture and history. End of Tour.
This intriguingly different view of Dubai offers a portrait of the new character of Dubai and the 8th Wonder of the world, The Palm Island. The Dhow is located on the west side of Dubai Marina Yacht Club. After departing from Dubai Marina Yacht Club, we will be cruising at the Dubai Marina channel with Dubai Marina on one side and the Jumeirah Beach Residence on the other side. You will have amazing views of all the attractions and landmarks in that area. Then, we will enter Palm Island where you will be able to see the buildings and villas of Palm Island.