BURJ KHALIFA, GRAND MOSQUE, DESERT SAFARI, BEDOUIN CAMP
If you appreciate big, bold, and unabashedly spectacular, consider this escorted Abu Dhabi and Dubai tour package from the U.S. Just 50 years ago, Abu Dhabi could be best described as a fishing village. Thanks to enormous wealth due to its oil reserves, the UAE’s largest emirate has transformed into an impressive destination you have to see to believe. Dramatic Dubai is developing rapidly too. Embodying progress—and excess—it’s become a truly global, open society where visitors immerse themselves in exciting possibilities. Experience all of the must-sees, as your smarTours® guide provides context, dining ideas, and personalized tips on maximizing your free time. 4/5 stars on Tripadvisor!
Did you know you can make this tour private? Find out about pricing and options
for groups of 15 or more travelers.
Itinerary at
a Glance
2023 Tour Itinerary:
- 3 nights in Abu Dhabi
- 4 nights in Dubai
2024 Tour Itinerary:
- 3 nights in Abu Dhabi
- 4 nights in Dubai
Tour Highlights
- Fish Market (Abu Dhabi)
- Corniche and waterfront (Abu Dhabi)
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (Abu Dhabi)
- Dhow Dinner Cruise (Abu Dhabi)
- Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah (Dubai)
- Dubai Museum and Abra ride (Dubai)
- Burj Khalifa “At the Top” experience (Dubai)
- Desert safari, Bedouin campsite and BBQ dinner (Dubai)
Your Tour Includes
- Optional round-trip airfare from New York (JFK) including taxes, fees & fuel surcharges
- Tourism Dirham Fee in Dubai
- Accommodations at deluxe hotels
- 5-star hotels in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
- 12 meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners
- Comprehensive sightseeing as per itinerary
- Experienced English-speaking Tour Director
- Ground transportation
Max Group Size: 30 travelers
Activity Level: Level 1
Expect most included touring to require walking and standing periods up to 3 hours at a time (up to 2 times per day) on easy terrain with some light stairs. Learn More
Pacing Level: Balanced
Expect either half-day or full-day tours most days with a free day or free half-day to explore independently in most cities. There may be a few early mornings or long travel days by bus (don’t worry—there are always comfort stops!), and you may expect to stay in most accommodations for 3+ nights. Learn More
The Desert Safari includes a rough drive over the dunes and low seating at the camp.
For more detailed information about this tour and destination, visit
our Before You Depart section.
Passengers who purchase flights will depart 1 day before the tour starts and return on the same day as the tour ends.
For flight details, see Before You Depart.
Our tour begins as we arrive in Abu Dhabi and check into our hotel.
Accommodations: Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi or similar
After breakfast, we'll set out to discover the city's striking architecture, which reflects distinctly Islamic themes with modern materials; and we'll learn how oil has been central to the development of the UAE. We'll stop at a bustling authentic fish market, and drive along the Corniche waterfront which offers a breathtaking city view.
Next, is the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which fuses styles from different Muslim civilizations and celebrates cultural diversity. Marvel at the domes, reflective pools, and the world's biggest chandelier and carpet—both of which are handmade.
After a welcome lunch, we'll visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi, an art and civilization museum—the first of its kind in the Arab world—bringing together different cultures to shine a light on humanity's shared stories. This evening, we'll enjoy dinner at our hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Delight in a day of free time. Dive into more of Abu Dhabi, or relax at your luxurious hotel. Perhaps, select our Abu Dhabi Panoramic Tour—please refer to “Optional Tours” for more details.
This evening, we'll enjoy a dhow cruise and festive dinner. This traditional sailing vessel is the perfect way to appreciate the city's beauty under the moonlight. We'll slip silently across the sea overlooking Lulu Island and the Emirates Palace hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, check out of your hotel to head to Dubai! This day you will have a photo stop at Burj Al Arab Beach - From here you will have a fantastic view over the famous 7-star hotel Burj Al Arab and take pictures of it on the background. Next stop: the sensational Atlantis hotel to navigate the Lost Chambers Aquarium, a labyrinth of elaborately themed chambers with mysterious artifacts and fascinating marine life. Then we will drive to the glitzy Dubai Marina Walk. The Dubai Marina Walk features seven km of pedestrian walkways, which lead to some of Dubai's most popular restaurants and shops. It offers an alfresco lifestyle for those that love the outdoors. Early this evening, check-in at your Dubai hotel and have the evening at leisure.
Accommodations: Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Today, savor Dubai’s rich blend of old and new. Pass by Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, one of its most picturesque heritage sites. Proceed to Al Fahidi Fort, Dubai’s oldest standing building and home to the Dubai Museum, and witness the city’s intriguing story. Continue your journey by abra (traditional boat or “water taxi”), crossing Dubai Creek toward the Spice Souk (market), followed by the glittering Gold Souk, to shop for treasures.
After lunch on your own, shift from “Heritage Dubai” to “Modern Dubai,” integrating traditional souk charm with contemporary skyscrapers. Begin with the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, and its incredible “At the Top” observation deck experience. Adjacent, visit one of the world’s largest shopping malls, home to an excellent aquarium that’s designed so you can observe the exotic wonders of aquatic life firsthand.
Meals: Breakfast
After a morning at leisure, embark on an exciting desert safari! Your safari guides will whisk you away in 4-wheel drive vehicles into the golden sand dunes of Arabia. Savor the sunset overlooking the desert, and continue on to a Bedouin campsite for camel riding, henna design, a delicious BBQ dinner, and more. Be enchanted by a belly dancer performing to classic Arabian rhythms.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
A full day of free time in Dubai. Spend it checking out city sights and activities. Or, if you like to take an optional tour today, note that you must choose between the Guided Sharjah City Tour With Lunch or the Lunch at Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding as these take place at the same time.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
We bid farewell to Dubai today as our tour comes to an end after breakfast. Travelers who purchased the air-inclusive package will transfer to the airport for our return flight and touch down in the U.S. later today.
Meals: Breakfast
Passengers who purchase flights will depart 1 day before the tour starts and return on the same day as the tour ends.
For flight details, see Before You Depart.
Welcome to beautiful Abu Dhabi, with its year-round sunshine and stunning cultural sites. Travelers who purchased our air-inclusive package will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. Tonight, we'll enjoy a welcome dinner and orientation.
Accommodations: Royal M Hotel Abu Dhabi or similar
Meals: Dinner
Today, we'll see the city's striking architecture which reflects distinctly Islamic themes with modern materials, and learn how oil has been central to the UAE's development. We'll stop at a bustling authentic fish market, and drive along the Corniche waterfront which offers breathtaking views of the city. Next, the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque fuses styles from different Muslim civilizations and celebrates cultural diversity. Marvel at the domes, reflective pools, and the world's biggest chandelier and carpet—both of which are handmade. After a break for lunch, we'll visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi, an art and civilization museum—the first of its kind in the Arab world—bringing together different cultures to shine a light on humanity's shared stories.
Meals: Breakfast
Delight in a day of free time. Dive into more of Abu Dhabi, or relax at our luxurious hotel. Consider our optional Abu Dhabi Panoramic Tour which takes place this morning or our Dhow Cruise which takes place this evening.
Meals: Breakfast
This morning, we'll check out of our hotel and head to Dubai! In Dubai, we'll have a photo stop at Burj Al Arab Beach where we'll enjoy a fantastic view over the famous 7-star hotel Burj Al Arab. Next, we'll visit the sensational Atlantis hotel for a world-class experience at The View at Palm Jumeirah. The View inspires, educates, and celebrates the extraordinary achievements behind the making of Palm Jumeirah. Then we will drive to the glitzy Dubai Marina Walk. The Dubai Marina Walk features 7km of pedestrian walkways which lead to some of Dubai's most popular restaurants and shops. It offers an alfresco lifestyle for those that love the outdoors. Early this evening, we'll check into our Dubai hotel and have the evening at leisure.
Accommodations: Sheraton Dubai Creek or similar
Meals: Breakfast
After a morning at leisure, we'll embark on an exciting desert safari! Our safari guides will whisk us away in 4-wheel drive vehicles into the golden sand dunes of Arabia. We'll savor the sunset overlooking the desert, and continue on to a Bedouin campsite for camel riding, henna design, a delicious BBQ dinner, and more. Be enchanted by a belly dancer performing to classic Arabian rhythms.
Note: During Ramadan, there is no belly dancing or alcohol at the campsite.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we'll get a glimpse of how people lived before the Union and before the discovery of oil in the Emirate of Dubai. We'll visit Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House and then walk through the Heritage Village of Dubai, an immersive time capsule of what life was like pre-modern UAE with an old-world souk (market), mosque, and camp. We'll continue our tour by abra (traditional boat or "water taxi"), crossing Dubai Creek to the Spice Souk, followed by the glittering Gold Souk where we can shop for treasures. At lunch, we'll enjoy authentic Emirati cuisine followed by an open discussion about the UAE's history, culture, and traditions at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. This evening, we'll visit the Dubai Mall and Dubai Fountain Show—a spectacular display of water, music, and lights. Next, we'll go to the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, and enjoy its incredible "At the Top" observation deck experience as the lights of the city shimmer. Stay at Dubai Mall for dinner, or return with the group to the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
We'll enjoy a full day of free time in Dubai today. Spend it checking out the city sights or consider an optional tour to Sharjah, named the Cultural Capital of the Arab World by UNESCO.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
We bid farewell to Dubai today as our tour comes to an end after breakfast. Travelers who purchased the air-inclusive package will transfer to the airport for our return flight and touch down in the U.S. later today.
Meals: Breakfast
Instant Savings of up to $400 per person for a handful of spots on select dates. While supplies lasts, ends Sep 29.
Prices listed as “with flights” below include round-trip
airfare from one or more airports in the USA.
Travelers may choose to purchase the tour only,
and arrange their own arrival in destination.
Please note this may change your tour start date.
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* Departures designated as "Guaranteed" may be canceled or rescheduled only
under Extraordinary Circumstances, for example in situations deemed to be unsafe
or nonviable due to local conditions. See Terms
& Conditions for full details.
Rates are per person based on double occupancy.
Single supplement applies when not sharing a room. Select a
date above to see the rates for that specific departure.
For more information on this tour, please
contact us here
or call us during business hours (Monday-Friday from 9:00 am - 5:30 pm Eastern)
at 1.800.337.7773.
Reservations and Payments
Reservations can be made online or by phone
(1.800.337.7773)
and will be confirmed upon receipt of your non-refundable,
non-transferable deposit, which must be received at the
time of reservation.
Deposits are $300 per person.
Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure.
Space and prices subject to availability.
Please see the
smarTours Terms and Conditions for complete
booking information.
Optional Tours
Customize your trip with these optional tours.
Enhance your trip with our recommended optional tours.
Indicated optional tours are available to pre-book
when you reserve your trip and can be added to your
reservation up to final payment. This is the best option
to guarantee your spot on your preferred optional tour!
Optional tours require a minimum number of participants.
Optional tours are non-refundable unless they do not operate.
Some optional tours can be purchased in-destination and
may cost extra. The payment methods and currency
information to purchase tours in-destination will be
provided on final documentation.
Begin the tour at Qasr Al Watan (Presidential Palace). Qasr Al Watan is more than a palace, it is a unique testament to the spirit of the United Arab Emirates’ people and its leaders. The Palace invites the world to share our culture, knowledge, and inspiring journey. Continue to the world-famous Emirates Palace hotel in Abu Dhabi for a one-of-a-kind coffee. The Golden Cappuccino at the hotel’s Le Cafe is a delicious cup of fragrant coffee topped with the hotel’s logo and sprinkled with real 24-carat gold leaf. Lastly, visit 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.
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
2024 departures only
Enjoy a dhow dinner cruise and festive dinner on this optional evening tour. This traditional sailing vessel is the perfect way to appreciate the city's beauty under the moonlight. We'll sleep silently across the sea overlooking Lulu Island and the Emirates Palace hotel.
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
Named by UNESCO as the Cultural Capital of the Arab World, Sharjah has perfectly kept its core values and heritage intact through the years even as it moves forward into the modern world. A must for everyone looking to understand Arabian culture in its rawest, most sacred form, this tour of Sharjah will open up a charming world of rich traditions for you.
2023 Departures: If you would like to take this optional tour, note that you will not be able to do the Lunch at Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding optional tour as these take place at the same time.
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
2023 departures only
Enjoy traditional Emirati cuisine and conversation in our interactive cultural experiences hosted by our Emirati presenters inside the traditional houses of Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, located in one of Dubai’s oldest communities, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.
Note: If you would like to take this optional tour, note that you will not be able to do the Guided Sharjah City Tour With Lunch optional tour as these take place at the same time.
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
Featured Accommodations
Sheikh Khalifa Street, PO Box 45505, Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates
Website
Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights is a 5-star hotel with two iconic towers overlooking the historic creek and city skyline.
PO Box 5668 • Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Website
2024 departures only
Al Bateen Marina King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street - Al Quffal St - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Website
2024 departures only
Baniyas Rd - Port Saeed - Riggat Al Buteen - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Website
Angelica H
Fantastic trip!! Everett thing was amazing, your, hotels, service, food!!! I fully recommend this trip.
Samantha L
Dubai & Abu Dhabi aRe amazing place to visit. We love clean city, beautiful architecture building, Grand Mosque, and much more places to visit. Especially, we had an amazing experience dubai desert safari 😍. Hotels are beautiful, we’re enjoy every morning breakfast at hotel. Our tour guys are great, Mohamma and our driver. They did a wonderful job. We had great time, Best trip!
Allison G
This Dubai trip was spectacular! We visited so many sites and I felt as though we left no stone unturned thanks to Smart Tours' itinerary. The tour guide was patient, knowledgeable and proactive. The driver was courteous and professional. The hotels were excellent and the excursions will be remembered forever. We hope to return with another group and do it big again!
Sylvia A
This tour was awesome! The tour guide Mohammed and the bus driver Faizel made the tour so rememberable! Mohammed was extremely professional yer personable. Mohammed imparted so much cultural content that added so much value to the trip!
Donna A
The trip was fantastic. The only thing that I didn't like was the Hyatt gave us two beds instead of one. The hotel staff did not want to correct the name on my room until the Group leader Mohammad got involved. I was not associated with the person they had assigned to my room. It was just me and my husband. Thanks to Mohammad the rest of the trip was fantastic as well.
Wesley
Would definitely travel with them again
Theresa A
The most amazingly wonderful experience I’ve ever had! Everything went well and the sites were great! I would like to come back again!
⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cathy B
Great tour for a great price. The UAE is a must-see destination. Accommodations were excellent with kind, courteous and helpful staff. Great value for the price. Free time to go exploring on your own. Our guide was great - knowledgeable, kind, and patient.
Irina L
Great quality tour.
Leah J
One of the best vacations ever!
Peggy B
Fabulous, Fantastic, Incredible and Amazing are a few words to describe the feeling I had during my dream trip to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The hotels, transportation, sites, food and staff especially Mohammed were outstanding. My friends and I had a fantastic time and the consideration paid to details such as timing, breaks, free time and the cultural immersion had us talking about booking our next adventure with SmarTours. The value, quality and spectacular experience my the trip priceless.
Tamara
I first have to mention the flight on Emirates Airlines. The flight was smooth with delicious meals and friendly attendants. My tour guide, Mohammed Saleem was simply the best. If I can take him to my ither planned trips I would. Our hotel stays, local tours and the experience was memorable. My family and I will utilize Smart Tours again.
DeShelle H
Everything was wonderful. This was my first guided tour vacation and I enjoyed it!! It was nice to be back in the sun and our tour guide Mohammed was the BEST. I can't wait to visit Abu Dahbi and Dubai again. Thanks for the awesome experience!!!
Jamella P
I enjoyed my time I just with I could’ve had a better room on a higher floor and more fun activities with ample amount of time
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