Overview
Dubai is easy to visit badly — a few malls, a viewing platform and little sense of the place. This journey deliberately splits its time. Two structured half-days cover the contemporary city, including Downtown and the Burj Khalifa area, the Marina and the Palm, and then the older city across the creek: the Al Fahidi historic district, the gold and spice souks, and an abra crossing that costs almost nothing and remains the best way to see the water. A desert evening with dune driving and dinner completes the picture. The rest is unscheduled, because Dubai rewards free time — the beaches, the restaurants and the shopping are the point for many travellers, and they should not be squeezed between fixed appointments.
Highlights
- Downtown Dubai and the Burj Khalifa area
- Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah
- Old Dubai, Al Fahidi and the creek
- Gold and spice souks with an abra crossing
- Desert safari with dune driving and dinner
Cities & Places
Dubai (Downtown, Marina, Old Dubai, Palm Jumeirah), Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
Ideal For
Accommodation
Centrally located 4-star or 5-star hotel in Downtown or along the Marina, depending on whether you want to be near the attractions or near the beach — a more consequential choice in Dubai than the star rating. Beachfront resort options on the Palm or Jumeirah can be quoted. Properties are confirmed at quotation stage, subject to verification and availability.
Itinerary
- 1
Arrival
Airport transfer and hotel check-in. Evening free; the Dubai Fountain show is a short walk from most Downtown hotels.
- 2
The modern city
Half-day covering Downtown, the Burj Khalifa area, Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah. Afternoon and evening at leisure.
- 3
Old Dubai & the creek
Half-day in Al Fahidi historic district, the gold and spice souks, with an abra crossing of the creek. Afternoon free.
- 4
Desert evening
Day at leisure, followed by an afternoon and evening desert safari with dune driving, sunset and dinner at a desert camp.
- 5
Departure
Time at leisure subject to flight timing, then airport transfer.
Inclusions
- Accommodation for 4 nights with breakfast
- Airport arrival and departure transfers
- Half-day modern Dubai tour
- Half-day old Dubai and creek tour with abra crossing
- Desert safari with dune driving and dinner
- Itinerary planning and in- destination support from Ramada Tours Travel Agency
Exclusions
- ✕International flights unless specifically quoted
- ✕UAE entry visa unless verified and quoted
- ✕Burj Khalifa observation deck and other attraction tickets unless specified
- ✕Meals other than breakfast and the desert dinner
- ✕Theme parks, water parks and optional activities
- ✕Personal expenses and shopping
- ✕Travel insurance unless included in a confirmed quotation
Important Notes
Entry requirements for the UAE vary significantly by nationality, and many travellers require a visa arranged in advance rather than on arrival. This is verified by Ramada Tours Travel Agency at quotation stage, and processing time should be allowed for — please raise your nationality at enquiry so the correct arrangement and timeline are quoted. Dubai is very hot from June to September, when the city moves largely indoors and desert excursions are less pleasant; November to March is the comfortable season. Dune driving is not recommended during pregnancy or for those with back or neck conditions, and a gentler desert alternative can be arranged.
Dubai City Escape
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