Your Itinerary
Marhaba Dubai!
Welcome to Dubai! Meet your Local Host at the hotel.
City of Gold
Wake up in Dubai and start your day of discovery with a guided sightseeing tour that takes you to see the traditional Dubai, including a walk through the Old Town of Deira, time to browse the Gold Souk, and a ride across Dubai Creek on a traditional Abra boat. Savor regional flavors during lunch. Later this afternoon and evening enjoy free time to explore more of Dubai, perhaps take a ride on the Ain Dubai, the world’s largest observation wheel, for some stunning views of Dubai. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHTLOCAL TRADITIONS Catch a glimpse into the city’s rich heritage, vibrant markets, and traditional way of life when you wander through historic lanes and gaze at shimmering gold shops. A completely different side of Dubai is revealed—authentic, colorful, and full of cultural charm that contrasts beautifully with the city’s modern skyline.
Arabian Nights
Enjoy a morning at leisure, time for some independent exploration, perhaps take some snapshots at the Dubai Frame, or visit the Future Museum. This afternoon, excitement meets cultural tradition with a desert safari and barbeque dinner. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL WONDER Go beyond the glitter and the glam of the skyline and head to the desert. Enjoy an exciting dune-bashing ride in a 4x4 vehicle, admire the desert sunset, be mesmerized by the traditional Tanoura performers, and savor an Arabic barbecue buffet dinner under the stars in a traditional desert camp.
Retail Therapy
Experience another of Dubai’s famed facets today with a trip to Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping mall featuring over 1200 shops! Enjoy time browsing, before sitting down for a delicious dinner near the Dubai Fountain, the world’s largest choreographed fountain system. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTRECORD BREAKING Covering over 1 million square meters, the Dubai Mall is not just about shops, it is a leisure and entertainment hub: housing an enormous indoor aquarium with about 33 thousand fish, an Olympic-size ice rink, a 24-meter-high waterfall that runs through 4 levels, and access to the Burj Khalifa. It also claims numerous records including the world’s largest OLED screen, the world’s largest candy store, and a 155-million-year-old dinosaur skeleton “Dubau Dino”!
DUBAI- AL AIN – ABU DHABI
Ancient and Modern
En-route to Abu Dhabi, stop in the “Garden City” of Al-Ain, an oasis, UNESCO world heritage site, and birthplace of Sheikh Zayed, founding Father of the U.A.E. A fascinating guided walk includes views of Al Jahili Fort and Qasr Al Muwaiji, plus visits to Al Ain Palace Museum and Al Ain National Museum. Enjoy lunch before continuing to Abu Dhabi, capital city of the U.A.E. and start to discover what it has to offer. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEM The tranquil desert oasis of Al-Ain is a rich treasure trove of heritage. It is one of the oldest permanently inhabited settlement, and amazingly still uses the 4000-year-old falaj irrigation system to sustain its date palm trees, all 147 000 of them! During your visit soak up the tranquillity of this oasis while enjoying a handful of dates picked especially for you!
Cosmopolitan Capital
A full day to explore fascinating Abu Dhabi. Follow your Local Guide to see the main landmarks of the city including a drive along the Corniche, the breathtaking Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and a visit to the fascinating National Museum of the UAE. Savor lunch before enjoying free time to explore more. Why not visit the Emirates Palace Hotel, the epitome of luxury, with 114 domes and over 1000 Swarovski chandeliers, it is also known for its signature cappuccino, topped with 24-karat gold flakes! Alternatively, take a ride on the world’s fastest rollercoaster at Ferrari World. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURAL GEM The recently opened National Museum of the UAE is a showcase of the heritage and people of the UAE. It explores different aspects of the country through authentic storytelling exhibitions. It also recounts the story of the U.A.E.’s founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, through original artefacts, photos, and film.
Beyond the Shore
Today, head to the port, and embark your Celestyal cruise ship. Spend the day relaxing onboard or continue your discovery of Abu Dhabi and join an optional shore excursion. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT SHIP SPOTLIGHT The Celestyal Discovery takes you closer to incredible destinations with warm hospitality and indulgent amenities. Offering a number of ways to relax and recharge onboard—from swimming to spa treatments to gym and retail shops, the ship also offers nine bars and five restaurants with a variety of culinary offerings. So, sit back, relax, and let the Celestyal Discovery make your voyage an unforgettable experience.
DESERT JEWEL
Enjoy a full day exploring Doha, the capital of Qatar; a modern city that has risen from a small pearl-diving community. Join an optional shore excursion to fully immerse yourself in Doha’s history and culture.(B,L,D)ENHANCED FREE TIMECULTURAL JOURNEY Follow your guide on an optional excursion; starting at the colorful Souq Waqif where you can browse the labyrinth of alleyways lined with stalls offering spices, perfumes, souvenirs, and traditional Qatari clothing. Later take snapshots of the luxury artificial island Pearl-Qatar before heading to the Katara Cultural Village, Doha’s destination for art, culture, and cuisine. At the Dhow Harbor see the traditional wooden boats and admire views of the spectacular Museum of Islamic Art.
CRUISING: RAS AL KHAIMAH, U.A.E.
Pearl of the Emirates
Today, sail into the scenic port of Ras Al Khaimah, the northernmost Emirate, famous for its diverse panorama, from stunning beaches to desert dunes, to the UAE’s highest peak. Perhaps join an optional shore excursion to discover more. (B,L,D)ENHANCED FREE TIMECULTURE AND HERITAGE Delve deeper into UAE heritage and visit the Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village, an abandoned, authentic pearling village that gives an insight into life before the discovery of oil. Wander the streets of this ghost town and see typical examples of Gulf architecture.
Norway of Arabia
This morning, admire rugged cliffs and fjord-like inlets as you sail into the port of Khasab, an Omani exclave overlooking the Strait of Hormuz. Khasab has lots of gems to uncover, both on land and water, why not join an optional shore excursion to get more out of your day. (B,L,D)ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE Roam, explore, and discover when you select an optional shore excursion. Head inland to ascend the Jebel Al-Harim Mountain in a 4x4, visit the Portuguese built fort and Khasab city center, ride a traditional Arabian dhow, or sit back and relax as you sail over the turquoise waters admiring the majestic mountains and small fishing villages; keep your eye out for dolphins!
ABU DHABI (DISEMBARKATION)
This morning, disembark your ship. Enjoy a free day in Abu Dhabi, absorb more art and culture in one of the museums, browse the stores in one of the malls, or try local specialties. (B)ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE There are countless ways to enjoy free time in Abu Dhabi. If you like art, visit the Louvre or Guggenheim museums or watch traditional craftspeople at the House of Artisans. Absorb culture at the magnificent Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace, browse stores for gifts and souvenirs, or linger in a sidewalk café and enjoy local specialties.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)