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Somewhere between an Arabian fantasy of souks, spices and gold, and a futuristic metropolis that spreads into the sea, you'll find the heart of one of the most intriguing places on earth. Go where abstract skyscrapers glitter in the sun, the shopping is magnificent, the golf courses first-class, and the beaches stunning. The road out of Dubai leads to the stark beauty of the desert with its wild grasses, oases and ancient caravan trails.
The United Arab Emirates is a magic brew of old and new: a dramatic contrast of modernistic architecture and traditional camel markets, bustling souks and glamorous shopping malls, small fishing villages and the largest man-made harbor in the world. This is truly a trip to another world - exotic, gorgeous, fascinating. |
FROM
$3,499
*Prces are per person, Double Occupancy. Single Occupancy subject to availability add $875. Plus $90 airline fees, government taxes and security charges.
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September 5 - 13, 2009
(Other dates are available)
PRICE INCLUDES AIRFARE
Minneapolis/St. Paul and
Chicago Departures
Other departures cities may
be available upon request.
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Daily Schedule and Optional Excursions available at an additional cost
DAY 1: Depart the U.S.A.
DAY 2: Arrive and transfer to your
hotel in Dubai
DAY 3: Dubai - Included sightseeing
tour of Dubai with lunch
DAY 4: Dubai - Optional Abu Dhabi -
A Capital Adventure
DAY 5: Dubai - Optional New Developments Tour
Optional Iftar Meal at Sunset
DAY 6: Dubai - Optional East
Coast - Fujairah
DAY 7: Dubai - Optional Jumeirah Mosque and Dubai Museum
Optional Desert Safari Evening
DAY 8: Transfer to the airport for your return flight home
DAY 9: Arrive in the U.S.A. |
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Included sightseeing tour
of Dubai with lunch
This is an exciting overview of a breathtaking city. Travel past the spectacular Burj Al Arab, currently the world's tallest hotel, and the modern palaces of the current ruler sprawled along the coast. Next take an Abra-ride (water taxi) across the Dubai Creek and enjoy spectacular views of Dubai's splendid architecture. Breathe in the aroma of old Dubai as you walk alleys laden with spice souks and end up at the modern gold souk. Here you'll see some of the finest and purest gold on earth. Continue to the distinctive Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club for an enjoyable lunch. The club's centerpiece is its striking two-story saltwater aquarium filled with tropical fish.
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INCLUDED FEATURES
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Round-trip transatlantic air transportation to Dubai
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Six nights accommodations in Dubai at the five-star deluxe Kempinski Hotel
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Round-trip transfers between the Dubai airport and hotel
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Comprehensive sightseeing tour of Dubai with lunch
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Special Go Next welcome gathering
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Full buffet breakfast daily
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Luggage handling and related tipping
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Attentive service from an experience Go Next program manager
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Professional, dedicated tour guides throughout
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Travel and destination information
Create the trip that's perfect for you.
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
Optional excursions featured will be available to purchase 45 days prior to departure, for an additional charge. Call for approximate prices. Scheduling is subject to change. |
Abu Dhabi - A Capital Adventure
Drive past the largest man-made port at Jebel Ali before arriving at Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. Shimmering skyscrapers, villas and palaces line your route along the Riviera-styled cornice overlooking the waters of the Gulf and enticing offshore islands. Visit the Heritage Village and the ancient Al Husn Fort before moving on to the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation. After a buffet lunch (included), see an old dhow (boat) yard and the charming Batinah harbor, where traditional wooden boats are made. On your return journey youÕll drive past Sports City, the largest stadium in the Middle East. Today is an engrossing view of an Emirate that is so like Dubai and yet so different.
New Developments Tour
There is only one place on earth where the world's most extensive entertainment complex, tallest structure, and largest artificial islands can be found. Welcome to Dubai, city of the future. This tour is a groundbreaking excursion providing travelers access to the most prestigious architectural and technological marvels found anywhere on the globe. Begin at the Tatweer headquarters, where you'll be privy to the plans of Dubailand, which at 3 billion square feet is twice the size of Disney World. Continue to the Emmar offices, developers of the Burj Dubai, soon to be the tallest man-made structure in the world, and the offices of Nakheel, where the plans for the revolutionary Palms were born. Considered to be the 8th wonder of the world, these man-made islands can be seen from space and encompass first-class hotels, luxury villas, beaches, marinas, and more. Let these marvels materialize before your eyes on a panoramic drive of the Palm Jumeirah islands. The day concludes with lunch (included).
Iftar Meal at Sunset
During Ramadan, Muslims gather as a community to break their fast at Maghrib (sunset) with a traditional meal known as Iftar. Enjoy your own Iftar with a buffet dinner of local delicacies at one of the city's luxury hotels. |
East Coast - Fujairah
En route to the East Coast, pass the unique Sharjah International Airport and travel through the multihued desert landscape to the oasis of Dhaid. Browse the local market for crafts, pottery and carpets, before continuing on through Dibba, a picturesque fishing village on the way to the Bidiya mosque, the oldest in the U.A.E. Continue along the coast through the lovely green town of Khor Fakkan. Enjoy lunch (included) near the Indian Ocean in Fujairah. See its 300-year-old fort before exploring the rest of Fujairah, a town abandoned when mountain dwellers moved away from oil exploration to start a fishing village.
Jumeirah Mosque and Dubai Museum
Visit one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in Dubai. The Jumeirah Grand Mosque is the first and only mosque in the U.A.E. to open its doors to non-Muslims - a rare and fascinating experience. This unique visit will enable participants to learn about the 'five pillars' of Islam, the Emirati culture and its traditions. Continue to the 18th-century Al Fahidi Fort, home to the fascinating Dubai Museum. Here, see vivid depictions of life before the oil boom with reproductions of traditional souks, mosques, and pearl diving.
Desert Safari Evening
The evening begins with an exciting four-wheel-drive ride across the desert. Witness the skills needed to navigate through the Arabian Desert! Your desert drive will take you through the world-class Al Maha nature reserve and includes a visit to a camel farm. There will be a sunset photo stop before arriving at a desert camp where you will enjoy a traditional Arabian feast featuring BBQ meats and sumptuous Arabic Mezza (Arabian hors d'oeuvres). During this fascinating evening you will have the opportunity to ride a camel and listen to mystical Arabian music, all under a blanket of brightly shining stars.
The agreement at the end of this brochure is the exclusive and entire statement of the agreement between you and Go Next, Inc. It should be read carefully. All land accommodations, local transportation and sightseeing is arranged and operated by Arabian Adventures who may use other suppliers or providers to render the services. |
Optional Extension
Oman: The Essence of Arabia
Limited Space - Book now! $1,599**
Double occupancy. Single occupancy subject to availability - add $400
** If an overnight stay is required in Dubai on your return schedule,
there will be a supplement of approximately $200.
DAY 8 DUBAI/MUSCAT From Dubai, fly to Muscat, the ancient capital of Oman and upon arrival continue to the Grand Hyatt Hotel Muscat. After check-in, depart on a tour of Muscat, a city that has embraced modern developments while maintaining harmony with its traditional culture. See the protected natural harbor and make a photo stop outside the official residence of the Sultan, the magnificent blue and gold Al Alam Palace that is flanked by the grand 16th-century forts of Mirani and Jalali. Continue with a visit to the Bait Al Zubair Museum and gain insight into Oman's rich cultural heritage and history. Conclude the tour with a stroll through the Muttrah Souq, with its many interesting shops filled with handmade crafts and jewelry. (Lunch)
DAY 9 MUSCAT/NIZWA Embark on an early morning journey to Nizwa, a scenic palm oasis in the interior province surrounded by mountains. Nizwa was the former capital of the Sultanate of Oman in the 6th and 7th centuries and the birthplace of Islam in the country. See the 17th-century Round Tower Fort, considered a masterpiece in Omani architectural ingenuity and Oman's most visited national monument. Its famous souk is renowned for its cattle auctions, intricately hand-carved khanjars (daggers), and ornamental silver and copper jewelry. Not far is the ancient town of Bahla and the ruins of the immense Bahla Fort. See the remarkable earthen brick walls and towers of this World Heritage Site. Continue on to Jabrin, the finest of Oman's castles built in the late 17th century and see spectacular Omani ceiling painting and beautifully executed woodcarvings. Before returning to Muscat, visit the charming village of Birkat Al Mauz, found in the foothills of the Jebel Akhdar Mountains. (Breakfast, Lunch)
DAY 10 MUSCAT/DUBAI Time permitting, enjoy a morning visit to the Grand Mosque, said to be the crowning glory of Oman and an icon of traditional Islamic architecture. In the afternoon, fly to Dubai and connect with a return flight to the U.S.A. (Breakfast)
DAY 11 Arrive at your home city.
Oman Included Features:
• 2 nights deluxe accommodations at the Grand Hyatt Hotel Muscat
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Round-trip air transportation between Dubai and Muscat
• Oman Visa
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All sightseeing and meals as specified in the itinerary
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Transfers, luggage handling and related tipping
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Attentive service from an experienced Go Next program manager
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Professional, dedicated tour guides throughout
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Travel and destination information
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