Arrive at the Dubai Airport and meet your driver for a private transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Relax poolside or take advantage of the numerous activities that are available in this exciting and bustling city. The city's burgeoning food scene offers various cuisines to feast upon, including Iranian, Filipino, Yemeni, Bangladeshi, Indian and Pakistani.

(Accommodations, Dubai)

After breakfast, meet your guide for a private half day tour to learn about Dubai's rich history. Pay a visit to the historic Dubai Creek, the original heart of the city, where traders from all over the Middle East have traditionally congregated to ply their wares. You'll even have the chance to take an abra, a traditional water taxi, for a crossing over the creek. Walk through the grand spice and gold souks, huge markets dedicated to their specialities. Here you can haggle for turquoise trinkets from Iran, silver treasures from Oman, and dates from Saudi Arabia. Your tour will drive along Beach Road to the iconic Jumeirah Mosque for a photo-stop, then to Zabeel Palace, then continuing onwards to the traditional side of Dubai, as you stroll through the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood. This historically significant district sheds light on the lifestyle of the people who lived here before the UAE was formed. Take time to visit the Al Shindagha Museum, an exploration of Dubai's history and tradition that uses art and artifacts to depict Dubai's authentic culture and the city's past, while maintaining focus on its exciting future. Afterwards, the rest of the afternoon is at your leisure.

(Breakfast & Accommodations, Dubai)

Today, visit the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world at 2,716 feet. Take the express elevator, traveling almost 33-feet-per second, to reach the observation deck on the 148th floor. From atop of Dubai (and the top of the world for that matter!) you'll have unforgettable views of the city, the desert, and the ocean. With state-of-the-art telescopes and historic displays, there's plenty to gawk at and to learn from.

Afterwards, explore some of Dubai's attractions independently. Ski Dubai offers a variety of activities giving you a chance to ski, snowboard, meet the king penguins, or ride a zip line. Take a traditional abra (water taxi) and ride on the Burj Lake to enjoy the Dubai Fountain; a captivating water, music and light spectacle in the world's tallest performing fountain...over 900 ft in length!

(Breakfast & Accommodations, Dubai)

For this package, you have the option between two desert resorts:

Bab al Shams Desert Resort and Spa

Just a 45 minute drive from the Dubai Airport, the Bab al Shams Desert Resort and Spa is an elegant resort that seamlessly harmonizes the authentic Arabian architecture with the surrounding desert, creating an oasis of serene respite for visitors and local wildlife, as the desert's ecosystem is home to gazelles, many species of birds, geckos, and more. All guests are entitled to one outdoor excursion each night of their stay, including falconry, a nature walk, archery, or a bike-ride through the dunes on a "fat bike" specifically designed for the desert. Once the thrill-seeking has subsided, relax at the pool or in the spa for some much needed rejuvenation.

Al Maha, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort

Less than an hour drive from the Dubai Airport, the Al Maha resort is a private, guests-only resort nestled among the dunes and below the shady palm groves. Secluded and tranquil, guests have access to private swimming pools with majestic views, comfortable and discreet suites, and a sophisticated culinary program that combines East and West. Guests of the Al Maha are entitled to two excursions per night of stay - choose from an exhilarating drive through the dunes, guided nature walks to local oases, bedouin archery, a falconry demonstration, camel trekking in the desert, and more.

(Breakfast, Dubai; Accommodations, Dubai Desert Resort)

After breakfast, you'll have a private transfer to the Dubai Airport for your return flight, or onward to your next Avanti Destination!