Arrive in the bustling melting-pot of Istanbul, once the capital of Turkey and a city of immense history, wonderful culture and delicious cuisine. Transfer to your hotel, get settled and, if time allows, enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure exploring this historic, lively city. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

Breakfast at the hotel. Take a day to explore Istanbul at your own pace. Discover its labyrinthine bazaars, colourful city life and eclectic architecture. To make sure you see all the top sights, we recommend an optional full-day city tour!* Overnight stay in Istanbul.

* Optional Full-Day Istanbul City Tour: See the most emblematic sights in Istanbul, beginning with the incredible Hagia Sophia Basilica and the Topkapi Palace, once the residence of the Ottoman Sultans. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant in Sultanahmet before continuing with a tour of the outside of the iconic Blue Mosque and the historic Hippodrome. End the afternoon at the bustling Grand Bazaar, home to more than 4000 shops!

Breakfast at the hotel. Begin the day with a boat trip on the Bosphorus Channel, which runs through the heart of the city, marking the border between Europe and Asia. Appreciate captivating views of the old palaces of the Sultans and traditional riverside houses as you view the city from a different perspective. Disembark and head to the famous Spice Bazaar, established by the Ottomans and filled with exotic aromas. The remainder of the day is free to enjoy the delights of Istanbul at your own pace. We recommend an optional excursion to the Anatolian side of the city to see its more important sights and discover more of Istanbul!* Overnight stay in Istanbul.

* Optional Half-Day Anatolian Istanbul Excursion with Lunch: Explore the Anatolian part of the city! This stunning region is home to some of the country's most beautiful architecture and waterfront attractions. From the iconic Beylerbeyi Palace to the murals adorning the winding streets, you'll be awestruck by the variety and beauty of the sights. Wander the city streets up Camlica Hill, located in the underrated Üsküdar district. Take in the stunning panoramic views from the highest point and soak up the bustling atmosphere from the city below. With its rich history and vibrant culture, the Anatolian part of Istanbul is an unforgettable destination. Enjoy lunch included.

Breakfast at the hotel. You're returning to Istanbul today. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport to catch a flight back to the city. Arrive in Istanbul, transfer to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day exploring at your leisure. Dive into Turkish cuisine, go shopping in the bazaars or enjoy some last-minute sightseeing! Overnight stay in Istanbul. 

Breakfast at the hotel. Continue your adventure today as you head to Dubai! At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for your flight to Dubai. Touch down in Dubai and transfer to the hotel. Once you've settled in the remainder of the day is free at your leisure to get to know the sights and sounds of Dubai.

Breakfast at the hotel. Get to know the city as you set off on a half-day tour of Dubai. * Begin in the historic area of Bastakia, home to old merchant houses, cafes, and restaurants. Board an Abra Water Taxi and cruise along the waterways of Dubai Creek before disembarking and explore the Spice Souk and Gold Bazaars, the most famous in the world. Return to the hotel and enjoy the evening at your leisure. We recommend an optional Dhow Cruise and Dinner this evening.** Overnight stay in Dubai.

* Please note: this excursion operates on Friday afternoons and Monday, Wednesday, and Sunday mornings only.

** Optional Dhow Cruise and Dinner: Take a traditional Dhow Cruise along Dubai Creek and enjoy spectacular views of the skyscrapers and Dubai's illuminated skyline as you enjoy dinner on board. 

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day at your leisure, enjoying a shopping spree in Dubai's fabulous malls or relaxing at your leisure on the beach. We recommend an optional tour of the city's modern attractions.* In the late afternoon, take a luxury 4x4 desert excursion and enjoy an unforgettable barbecue dinner in a traditional Bedouin camp under the starry night sky with authentic Bedouin entertainment, belly dancing (except during the month of Ramadan) and traditional music. Return to the hotel and overnight stay in Dubai. 

* Optional Half-Day Modern Dubai Tour: Visit the most emblematic sights in the city starting at the Souk Madinat Jumeirah, a traditional arabian bazaar and popular marketplace where you can find typical hand-made crafts. Next, travel to the man-made palm-shaped island of Palm Jumeirah to see the amazing Atlantis Hotel before heading back to the city on the monorail. Afterwards, explore glittering Dubai Marina, a man-made canal city and one of the most sought-after neighbourhoods in Dubai and end the trip in the Burj Khalifa area (entrance not included) and back to the hotel.  Please note: this optional excursion operates on Mondays and Fridays only. You will have the option to be dropped off at the Dubai Mall for some shopping and return to the hotel on your own. 

After breakfast at the hotel, set off to Abu Dhabi, the immense capital of the United Arab Emirates, located to the south of Dubai. * On arrival, enjoy a comprehensive city tour to get to know the most emblematic sights of this Emirate metropolis. Start at the immense Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, an icon of the city and one of the largest mosques on earth. Clad in marble, it's a dazzling example of Islamic architecture. Afterwards, head to Al Bateen to see the Royal Palaces before driving along the spectacular Corniche, past gleaming mosques and elegant high-rises. See the impressive artificial Lulu Island and take a photo stop at the Breakwater for panoramic views of the city. Pass by the outside of the Emirates Palace Hotel and explore the luxurious interior of the Presidential Palace: Qasr al Watan. Stop for lunch at a traditional restaurant before exploring the cultural delights of the Louvre Museum, an incredible art and civilisation museum. After an action-packed day, return to Dubai. Overnight stay in Dubai.

* Please note: this excursion operates on Tuesdays and Saturdays only.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today is free to discover this modern Emirati metropolis at your leisure. We recommend visiting the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world and a symbol of the city of 828 meters and 160 floors. Since its inauguration in 2010, it offers the best views of the desert and the city. Underneath is the largest shopping centre in the world, the Dubai Mall where 1200 stores of all kinds are located. A shopping paradise! As night falls, we recommend an optional dinner overlooking the Dubai Fountains.* Overnight stay in Dubai.

* Optional Dinner at Dubai Fountains: Enjoy an unforgettable dining experience at a restaurant overlooking the musical fountains of Dubai. The Dubai Fountains are one of the largest and most complex fountains in the world, situated on a 30-acre lake surrounding the Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa. Enjoy dinner as you watch the dancing musical fountains.

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day at your leisure in Dubai. Why not take a relaxing stroll through the beautiful flower beds of Dubai Miracle Garden, head to Jumeriah Beach or soak up the view from the top of the Burj Khalifa! Alternatively, we recommend an optional half-day excursion to the Emirates of Sharjah and Ajman.* Overnight stay in Dubai.

* Optional Sharjah & Ajman Half-Day Excursion: Get to know the Emirate states of Sharjah and Ajman, to the north of Dubai. Explore the handicraft stalls at the Blue Souk and pass by Faisal Mosque. Explore the authentic Al Arsha Souk, home to an array of unique Islamic arts and discover the history of the Emirates at the Ajman Museum. After lunch at a traditional restaurant, return to Dubai. Please note: this excursion operates on Thursdays only.

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day at your leisure, shopping, sunbathing or exploring the delights of Dubai. Why not discover the sea life at the Dubai Aquarium or enjoy a fun-filled day at the Aquaventure Waterpark. Alternatively, we recommend an optional excursion to Fujairah, on the UAE's East Coast.* Overnight stay in Dubai.

* Optional Full-Day Fujairah Excursion: Set off to Fujairah, another of the United Arab Emirate states. Stop at the local market, at the foot of the Hajar Mountains and visit Masafi, home to a natural water source. Enjoy captivating views of the huge Wadis and head to the coast for a dip in the Indian Ocean. Lunch on the beach before passing through traditional fishing villages to visit Bidaya Mosque, the oldest in the UAE, and Fujairah Fort. Please note: this excursion operates on Saturdays and Sundays only.