TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: City of Merchants Tour. 150 year old Fahidi Fort. Dubai Museum. Bastakia area, famous for its old wind tower houses

Transcription

1

2 Lying on the calm, blue waters of the southern Gulf and flanked by majestic desert, Dubai offers yearround sunshine and the adventure of a unique Arabian experience. It is a place of intriguing contrasts, where you witness the merging of ancient traditions with a growing modern city. Known as The City Of Merchants, Dubai has welcomed traders to its glistening shores for generations. The streets of the Arabian city are clean and safe, and visitors to this charming city will be captivated by it s friendliness. Amongst the modern skyscrapers of Dubai you will still find spectacular historic examples of Islamic architecture and tradition, where the bakeries and fish souks are really worth seeing. It may surprise you to learn that only 7% of Dubai's wealth comes from oil. It is now, and has always been, a city built on trade, a true paradise for someone who loves to shop till they drop. The best time of year for shopaholics to visit is during the huge, sprawling Dubai Shopping Festival. For a whole month, reductions are offered across a vast range of must-haves, from jewellery to fashionwear, electrical goods and carpets, to a lively backdrop of cultural events. Over two million visitors attend the Dubai Shopping Festival each year, with retail spending totalling in excess of US$1 billion. Sponsored by Dubai Duty Free, the event is enlivened with international theatre and street performances, fashion shows, nightly fireworks and laser shows, prize draws (with booty such as Rolls Royces and gold), film festivals, children's events and handicraft shows. The most atmospheric shopping is to be found in the souks, located on either side of Dubai Creek, where bargaining is part of the buzz. The Gold Souk is Dubai's most famous bazaar - here the narrow streets are lined with shop windows sparkling with bracelets, necklaces and earrings in 18, 21 and 22-carat gold, sold according to weight. Although you're less likely to take fish home with you, the Fish Souk in Deira, where fishermen pile their gleaming catches high, is well worth a visit just for the spectacle. The Spice Souk (also known as Old Souk), smells sweeter - this is where bags bursting with exotic spices and colours are on display. Dubai is a fantastic place to buy carpets, as traders from Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan converge in this shopping Mecca, selling their wares for anything from a few hundred to thousands of dirhams. Other traditional goods include: Arabic coffee pots khanjars (Arabic curved daggers), prayer beads, marble goblets, silver Bedouin jewellery, cotton dhurries (oblong floor coverings), inlaid rosewood and walnut furniture. Meanwhile, some shoppers find top brand-name items in fashion and electronic products that they could find at home - sold cheaper in Dubai's sleek, modern shopping malls. Electronic goods cluster along Al Fahidi St in Bur Dubai. Nearby, Cosmos Lane is lined with stores selling textiles, from cool cottons to exotic brocades.

3

4 Dubai offers year-round sunshine and the adventure of a unique Arabian experience. It is a place of intriguing contrasts, where you witness the merging of ancient traditions with a growing modern city. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: City of Merchants Tour 150 year old Fahidi Fort Dubai Museum Bastakia area, famous for its old wind tower houses Gold, Spice and Textile Souks Lunch at the atmospheric Madinat Al Qsar Shopping Centres - Bur Juman, Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Battuta Mall Exhilarating desert drive to a Bedouin camp for a spectacular Arabian dinner Tour to the neighbouring Emirate of Sharjah Sharjah Blue Souk & Majarrah Souk King Faisal Mosque Cocktail Party at Dubai Golf & Yacht Club Dinner at Bastakiah Nights Restaurant

5 Monday 25 January Depart Brisbane at 8.30pm for our non-stop Emirates flight to Dubai. Tuesday 26 January Arrive Dubai at 5.30am and check straight into our hotel. This morning is yours to enjoy, as you wish. This afternoon we depart on our half day City of Merchants tour. Our route takes us to the Bastakia stopping to admire the old wind tower houses built by wealthy merchants. Close by stands the 150 year old Al Fahidi Fort. Here, the Dubai Museum records the city s past as an important pearl diving and trading centre. We also include a photo stop at the new Atlantis The Palm Resort. We continue our journey by Abra, the local water taxi onto the bustling alleys of our next destination, the Spice Souk. We then round off the tour with a stop at the brilliantly illuminated Gold Souk, where more than 200 gold shops display dazzling jewellery varying from traditional to the latest designs at amazingly affordable prices. You will probably choose to stay on in the Souk, where you can shop at your leisure or visit the textile souk, or one of the many shopping centres. Thursday 28 January This morning we travel to Sharjah to visit the spectacular Sharjah souk and see the beautiful Islamic architecture. You will enjoy the ethnic setting of this traditional Arabian market where the pleasure of the search and the ritual of the purchase are as important as the treasure itself. The third largest of the seven emirates, Sharjah is a place that too many visitors to the UAE either miss or pass through quickly. It has some of the most interesting architecture in the country, the largest mosque in the UAE, an interesting archaeological museum, a pocket-sized Disneyland, plenty of watchtowers, a natural history museum that's the slickest in the entire Gulf, souks to rival Dubai, and an old souk that offers a window on an older way of life that has now all but disappeared. It's also a great place to purchase Persian carpets. Accommodation: Four Points by Sheraton Downtown Included Meals: Breakfast Wednesday 27 January This morning we include a shopping outing to Ibn Battuta Mall. Opened in September 2005, this shopping complex incorporates 6 shopping malls into one extensive development, complete with beautiful high domes and hand painted ceilings. We then make our way to another of Dubai s famous shopping centres the Mall of Emirates, home to over 400 retailers. The Mall of Emirates is the ultimate shopping, entertainment and leisure resort complete with its own indoor Ski slope! We visit the Gold and Diamond Park, a speciality mall with an unrivalled selection of 90 leading retailers showcasing the most exquisite collections of gold, diamonds and fine jewellery. Also included is a trip to the new Dubai Mall, at the Burj Dubai the tallest building in the world. Tonight we have a Cocktail Party at the Dubai Golf and Yacht Club, a great opportunity to socialise and share your shopping experiences with your fellow Australian travellers and witness a spectacular fireworks display, whilst enjoying the atmosphere of Dubai Creek. Accommodation: Four Points by Sheraton Downtown Included Meals: Breakfast, Cocktail Party (Canapes & Drinks) Sharjah, the city of Culture, is located only a short distance from Dubai. UNESCO has elected Sharjah city as the Cultural City of the Arab world for During our tour we will see The most spectacular King Faisal Mosque, Al Ithad Monument, The Rulers Old Palace, We will stop at one of the most famous of Sharjah's Souks, the Blue Souk, located on the edge of the lagoon, with its beautiful mosaics and traditional style.

6 Tonight we have an included Bastakiah Nights Dinner. One of the city's most romantic restaurants, Bastakiah Nights occupies a restored home in the historic Bastakiah district, and the old Arabian-style atmosphere is fabulous. A few metres from the Creek and round the corner from the beautiful Grand Mosque, the surroundings a softly lit traditional courtyard house filled with hangings, rugs and cushions and chorus of wailing evening prayers resonating from the mosques around Dubai creek will certainly make this dinner one to remember. Accommodation: Four Points by Sheraton Downtown Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Friday 29 January Today we have lunch at the Al Qasr, the jewel of Madinat Jumeirah. Al Qasr means 'The Palace' and is the centrepiece of Madinat Jumeirah, designed to reflect a Sheikh s summer residence. Approached via a tree-lined avenue, adorned with beautifully sculpted Arabian horses, Al Qasr is simply breathtaking a tribute to age-old architectural styles of majestic elegance, creating a unique shopping and dining experience. A colourful and vibrant market or part of a market in an Arabian city. Lively trading culture, animated, interactive. Meandering paths lead visitors through a bazaarlike atmosphere in which open fronted shops and intimate galleries spill onto the paved walkways. The sounds of craftsmen and women at work combine with the aroma from street cafes and boutique restaurants. At Souk Madinat Jumeirah, the emphasis is on unique brands, crafted quality and an interactive experience. Accommodation: Four Points by Sheraton Downtown Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Saturday 30 January We visit Karama, a haven for bargain hunters in your shopping program today. There are many shops where an enormous array of internationally renowned designer labels, electronic goods and gift items are available, offering visitors some of the most thrilling shopping in the world. Late afternoon we depart on an exhilarating drive into the desert. We drive into the heart of the desert to the Bedouin camp for 1001 Arabian nights. This evening being definitely the highlight an exclusive set-up will be organised inside the fenced arena as you enter in the middle will be rows of special Shamiyanahs (Arabic Tents open from 2 sides). Each of these tents will be able to hold around guests at a time, sitting on cushions with low Arabic rectangular tables. On one side of these tents will be used for the food and catering set-up with buffet displays and various tripods placed at different intervals. The entire set up will be done in a manner to avoid congestion and long queues. The corners of the Arena will be used to fill with set-ups for Hubbly Bubblies, Henna Ladies, Fortune-Tellers and Calligraphers. Many live torches and date palm trees and Arabic brass artefacts and souk set-ups will help to create a special ambience under the stars. As the vehicles approach the site the entire campsite will be lit up with live torches. On arrival the group is offered a typical Arabic welcome of dates and Arabic coffee. A special corner for hubbly-bubbly pipes will be set up with special helpers to light the pipes and demonstrate this tradition of pipe smoking to the more adventurous guests. A few Henna ladies will be sitting at various points inviting the guests to try this traditional cosmetic art of henna painting. Not only ladies but even men join in this Arabic form of tattoo. The fortune-tellers will be at hand to unfold the mystics of the future using typical local methods of sticks and bones. Arabic language calligraphers will be available to write your name on specially printed Photo cards. A special barbecue meal will be prepared on open fires, with whole lambs or Ouzies will be prepared on spits. The food set up will be at different points with Tripods being used in the centre to serve a variety of rice, cooked in different styles from the different Gulf regions.

7 As the millions of stars blanket the sky, arrives a mysteriously dressed woman, she unveils and steps onto the centre stage and to the beat of the enthralling music, performs the culturally exotic movements of the belly dance, captivating the audience and everyone is up there dancing with her by the end of the performance. Accommodation: Four Points by Sheraton Downtown Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Sunday 31 January Your last full day in Dubai is at leisure. Last opportunity to snap up the shopping bargains, take in a fashion show, or relax by the Pool. Accommodation: Four Points by Sheraton Downtown Included Meals: Breakfast Monday 1 February Depart Dubai at 10.25am for flight home Arrive Brisbane on 2 February at 6.40am OR why not extend your stay with one of our extension options: 1. Muscat, Oman 2. Seven Night Middle East Cruise Included Meals: Breakfast Wednesday 3 February Today we depart on a full day tour of Nizwa, the traditional capital of the vast interior region of Oman. Visit the New Souk complex, designed using Omani fort architecture and elegant Islamic arches. The halls are full of fresh fruit and vegetables, herbs and spices, dates and freshly caught fish. This souk is still the best place to buy Bedouin jewellery, where silver is sold by weight. Also included are visits to Nizwa Fort, Al Hamra to visit Bait Al Safah and Jabreen Fort. Before arriving back in Muscat drive through the lush green oasis village of Birkat-Al-Mauz. Accommodation: Radisson SAS Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Thursday 4 February Depart Muscat at 5am for our flight home. Arrive Brisbane on 5 February at 6.40am. EXTENSION 2: 7 Night Middle East Cruise Monday 1 February Embark Brilliance of the Seas for a 7 night cruise. Accommodation: Brilliance of the Seas Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner EXTENSION 1: Muscat, Oman (Escorted) Monday 1 February Depart Dubai at 8.30am and arrive in Muscat at 9.30am. Transfer to hotel. Accommodation: Radisson SAS Included Meals: Breakfast Tuesday 2 February Today we depart on a Mystical Muscat Experience tour. During our tour we visit The Grand Mosque, what may be the most exquisite mosque in Oman, accommodating up to 20,000 worshippers Al Alam Palace, the official residence of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, the ruler of Oman Mirani and Jalali Forts, and the Bait Al Zubair Museum. You also visit the typical Omani Town House that graphically depicts the lifestyles in Oman between the 1920s and Finally, drive via the waterfront Corniche and visit the Muttrah Souk, one of the most popular souks in the Middle East. 1 st 8 th February Itinerary: Dubai (UAE), Muscat (Oman), Fujairah (UAE), Abu Dhabi, Mina Sulman (Bahrain), Dubai. Accommodation: Brilliance of the Seas Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Monday 8 February Depart Dubai at am for your flight home. Arrive Brisbane on 9 February at 6.40am. Accommodation: Radisson SAS Included Meals: Breakfast

8 DUBAI TOUR COST: $4,450 per person, twin share Single: $5,438 6 Nights in Dubai Departs 25 January to 2 February Package Inclusions: Return Economy Airfare flying Emirates between Brisbane and Dubai, 6 nights accommodation twin share at the Four Points by Sheraton Downtown, Breakfasts daily, Lunch at Al Qsar, Dinner at Bastakiah Nights Restaurant, Cocktail Party, Coach Transportation and Sightseeing as per itinerary. Business Class Surcharge : $6,850 per person DUBAI & OMAN TOUR COST: $5,787 per person, twin share Single: $7,811 6 Nights in Dubai, 3 Nights in Oman 25 January to 5 February Package Inclusions: All above Dubai tour inclusions, plus Emirates flight Dubai to Muscat, 3 nights accommodation twin share at the Radisson SAS Hotel, breakfasts daily, Sightseeing as per itinerary. DUBAI & CRUISE TOUR COST: Inside - $5,873 per person, twin share Single: $7,770 Oceanview - $6,203 per person, twin share Single: $8,430 Balcony - $6,683 per person, twin share Single: $9,390 6 Nights in Dubai, 7 Night Middle East Cruise 25 January to 9 February Package Inclusions: All above Dubai tour inclusions, plus 7 night Brilliance of the Seas cruise, all meals and entertainment onboard, port charges, and gratuities onboard. Christa Randall is a Senior International Travel Consultant a highly respected part of the Travel Masters Team for 12 years. Chris has a reputation in the Travel Industry for her commitment to clients, professional competence, and attention to detail. Chris has very successfully escorted many tours of this nature to Dubai over the past few years. You can be assured of her professional support and guidance on this wonderful visit to one of the world s great destinations. NB: Christa will be escorting the Dubai Tour and the Muscat extension option. The cruise is not escorted. HOW TO BOOK A non-refundable deposit of $500 per person is required to secure your place. Please complete the booking form and return to your travel consultant with your deposit. A copy of your current passport is required at time of booking. ADVERTISED PRICE EXCLUDES Meals other than specified, insurance, gratuities as required, items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, phone calls, taxis, and any additional optional excursions. All costs are subject to surcharges which may occur in connection with Governmental action, currency surcharge fluctuations or increase in supplier s costs, i.e. scheduled air fares, entrance fees, air taxes etc. Cost based on minimum of 20 adults travelling together. Should the minimum number of persons not be attained, we reserve the right to cancel, amend or re cost the tour program.

9 FIRST PASSENGER Title: Surname (as shown on passport): First Name(as shown on passport): Preferred First Name: Sex: MALE / FEMALE If sharing what would be your room preference? TWIN / DOUBLE Do you require single supplement? YES / NO Would you like us to keep an eye out for a possible twin-share on your behalf? YES / NO (Please note that Single Supplement will be payable if we are unable to assist with a suitable twin-share for you) Do you require business class airfare? YES / NO Are you a Frequent Flyer Member? Member No: Airline: Do you have any dietary or seating requests: Do you hold an Australian passport? YES / NO If No, please state the nationality: Passport Number: Date of Issue: / / Date of Expiry: / / Date of Birth: / / Place of Issue: Occupation: (Passport details are required for all tours travelling outside Australia) SECOND PASSENGER Title: Surname (as shown on passport): First Name(as shown on passport): Preferred First Name: Sex: MALE / FEMALE If sharing what would be your room preference? TWIN / DOUBLE Do you require single supplement? YES / NO Do you require business class airfare? YES / NO Are you a Frequent Flyer Member? Member No: Airline: Do you have any dietary or seating requests: Do you hold an Australian passport? YES / NO If No, please state the nationality: Passport Number: Date of Issue: / / Date of Expiry: / / Date of Birth: / / Place of Issue: Occupation: (Passport details are required for all tours travelling outside Australia) PASSENGER/S CONTACT DETAILS (Please attach details separately if Second Passengers Contact Details are different) Street Address: Suburb: State: Postcode: Postal Address (If different from Street Address: Suburb: State: Postcode: Home Tel: Work Tel: Fax: Mobile No: TRAVEL INSURANCE It is compulsory and in your interest to carry travel insurance for health, loss of luggage/belongings and in case of cancellation. Would you like us to send a travel insurance brochure to you? YES / NO If you are a traveller who is aged 80 years or over, or a traveller who is under 80 years of age and has a pre-existing medical condition/s, you will need to complete a Travellers Medical Appraisal form to accompany your insurance application. Do you require a Travellers Medical Appraisal Form? YES /NO EMERGENCY CONTACT (Person to contact should there be an emergency while you are overseas) Complete Name: Relationship: Street Address: Suburb: State: Postcode: Home Tel: Work Tel: Mobile No: Please also complete the reverse side of this form and then send it to your travel consultant, or to: Group Tour Co-ordinator, PO Box 563, Nerang QLD 4211

10 I have read and understand the responsibility section detailed below on this form and the General Information and Booking Conditions and accept them on behalf of myself and my party. I declare that I/they are not travelling against any medical advice. Signature: Date: / / Payment Options 1. Mail Enclosed is a cheque / money order as a deposit 2. Credit Card Please debit my: Visa / Mastercard / American Express / Diners Club Card No: Expiry: / / Cardholder s Name: Cardholder s Signature: (Payments by American Express or Diners Club cards will be subject to a 2.5% Merchant Administration fee, Visa and Mastercard 1%) 3. Direct Deposit into Travel Masters bank account. Please list your full name as the payment description, so we are able to locate your payment when we receive your completed booking form. Account Name: Mistvale Pty Ltd Bank Name: National Australia Bank Account BSB: Account Number: DEPOSIT AND FINAL PAYMENT The deposit is accepted as a first instalment of the tour cost and will be fully refunded if the arrangements cannot be confirmed or the tour is cancelled by Travel Masters. A detailed invoice is sent out to all passengers booked on the tour, approximately two weeks prior to due date of the final payment. Final payment for the tour needs to be received at least 100 days prior to tour departures. CANCELLATION FEES If it is necessary for you to cancel your holiday, notification of cancellation must be received in writing. Cancellation charges will apply: up to 8 weeks prior to departure loss of deposit; 7-4 weeks prior up to 50% of tour cost, and less than 4 weeks up to full tour cost. No refund is available for cancellation of the tour or any service not used after commencement of the tour. Deposits are non-transferable. PASSPORT AND VISAS It is the traveller s responsibility to ensure that they posses the necessary travel documentation for the tour, such as a valid passport and any required visas. In general, a passport should be valid at least 6 months beyond the end of your journey and have two clear pages to allow for entry and exit stamps en-route or for any visas applicable for countries in your journey. At the time of making your booking you will be given information about any visas that may be required for the tour. Our agency will assist you with the Visa process. PRICES Tour prices stated on the tour brochure has been calculated on the basis of exchange rates and tariffs valid at time of print and are subject to change up until final payment for the tour has been received. Once final payment is received, no surcharges will apply. Should you decide to cancel your tour on the basis of a change of price, then normal cancellation charges will apply. TRAVEL MASTERS Group (Travel Masters, The Travel Studio, Lifestyle Travel & Cruise Centre) Beth & Bob Malcolm, Managing Directors PO Box 563, Nerang QLD 4211 Phone: (07) / Fax: (07) sales@travelmasters.com.au Visit our website: RESPONSIBILITY Mistvale Pty Ltd trading as Travel Masters and/or its associated Companies or Agents, act only in the capacity of agents for the passenger in all matters of transportation, tour operation and other services. All receipts, tickets, vouchers, coupons or exchange orders are issued subject to the terms and conditions under which transportation and other services are provided. Travel Masters and/or its associated companies or Agents assume no responsibility for loss, injury, accident, delay or damage or irregularity that may be caused to person or property, however caused arising before commencement and/or during any tour under its management, sponsorship, procurement or otherwise. It is the responsibility of the passenger to make sure he/she is in possession of the proper visas and other travel documents and that they are in compliance with current government and transportation companies regulations. The right is reserved to modify the itinerary in any way considered necessary or desirable, or to change any reservation, hotel feature and/or means of conveyance, without allowance or refund but the extra cost (if any) resulting therefrom must be paid by the passenger. The right is also reserved to cancel or withdraw any tour, to replace any tour leader with another, to cancel or withdraw any booking made for a passenger, or to decline to accept any person as a member of a tour. The transportation companies or firms shall be exempt from all liabilities in respect of any detention, delay, loss, damage, sickness or injury however and by whomsoever caused and of whatever kind occurring of or to the passenger at any time when the passenger is not on board a carrier or conveyance used or operated by the transportation companies or firms. The contract of passage in use by the transportation companies or firms concerned shall constitute the sole contract between transportation companies or firms, and the purchase of these tours and/or passenger. All tickets, deposit tickets, coupons or orders are furnished and issued subject in all respects to those terms and conditions under which the means of transportation or other services provided there by are offered or supplied by owners, public carriers, or managing agents. The issuance and acceptance of receipts, tickets, vouchers, coupons, or exchange orders shall be deemed consent to the above conditions. The tour is based on flights as detailed in the itinerary, however any other IATA or non-iata carrier may be used for tour co-ordination.

11 A Travel Masters Small Group Tour provides the ultimate touring experience. With a participation rate of between 25 and 30 passengers, our personally designed itineraries are managed by our specialist escorts who ensure maximum variety and service oriented attention to detail. With a focus on destination, this is a once in a lifetime holiday, visiting all the major tourist icons and providing a smorgasbord of cultural and lifestyle experiences.

12