Custom Itinerary to UAE DUBAI & ABU DHABI Dubai is a city and emirate in the United Arab Emirates known for luxury shopping, ultramodern architecture and a lively nightlife scene. Burj Khalifa, an 2700 foot-tall tower. At its foot lies Dubai Fountain, with jets and lights choreographed to music. On artificial islands just offshore is Atlantis, The Palm, a resort with water and marine-animal parks. Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, sits off the mainland on an island in the Persian (Arabian) Gulf. Its focus on oil exports and commerce is reflected by the skyline s modern towers and shopping mega centers such as Abu Dhabi and Marina malls. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque features an immense Persian carpet, crystal chandeliers and capacity for 41,000 worshipers.
CONTENTS About Your Trip -------------------------------------------------- 1 Important Information ---------------------------------------- 2-3 Itinerary ------------------------------------------------------- 4-5 Cancellation Policy -----------------------------------------------5 Quote ------------------------------------------------------------ 6 Optional Add On ------------------------------------------------- 6 Introduction to UAE --------------------------------------------- 7 Weather ---------------------------------------------------------- 7 Accommodations ------------------------------------------------ 8 Things to do in Dubai ---------------------------------------- 9-10
ABOUT YOUR TRIP DUBAI & ABU DHABI TRIP INCLUSIONS I am pleased to offer an amazing journey to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. This package is quote comprehensive as the following items are included within the cost of the itinerary. Sightseeing as outlined in the itinerary with inside visits (including admission charges) and special features shown in BOLD & UPPER CASE in the tour description. Sightseeing with local guides where applicable. INCLUSIVE * The Services of a professional, multilingual Tour Director will be provided throughout. * Seven Nights Accommodations at Holiday Inn Mall of the Emirates * Daily breakfast * One Brunch * Four Dinners * Private group transfers * NYE Dinner Cruise and Farewell Dinner (included with four total dinners) * Private group touring and excursions as listed. Fully air-conditioned motor coaches for specified itinerary. * All applicable taxes and site/park entry fees * One group airport transfer on arrival and departure (Passengers arriving at multiple or different times throughout the day, additional transfer costs may apply). EXCLUSIVE * Round Trip International airfare * Lunches and dinners not already included * Gratuities ($5-10 per person, per day suggested) * Personal spending * Insurance is highly recommended. For more information on purchasing insurance for this trip, click here. Once we secure deposits for 15 people, we will research group airfare. If group airfare is secured, monthly payments can be made versus paying one lump sum. Of course the particulars will be decided by the airline. If we opt out on group air and you would like Capitol Hill Travel to book your flight(s). Click to Add Flight Concierge Services $59. We will conduct search and book all legs of your flight. You will be provided multiple options to suit your preferences. Telephone consultation included. Have questions? Contact Us ABOUT YOUR TRIP Back To Contents Glossary PAGE 1
IMPORTANT INFORMATION Visas PASSPORT VALIDITY: Passport must have six (6) months validity after date of arrival. BLANK PASSPORT PAGES: Two pages required for entry stamp No TOURIST VISA REQUIRED for tourist stays under 30 days No VACCINATIONS No CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR ENTRY No CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR EXIT Information provided by the US Passports & International Travel Don t drink in public: Travelers and expats can also imbibe at licensed hotels, but don t overdo it. Public inebriation is not tolerated here, so go easy on that allyou-can-drink champagne brunch, nightclub or bar binge. Once you step out of the venue and appear even slightly tipsy you may be charged. Don t do drugs: Dubai has a zero tolerance policy towards possession, use and selling of illicit substances. No Song & Dance: Playing loud music and dancing in the streets is one of the things not to do in Dubai. Watch your mouth: Bite your tongue and keep the insults, profanity and vulgar language to yourself. And do not under any circumstances spout any blasphemous or disparaging remarks against Islam in Dubai. No public displays of affection: Public displays of affection are considered indecent in Dubai, so keep your make-out sessions completely private. Watch Your Photography: it is considered rude and intrusive to snap shots of people, especially women, without expressed permission. No Nudity: This one should go without saying, but nudity is not allowed in public places. Appropriate swimwear is okay at the beach, pool or water parks, but women must refrain from going topless. And men, keep that sixpack undercover and put a shirt on when walking through the streets, even on the jogging paths. Women are encouraged to wear dresses, knee length skirts, and anything not tight. You may want to avoid spaghetti vest tops, and try to cover your shoulders and back. However, when it comes to dressing for bars and clubs the rules no longer apply, and you should wear what you would in the US. For men, shorts and tshirts are absolutely fine. IMPORTANT INFORMATION Back To Contents Glossary PAGE 2
Watch Your Wallet: Dubai has relatively low crime rates, but you still need to watch your wallet and your belongings. Keep Your LGBT Lifestyle on the QT: While other places in the world are getting more accepting of LGBT lifestyles, the UAE is definitely not a place to flaunt it. Any sexual relations outside of a traditional heterosexual marriage is considered a crime in Dubai. Sex outside of marriage is illegal. Showing someone the sole of your shoe is considered an insult. Crossing your legs (especially in front of someone of high importance) is considered rude Don t give someone your back Shaking hands is the normal male greeting. Use the right hand! Shaking women s hand s is not the norm. It may be best to wait until the hand is extended to you in this situation. Always be respectful of girls/women ( i.e. Give women the option to sit down where they wish to sit, stand when they enter the room, and let her go through the door first) Refrain from using your left hand. The left hand is traditionally used for body hygiene in Muslim cultures, so don t greet anyone with a left handed shake, open doors and above all, don t hand somebody food, with your left hand. US Embassy Location The United States Embassy is at Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, at 30th Street, Abu Dhabi. The U.S. Consulate General in Dubai is in the World Trade Centre off Sheikh Zayed Road (tel. 04-311-6000; dubai.usconsulate.gov). Emergencies The Dubai Municipality Emergency Number is tel. 04-223-2323. For police or an ambulance, dial tel. 999. In case of fire, dial tel. 997d Tipping Many restaurants include a service charge, which will be clearly identified on your checks; for those that do not, a tip of 10% to 15% is appropriate. Registering with the S.T.E.P. Program - The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Click here for more information Currency is designated as Dhs or AED, which stands for Arab Emirate Dirham. It is divided into 100 fils. Bills come in the following denominations: 5 (brown note), 10 (green), 20 (light blue), 50 (purple), 100 (pink), 500 (blue), and 1,000 (burgundy). IMPORTANT INFORMATION Back To Contents Glossary PAGE 3
ITINERARY DEPARTURE FROM (IAD)DULLES, VA - 27 December (THUR) Day 1 28 December (FRI) Arrival in Dubai, United Arab Emirates Welcome to Dubai! A group transfer will pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel. Your hotel room is available for mid-afternoon check-in. The rest of your day is at leisure. Note: Group needs to arrive together on the same flight, or at approximately the same time, for the group transfer to the hotel. Individual transfer costs can be quoted separately. Day 2 29 December (SAT) Dubai Enjoy the morning and afternoon at leisure. This evening experience the thrill of a life time with a rollercoaster ride on the sand dunes. Our safari gives you an opportunity to SEE THE GOLDEN SAND DUNES OF ARABIA IN 4-WHEEL VEHICLES. While on the journey, you will stop on the highest sand dune to view the beautiful sunset and to refresh yourself with a mineral water. Continue the DRIVE TO AUTHENTIC BEDOUIN CAMPSITE right in the heart of the desert, where henna design, local dresses, soft drinks, water, tea or coffee are available for your enjoyment. Try your hands on some camel rides and get a taste of the Hubbly Bubbly (water pipe), available in different flavors. Adding to the atmosphere of the night, an enchanting belly dancer performs a fascinating dance to a rhythm of Arabic music. To top it all, a delicious BARBECUE BUFFET DINNER is served under the stars. This is truly an evening you ll never forget! (Breakfast, Dinner) Note: Enough SUVs or desert vehicles will be provided to the entire group for transfer to and from the camp. Exclusive use of vehicle may not be possible for all passengers. The camp, while large enough for this group, is not exclusive. However, a private seating area with separate buffet will be arranged. Day 3 30 December (SUN) Dubai. EXCURSION TO ABU DHABI Today, take an excursion to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Once a peaceful fishing village, Abu Dhabi has transformed itself over the last 50 years into a vibrant modern metropolis due to its success from the oil boom in the late 1950s. Your tour guide will teach you just how the 'black gold' has benefited the local economy over recent years, which becomes evident as you explore this extremely wealthy city. Upon arrival, take a panoramic tour of the city and stop and visit the breathtaking white SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE. (Must Dress Appropriately) A photo stop is also included at the Breakwater. Next visit the HERITAGE VILLAGE, a reconstruction of a traditional oasis village that includes a goat-hair tent, artisan workshops, and a falaj irrigation system. After lunch, visit the ZAYED HOUSE FOR ISLAMIC CULTURE to learn about the Sheikh and the faith and ethos that drives the region. Return to Dubai. (Breakfast) Day 4 31 December (MON) Dubai Enjoy a full day at leisure. This evening ring in the New Year on a DHOW DINNER CRUISE and enjoy an international buffet with a champagne toast and fireworks. (Breakfast, Dinner) Day 5 01 January (TUE) Dubai Enjoy a full day at leisure. Your Tour Director will be on hand for suggestions. This evening join your Tour Director for DINNER AT LOCAL RESTAURANT (Breakfast) (Dinner) ITINERARY Back To Contents Glossary PAGE 4
Day 6 02 January (WED) Dubai Enjoy the morning at leisure before your BRUNCH at a fabulous hotel. The rest of the day is free, your Tour Director will be on hand for suggestions. (Brunch) Day 7 03 January (THU) Dubai Enjoy a full day at leisure. Your Tour Director will be on hand for suggestions. (Breakfast, Dinner) Day 8 04 January (FRI) Dubai After breakfast a group transfer is provided to the airport for your homebound flight. (Breakfast) Note: Group needs to depart together on the same flight, or at approximately the same time, for the group transfer to the airport. Individual transfer costs can be quoted separately CANCELLATION POLICY After booking 119-65 days prior to departure 64-22 days prior to departure 21-8 days prior to departure 7-1 days prior to departure On departure day and later $400 non refundable deposit p/p 20% of total price 30% of total price 50% of total price 100% of total price NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR PRICE Airport taxes (where applicable), Passports must comply with excess baggage, meals not included in immigration regulations. Regulations attached itinerary, all items of a may include, but are not limited to the personal nature such as laundry, following: must have at least 2 blank cleaning, telephone, internet, or fax pages when entering a country and expenses, beverages including tea and must have no less than 6 months coffee (except at breakfast and at before expiring. hotel dinners), wines, liquors, soft drinks, etc. Gratuities for the Tour Director, motor coach driver and local guides are not included in pricing PASSPORTS & VISAS ITINERARY/CANCELLATION POLICY Back To Contents Glossary PAGE 5
QUOTE (All prices are per person basis) Total land package US $2185 Single Supplement for a solo traveler +US $1145 The single supplement is high due to holiday season travel Please note the following supplements and/or upgrade options are per person. Can be included in the monthly payments. Per person non refundable deposit & set up fee required to confirm these arrangements - $400 + $30 processing fee. OPTIONAL ADD ON Dinner in the sky on Jan 02, 2018/Price:: $208 p/p. Monthly payments available. Equal payments begin on first payment after your initial deposit. Monthly payments will be an additional $20.80 per person for 9 months. Seating is limited (22 MAX). Seats are not being held for the group. Seats sold are on first come basis. (For detailed information please click here) QUOTE/OPTIONAL ADD ON Back To Contents Glossary PAGE 6
INTRODUCTION TO UAE KEY FACTS Population: United Emirates:: 9,541,615 Million Land area: 32,278 thousand square miles Major languages spoken: Arabic and English Currency: Dirham Time difference: PST+12 hours Capital city: Abu Dhabi As a gateway to the Middle East, Dubai truly is a city of contrasts. A land where tradition meets diversity, where history and modernity blend to create a fascinating destination. It is home to some of the finest hotels, culinary delights and tourist attractions, including the world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa; the world's largest mall, The Dubai Mall; and the marvelous Palm Islands. The numerous shopping malls featuring international brands at competitive prices make it a shopper's paradise. Golf enthusiasts can tee off on one of the championship courses while adventure seekers can try their hand at dune driving, sand boarding, scuba diving, fishing or indoor skiing. WEATHER DUBAI & ABU DECEMBER/JANUARY INTRODUCTION TO UAE Back To Contents Glossary PAGE 7
ACCOMMODATIONS The Hilton Garden Inn Dubai Mall of the Emirates, a new hotel just meters away from one of the largest shopping malls in the world. Their convenient location allows easy access to Sheikh Zayed Road and the Metro Station; offering fantastic connectivity to all major business districts and leisure attractions, including beaches, skydiving, golf courses and more. Downtown Dubai and the iconic Burj Khalifa at the Dubai Mall are only a 15 minute drive away. Start your morning with breakfast at The Garden Grille, or grab pastries and coffee from The Garden Café. Sip cocktails in The Garden Bar, and order room service any time of day. The 24-hour Pavilion Pantry has ready-to-cook meals, drinks, souvenirs and travel supplies. Each modern guest room features a 47- inch HDTV with premium channels, DVD player, mini-refrigerator, coffeemaker and laptop-sized safe. Check email with complimentary WiFi and print remotely at the desk with ergonomic chair. ACCOMMODATIONS Back To Contents Glossary PAGE 8
THINGS TO DO IN DUBAI **Click on underlined for more information Jumeirah Beach - Most owned by hotels and there are fees to visit. Burj Al Khalifah - Skyscrapper Jumeirah Mosques Dubai Gold Souk Burj Al Arab - Luxury hotel - You cannot go into this hotel unless you are staying there or eating at one of the restaurants; so. check out the Al Mahara to get a peek of the over the top opulence. Dubai Creek Water Sports Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo - Swim with the sharks Dubai Mall - Largest Mall in the world Mall of the Emirates - Our hotel near this mall. Burjuman Dubai Outlet Mall Ibn Battuta Mall Dubai Dolphinarium The Dubai Fountain - 2nd largest choreographed fountain in Burj - (Video) Khalifa Lake. - Went to the fountain in Barcelona it was free and really cool. Old Town area Bastakyia Dubai Museum Water Taxis (Abras) to cross the Dubai Creek Atlantis hotel located at crescent of Palm Jumeirah Sharjah s Museum Ski Dubai Wild Wadi Park Palm Islands - Three artificial islands Saeed Al Maktoum House - Historic building Deira Clocktower Zabeel Park Turtle Rehabilitation in Jumeirah Wonderland Museum Aquaventure Waterpark The lost Chambers Aquarium Dolphin Bay Dubai Miracle Garden Jumeirah Beach Park Burj Park Ras al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary Global Village Falcon Centre Dubai s Best Souks Where to go for sunsets in Dubai ifly- Indoor Skydiving inflight Dubai Indoor Skydiving Dubai is known for their brunches. Here is a list of establishments that you can get your brunch on At.mosphere in the Burj Khalifa. - Restaurant Tribes Restaurant - Dubai Burj Al Arab - Miracle Garden Atlantis The Palms Saffron Brunch Brunch in the Sky Jumeirah Beach hotel Jazz at Pizza Express" included a set menu of all you can eat items like pizza, pasta, bread, and salad. You also have an all you can drink menu that is included in the price you pay. The after spot for this brunch included shisha (hookah) at a beach lounge and evening stroll on Jumeirah Beach. atmosphere Barasti - Wild Thing Jungle Brunch Kiza Tomorrow Africa THINGS TO DO IN DUBAI Back To Contents Glossary PAGE 9
FOOD Buns and Cow - Head down to Barasti and stop by for a date with a cow at Buns & Cows. The burger truck will be open from Wednesday to Friday from 10pm to 4am and will serve eight different types of burgers! Eat at BuQtair near the Burj Al Arab. Best hole-in-the-wall fish and shrimp in Dubai. Cheap food in Dubai Best restaurants in Dubai Best breakfast in Dubai BEACH Barasti Beach Club - Free party on the beach in the sand. Thursday or Friday CLUBS Tuesday/Wednesday are ladies night at most clubs. Wednesday/ Thursday are urban hip hop nights. Dubai Night Club 360 Mahikia (small but good music) Kiza Tomorrow Afirca (African/hip hop nice mix of music. They also have a cigar lounge White Dubai Cavalli Club Atlantis The Palm Dubai To book this NYE trip to Dubai, visit our website. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us. Join our newsletter so you can stay updated. Click here BOOK NOW THINGS TO DO IN DUBAI Back To Contents Glossary PAGE 10