Beyond - The Exotic Traditions And Lush Modernity Of Dubai

Day 1: Arrival | Dubai

Arrival at Dubai International Airport. Welcome by our French-speaking representative who will be waiting for customers in the arrival hall. Transfer to the hotel by minibus/bus, without a guide. Free dinner. Overnight.

Day 2: Discover Authentic Dubai | Dubai

Breakfast at the hotel. Start the day crossing Dubai Creek on a local "Abra" (local water taxi) to reach the spice and gold souks where you will have the opportunity to show your bargaining skills. Stroll at the souks, you can purchase some souvenirs, spices, etc. Back in Abra for a walk through the narrow streets of the historic district of Bastakiya with its wind towers: discovery of the history and traditions of Dubai with a visit to the new museums: Visit the Perfume Museum in Dubai: allow all your senses to be stimulated and delighted in the realm of exotic Emirati fragrances, while delving into the skills that bring them to life. Showcasing traditional techniques for making fragrance oils and perfumes that date back centuries, The Perfume House takes visitors on an aromatic journey to learn about ancient traditions while exploring unusual ingredients. Learn about the important role traditional perfumes play in Emirati culture, how they connect to the past, and their role in religious and daily life. Continue your visit by entering the Saruq Al-Hadid Archaeological Museum: Housed in a historic building in the heritage district of Shindagha, the museum tells the story of one of the most exciting and mysterious archaeological sites ever discovered in the emirate from Dubai. The museum uses state-of-the-art technology to explore Saruq Al-Hadid - 'the way of iron' - a remote desert site that was a center of metalworking some three thousand years ago. End the tour with a visit to the Shindagha Museum: the museum connects Emiratis and international visitors to the rich and unique history of the United Arab Emirates and its people. The aim of the museum is to understand how the past has led to the present and assess how it will influence the future. The museum also aims to reveal the powerful continuity of Emirati life across generations and how identity is forged through economic challenges and opportunities, societal changes and the influence of external forces. Lunch at the local restaurant. Meeting with a local Arabic Calligrapher and Arabic Calligraphy lesson in his Workshop. Arabic calligraphy is a codified art that has basics and rules to learn. You will therefore have the opportunity to meet our calligrapher and follow him as well as possible to see that you too can make beautiful calligraphy! Learn to write your name and take the board as a souvenir of this session. Return to the hotel. Free time to refresh. In the evening, head for a local diner – at Asma’s: a pretty Emirati who agrees to open her house in the Mirdif district. She works at the Dubai Municipality and has 4 children aged 4 to 16. Her husband also works for the administration like many locals. Her father is Emirati and her mother Moroccan. She lived 2 years in France in Toulouse and Perpignan to follow courses in a hotel school. Dinner sample menu: Traditional homemade rose juice Various fruit juices Traditional savory little cakes A very large dish of 4 choices of salad Chicken / Lamb Biryani Local dessert Dates Tea Arabic kahwa (coffee) Return to your hotel. Overnight.

Day 3: Ras Al Khaima

The day begins with a visit to the fish market in Ras Al Khaimah, and a meeting with a member of the town's fishermen's association who will explain the wide variety of fish available in the Emirates, as well as government support for local fishermen. The morning continues with a visit to Fort Al Dhaya. Then a lunch with the locals will await you: you will be hosted by an Emirati family with whom you will have traditional lunch and will be able to discuss their customs, traditions and daily life. In the afternoon, head to the desert for a visit to an authentic camel farm. Guided by a farm worker, you will learn more about this iconic animal of Emirati culture that you can observe up close. Return to Dubai. Dinner at your leisure & overnight.

Day 4: Abu Dhabi

Breakfast at the hotel. Leave Dubai and discover a new city: Abu Dhabi! This day in Abu Dhabi will begin with a visit to the brand-new Abrahamic Houses, where you can learn more about the three great monotheistic religions and their cohabitation within the United Arab Emirates. Then head to the Louvre Museum (entrance included in free visit – Guided tour possible at an additional cost). Lunch at local restaurant (food and soft drinks included). Continue with a panoramic city tour along the Corniche, past the Emirates Palace, the Etihad Towers, and then take a short stroll through the Heritage Village. End this day by visiting the splendid Sheikh Zayed Mosque which is one of the largest Mosques in the world and an architectural work of art. This historically significant Mosque blends architectural styles and embodies Islam's message of tolerance and peace. Following this visit, the driver will drive you back to your hotel in Dubai. Dinner at your leisure & overnight.

Day 5: Modern Dubai

Breakfast at the hotel. The visit begins with a tour of the "Palm Jumeirah", the largest man-made island in the world. Photo stop in front of the Atlantis Hotel, then return to the mainland aboard the monorail (one way) where you will have a magnificent view of the island and the Skyline of Dubai. Take the Shaikh Zayed Highway towards Jumeirah for a photo stop in front of the Jumeirah Mosque and then the iconic 7-star hotel, the Burj Al Arab. Then head downtown and visit Souk Al Bahar, an arabesque style shopping mall, visit the Burj Khalifa 'At The Top' Observatory (Standard Entrance) where you can enjoy stunning views from 360 degrees on the city of Dubai. Lunch at a local restaurant. Afternoon: free discovery (Non-guided) of the library of Mohammed Bin Rashid known for: • Important collection of old and new photos • Collection of old books • Small garden by the canal Built in the shape of a “rehl”, the traditional wooden bookcase used to hold the Quran, the new Mohammed Bin Rashid Library overlooks Dubai Creek. Start your visit with the two exhibitions on the top floor: first discover the history of Dubai thanks to the important collection of old and recent photographs. Then, go back in time and admire the large collection of old books (religious books, poems, novels, maps, and many more). Then take the time to stroll in the gardens by the creek and enjoy the calm of the place. Feel free to read a book in one of the bookstore sections as well. End of the visit and dinner in a local restaurant with a view of the fountains of "Festival City". Return to the hotel and overnight.

Day 6: Departure (B/ / )

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer with your English speaking driver to the airport and return flight (without guide).