Depart Los Angeles on flight EK216 at 4:40PM to Dubai. Depart San Francisco on flight EK226 at 7:40 PM to Dubai.

We will arrive at Dubai International Airport. LAX Group at 7:30 PM and SF Group at 7:40 PM. Then, we will meet our tour guide and driver and transfer to the hotel.

Our day begins with a comprehensive city tour. We will sample Dubai’s historic sites and vibrant cosmopolitan life. We will begin the tour with a photo stop at the famous landmark of Dubai, Burj Al Arab. Then, continue to Jumeirah, the picturesque palace and residential area of the city. We will pass by the famous Jumeirah Mosque. Continue to Al Bastakiya, the old part of Dubai, and reach the Al Fahidi Fort. We will board the Abra (water taxi) to cross the creek to the spice souk; discover new flavors and recipes as you explore the traditional spice market. On our return, we will have time to shop in the most famous landmark, the Gold Souk. Return 
to our hotel and prepare to enjoy a desert safari adventure. We will depart across the desert with photo stops during an exciting dune drive and a visit to the camel farm. Continue our drive and take in the beautiful sunset. Upon arrival at our campsite, we will engage in exciting activities such as camel riding and sandboarding or try out a henna design on hands or feet. After working up an appetite, we will enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner and a shisha, the famous Arabic water pipe. Our night will end as we enjoy the performance of a belly dancer show around the campfire by starlight. Return to the hotel.

Today, we will discover the highlights of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the Emirates, known as the Arabian Jewel. The Jebel Ali Port, the biggest artificial port in the world, is one of the landmarks we will pass on the way to Abu Dhabi. We will visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. Then, continue to the Sheikh Zayed Centre to glimpse at the private life of H.H. Sheikh Zayed, known as “The Father of the UAE.” Continue to the Heritage Village; we will journey to the past to explore life before oil was discovered. As our day ends, we will drive along the beautiful corniche and stop at Dubai and Abu Dhabi Adventure, the Ferrari World Theme Park for a photo. We will head back to the hotel. Note: The dress code is loose, long trousers or long skirts & long sleeves. No shorts, tight or transparent clothing. Women must cover their head with a scarf.

Today, our day begins with a drive through the lush oasis of Al Dhaid, renowned for its fruit and vegetable plantations. Then, we will head onto Masafi and the picturesque Hajar Mountains before reaching the village of Dibba to wander around the small port. Our drive continues along the coast through fishing villages. During our lunch break, enjoy a relaxing swim in the Indian Ocean. Continue to Al Badiyah, the oldest mosque in the Emirates. In Fujairah, we will stop at the renovated Fort. We will make one last stop at the oasis of Bithnah and browse around the ‘Friday Market’ in Masafi. Head back to the hotel. 

Today, we will take part in a half-day Sharjah city tour. We will visit the “Pearl of the Gulf” Sharjah, and take photos at the magnificent Al Noor Mosque on Al Buhaira Corniche. Continue to the largest mosque in Sharjah, the King Faisal Mosque. Visit the renovated Fort of Sharjah, the former residence of the ruling family originally built in 1820. We will continue the tour at the heritage area or Sharjah’s “Old Town.” After a stroll through the restored traditional market Souk Al Arsa, we will visit the Bait Al Naboodah for a glimpse of a traditional family home. Experience the typical Markazi - a treasure trove of carpets, jewelry, and handicrafts. Return to the hotel and prepare for a fabulous evening at the Dhow Cruise. We will enjoy a sumptuous Arabic and international cuisine feast while gently gliding past illuminated souks, banks, and palaces. Return to the hotel.

Our day today will be at leisure. Here are some other places and activities to consider exploring on your own: Go shopping at the Dubai Mall, the world’s largest mall with over 1,200 shops. Shop at the Mall of Emirates, built as a shopping resort and home to 500 stores. One of the most exciting shopping destinations, City Walk is home to an array of stand-alone boutiques you won’t find anywhere else in Dubai. Visit Dubai’s Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. Visit the Dubai Frame and  many more attractions.

Optional Group Activity: Take to the skies at the Burj Khalifa with a visit to the 124th Floor and enjoy panoramic views of Dubai. $90/person 4 guests or more must sign-up. Payable to Adriatic Pilgrimages in advance **Advance Registration is Required.** 

We will transfer to Dubai International Airport for our departure flight this morning. 
Depart on flight EK 215 at 8:30 AM to Los Angeles, arriving at 12:45 PM. Depart on flight EK 225 at 8:45 AM to San Francisco, arriving at 12:45 PM.