Indus designed this nine-day itinerary for travelers who aspire to see as much as possible in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. With more than 20 years of proven excellence in travel, Indus’ guests can take comfort in knowing they’re in good hands, traveling in small groups between these two thrilling cities in air-conditioned vehicles led by knowledgeable, friendly guides. Travelers can also kick their holiday into overdrive with their choice from a large menu of optional activities or spend their free time enjoying the little details of these stunning cities on their own.
Itinerary
PLAN YOUR TRIP![Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is among the most important buildings in the region.](https://afar.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3da0e16/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1500x796+0+24/resize/1440x764!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fafar-media-production-web.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F64%2Ffe%2Fcf234e7d4f118b1babac77cadb92%2Fsheikh-zayed-mosque.jpg)
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is among the most important buildings in the region.
Courtesy of Experience Abu Dhabi
Day 1Welcome to the Capital
You’ll then head west toward the cultural district on Saadiyat Island. Here among the lapping tides and tiny turtles, you’ll be able to visit the world-famous Louvre Abu Dhabi, and witness the sight of other important museums taking shape, including Frank Gehry’s forthcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. Then immerse yourself in the Abu Dhabi of yesteryear with a visit to Heritage Village, where you can watch artisans forge, weave, and fire crafts in the old style, and, time permitting, even take a workshop or two.
If that’s inspired you to take a few hand-hewn works home with you, you’ll be able to shop for local artwork and antiques at Marjan Gallery. Snap a photo in front of Emirates Palace, one of the most spectacular hotels on the planet, and then close out your day with a gift to your taste buds by browsing the stalls at the date market, where you can sample dozens—if not hundreds—of seasonal varieties of the most important fruit in Arabian culture.
![Yas Island is full of non-stop thrills, including the famed Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.](https://afar.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/07905a9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1917x1017+42+0/resize/1440x764!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fafar-media-production-web.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F33%2F90%2F29cf5dac43ba89dce390b163d563%2Fferrari-world-abu-dhabi.jpg)
Yas Island is full of non-stop thrills, including the famed Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.
Courtesy of Experience Abu Dhabi
Days 2–5Free Time in Abu Dhabi
![Found just outside of the city, Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is a wellspring of calm.](https://afar.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/bc528b1/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2000x1061+0+136/resize/1440x764!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fafar-media-production-web.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fb3%2Ffc%2Fce12204c4d37abccfc2dab201366%2F15772536998-5748fcd3be-b.jpg)
Found just outside of the city, Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is a wellspring of calm.
Courtesy of superdealer100/Flickr
Day 6A Trek Through the Desert
![The ever-changing skyline of Dubai.](https://afar.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/43a6cbf/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2000x1061+0+148/resize/1440x764!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fafar-media-production-web.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F59%2F70%2Fa7f431c145d2a264fdc8370c03f0%2Fshutterstock-1898804617-copy.jpg)
The ever-changing skyline of Dubai.
Courtesy of Experience Abu Dhabi
Days 7 and 8Arriving in Dubai
![Palm Jumeirah from above.](https://afar.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a554b81/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2000x1061+0+94/resize/1440x764!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fafar-media-production-web.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F67%2F31%2F951533384b0686fa07607540c215%2Fpalm-islands-dubai-united-arab-emirates-manmade0406.jpg)
Palm Jumeirah from above.
Courtesy of Experience Abu Dhabi
Day 9A Trip Through the City and a Return Home
Dropping by the Marjan Gallery, you’ll be able to peruse the various handmade tapestries and collectables before diving into the Old World environs of Bastakiya. Here, learn even more about the history of this remarkable city at the Dubai Museum, housed in the oldest building in the city, Al Fahidi Fort, which dates to 1787.
More shopping opportunities abound, whether among the traditional market stalls of the spice and gold souks; the massive, Dubai Mall where you’ll find flagship luxury retailers and the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo; or Souk Madinat Jumeirah, a thoroughly modern mall sporting the look and spirit of a venerable souk. Already right on the gulf, you’ll be in the perfect place to gaze upon the yachts, shops, and restaurants of the scenic alameda that make up the four-mile Dubai Marina Walk.
Next, it’s time to unwind with a dinner cruise over Dubai Creek on a wooden dhow, a traditional Arab sailboat. Finally, those who wish to close out the evening with a peerless view can opt in to a visit to the observation deck of Burj Khalifa, the tallest building on Earth.
Once you’ve had one last look at the city from above, the time will come for your driver to take you back to Dubai International Airport for your journey home, leaving you to reflect on one of the most memorable weeks of your lifebefore planning your next trip with Indus, whether to the United Arab Emirates or one of their many other destinations.