Grand Tour of Arabia and Anatolia

Give us 11 Days , we'll give you Istanbul
Anatolia , Dubai and Jordan

Indiana Jones himself couldn't squeeze more adventure into this journey

DAY 01 - DUBAI - Daily Arrival - This is a private tour - Choose your own arrival date
Start in Dubai or Amman - Private Touring at all times
Arrive at Dubai International Airport at the United Arab Emirate on the Arabian Gulf. ( Click here to read more on Arabia' s early history).
Complimentary visa will be issued upon arrival for the following nationalities;

UK, EU , Switzerland, Sweden, USA, Canada , Australia, NZ, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei. You are responsible fro having a valid passport .


Upon arrival , our local rep will meet you and escort you to your hotel. Private transfers at all times

A taste of Arabia with a cosmopolitan lifestyle. In Dubai you'll find year round sunshine, un-crowded, clean sandy beaches. In this crime-free society you 'll find a very warm & welcoming team & society awaits you in Dubai. While shopping may not be high on your list, yet Dubai’s tax free markets means bargains galore. Attractive traditional Middle Eastern gifts - coffee pots, rugs, silverware, jewelry, brass, and one of the world’s greatest gold trading centers offering unbeatable value. Hong Kong is no longer able to compete with Dubai with the wide selection of low - priced international brand name products - audio equipment, VCRs, cameras, watches, fashions, perfumes and more , do not forget : the award-winning Dubai Duty Free at the airport.

DAY 2 - DUBAI (BD)
Half Day Dubai City Private Tour :
Sample the historic sites and vibrant cosmopolitan life of Dubai on this comprehensive tour. The Tour begins in Jumeira, the picturesque palace and residential area of Dubai, also home to the famous Jumeira Mosque. The next stop is Sheikh Saeed House (former residence of ruling family). The Tour then continues to Al Bastakiya, the old part of Dubai, to reach the museum located in Al Fahidi Fort. All guests board the Abra (water taxi) to cross the Creek to the spice souk . Before savoring the sights and sounds of the fish, fruit and vegetable market, there is time to shop in the most famous landmark of Dubai – the Gold souk.

Evening Dhow Cruise Dinner: ( Group dinner cruise - available for private parties at additional $$$)
For a fabulous relaxing evening join our fully fitted Arabian dhow for an evening’s cruise on the Creek. Enjoy a sumptuous feast of Arabic and Western cuisine while gently gliding past illuminated souks, banks and palaces. Private transfers of course

DAY 3 - Desert Safari with dinner in the Arabian Desert - DUBAI (BD)
Half  Day  - Private ( vehicle ) Desert Safari (4 Wheel Drive ):
Morning at leisure , enjoy beach activities. This tour departs in the afternoon across the desert of Dubai with several photo-stops during an exciting dune drive to the first destination a camel farm. The drive continues across the desert. The tour is several vehicles , you have your own private vehicle

We stop to watch the beautiful sunset before reaching our campsite where you have the opportunity to do camel riding .

After working up an appetite enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner and a shisha (the most famous Arabic Water pipe). This is a group event ( available as wlel for private parties for additional $$$ ) We conclude the evening with a true 1001 Arabian Nights tradition and With a belly dancer  performing her dance around the campfire before we head back to your hotel in Dubai or Sharja.
Transfers are always on a private basis

DAY 4 - DUBAI -East Coas Private Tour (BLD)
After breakfast , we head for Dhaid and then on to the Hajar mountains that offer a beautiful natural backdrop for Dubai . A stop at a local market , where the local shop for locally made pottery, fruits and carpets . WE stop as well in Dibba and a brief stop at the colorful local fish market , always with the fresh catch from the Arabian Gulf., we drive along the coast passing by most enchanting small villages and fishermen wharfs , we arrive at Al Badiyah mosque, one of the earliest mosques built in the UAE, continue on to Khor Fakkan, a regional popular spot for diving and snorkeling, where there will be an opportunity to relax at the beach and have a refreshing swim., stop as well as the Khor Fakkah souk. Continue to Fujairah where we stop at the renovated Fort. Before returning to Dubai, stop at the oasis of Bitnah and time to wander on the “Friday Market” in Masafi. Lunch is included enroute in a charming local restaurant .

Sat- Thu only : Complimentray Dinner is included at a local home: expected hours : 5:00 -7:30 PM
Meet the locals, you may wish to bring token gifts to exchange with the host family ( T shirt , small souvenirs of your home town)
This evening we'll venture where few ordinary visitors ever tread . . . right into the homes of some of the people of Dubai l! You'll be invited to a family dinner, and while you enjoy wholesome home-cooked specialties, you'll learn about and appreciate the outlook, aspirations, and way of life of your hosts. Be assured, as curious as you may be about your new friends, they're sure to have questions about your own background. Once the ice is broken, you'll enjoy a lively evening, and find that you have more in common than you ever suspected. Of course, you may enjoy a quiet evening t with your travel companions, by letting us know your preferences. 
Upon arrival you will be served Arabic Coffee " Gahwa " , this is very strong coffee , you will also be served dates upon arrival . After or during the meal , insence " bokhour and perfume will be brought in as usual in the Emirati home .
Dress code : Smart Casual : No short skirts, no bare shoulders., no shorts for ladies or gents

DAY 5 - DUBAI - PETRA (B)
Our staff escorts you to the airport for your flight to Amman ( Air fare is included and issued in Dubai )
From Amman airport you'll drive south, and arrive at your hotel in Petra for the night. Complimentary Jordanian visa fee (valid only for American , Australian , Canadian, EU , NZ , Singaporean & Japanese citizens. Passports must be valid for at least 6 month upon arrival). All transfers are always on a private basis .

DAY 6 - PETRA - Private Guide at all times (B)
We'll spend the entire day at Petra, the stunning desert city hewn by the Nabateans from solid cliffs of pink and violet sandstone. Petra was known in the bible as Sela, and rediscovered only in 1812. You'll feel like Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark as you penetrate into the city through a narrow sandstone gorge, the Siq, and wander among the Temple of the Winged Lion, tombs, Roman theater, and the imposing Treasury.

DAY 7 - DEPARTURE FOR ISTANBUL (B)
Our staff escorts you to the airport of Amman for your flight to Istanbul. Air fare is included in our rate in economy class, tax included , ticket issued and delivered in Amman .
Get ready to for a quick yet grand tour of the highlights of Istanbul and Western Turkey , you will see the wonders of "Imperial Constantinople in the Belle Epoque" (late 19th century), the exotic romance of the "Paris of the East:" as well as Ephesus, Izmir, Pergamon , Troy and Çanakkale.
Upon arrival in Istanbul, our local rep. meets your plane and escorts you to your hotel.

DAY 8 - ISTANBUL- Private Air-Conditioned Vehicle- Private Tour at all times (Breakfast. Lunch)
Today you see the best of Istanbul , we tour the great Ottoman capital, visiting the Blue Mosque, Süleymaniye Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi, the palace of the sultans, with its fabulous Treasury and collections of priceless Chinese porcelains. In the afternoon we venture out to the great city walls to see the Kariye Museum (Chora Church), the church of St. Savior, resplendent with Byzantine mosaics. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon walk of the Grand Bazaar and maybe some shopping. While this is a " Daily " tour, we may have to amend the tour slightly when some of the sites in Istanbul are closed depending on the day of the week .

Day 9 - ISTANBUL - CANAKKALE (Breakfast. Dinner )
In the morning proceed through the commercial area passing Ottoman monuments to the famous Egyptian Spice Bazaar for a short visit. Then take the local ferry to start an unforgettable excursion between two continents, Europe & Asia. The cruise takes you along the latest palaces of Ottomans, The Dolmabahçe Palace and Beylerbeyi, as well as 19th and 20th century, beautiful wooden Kiosks. Mansions and modern villas which form the elegant section of the city. Enjoy the scenery. After lunch, a pleasant drive to the First World War battlefields of Gallipoli. After a brief visit cross the Dardanelles by ferry boat to Asia. Overnight and dinner in Çanakkale. Private Air-Conditioned Vehicle- Private Tour at all times

Day 10 - CANAKKALE - Troy - Pergamum - IZMIR (Breakfast. Dinner )
In the morning depart hotel for the site of Troy, the homeric city. The short drive to Troy ends with the thrill of standing atop the ancient walls where beautiful Helen once stood, where the Trojan Horse brought victory for the invading Achaeans 3300 years ago

Afterwards a lovely drive to Pergamum, lunch in town. Visit the Acropolis of Hellenistic Pergamum. Among its buildings are the Altar of Zeus and the temples of Trojan& Dionysus. Visit the Asclepion, the earliest health center of Asia Minor. Continue to Izmir. Dinner and overnight in Izmir. Private Air-Conditioned Vehicle- Private Tour at all times

Day 11 - IZMIR - Ephesus - Izmir Airport (Breakfast)
Depart hotel for an hour drive to the magnificent site of Ephesus.

Ephesus was the seat of the Council of Ephesus ( If you are interested in visiting the Council of Ephesus, please let's know in advance.

Here at the great Amphitheater in Ephesus the rioters cried against St. Paul " Great is the Diana of Ephesians" .

Ephesus is the best preserved of the Greek/Roman cities in Anatolia and while you are visiting the ancient ruins of this magnificent site and your guide will bring them alive. You will see the beautiful Celsus Library, restored and reconstructed according to its original form by the architect Friedmund Hueber in the 1970's. The most spectacular building of Ephesus is the Grand Theater, built during the Hellenistic age to hold 24,000 spectators. It is there that St. Paul preached. Opposite the Temple of Hadrian are the Hill Houses, homes of Ephesus' wealthy citizens. The city was also the hometown of great philosopher Heraclitus. After a visit to Ephesus Antique Site, you will arrive at Sirince Village. This old Orthodox Village, 30 km from Kusadasi, was once "Cirkince"(ugly). Indeed its inhabitants gave this name on the purpose as they did not want to be bothered by foreigners nor to share the beauty of their village. Still after years, visitors understood that the village was not ugly and called it "Sirince" (pretty). Today the village is a perfect synthesis of Turkish-Greek culture as of the 1920's; after the Turkish Independence War, people exchange between Greek and Turks has occurred and all those typical Greek houses, though they kept their original outside characteristics, have received the local layout inside. At Sirince Village you will have chance of seeing the local life at a village and purchasing some small local souvenirs and handicrafts.

The village is also famous for its local grape and other fruit wines. During the lunch, mingle with the local people of the village as you will be a guest in their house for a simple lunch of local specialties. Have a cup of traditional Turkish coffee at the main coffee house of the village.

Time permitting , you may wish to check your future !! , a gypsy fortune teller will be glad to read coffee cup, Your last stop will be the visit to the Archaeological Museum of Ephesus established in 1929. It displays very interesting and valuable finds from Ephesus. Afterwards drive to Izmir international airport . End of our services. Bon Voyage . Private Air-Conditioned Vehicle- Private Tour at all times

Rates per person in USD

For Dec 15 - 31 arrivals : Please add %15 to any of the above listed rates

Prices include:

• All transfers in Dubai , Turkey and Jordan , always on a private basis, private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur .
  
• One way International air fares between Dubai , Amman and Istanbul , in economy class with tax.
  
• Air-conditioned hotel accommodations with tax and service charges
  
• Sightseeing with professional guide and entrance fees as indicated
  
• Meals as indicated, with pre-set menu (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
  
• UAE and Jordanian visa and Egyptian visa fee (valid only for American, Australian, NZ , Canadian , Mexican, Singaporean and Japanese citizens. Passports must be valid for at least 6 month upon arrival).
  
• Jordanian departure tax.
  
• Domestic air fare within Turkey in economy class, tax included
  
• Hotel accommodation as per itinerary, tax included
  
  

Compare with : the 6 day version , the 9 day , or the 12 days in Egypt Dubai and Jordan with Petra , or the 16 days version. Return to Dubai Main Index Page . Egypt and Dubai in 12 Days . Add Alexandria , or Turkey . Add African Safaris in Kenya . Combine with Palestine and Israel .
Return to Dubai Index Page

Extend your stay to Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa

Sample First class Hotels:

Not included:

• Personal expenses and beverages

• International air fare from / to your home country
• Gratuities
• Additional meals and services
• Trip interruption and cancellation insurance
• International air fare from /to your home country ..
• Visa Fee : in cash upon arrival, for US citizens, Japanese or Canadians, or from any of the Turkish Consulates
  
  
  

   

More choices :

• Read more on Arabia' s early history .
  
• Prefer to fly between Egypt and Jordan ( skipping Sinai and St. Catherine ) ?

• Turkey and Arabia in 11 Days.
  
• Helicopter Flight over Dubai and the Emirates .
  
• Suggested restaurants and dinning in Dubai and the Emirates .
  
• Sample hotels in Dubai and the Emirates .

• Dubai in a 6 day version
  
• Grand 12 days Tour of Arabia : Egypt & Dubai
  
• Grand Arabian Tour Dubai and Jordan in 12 days , Including Petra .Add Alexandria
  
• Return to Dubai Main Index Page
  
• Compare with the 1001 Arabian Nights Tour of Egypt & Jordan a la Indiana Jones in 17 days
  
• Add Abu Simbel Temples in Nubia Egypt
  
• Consider adding The Sultanate of Oman ? The Forgotten Jewels of Arabia
  
• Add Syria and Morocco, in a Grand North African Crossing
  
• Add African Safaris in Kenya
  
• Add a camp stay in Wadi Rum in Jordan
  
• Arabian Nile Adventure : A grand 21 -day tour of the Near East : Egypt , Israel , Palestine and Jordan
  
  
• The Near East : Egypt with Palestine and Israel .
  

Sample Deluxe Hotels in Dubai - United Arab Emirates :

Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates

Kempinski Hotels, Europe's oldest collection of luxury hotels, comes to Dubai with a truly unique and exciting five star deluxe hotel.

Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates is Kempinski’s first hotel in Dubai, located on the most prestigious address on Sheikh Zayed Road at 'MAF (Majid al Futtaim) Investments’ “Mall of the Emirates”

Acquiring its first property in 1897, Kempinski Hotels guarantees superior standards of service combined with distinctive style reflecting its old heritage and tradition in fine hospitality across Europe.

Together with the Mall of the Emirates shopping centre and Ski Dubai Alpine themed indoor snow resort, the hotel is a central attraction in Dubai, offering tourists and local visitors an unmatched formula of fine hospitality, exciting shopping, and innovative entertainment & sporting facilities. This vision fits very well with Kempinski’s philosophy in general and for this region in particular.

Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates Services
The Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates hotel offers 5-star deluxe services and facilities including a choice of restaurants such as 24Seven restaurant the all day dinner which is the only restaurant that opens 24 hours daily in the surrounding area, Aspen Café in the hotel lobby, 1897 Lounge Bar, Mosaic Pool Bar and Vitamins Juice Bar.

Other facilities include health and beauty Spa, hairdresser, fitness centre, swimming pool, tennis court, as well as a wide range of indoor and outdoor leisure facilities in addition to state of the art business centre with wireless hi speed internet connection and business support facilities to add to the fully loaded conference and meetings facilities available.

Around the clock services available are: Concierge, personal butler, baby sitting, valet parking, room service, laundry and dry-cleaning, shoe shine, on call Doctor, multi-lingual staff, security, limousine and currency exchange, in addition to shopping butler service, tour desk and shuttle bus service to name a few.

Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates Location

At the forefront of Mall of the Emirates mega complex, Kempinski Hotel takes pride of its prime location on Sheikh Zayed Road, 4th Interchange, Al Barsha, at the heart of newly developed modern Dubai, few minutes from Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City and the Jumeirah beach stretch, and just 20 minutes from Dubai International Airport and downtown.

Virtual Tour