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Description
Itinerary
Explore glittering Dubai and take a 4×4 desert safari to spend an evening in the desert before jetting off to the bustling melting-pot of Istanbul, a city of immense history, wonderful culture, and delicious cuisine. Then head to the Indian Ocean to fulfill all your fantasies of white-sand beaches and turquoise shores in the paradise atolls of the Maldives as you enjoy an All-Inclusive getaway.
1st Day: US – Night on board
*If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.
2nd Day: Dubai
Arrive in Dubai and transfer to the hotel*. The remainder of the day is free to discover this modern Emirati metropolis at your leisure. We recommend visiting the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world and a symbol of the city of 828 meters and 160 floors. Since its inauguration in 2010, it offers the best views of the desert and the city. Underneath is the largest shopping center in the world, the Dubai Mall where 1200 stores of all kinds are located. A shopping paradise! Overnight stay in Dubai.
*You will have the option to add early check-in on arrival in the next step of the booking process. To guarantee optional services, we recommend that you add them to your current booking, as they are subject to availability.
3rd Day: Dubai
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy the morning at your leisure, exploring the old town or sunning yourself on Dubai’s idyllic beaches. We recommend an optional excursion to explore the older parts of the city*. At dusk, take an exciting 4×4 excursion to the desert. Pass through camel farms and spectacular desert landscapes, as the sand dunes are illuminated at sunset until arriving at a traditional camp. Here, enjoy a delicious barbeque dinner under the stars with traditional entertainment including Belly Dancing (except during the month of Ramadan), waterpipes and camel rides. Return to the hotel and overnight stay in Dubai.
*Optional Half-Day Classic Dubai Tour: Visit the Bastakia neighbourhood, home to old merchant houses and cafes, and learn about Dubai’s history with included entrance to the Dubai Museum. Take a traditional river taxi, known as an ‘Abra’ across Dubai Creek to the aromatic souks of Old Dubai, filled with stalls selling exotic spices and golden wares.
Please note: this optional excursion operates on Friday afternoons and Monday, Wednesday, and Sunday mornings only.
4th Day: Dubai
Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day at your leisure, enjoying a shopping spree in Dubai’s fabulous malls or relaxing at your leisure on the beach. We recommend an optional tour of the city’s modern attractions*. Overnight stay in Dubai.
*Optional Half-Day Modern Dubai Tour: Visit the most emblematic sights in the city starting at the Souk Madinat Jumeirah, a traditional arabian bazaar and popular marketplace where you can find typical hand-made crafts. Next, travel to the man-made palm-shaped island of Palm Jumeirah to see the amazing Atlantis Hotel before heading back to the city on the monorail. Afterwards, explore glittering Dubai Marina, a man-made canal city and one of the most sought-after neighbourhoods in Dubai and end the trip in the Burj Khalifa area (entrance not included) and back to the hotel.
Please note: this optional excursion operates on Mondays and Fridays only. You will have the option to be dropped off at the Dubai Mall for some shopping and return to the hotel on your own.
5th Day: Dubai – Istanbul
Breakfast at the hotel*. Enjoy the day exploring the city at your leisure. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Istanbul. Arrive in the bustling melting-pot of Istanbul, once the capital of Turkey and a city of immense history, wonderful culture, and delicious cuisine. Transfer to your hotel, get settled in, and, if time allows, enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure exploring this historic, lively city. Overnight stay in Istanbul.
*You will have the option to add late check-out on departure in the next step of the booking process. To guarantee optional services, we recommend that you add them to your booking now, as they are subject to availability.
6th Day: Istanbul
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to visit the Suleiman the Magnificent Mosque located on the third hill of Istanbul with one of the best-known panoramic views of the city. Built by order of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, it was built by the famous imperial architect Sinan. After the visit, free time to discover the city at your own pace. Discover its labyrinthine bazaars, colourful city life and eclectic architecture. To make sure you see all the top sights, we recommend an optional full-day city tour!* Bear in mind that if you choose to wander the city independently, there is no included transfer back to the hotel. Overnight stay in Istanbul.
*Optional Full-Day Istanbul City Tour: See the most emblematic sights in Istanbul, beginning with the incredible Topkapi Palace, once the residence of the Ottoman Sultans. Next, visit the Hagia Sophia for a brief photostop, where your guide will give a presentation on the iconic building’s history. We won’t enter now, but you’ll have time to do so on your own later! Stop for lunch at a local restaurant in Sultanahmet before continuing with a tour of the outside of the iconic Blue Mosque and the historic Hippodrome. End the afternoon at the bustling Grand Bazaar, home to more than 4000 shops.
7th Day: Istanbul
Breakfast at the hotel. Begin the day with the famous Spice Bazaar, established by the Ottomans and filled with exotic aromas. Next, head to a boat trip on the Bosphorus Channel, which runs through the heart of the city, marking the border between Europe and Asia. Appreciate captivating views of the old palaces of the Sultans and traditional riverside houses as you view the city from a different perspective. After disembarking, the remainder of the day is free to enjoy the delights of Istanbul at your own pace. We recommend an optional excursion to the Anatolian side of the city to see its more important sights and discover more of Istanbul!* Bear in mind that if you choose to wander the city independently, there is no included transfer back to the hotel. Overnight stay in Istanbul.
*Optional Half-Day Anatolian Istanbul Excursion: Explore the Anatolian part of the city! This stunning region is home to some of the country’s most beautiful architecture and waterfront attractions. From the iconic Beylerbeyi Palace to the murals adorning the winding streets, you’ll be awestruck by the variety and beauty of the sights. Drive directly to the Camlica Hill, located in the underrated Üsküdar district. Take in the stunning panoramic views from the highest point and soak up the bustling atmosphere from the city below. With its rich history and vibrant culture, the Anatolian part of Istanbul is an unforgettable destination. Enjoy lunch included.
8th Day: Istanbul – Night on board
Breakfast at the hotel. It’s time to leave Turkey behind as you head to the earthly paradise of the Maldives! At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Malé. Night on board.
9th Day: Maldives
Touch down in Malé, the capital of the Maldives. From here, take an exciting speedboat transfer to your resort, situated on an island in the pristine Indian Ocean. Arrive, get settled in, and begin your All-inclusive stay. Overnight stay in the Maldives.
10th Day: Maldives
All-inclusive. Enjoy a day at your leisure in the Maldives, soaking up the breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean from the comforts of a white-sand beach or exploring the abundant sea life on a snorkeling excursion. The facilities at the resort are there to make your stay as blissful as possible, so make the most of them as you begin to unwind from the stresses of daily life. Overnight stay in the Maldives.
11th Day: Maldives
All-inclusive. Enjoy the day at your leisure. We recommend a diving excursion, whether you’re a first-timer or already accustomed to the underwater world. The Maldives is considered one of the world’s best diving destinations as the waters surrounding its atolls are inhabited by thousands of species of whales, dolphins, turtles and fish, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore for yourself. Overnight stay in the Maldives.
12th Day: Maldives
All-inclusive. Enjoy your final day in the Maldives at your leisure. Make the most of your last moments in paradise by exploring the island and finding the most perfect stretch of beach in which to contemplate the picture-perfect ocean views. Arrange a romantic meal or enjoy the resort entertainment to bring a memorable close to your idyllic escape. Overnight stay in the Maldives.
13th Day: Maldives – Night on board
Breakfast* at the hotel. Sadly, it’s time to bid farewell to the paradise shores of the Maldives. At the indicated time, take a speedboat transfer to Malé to catch a flight back to the US. Night on board.
*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.
