Abu Dhabi & Dubai: Soaring Cities & Desert Dreams

Arrive in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, and transfer to your hotel. With a kilometre of private beach, an incredible CHI spa, its very own souk and a fleet of Arabic boats to transport guests along the canals and waterways that tie the resort together, the Shangri-La Hotel (Deluxe) is stylish, self-contained resort located on the creek. Alternatively, stay at the famous Emirates Palace, the hotel that usually steals the headlines in this city on the rise. Stretching over a kilometre from wing to wing, this national landmark is the epitome of modern Arabian luxury - a salute to excess where chandeliers can weigh 2.5 tonnes and more than 5kg of edible gold is used every year just to decorate deserts. Facilities include a 1.3km private beach, 11 restaurants, two glorious pools and the beautiful Anantara Spa.

These days are left free for you to relax at your hotel or to get out and explore the emirate. Visit the opulent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, with its 80 domes, 1,000 columns and gold-plated chandeliers. Ride a bike along the Corniche Road, an impressive 8km of manicured waterfront. Head out on safari at the Arabian Wildlife Park on Sir Bani Yas Island, home to more than 1,000 free-roaming animals. Watch traders haggling over livestock at the Al Ain Camel Market, the last of its kind in the UAE. Tour the 200-year-old Al Maqtaa Fort, which sits in wonderful contrast to the ultra-modern bridge that stands beside it. While away a morning at the Heritage Village, a fascinating replica of an old nomadic settlement, complete with souk, mosque and Bedouin encampment. Ride the world's fastest roller-coaster at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, also home to the largest collection of Ferraris outside of Maranello. Or take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Yas Marina Circuit, site of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and one of the most technologically advanced motorsport arenas in the world.

Meals: Room only at the Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Breakfast included at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

Venture deep into the Arabian Desert by private transfer and stay for 2 nights at the truly spectacular and exclusive Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, the most iconic and luxurious desert resort in the region. The resort offers secluded tranquillity with superb vistas of the sweeping plains and Hajar Mountain massif.  While here, take advantage of the desert experiences on offer, including horse riding, camel treks, nature walks and dune drives.

Travel by private road transfer to the bright lights and towering spires of Dubai and spend three nights at the One and Only Royal Mirage, situated in a prime location on Jumeirah Beach. Spend the rest of the day and the next two days at leisure, enjoying the vast range of entertainment, dining and shopping options that Dubai has to offer, or else simply relax and soak up the atmosphere of one of Dubai's most enduring and luxurious hotels.  The resort offers three distinct hotels in one opulent complex: our Deluxe option includes a stay at the Arabian Court, an Arabian pleasure palace of a resort of courtyards and fountains, our Ultra option at the Residence, an intimate sanctuary for the privileged few.

Stay: One and Only Royal Mirage Arabian Court (Deluxe), One and Only Royal Mirage Residence and Spa (Ultra)

After a relaxing breakfast you will be transferred by private car to Abu Dhabi International airport for your flight home.