Dubai is a glittering extravaganza of decadence and dizzying affluence. Rising to incredible new heights out of the sands of the United Arab Emirates, this shining metropolis is bursting with death-defying architecture, fantastical adventure and sights that even baffle imagination. Between sand dunes and skyscrapers, Dubai's entrancing and ultra-modern atmosphere will lure you in with its expressive Arabian history and its whispers of luxurious, one-of-a-kind experiences.  

Day 1 - Depart for Dubai

Day 2 - Arrive in Dubai: After checking in to your plush, deluxe accommodations, take a beat to stretch your legs and weave your way through the jungle of incredibly tall buildings that make up the Dubai skyline. Crane your neck and marvel at the elaborate Burj Al Arab hotel, designed to mimic the look of a ship's billowing sail. Tilt your gaze even higher at the Burj Khalifa, the current record holder for tallest free-standing structure in the world, surrounded by an expansive park laced with manicured gardens and elaborate, sparkling fountains.

Day 3: Your whirlwind tour of this expressive city begins with a peek into how well the ancient, traditional Arabian heritage of the Emirates has melded with the grandiose cosmopolitan lifestyle of modern Dubai. Stare agape at flocks of rose-hued flamingos perched elegantly in the lagoon en route to the camel and horse race track, Nad Al Sheba. More avian creatures await at the new falcon market, offering you an up close and personal meeting with these sharp-eyed winged predators. A drive-by of Jumeirah's popular hotels brings you to the Jumeirah Mosque, a towering ivory house of worship with exquisite detail and two impressive towers. In the Bastakiya area, you'll have the opportunity to visit the Dubai Museum, housed in the 150-year old Al Fahidi Fort. At dusk fall, hop on board a water taxi to your dinner cruise where you will drift along in a traditional Arabian sailing ship and luxuriate in a fabulous meal before returning to Dubai for the night. B/D

Day 4: Take the morning to relax, sleep-in, or amble around your hotel, for the afternoon will have you zooming through the dusty ochre, desert landscape in comfortable 4x4 vehicles. Ride through the dipping, rolling dunes on this thrilling excursion that will take you further into the dry desert to visit a nomadic Bedouin camp. With the remains of the wind whipping through your hair, you'll be able to choose between a few activities at the camp, like camel rides and sand surfing, or calm your quickly pounding heart on comfortable pillows while watching the scarlet sun dip below the horizon. A great BBQ feast will cue the end of your fast-paced day, loaded with a gorgeous spread of Middles Eastern fare including Shish Kebab, hummus, tabouli and more. Your soft bed in Dubai will be a welcome treat. B/D

Day 5: Use the day to weave your way through Dubai at your leisure, explore the Dubai Mall, an extravagant complex of shopping and entertainment, the largest and most diversified in the world. Or choose to head out on an optional tour to Sharjah, another shining pearl of the Emirates and frequently touted as its cultural capital. Roam through the Al Hisn Sharjah Fort, an enormous compound, built and lived-in by royalty, meticulously restored to its former elegant glory. B

Day 6: An incredible optional tour to Abu Dhabi will steer you through the Emirates' glamourous capital city. Amble aimlessly along the Corniche road, with the shining spires of the skyline on one side, and the iridescent aquamarine stretch of ocean on the other. If action is what you're after, choose the optional Ski Dubai Tour for an exhilarating escapade on the desert's only ski hill. With five runs, a snow park, and all your equipment taken care of, you will enjoy an especially unique adventure on the slopes with real snow in the land of sand and sun. B

Day 7 - Leave Dubai