18-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes Route in United Arab Emirates
Embark on a journey where tradition meets the future in the most spectacular fashion. The United Arab Emirates is a playground for the discerning traveler, offering a blend of architectural wonders, pristine coastlines, and deep-rooted heritage. This 18-day itinerary is designed for those who seek the extraordinary, combining five-star urban elegance with secluded desert tranquility.
Throughout this voyage, you will traverse the seven emirates in style, utilizing private chauffeurs and high-end transfers. From the Michelin-starred dining rooms of Dubai to the majestic silence of the Rub' al Khali desert, every moment is curated to provide an unparalleled 'Luxury Escape' experience.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Opulence in Dubai
VIP Arrival at DXB
Experience a seamless arrival with Marhaba VIP meet and greet service at Dubai International Airport, including fast-track immigration and private chauffeur transfer to your hotel.
Check-in at Burj Al Arab
Settle into your duplex suite at the world's most iconic hotel, where a personal butler awaits to assist with your every need.
Sunset at SAL
Relax at the Burj Al Arab’s exclusive terrace beach club, SAL, enjoying the Mediterranean vibes and views of the Arabian Gulf.
Dinner at Al Mahara
Indulge in a fine-dining seafood experience featuring a stunning floor-to-ceiling aquarium backdrop.
Day 2: Dubai - Marina Glitz & Sky High Views
Private Yacht Charter
Sail past the Dubai Marina and the Palm Jumeirah on a private 50-foot yacht, complete with refreshments and a professional crew.
Lunch at Nobu Dubai
Enjoy world-renowned Japanese-Peruvian fusion at Atlantis, The Palm, overlooking the shimmering skyline.
The View at The Palm
Take in 360-degree views of the Palm Jumeirah from the 52nd floor of The Palm Tower.
La Perle by Dragone
Watch a breathtaking aqua-theatrical show from your VIP seats, which include lounge access and snacks.
Day 3: Dubai - Icons & Modern Marvels
Museum of the Future
Explore this architectural masterpiece and its immersive exhibits depicting the world in 2071.
Afternoon Tea at At.mosphere
Dine on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, for a high tea experience like no other.
Dubai Mall Personal Shopping
Engage a private stylist for a curated shopping tour through the Fashion Avenue’s high-end boutiques.
Dubai Fountain Private Boardwalk
Get a front-row view of the world's largest choreographed fountain system from the exclusive boardwalk.
Day 4: Dubai to the Al Marmoom Desert
Luxury SUV Transfer
Depart the city in a high-end Range Rover for your journey into the pristine desert dunes.
Platinum Heritage Safari
Enjoy a private wildlife drive in a vintage Land Rover followed by a 6-course gourmet dinner under the stars at a royal retreat.
Astronomy Session
Learn about the celestial navigation of the Bedouin with a private astronomer and professional telescope.
Overnight at Al Maha Resort
Retreat to your private pool villa nestled within the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.
Day 5: Desert to Abu Dhabi - The Capital's Grandeur
Falconry Display
Witness the ancient art of falconry with a private demonstration at the resort before heading to the capital.
Arrival in Abu Dhabi
Check into the majestic Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, a true symbol of Arabian luxury.
Qasr Al Watan
Visit the Presidential Palace, a stunning landmark celebrating Emirati heritage and craftsmanship.
Dinner at Hakkasan
Enjoy Michelin-starred Cantonese cuisine on the terrace of Emirates Palace.
Day 6: Abu Dhabi - Culture & Art
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Visit this architectural marvel early to avoid crowds and witness the incredible white marble and gold leaf details.
Lunch at Fouquet's
Dine at the Abu Dhabi outpost of the famous Parisian brasserie, located within the Louvre Museum.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Explore the first universal museum in the Arab world under its magnificent 'Rain of Light' dome.
Kayaking by Moonlight
Experience a unique perspective of the Louvre with a guided night kayak tour around the museum's exterior.
Day 7: Abu Dhabi - Speed & Leisure
Yas Marina Circuit
Drive a high-performance vehicle or enjoy a passenger hot lap on the famous Formula 1 track.
Warner Bros. World VIP
Experience the world's largest indoor theme park with a VIP tour and queue-jump access.
Relax at Saadiyat Beach Club
Spend the afternoon on the white sands of Saadiyat Island, known for its turquoise waters and dolphins.
Dinner at Zuma
Visit Maryah Island for a sophisticated izakaya-style dinner at one of the UAE’s best restaurants.
Day 8: Abu Dhabi to Al Ain - The Garden City
Drive to Al Ain
A scenic 2-hour chauffeur drive takes you to the UAE's only UNESCO World Heritage site.
Al Ain Oasis
Walk through the shaded pathways of the historic oasis, featuring the ancient falaj irrigation system.
Al Jahili Fort
Explore one of the UAE's most beautiful traditional mud-brick fortifications.
Dinner with a View
Dine at the summit of Jebel Hafeet, overlooking the city lights and the Oman border.
Day 9: Al Ain - History & Nature
Al Ain Palace Museum
Visit the former residence of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE.
Qasr Al Muwaiji
Discover the birthplace of the current President of the UAE in this beautifully restored fort.
Al Ain Zoo Safari
Take a private luxury SUV safari through the Al Ain Safari park, home to giraffes, lions, and rhinos.
Jebel Hafeet Sunset
Drive up the winding mountain road, ranked as one of the best driving roads in the world, for a sunset picnic.
Day 10: Al Ain to Ras Al Khaimah - Desert Wilderness
Northward Bound
Travel through the shifting sands of the northern emirates toward Ras Al Khaimah (RAK).
The Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi
Check into your private tented pool villa in the Al Wadi Nature Reserve.
Horseback Riding
Take a guided sunset horse ride through the red desert dunes within the resort's private reserve.
Farmhouse Dining
Enjoy a farm-to-table dinner featuring locally sourced ingredients in a rustic-chic setting.
Day 11: Ras Al Khaimah - Pearls & Peaks
Suwaidi Pearls Tour
Take a traditional boat to the UAE's only pearl farm and learn the history of the region's pearling industry.
Lunch at Al Hamra Marina
Enjoy a relaxed seafood lunch with views of the luxury yachts and the Arabian Gulf.
Dhayah Fort
Climb the steps of the only hilltop fort remaining in the UAE for 360-degree views of the lush date palms and mountains.
Private Beach Dinner
Arrange a romantic candlelit dinner on the shores of the Ritz-Carlton Al Hamra Beach.
Day 12: Ras Al Khaimah - Mountain Adventure
Jebel Jais Flight
Experience the world's longest zipline, soaring over the jagged peaks of the Hajar Mountains.
Lunch at 1484 by Puro
Dine at the highest restaurant in the UAE, named for its altitude of 1,484 meters above sea level.
Jais Sledder
Enjoy a thrilling ride on the region's longest mountain toboggan track.
Luxury Spa Treatment
Relax with a signature treatment at the Al Wadi Spa, featuring a unique rainforest thermal circuit.
Day 13: RAK to Sharjah - Cultural Heartland
Transfer to Sharjah
Head to the cultural capital of the UAE, known for its dedication to art and history.
Sharjah Art Foundation
Explore contemporary art installations in the heart of the historic heritage area.
The Rain Room
Experience the mesmerizing installation where you can walk through a downpour without getting wet.
Dinner at Al Qasba
Dine along the canal at one of Sharjah's most popular leisure destinations.
Day 14: Sharjah - Islamic Heritage
Museum of Islamic Civilization
Discover thousands of rare artifacts housed in a stunning converted traditional souk building.
Central Souk (Blue Souk)
Shop for authentic antiques, jewelry, and hand-woven carpets in this iconic blue-tiled market.
Noor Island
Walk through the Butterfly House and enjoy the artistic lighting installations on this tranquil lagoon island.
Flag Island Dinner
Enjoy a gourmet meal at Jones the Grocer on Flag Island, offering views of the Sharjah skyline.
Day 15: Sharjah to Hatta - Mountain Retreat
Drive to Hatta
Head into the Hajar Mountains for a day of scenic landscapes and fresh air.
Hatta Dam Kayaking
Paddle across the turquoise waters of the Hatta Dam, surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks.
Hatta Heritage Village
Explore one of the oldest traditional villages in the emirate of Dubai, dating back 3,000 years.
Overnight at JA Hatta Fort Hotel
Stay in a luxury chalet at this classic mountain resort, known for its stunning garden views.
Day 16: Hatta to Dubai - Final Urban Sparkle
Mountain Biking or Hiking
Enjoy the crisp morning air with a guided trail hike or a mountain bike ride at Hatta Wadi Hub.
Return to Dubai
Drive back to the city and check into a beachfront suite at the Jumeirah Al Naseem.
The Aura Skypool
Swim in the world’s highest 360-degree infinity pool for an unforgettable sunset session.
Dinner at SushiSamba
Celebrate your final night with high-energy dining and panoramic views from the 51st floor of The Palm Tower.
Day 17: Dubai - Leisure & Last-Minute Finds
Brunch at Coya
Experience the legendary Peruvian brunch, a staple of Dubai’s high-end social scene.
Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Wander through the canals on an abra and pick up last-minute luxury souvenirs and perfumes.
Sky Views Observatory
Try the Edge Walk or the Glass Slide for a final thrill overlooking the Burj Khalifa.
Cocktails at Gilt
Toast to your journey at the opulent gold-themed bar inside Burj Al Arab.
Day 18: Departure from Dubai
Leisurely Breakfast
Enjoy a final decadent breakfast overlooking the turtles at Jumeirah Al Naseem.
Private Chauffeur to DXB
Your luxury transfer will take you to the airport in time for your first-class check-in.
Lounge Relaxation
Spend your final hours in the Emirates First Class Lounge, featuring spa services and fine dining.
Final Departure
Board your flight home, concluding your epic 18-day luxury escape across the UAE.
Best Time to Visit United Arab Emirates
The best time to visit the UAE is from November to March when the weather is pleasantly warm, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). This is the peak season for outdoor activities, beach days, and al fresco dining. The shoulder months of April and October are also manageable but warmer. Avoid the summer months (June to September) if you dislike extreme heat, as temperatures can soar above 45°C (113°F), though this is when luxury hotel rates are at their most competitive.
Currency & Money
The official currency is the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED), which is pegged to the US Dollar (1 USD = 3.67 AED). Credit cards are universally accepted in hotels, malls, and high-end restaurants. However, carrying some cash is useful for small souk purchases or tipping. Tipping is customary in the UAE; 10-15% is standard in restaurants if a service charge is not already included. Valets, porters, and taxi drivers also appreciate small gratuities.
Getting Around United Arab Emirates
Intercity travel in the UAE is best done by road. For a luxury itinerary, private chauffeur services like Blacklane or booking through your hotel's concierge are the preferred methods. Domestic flights are rare given the short distances between cities. Within Dubai, the Dubai Metro offers a 'Gold Class' cabin for a more comfortable commute, but private cars remain the standard for high-end travel. Renting a luxury vehicle or a supercar is also a popular way to experience the UAE's excellent highway network.
