Package Overview
Five days in old Dubai from Citymax Bur Dubai - Al Fahidi, the Gold and Spice Souks, an abra crossing, a heritage village and an Emirati dinner. This package is the opposite of the Downtown ones, and deliberately so. Bur Dubai is the older half of the city, on the south bank of Dubai Creek, and it is where Dubai existed before the towers. Staying here puts the wind-tower houses of Al Fahidi, the creek and the souks within walking distance instead of a half-hour drive. The itinerary follows that. A guided tour of Dubai Museum and the Al Fahidi Historical District, a walking tour of the Gold Souk and Spice Souk across the water in Deira, and an abra crossing between them - the traditional wooden boats that still work as public transport and cost a few dirhams. A heritage village visit and a traditional Emirati dinner cover the parts of the culture that malls do not. The desert safari here is the culturally-framed version with entertainment rather than the dune-bashing thrill version, which fits the rest of the trip. Dubai Frame is included as the one deliberately modern stop, and it is well placed for this itinerary: it was built to frame exactly the contrast between old and new Dubai that this package is about. It suits travellers who find the skyline less interesting than the city underneath it.
Destination Highlights
Bur Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Walking distance to Dubai Creek and the Al Fahidi district
- Guided Dubai Museum and Al Fahidi Historical District tour
- Gold Souk and Spice Souk walking tour in Deira
- Abra crossing of Dubai Creek
- Traditional Emirati dinner and heritage village visit
- Desert safari with cultural entertainment
- Dubai Frame entry
What's Included
- Citymax Hotel Bur Dubai - Standard Room
- Daily breakfast
- Shared airport transfers
- Dubai Museum and Al Fahidi Historical District tour
- Gold Souk and Spice Souk walking tour
- Abra ride across Dubai Creek
- Desert safari with cultural entertainment
- Dubai Frame tickets
- Traditional Emirati dinner experience
- Heritage village visit
What's Not Included
- International flights
- UAE visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Lunch and dinner (except mentioned)
- Personal shopping
- Optional activities
- Tips and gratuities
Tours and tickets for this trip
Experiences like the ones in this package, sold individually at booking.holidayys.com, our tours and activities site.
- Old Dubai walking tourA four-hour guided walk from Al Seef
- Desert safari with BBQ dinnerThe classic evening 4x4 safari, with hotel pickup
- Dubai Frame ticketsEntrance ticket
- Burj Khalifa ticketsAt The Top, on floors 124 and 125
- Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo ticketsInside the tank at The Dubai Mall
- Dhow cruise dinner on Dubai CreekAn evening aboard a traditional wooden dhow
Common questions about Citymax Bur Dubai - Cultural Discovery 4N/5D
- How long is the Citymax Bur Dubai - Cultural Discovery 4N/5D package?
- 5 days and 4 nights. The itinerary on this page sets out what happens on each day, and the dates are arranged around your own flights when you book.
- Where does the Citymax Bur Dubai - Cultural Discovery 4N/5D package go?
- Dubai, UAE. Departures are arranged from the UAE, and we confirm the exact routing and hotels with you before anything is booked.
- How much does the Citymax Bur Dubai - Cultural Discovery 4N/5D package cost?
- From AED 2,899 per person, based on double occupancy. That is a starting price — the final figure depends on your travel dates, the room configuration and group size, so we confirm it before you pay. Bookings can be paid in full or in instalments.
- What is included in the Citymax Bur Dubai - Cultural Discovery 4N/5D package?
- Citymax Hotel Bur Dubai - Standard Room, Daily breakfast, Shared airport transfers, Dubai Museum and Al Fahidi Historical District tour, Gold Souk and Spice Souk walking tour, Abra ride across Dubai Creek, Desert safari with cultural entertainment, Dubai Frame tickets, Traditional Emirati dinner experience and Heritage village visit. Anything not listed here is not part of the package price.
- What is not included in the Citymax Bur Dubai - Cultural Discovery 4N/5D package?
- International flights, UAE visa fees, Travel insurance, Lunch and dinner (except mentioned), Personal shopping, Optional activities and Tips and gratuities. Ask us before you book if you want any of these added — most can be arranged and quoted separately.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival & Old Dubai Heritage Walk
Welcome to Dubai! Your cultural journey begins with a warm reception at Dubai International Airport. After hotel check-in at the conveniently located Citymax Bur Dubai, embark on an enchanting evening heritage walk through the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood. Wander through the narrow lanes of Bastakiya Quarter, where traditional wind-tower architecture tells stories of Dubai's pearl-diving past. Visit the Dubai Museum housed in the 18th-century Al Fahidi Fort to understand the emirate's transformation from a fishing village to a global metropolis. Cross the historic Dubai Creek on a traditional abra (water taxi) to experience authentic local transportation. End your evening at the atmospheric Al Seef district, where heritage meets modernity along the creek waterfront.
Highlights:
- Explore the charming Bastakiya Quarter with traditional wind-tower houses
- Discover Dubai's history at the Dubai Museum
- Experience authentic abra ride across historic Dubai Creek
- Walk through the atmospheric Al Seef heritage district
- Welcome dinner featuring traditional Emirati cuisine
Souks & Traditional Markets Discovery
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Dubai's legendary traditional souks. Begin your day at the aromatic Spice Souk, where sacks of saffron, cardamom, and frankincense create a sensory feast. Navigate through the bustling Textile Souk (Souk Al Kabeer), discovering colorful fabrics, pashminas, and traditional garments. Experience the dazzling Gold Souk, home to over 300 retailers displaying intricate jewelry designs. Learn the art of bargaining from your expert guide while exploring these authentic marketplaces. After lunch at a local eatery, visit the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding for an interactive session about Emirati culture, traditions, and Islam. Conclude with a visit to the Jumeirah Mosque, one of the few mosques in Dubai open to non-Muslim visitors, showcasing stunning Islamic architecture.
Highlights:
- Experience the aromatic Spice Souk with exotic spices and herbs
- Discover traditional textiles and fabrics at Souk Al Kabeer
- Marvel at the glittering Gold Souk with world-class jewelry
- Learn about Emirati culture and traditions at cultural center
- Visit the beautiful Jumeirah Mosque with guided tour
- Master the art of bargaining in traditional markets
Desert Heritage & Bedouin Culture
Experience the timeless beauty of Arabian desert culture on this immersive full-day excursion. Journey to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, where you'll discover the traditional Bedouin way of life that has shaped Emirati heritage for centuries. Begin with a visit to a heritage village showcasing traditional architecture, falconry demonstrations, and ancient crafts. Learn about desert survival techniques, traditional medicine using desert plants, and the importance of camels in Bedouin culture. Enjoy an exhilarating dune bashing experience in 4x4 vehicles, followed by camel riding and sandboarding. As the sun sets over the golden dunes, arrive at an authentic Bedouin-style camp for a magical evening. Savor a traditional BBQ dinner under the stars while enjoying live cultural performances including Tanoura dance, belly dancing, and fire shows. This day perfectly balances cultural immersion with adventure.
Highlights:
- Explore authentic heritage village with traditional architecture
- Witness spectacular falconry demonstration
- Experience thrilling dune bashing adventure
- Enjoy camel riding and sandboarding activities
- Watch mesmerizing sunset over Arabian dunes
- Savor traditional BBQ dinner under the stars
- Enjoy live Tanoura dance, belly dancing, and fire shows
- Try henna painting and traditional Arabic dress
Modern Dubai & Cultural Fusion
Discover how Dubai harmoniously blends its rich heritage with futuristic vision on this fascinating day tour. Begin at the iconic Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, where you'll ascend to the observation deck for breathtaking panoramic views. Visit The Dubai Mall to explore the Dubai Aquarium and witness the captivating Dubai Fountain show. Experience the cultural diversity at the Etihad Museum, which chronicles the UAE's formation and celebrates the nation's founding fathers. Explore the vibrant Dubai Marina, a testament to modern urban planning. Visit the traditional dhow building yard to see craftsmen using centuries-old techniques. End your day at the Global Village (seasonal, Nov-Apr), a multicultural festival park showcasing pavilions from over 75 countries, offering cultural performances, international cuisine, and traditional handicrafts. This day beautifully illustrates Dubai's journey from tradition to innovation.
Highlights:
- Ascend to Burj Khalifa observation deck for stunning city views
- Explore the magnificent Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
- Watch the spectacular Dubai Fountain choreographed show
- Learn about UAE's formation at Etihad Museum
- Witness traditional dhow building craftsmanship
- Experience multicultural Global Village with 75+ country pavilions
- Enjoy international cultural performances and cuisine
- Shop for authentic handicrafts from around the world
Departure & Last-Minute Cultural Experiences
Make the most of your final morning in Dubai with carefully curated cultural experiences before your departure. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, then visit the vibrant Karama Market, famous for authentic souvenirs, traditional handicrafts, and local products at bargain prices. Explore the nearby Satwa district, known for its multicultural atmosphere and traditional tailoring shops where you can witness skilled craftsmen at work. Visit a local date market to sample and purchase premium Emirati dates, a symbol of Arabian hospitality. If time permits, stop by the Coffee Museum to learn about the rich coffee culture in the Arab world and enjoy a traditional Arabic coffee ceremony. After hotel check-out, you'll have time for last-minute shopping or relaxation before your comfortable transfer to Dubai International Airport. Depart with cherished memories of Dubai's fascinating cultural heritage and warm hospitality.
Highlights:
- Shop for authentic souvenirs at Karama Market
- Experience multicultural Satwa district atmosphere
- Witness traditional tailoring craftsmanship
- Sample premium Emirati dates at local market
- Learn about Arab coffee culture at Coffee Museum
- Enjoy traditional Arabic coffee ceremony
- Comfortable airport transfer with assistance
Pricing Details
Base Price
AED 2,899
Additional Information
Accommodation
Type: hotel
Standard: standard
Meals
breakfast
Transportation
Return transportation included
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