Daytime view of the Dubai skyline with the Burj Khalifa towering above the waterfront

United Arab Emirates

Dubai City Break

Five days in Dubai balancing its modern skyline with a night in the desert and time in the old town.

5 Days / 4 NightsCity BreaksFamily

Route: Dubai

Highlights

Burj Khalifa visit
Desert safari & dinner
Old Dubai souk walk
Private transfers

Dubai moves quickly between eras, and this itinerary is built to show both sides. The city days take in the view from Burj Khalifa's observation deck, the scale of Dubai Mall, and a slower walk through Old Dubai, where wooden abras cross the creek near the spice and gold souks.

A desert safari breaks up the city time, with dune driving in the late afternoon followed by a Bedouin-style camp dinner under open sky. The final days are left flexible, suited to families who want a beach afternoon, a visit to one of the city's theme parks, or simply more time exploring neighbourhoods such as Al Fahidi.

Transfers throughout are private and air-conditioned, and the pace is deliberately unrushed given the climate, with indoor and outdoor activities balanced across the week.

The Burj Khalifa rising above the Downtown Dubai skyline under dramatic skies

Iconic blue-domed churches and whitewashed buildings overlooking the sea in Santorini

Day by day

1
Day 1
Arrive Dubai
Land in Dubai and transfer to your hotel. The evening is free, with the Dubai Fountain show a short walk from Dubai Mall.
Meals: None
2
Day 2
Modern Dubai
A morning visit to the Burj Khalifa observation deck, followed by an afternoon at Dubai Mall or the nearby waterfront.
Meals: Breakfast
3
Day 3
Old Dubai & desert safari
A morning exploring Old Dubai's creek, abras and souks, followed by an afternoon desert safari with dune driving and a Bedouin-style dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
4
Day 4
Free day
An open day for the beach, a theme park visit, or further exploring neighbourhoods such as Al Fahidi and Al Seef.
Meals: Breakfast
5
Day 5
Depart Dubai
Transfer to the airport for your onward or homeward flight.
Meals: Breakfast