NEW YEAR’S HOLIDAY WEEK
“ARABIAN NIGHTS”
CELEBRATION IN DUBAI
DEC. 26, 2010 – JAN. 2, 2011
WITH OPTIONAL 3 NIGHT EXTENSION TO VIBRANT ISTANBUL TURKEY
JAN. 2 – 5, 2011

         

Enjoy a guided camel ride across stunning sand dune landscapes

Join us for a New Year’s holiday vacation of excitement, glamour, fun and sun and a fantastic way to ring in the New Year!

We are heading to the land of opulence, Dubai, where everything is done in such grand style.

We will enjoy sightseeing of both Dubai and neighboring Abu Dhabi, its elaborate palaces, and exotic spice markets, beautiful mountain scenery and gorgeous beaches and of course, spectacular sand dunes.

Enjoy an included New Year’s Eve celebration complete with a festive camel ride over a lush desert landscape, a “Falcon Show”, DJ dancing, a sumptuous holiday dinner and New Year’s Eve toast followed by a spectacular fireworks display over the Dubai Harbor, a most memorable way to ring in 2011!

Add ample free time to enjoy glorious beaches, great shopping and optional excursions such as an exotic dune buggy ride across a magnificent desert safari, a unique sand boarding excursion and a most unique opportunity to enjoy skiing, that’s right skiing – on the world’s largest Indoor ski slope - (as featured on CBS’s Amazing Race Reality TV show.) – You have to see this one to believe it !

AND THAT’S NOT ALL

•  Enjoy an optional 3 night trip extension to exotic Istanbul Turkey with excursions to visit the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Haghia Sophia and the Grand Bazarre, plus a final night’s farewell dinner cruise on the Bosphorus River, where East Meets West, with dancing and a visit to the impressive Rumelli Fortress.

•  Istanbul’s legendary nightlife also awaits us on Taksim square, where our hotel is located just a block away from all the night time fun.

 

Trip Itinerary:
 
SUN DEC 26
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Depart JFK on Lufthansa Airline flight 401 at 3:55 pm with your allsinglestravel.com trip escort who will be with the group throughout our trip.

Dinner and beverages served on board during overnight flight.

 

MON DEC 27
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After breakfast on board, arrive Frankfurt at 6:00 am.

Connect to Lufthansa flight 618 departing at 11:30 am for Abu Dhabi. (no need to go through customs in Frankfurt.)

Lunch and dinner served on board during flight and allowing for the time zone change, Arrive Abu Dhabi (AUH) at 8:40 pm.

On arrival, clear Passport Control and Customs.
No visas required for USA citizens - All will get an entry stamp when they enter Dubai at no cost.

Meet and greet our local transfer representative who will assist with baggage and transfer to our chartered coach for transfer to our hotel in Dubai
Check in at the Excelsior Creek Hotel, Dubai.

The beautifully appointed Excelsior Creek Hotel is ideally located in the ‘true’ heart of Dubai. With the Dubai Creek, Shopping Malls, ‘colorful Karama’ and newly opened Metro with minutes walking distance from the hotel, our business and leisure guests can enjoy every moment of their time to Dubai

With 201 deluxe rooms & suites,  a fully-equipped business center, a variety of bars, restaurants & nightspots, a tantalizing coffee bar, meeting and ballrooms, car and limousine services, travel and tour desk, Health Club & Fitness center and a stunning roof top swimming pool the Excelsior Creek Hotel has every modern convenience for our travelers 

Click here to read more about the restaurants and bars at our hotel

http://www.excelsiorcreekhotel.com/dining-en.html

 

Excelsior Creek Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Dubai, within walking distance of the BurJuman Shopping Center and 5minutes walking distance from Dubai Creek

Make use of our hotel’s free Shuttle Bus Services to and from Jumeirah Beach and the City Center Deira. Explore the cultural gems and shopping areas of Dubai from Excelsior Creek Hotel. 

Our hotel offers several services including:

Excelsior Creek Hotel Dubai offers excellent Dubai hotel services. 

• 24 hour Room Service
• 24 Hour Security
• 24 Hour Concierge Service
• 24 Hour Front Desk 
• Internet access
• International satellite television channels
• Business Center
• Rent-a-car / limousine service
• Valet Service and Free Self Parking Service
• Travel and tour desk
• Health Club & Fitness centre
• Roof top swimming pool
• Steam Bath and Sauna
• Shuttle Bus Services to and from Jumeirah Beach and the Deira City Center
• Currency Exchange
• Airport Pick-up and drop-off
• Business Center
• Secretarial Service
• Dry Cleaning Service
• Medical Service
• Barber Shop and Ladies Salon
• Wake-up Service
• Turn Down Service

 

TUES DEC 28
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After included buffet breakfast, group will be met mid morning at 10am and enjoy a guided half day classic Dubai city tour with professional English speaking guide and all entrances including lunch. The tour starts with a photo stop on the beach with a magnificent view of the world-famous Burj Al Arab Hotel. Continue to the Jumeirah Mosque - the Grand Mosque before heading towards the palaces of the sheiks of this Emirate.

           

   

PICTURES OF THE Jumeirah Mosque

Located in Dubai’s beachside area, the Jumeirah Mosque, built in medieval Fatimid style in 1978, is a beautiful white stone structure with towering twin minarets framing a large central dome. Its seashell-like finish and coloring fit perfectly with the mosque’s position opposite the white sands of Jumeirah Beach.

Jumeirah Mosque is the only mosque in Dubai open to non-Muslims, and one of only two open to non-Muslims in the United Arab Emirates. The other is the new Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.

The most impressive views of Jumeirah Mosque are those you get when you first approach the austere yet beautiful building. The first glance is the most affecting

Next we head towards the Dubai creek for a further photo stop. Continue past the Al Bastakia Old Wind Tower houses built by the wealthy merchants of the past.

 Next stop is the Al Fahidi fort now converted into a Dubai museum. The museum is a 200 year old restored palace of Sheikh Saeed which contains important records of past pearl diving and trading activities of the region.

 Next visit the Abra station where you will take an Abra (water ferry) to cross to the opposite side of the creek which was done in the not too distant past. The group then sets out on foot to navigate through the bustling alleys towards the Spice and Gold Souks (markets) where you will have insight into Dubai's growth as a major trading center.

The tour ends with lunch included at a prominent local restaurant.

We return to the hotel with the balance of afternoon at leisure to relax, take the hotel shuttle to the glorious beaches or walk to the nearby shopping plaza. Dinner is at your leisure to explore the restaurants of this exciting area.
Overnight at the Excelsior Creek Hotel, Dubai. 

 

WED DEC 29
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After buffet breakfast included, enjoy a full day Abu Dhabi guided city tour with your professional English speaking guide including all entrances. Today you will discover the wonders of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the Emirates known as the Arabian Jewel. On the way to Abu Dhabi (about an hour away) pass by Jebel Ali Port which is the biggest man-made port in the world. On arrival in Abu Dhabi, enjoy a photo stop at the Sheikh Zayed Mosque which is the largest mosque in the UAE - United Arab Emirates - the highlight of this day's tour.

                         
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sheikh Zayed Mosque

 

Enjoy a tour of this beautiful and breathtaking piece of architecture which is capable of taking up to 40 000 worshippers. Next, continue to the city, where you will marvel at the well laid out roads, surrounding lush greenery, beautiful parks and rows upon rows of trees until you reach Abu Dhabi's oldest building Al Husn Palace, built in the 18th century.

Enjoy a magnificent view of this modern city after driving along the beautiful Corniche to the breakwater. Next visit the Heritage Village, and journey to the past to explore life before oil was discovered. A buffet lunch is included today. Return to the hotel in Dubai late afternoon. Dinner is again at your leisure.  Overnight Excelsior Creek Hotel, Dubai.

 

THUR DEC 30
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After included buffet breakfast today, enjoy a full day east coast tour with professional English speaking guide and including entrances and a buffet lunch in Fujairah.

 

The day's tour starts with a visit to the Friday market situated on the main road to the town of Fujairah. Here you will find traditional items including potteries and carpets. Next stop will be the Bithna fort which was built for protection a long time ago.

 

Continue to the Fujairah Heritage Village which portrays the traditional life of the people of the Emirates. Exhibits include traditional houses, cooking utensils, farming tools and other items as well as the Al Yazarah system used extensively for irrigating fields. The lunch included today will be at one of the magnificent beach hotels.  In the afternoon head to the scenic fishing village of Dibba.

 

Along the way a stop will be made at Bidya Mosque - UAE's oldest place of worship. It is also known as the "Ottoman Mosque" which shows a unique design of 4 small domes held up by a massive central pillar.

 

You will have an opportunity to climb a hill and see the two small watch towers and view the small farms scattered around in beautiful mountainous scenery.

Our tour will explore the picturesque East Coast of UAE, where you can witness a flat desert landscape change into spectacular hills. This impressive stretch of lush coastline makes a dramatic change, with steep mountains, unspoiled sandy bays and beaches, ancient fortresses and date palm groves sloping down to the edge of the Indian Ocean. Enjoy stunning views of the Persian Gulf from the coastline, which is dotted with coastal fishing villages.

Take a trip to the Al Bidya mosque, an important archaeological site that has finds dating back to 1000 BC. Discover the 300-year-old Fort of Fujairah and the mountain dwellers’ ruins near the port towns of Khor Fakkan and Fujairah. With dramatic scenery, interesting archaeological digs and a glimpse into the country’s rich heritage, our East Coast excursion is a stunning scenic exploration.

 Late afternoon return to Dubai along a most scenic highway.

 

Dinner on own to explore the fabulous opportunities for dining in Dubai.
Overnight at the Excelsior Creek Hotel, Dubai. 

 

FRI DEC 31
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After our included breakfast, today is a full free day for optional excursions or just relaxing on the beach or shopping if you prefer. 

 

Sand-duning, dune buggy rides and sand-boarding on the desert sand dunes are popular half day excursions.

 

 
 JEEP SAFARIS ACROSS DUBAI’S SAND DUNES



Looks like Mars
The color of the sand is a deep red

Another popular excursion is hot air ballooning

You will experience the desert as only a few have seen it-from a gently floating hot air balloon. Feel the cool dawn air as you float only a few meters above the red dunes, then be awestruck as the mesmerizing landscape unfolds below you. View the giant sand dunes, the moonlike landscape of the rugged Hajar mountains to the east and the 21st century skyline of Dubai to the west as you rise high into the immense blue of the desert sky

Indoor skiing in Dubai is an incredible activity in the world’s largest indoor skiing arena, complete with real snow, chair lifts, ski runs and more.

Ski Dubai is the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East and offers an amazing snow setting to enjoy skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing, or just playing in the snow. Young or old, there is something for everyone, from the beginner to the snow sport enthusiast. Ski Dubai is a unique mountain-themed attraction that offers you the opportunity to enjoy real snow in Dubai all year round.

Ski Dubai has 5 runs that vary in difficulty, height and gradient, the longest run being 400 meters with a fall of over 60 meters. Test your skills on the world's first indoor black run or practice your turns on the gentle beginner slopes.

You don't have to worry about ski clothing or equipment either.  

Ski Dubai has thought of it all and offers guests the use of winter clothing, skis, ski poles and even snowboard equipment.  Your skis will carry you down the slope, and our quad-chairlift and tow lift will promptly carry you back to the top for another run.

Ski Dubai is 25 stories high and as long as 3 football fields combined.  It’s an exhilarating feeling to see real snow sculpted onto man made ski trails kept cold with controlled temperatures indoors for ideal ski conditions all the time and after your fun on the slopes, head back outside and feel the warmth of the sunshine.  You can even ski in the morning and then hit the beach in the afternoon if you wish !

In the late afternoon, freshen up for your fabulous "New Year's Eve in the Desert" which will include:

-A falcon show
-Camel riding
- henna and shisha (water pipe) demonstrations (you can even try one if you are interested)
-Welcome reception with local snacks and beverages
-A DJ music show with dancing throughout the evening
-Main course Gala dinner where you will experience 5 star catering
-Fireworks display, New Year's cake and toast on the stroke of midnight !

ENJOY A RIDE ON A CAMEL AS A PRELUDE TO OUR NEW YEAR’S FESTIVITIES

Overnight Excelsior Creek Hotel, Dubai.

 

SAT JAN 1
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Enjoy a chance to sleep late then enjoy our included breakfast.

The morning and part of the afternoon is again at leisure for optional excursions, shopping or beach time.

Late this afternoon we will be picked up and enjoy an included farewell cruise with dinner on a private dhow boat including buffet dinner and soft drinks. The panoramic cruise is on the serene waters of Dubai creek on board a traditional wooden dhow. These round shaped Arabic ships still sail the Indian Ocean today.

The dhows are furnished and decorated with carpets and cushions for traditional seating.

You will cruise past some of the most impressive sights of Dubai.  On the dhow you will get to experience the romantic side of the Dubai, enjoying the full evening with dancing as we sail across the nighttime seascape of Dubai and admire her monuments aglow in the night sky.

 

A TRADITIONAL DHOW BOAT IN DUBAI.

 

Following our farewell cruise, the group will be transferred to the airport at AUH - Abu Dhabi, for our 1:45am flight to Frankfurt, connecting back to New York JFK or connecting from Frankfurt on to Istanbul Turkey for those taking our optional 3 night Istanbul exploration extension.

 

SUN JAN 2
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Depart on Lufthansa flight 619 from Abu Dhabi at 1:55 am for Frankfurt.
After breakfast on board, arrive Frankfurt at 6:00 am.

 

Those wishing to extend to Istanbul Turkey for the next 3 nights will now leave the group - see Optional Istanbul 3 night Extension details listed below.

Those not going to Istanbul, will remain in transit at Frankfurt Airport and will connect to Lufthansa flight 400 departing FRA at 10:55 am. Lunch, beverages and snacks will be served during your Trans-Atlantic flight. Arrive New York JFK at 1:40 pm.

 

OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO ISTANBUL - JAN 2 - 5, 2011

 

JAN 2
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At Frankfurt Airport check in for flight from Frankfurt to Istanbul.
Arrive early afternoon - meet and greet and transfer to our 4 star hotel located on famous and lively Taksim Square in the heart of the nightlife district.

 

The Best Western Taksim Hotel, is ideally located just 1 block from popular Taksim Square and only a 5 minute walk to the metro line.  The hotel is a modern 4 star hotel in the American standard, providing the comforts and services you desire.

 

Its location makes it perfect for exploring by foot, the hopping restaurants and sizzling nightlife that beats in Taksim Square. Rooms have a minibar and hairdryer .  The hotel has a fitness center offering a sauna, steam room and a jacuzzi, making for the perfect relaxing way to wind down a busy sightseeing day.
The fitness center also provides exercise facilities including treadmills, bicycles, elliptical machines and more.  There are even massage services on site for those that desire .

http://eresintaxim.com.tr/rooms.php

Enjoy a panoramic orientation tour of Istanbul on arrival and then the evening is at leisure to savor this grand city’s hopping nightlife.

 

MON JAN 3
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After included buffet breakfast, we will enjoy a full day guided sightseeing tour of Istanbul including visiting the famous Blue Mosque, observing neighboring Hagai Sophia church/museum and visiting the elaborate Topkapi Palace.  We will enjoy lunch on the Bosphorus River, where East Meets West (Istanbul is the world’s only city situated on 2 continents – Europe and Aisa) and a visit to the famous Grand Bazaar for fabulous shopping deals.

The Topkapi Palace was Home of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years.

Local people called it "Topkapi" which in Turkish means "Gate of Cannons" because of huge cannons displayed outside of its gates, those which were used during the Conquest.  This was made famous by the movie “Topkapi” which starred Peter Ustanov & Melia Mercui and other famous screen stars of yesteryear. (its worth renting the movie before your trip – It will surely excite you about the sights you will enjoy on your stay in Istanbul)

 

         
The Salutation Gate                  Topkapi Palace as seen from the Bosphorus River
At Topkapi Palace

 

The Blue Mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in the world and one of very few to have six minarets.  The cascading domes and six slender minarets of the Sultanahmet Mosque (better known as the "Blue Mosque") dominate the skyline of Istanbul.

 

 

A beautifully tiled dome in the Blue Mosque

Next to the Blue Mosque in the same impressive square, stands Hagia Sophia, a great architectural beauty and an important monument both for Byzantine and for Ottoman Empires. Once a church, later a mosque, and now a museum at the Turkish Republic, Hagia Sophia has always been a precious monument of its era.

The mystical city Istanbul hosted many civilizations since centuries, of which Byzantium and Ottoman Empires were both the most famous ones. The city today carries the characteristics of these two different cultures and surely Hagia Sophia is a perfect synthesis where one can observe both Ottoman and Byzantium effects under one great dome.

 

 Before departing the square, we will have the chance to visit the famed Hagia Sophia.  You will discover Istanbul is full of history, dating back over 1300 years.  It is very secular, modern and welcomes visitors from all over the world.

The 2 great structures standing on the same square gives many the pause to compare the styles and make their own judgment as to which is the grandest work.

 

 
Hagia Sophia in the setting sun.

Overnight Istanbul. Dinner on own to explore the hopping nightlife of this exciting city in and around Taksim Square where, even in the wee hours of the late night/early morning, the nightlife is still lively on the square.

 

TUES JAN 4
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After included buffet breakfast, the day is at leisure.

 

If you wish, enjoy an optional afternoon visit to the Rumelli fortress including a Bosphorus River cruise with dinner and dancing - around $99 per person extra.

Situated on the narrowest point of the Bosphorus strait, with the aim of closing off aid to the flailing Byzantines,  RUMELI FORTRESS was built by Sultan Mehmet II prior to the conquest of Istanbul...  Today it stands with three impressive towers to explore, offering breathtaking views of the Bosphorus seascape and Istanbul.

Not only is this an amazingly well preserved fortress but when you learn of the historical implications of it -- it is even more impressive.

Built in 1452 by Sultan Mehmet II prior to the conquest of Istanbul, his aim was to block any possible sea support which might have come from the Black Sea to assist the flailing Byzantines. Therefore, it was to be situated on the narrowest point of the Bosphorus strait.
          
 The Rumelli fortress overlooking the Bosphorus River in Istanbul

 

WED. JAN 5
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After breakfast, we will be transferred to the Istanbul Airport for our flight to Frankfurt, Connecting to our Lufthansa flight from Frankfurt to New York JFK.

 

OUR NEW YEAR’S HOLIDAY WEEK ESCAPE TO DUBAI and ABU DHABI INCLUDES

• ROUND TRIP AIR FROM NEW YORK JFK AIRPORT TO ABU DHABI on LUFTHANSA AIRLINES

•  RT airport/hotel transfers

• 6 days and 5 nights first class accommodations at the Excelsior Creek hotel in Dubai with breakfast daily

• All sightseeing excursions as described in the trip itinerary

• Grand New Year’s Eve celebration including gourmet Gala dinner and DJ dance party, Fireworks display, Falcon display , New Year’s cake and midnight Toasting

• New Year’s Day Dinner cruise on traditional Dhow boat with dancing

• FREE ROOMMATE MATCHING BASED ON AGE, SEX AND SMOKING OR NON SMOKING

• Allsinglestravel.com trip escort throughout your trip

• Local bilingual tour manager in Dubai & Abu Dhabi

 

ALL FOR JUST $2199 + TAXES OF $425 (taxes subject to change)

 

OPTIONAL SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT FOR ANYONE NOT WISHING A ROOMMATE:  $399

 

OPTIONAL 3 NIGHT EXTENSION TO ISTANBUL TURKEY INCLUDES

• Air on Lufthansa Airlines from Dubai to Istanbul (via connection in Frankfurt), with return service from Istanbul back to New York JFK via connection in Frankfurt

• All airport/hotel transfers

• 3 nights 4 star hotel accommodations at the Best West Taksim Square hotel with breakfast daily

• All tours listed in the trip itinerary

• FREE ROOMMATE MATCHING BASED ON AGE, SEX AND SMOKING OR NON SMOKING

 

ALL FOR JUST $769 + $120 TAXES (taxes subject to change)

 

OPTIONAL SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT FOR ANYONE NOT WISHING A ROOMMATE: $199

 

DEPOSIT OF $200 IS DUE WITHIN 3 DAYS OF RESERVATION.  DEPOSITS CAN BE MADE ONLINE BY CLICKING THE PAYPAL LINK FROM THE RESERVATIONS PAGE OR BY CALLING US TOLL FREE 800-717-3231.

DEPOSITS ARE REFUNDABLE IF CANCELLED BY AUGUST 25TH AND NON REFUNDABLE IF CANCELLED THEREAFTER. (Being peak holiday season, space is very limited, so book early)

BALANCE PAYMENTS ARE DUE OCTOBER 25TH AND ARE NON REFUNDABLE. (late booking requests after this date may be subject to rate increase or be waitlisted.

TRAVEL INSURANCE IS RECOMMENDED AND IS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.