United Arab Emirates | A Taste of Arabian Culture in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Days 1 - 2:  USA / Dubai

Depart Los Angeles on your nonstop business class flight on Emirates for your enchanting Arabian vacation experience. Upon arrival, be escorted through customs, then board your private transfer bound for Al Habtoor Palace, a LXR Hotels and Resorts, where you will spend four nights in a luxurious Executive Suite with daily breakfast included. Located on the banks of the Dubai Water Canal, unwind in contemporary interiors, incredible amenities and signature butler service. Plus, enjoy a delectable daily breakfast included with your stay. Live like royalty with the pampering Silk Spa including two hammams and sauna, tantalizing dining and relaxing rooftop pools.

In the evening, savor a collection of American classics at World Cut Steakhouse with a selection of prime cut meats and fish, grilled to your taste. Sip your favorite cocktail and toast to the beginning to your exciting adventure in Dubai.

Day 3:  Dubai |

Following a delicious breakfast, get ready for a fascinating half-day exploration of this remarkable city on the Traditional Dubai City Excursion. Your private guided drive begins with a photo stop at the Burg Al Arab and the Jumeirah Mosque with a glimpse of the Zabeel Palace before a walk through the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood. Then, visit the Dubai Museum and board an abra (water taxi) to cross Dubai Creek to the spice and gold souks. Barter for your favorite souvenir prior to your return to the resort where you can unwind with a relaxing afternoon tea.

Delight in the nightly sabering ritual in the Champagne Lounge before a mouthwatering dining experience in the Brassiere Quarter. Savor alluring classic French dishes with an eclectic flair, complete with impeccable sophistication and elegance evoking inspiration of France.

Day 4: Dubai |

Spend the next day poolside, at the spa, or explore Dubai on your own. Shop luxury brands, stroll tree-lined walkways, indulge at the many cafes and restaurants or visit the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and the 76,000 square-foot high indoor theme park at the Dubai Mall. Or, go beyond the malls and peruse the chic boutiques and souks. Stop for coffee at the interesting and quaint Dubai Coffee Museum or visit Heritage House, the residence of a wealthy pearl merchant in the 1890s, and the first school in Dubai for a touch of true culture.

Day 5: Dubai |

Enjoy a delicious breakfast this morning. Then, delve into Dubai's rich culinary heritage with a cooking lesson at Le Patio. Indulge in a journey of middle-eastern flavors and aromas as you learn how to prepare a three-course Arabic meal with hands-on instruction. Savor your new culinary creation and enjoy the warm ambience of Le Patio's courtyard-style dining.

On your last evening in Dubai, prepare for an authentic Arabian experience, sure to have lasting memories on the Sunset Dinner Safari. Your mystical desert adventure begins as you travel the sand dunes to your private Bedouin-style camp where your Arabic three-course barbeque dinner awaits, complete with belly dancing entertainment. Then, get your cameras ready as you learn about the noble art of falconry at the amphitheatre and test ride a camel as the stars shine brightly above on your enchanting evening.

Day 6: Dubai / Abu Dhabi |

After breakfast, meet your private transfer who will whisk you away to Abu Dhabi. Located along the Persian Gulf, arrive at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi where you will stay three nights in a spacious Grand Deluxe Suite, with a daily breakfast included in your stay. Soar to new heights of splendor in timeless Arabic elegance, complete with signature butler service, floor-to-ceiling windows offering dramatic Corniche views, illuminating decor and crystal chandeliers. In addition, enjoy Remede Spa, superlative dining and bar options, live music, three pools featuring a rooftop and Beach Club pool, a Family Traditions program and kids club. Get acquainted with your new surroundings with a delightful afternoon tea. Select from more than two dozen teas, accompanied by a gourmet selections of cakes, finger sandwiches, innovative hors d'oeuvres and scones to complete this time-honored tradition.

With theatrical live-cooking stations serving distinctive Middle Eastern classics, dine in the main dining room or alfresco tonight at The Terrace on the Corniche. Complemented by locally inspired modern-Arabia music, bask in this enchanting venue including the chef's mezze delivered directly to your table upon arrival. Guests dining alfresco at the enchanting garden terrace and bar can enjoy shisha, a favorite regional pastime, plus private access to the Abu Dhabi Corniche.

Day 7: Abu Dhabi |

After your freshly prepared breakfast, depart on a guided half day tour of this vibrant capital city with its blend of modern landmarks and cultural sites on the Abu Dhabi Experience. Visit the spectacular Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, featuring 82 domes, more than 1,000 columns, 24karat gold chandeliers, reflective pools and the world's largest hand-knotted carpet. Next, delight in the crystal blue waters and white sands as you drive along the Abu Dhabi Corniche, stopping at a produce and fish market at Port Zayed. Then, discover the traditions of the desert way of life at the Heritage Village, including an open museum and craftsmen who demonstrate metal work, pottery and weaving. Be sure to stop into the spice shop for a dried range of herbs and handmade soaps.

Upon your return to the resort, revitalize in an afternoon of indulgence at the spa or pools. Restore from head to toe with the Remede Spa Escape featuring a seaweed body wrap and customized massage. If you prefer, head to the rooftop pool for an invigorating swim, swim-up bar and relaxing Jacuzzi area. Stay through Happy Hour and enjoy an epicurean menu of shisha and Arabic mezza or head to your favorite dining venue for a sophisticated dining experience

Day 8: Abu Dhabi |

Rise and shine and savor a delicious breakfast before a full day of cultural discovery on the Al Ain Excursion. A UNESCO World Heritage site and known as the Garden City of the Gulf, Al Anin is home to tree-line avenues, date-palm oasis and traditional falaj irrigation systems. Explore UAE life at the Al Ain National Museum and tour the rooms and private gardens of Al Ain Palace Museum, the former home of the country's founder, Sheikh Zayed Sultan Al Nahyan. Continue to the 3,000-year-old ancient water channels, with a photo stop at Jebel Hafeet and magical hot springs before your return to the resort.

Toast to your final night with a St. Regis' signature Bloody Mary cocktail along with the ceviche bar at the Cabana Bar and Grill before dinner of your choice at several superlative restaurants. Savor handcrafted Italian specialties in Villa Tocana, distinguished casual cuisine with a jazzy ambience at Azura, international seafood dishes at Catch, innovative Chinese-Latino fare at Asia De Cuba or try another Middle Eastern classic at The Terrace on the Corniche for your last Arabian celebration.

Day 9: Abu Dhabi / USA |

Following your delicious breakfast, bid adieu to this remarkable capital city as you take your private transfer to the airport for your homebound flight. ila-liqaa' . . . ma'a as-salaama! (until we meet again . . . goodbye!)