This tour of Dubai and Abu Dhabi will take you through the breathtaking gems of the United Arab Emirates. Begin your journey in Dubai, where you will discover an extraordinary mix of modernistic and traditional Arabic-inspired buildings. Visit some of Dubai’s landmarks like the famous Souk, and the breathtaking Dubai Creek. Prepare for a breathtaking dune ride through the Desert of Dubai, where you will experience the Arabian way of life. Discover the towering skyscrapers and man-made islands of this fascinating metropolis. Dubai is a melting pot of cultures, with diversity expressed in the culinary scene, fashion, and art. From there you will visit Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. This city's skylines compromise modern towers and mega shopping centers. Discover the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the city's most breathtaking building and the largest mosque in the UAE. Immerse yourself in the rich Islamic culture with this tour to Amazing Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
This tour operator organized a cultural, spiritual and community immersion for me, my husband, my adult daughter and her boyfriend for 16 days in late February/early March of 2023. It was the most exciting trip I’ve taken. This is saying a lot considering I have spent a lifetime of travel, both personal and professional, focusing on Latin America.
Everything ran smoothly, even with chaotic settings and complex logistics. A big part of this was by providing us with amazing guides, starting with Jahel Amaru, who met us at the La Paz airport to whisk us across the altiplano to Oruro for its truly spectacular Carnival. Jahel is knowledgeable, patient, down-to-earth, smart patient, funny, and an extremely enjoyable person to spend time with. She guided us through the hectic Oruro Carnaval during its culminating weekend - with boundless energy and contagious enthusiasm. We had the time of our lives cheering on the colorful characters as they paraded and danced thanks to Jahel knowing exactly where to go, when, and providing invaluable context.
Community tourism (where visitors are connected with everyday Bolivians to learn about their lives) - has started to blossom in Bolivia, and this company is one of its pioneers. We got to experience it in Potosi, where we had another excellent guide, Marlene Quispe. She took us through Cerro Rico mine, which was the world’s leading supplier of silver. Marlene has close ties to mining: her brothers, parents and even she has worked there. As we ventured deeper into the earth, we learned from her about the mining process and cooperatives involved with it. She also introduced us to one of the mine's “tios” (“uncles” who are believed to protect miners), to whom she made an offering as she explained his importance.
Marlene took us to the Quechua community of Phuto Phuto, one of several in the rural district Cabanias that welcomes visitors as part of its community tourism program. Families take turns showing visitors their homes and traditions, including cooking huts with steaming pots, whose contents you later share for lunch. Marlene and one of the family members we met then led us on a beautiful hike to a spot where they invited us to participate in a ritual offering to Pacha Mama (Mother Earth). It was an incredible day I will always remember.
Another wonderful community tourism experience was in the majestic Cordillera Real (Central Andean range), where we appreciated both the nature and culture of the region by staying near the town of Tuni with the multi-generational Quispe family (not related to Marlene). Family members share with guests Aymara traditions like placing fishing nets, spinning yarn, making quinoa flour, and shearing alpaca fleece. Patriarch Jaime is a charismatic host and a certified mountain guide who along with his adult son Denys, also a certified mountain guide, have expertise leading visitors of different ages and abilities. We loved staying with them!
There are a few other places that stood out on our trip:
Hostal Las Olas in Copacabana on the shore of Lake Titicaca with gorgeous, artistic “cabins” and lovely views
Templo del Retiro Espiritual Cruz Andina (the Andean Cross Spiritual Retreat Center), in Tiwanaku steps from the ruins and owned by spiritual and cultural guide Rosse Mary Vargas Vilela. It’s filled with cats and crystals and offers delicious vegetarian meals. This is not a stop for everyone, but worth visiting or staying in if you are interested in mindfulness, ancient healing, and/or new age spirituality.
Just returned from.this Mongolia trip. It was a wonderful holiday. Mongolia is vast and fascinating. The holiday was made more enjoyable and informative by our guide MG. The Eagle Festival was unbelievable. 120 eagle hunters with their beautiful Golden Eagles.
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ulaanbaatar, Khustain Nuruu Nati
Ulaanbaatar, Khustain Nuruu National Park, Ugii Lake, Erdene Zuu Monastery, Olgii, Terelj National Park, Dalanzadgad, Bayanzag, Khongoryn Els, Bayan Gobi, Arvaikheer, Kharkhorin
It capture so much of Spain--its rich history and its people. In just one week, we visited at least eight cities. I recommend this tour for those who want to experience this country.
Fantastic trip the organisation was brilliant from start to finish (including booking arrangements). A very well thought out and well planned holiday. It hit all the buttons!
Journey through Egypt on this eight-day trip and follow the winding path of the river Nile, soaking up Egypt's history, beauty and colour. Cruise the longest river in the world on a traditional felucca, discover the largest and most impressive Egyptian temples and share stories with interesting locals over home-cooked meals. Live it up in this country of deserts, bazaars, monuments and unmatched experiences – and come away with a deeper understanding of how Egypt’s past has shaped its future.
Bhutan three Jewels Cultural Tour is an exciting cultural tour, perfect for travellers who have a shorter timeframe. The tour covers Bhutan's three most popular tourist destinations: Thimpu, the capital city; Paro, one of the most fertile valleys in the Kingdom, producing the bulk of the locally famous red rice from its terraced fields; and Punakha.
The landscape is also incredible. Mount Chomolhari (7,314m) reigns in white glory at the northern end of the valley and its glacial water plunge through deep gorges to form Pa Chhu (Paro River). In just 5-days and 4-nights, you will have the chance to observe this natural beauty along with the lifestyles, culture, traditions, arts and history of the Bhutanese people.
