United Arab Emirates | Culinary Delights

Day 1: USA / Dubai |

Upon landing in Dubai, meet and greet your personal escort who will navigate you through the airport, immigration and transfer point for pickup to your hotel. Relax in your private transfer to the elegant Marina District and The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, where you will stay for four magical nights in a Club Level deluxe room. You'll enjoy personalized service, complimentary food and beverage presentations throughout the day in a private lounge, plus discover The Ritz-Carlton Spa, nine international restaurants and lounges, kids club, private beach access and much more.

Begin your first evening with pan-Asian cuisine at Blue Jade, with a contemporary approach to the flavors of Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Japan and China by Chef Ta Van including such signature dishes as lemongrass chicken, wok-fried lobster, Thai beef salad, sushi, dim sum and Blue Jade's favorite sweet: sticky rice and mango.

Day 2: Dubai |

Experience the highlights of this mesmerizing city on the half-day guided Traditional Dubai City Excursion. Begin with photo opportunities at Jumeirah Mosque and Zabeel Presidential Palace before exploring the Dubai Museum, housed in the Al Fahidi Fort, for a taste of history and tradition. Then, take a water taxi (abra) to the Spice and Gold Souks to shop for traditional and rare spices, unique items and souvenirs.

Inviting and glamorous, partake in an authentic tea experience in the hotel's Library Lounge this afternoon. Delight in artisan pastry, irresistible cakes and freshly baked scones as you unwind on the large terrace overlooking the Arabian Gulf and surrounding gardens to the soothing sounds of a harpist.

Tonight, head to Social by Heinz Beck, a contemporary Italian restaurant located in the Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah. Indulge in cuisine crafted by acclaimed Michelin star chef Heinz Beck. Renowned throughout Italy and Europe as a notable master of modern gastronomy, Chef Beck's virtuosity transforms simple ingredients into mouthwatering, signature cuisine. Whether its gnocchi with green pea foam, grilled tuna with aubergine and pine nuts or veal served with a peach coulis, your taste buds will be delighted.

Day 3 - 4: Dubai |

Spend your days at leisure enjoying endless sunshine poolside or along the white-sandy beach. Take a mocktail, cookie-making or dance lesson, or indulge in a signature spa ritual. Test your skills at sand-skiing, desert-driving or sailing. Ascend the towering Burj Khalifa, explore Miracle Garden or the sprawling Palm Jumeirah island. Dubai is a shopper's paradise featuring 1,200 shops, eateries and entertainment options at the Dubai Mall alone, with pop-up craft markets along the waterside promenade at the Dubai Marina Walk and more than 560 outlets and an indoor snow ski resort at the Mall of the Emirates.

After a day of leisure, enjoy the Walking Food Tour of Dubai. Uncover hidden gems along the historic 2nd December Street to learn about local culture, heritage and flavors. Sample a traditional Arabic fruit cocktail, samosas, sweets and other street foods, before a stop at a fresh fish trading shop and dinner at a classic canteen-style restaurant.

Day 5: Dubai / Abu Dhabi |

Following checkout from your Dubai hotel, board your private transfer to Fairmont Bab Al Bahr where you will stay for three nights in a Fairmont Gold king guestroom, featuring Fairmont Gold Lounge access, VIP services and amenities. With unrivalled views of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, delight in 10 dining and lounge options, two private beaches, an Olympic-length lap pool, a covered children's pool area, and a poolside Jacuzzi, combined with meticulous attention to detail and service.

This evening, choose from a variety of restaurant options in the hotel. Maison Beirut offers Lebanese traditions and live entertainment in a French-inspired setting. For a casual yet engaging dining experience, Frankie's Italian Restaurant & Bar offers authentic Italian cuisine under the mastery of Michelin star chef Marco Pierre White, accompanied with live piano entertainment. Al Hadheerah features traditional Arabian cuisine, accompanied by belly dancers and entertainers. Or take a Latin-style culinary journey in Puesta Del Sol, highlighting signature cocktails, tapas, guacamole and ceviches, with a wide assortment of hot dishes and authentic desserts.

Day 6: Abu Dhabi |

Venture out today to explore this remarkable capital city. Immersed in the remnants of history and fused with futuristic attractions, discover everything from the ancient peak of Jebel Hafeet, reverent mosques and curated Al Ain Oasis to uber-modern shopping malls, theme parks and attractions. Visit the first Ferrari theme park with the fastest roller coaster in the world, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix race Circuit, and Yas Waterworld, or take the family to the Arabian Wildlife Park, home to more than 10,000 free roaming animals.

Then, get ready for an enchanting Arabian evening in the desert on the enticing Desert Safari experience. Board your four-wheel drive as you traverse the sand dunes, with several photo stops along the way. Plus, enjoy an Arabic Bedouin-style barbeque dinner and shisha under the stars. Engage in falcon viewing, camel rides, a belly dancing performance and more for an unforgettable evening under the stars.

Day 7: Abu Dhabi |

Spend your final day in the United Arab Emirates at leisure. Stroll to Yas Mall for some last minute shopping; check-out the Louvre Abu Dhabi, home to works of different civilizations and cultures; or visit the living Heritage Village, showcasing the history of Abu Dhabi's Bedouin lifestyle prior to the discovery of oil. For golf enthusiasts, there are several courses and sporting clubs providing a breathtaking variety of experiences, or enjoy your time at the Creek with kayaks and paddleboards, available from the hotel.

For the ultimate "scene for cuisine," celebrate your last evening in the United Arab Emirates culinary theatre CuiScene, featuring live cooking stations. Whether a mussel feast, seafood night with lobster and crab legs, sumptuous international buffet, or barbeque pitmasters' night including a smoked meat station, grills, kebab carving, delicious turkey station and South African Braai, immerse in this extravagant gastronomic experience designed to satisfy every palette.

Day 8: Abu Dhabi / USA |

Sip your last cup of the region's rich Arabian coffee before boarding your private transfer to the airport, and begin planning your next exquisite vacation enhanced with more delightful culinary surprises.