18‑Day Gulf & Indian Ocean Adventure

Day 1: Arrival in Dubai & Downtown Exploration

Morning: Land at Dubai International Airport and transfer to your hotel for a quick refresh. Take a leisurely walk along the Dubai Creek promenade to soak in the historic vibe.

Afternoon: Visit the iconic Burj Khalifa and enjoy panoramic city views from the observation deck. Follow up with a stroll through the luxurious Dubai Mall, checking out the aquarium and indoor waterfall.

Evening: Dine at a waterfront restaurant in Souk Al Bahar while watching the spectacular fountain show outside the mall.

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Day 2: Modern Marvels & Desert Safari

Morning: Explore the futuristic architecture of Dubai Marina and take a short yacht cruise for skyline photos.

Afternoon: Head to the desert for a thrilling 4×4 dune bashing session, sandboarding, and a camel ride.

Evening: Enjoy a traditional Bedouin camp dinner under the stars with live entertainment in the desert.

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Day 3: Cultural Heritage

Morning: Wander through the historic lanes of Al Fahidi Historic District, visiting the Dubai Museum and art galleries.

Afternoon: Cross the creek on an abra to the bustling Gold and Spice Souks for shopping and tasting local treats.

Evening: Savor Emirati cuisine at a rooftop restaurant with views of the illuminated Burj Al Arab.

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Day 4: Palm Jumeirah & Aquaventure

Morning: Take the monorail to the stunning Palm Jumeirah and relax on its private beach.

Afternoon: Spend adrenaline‑filled hours at Aquaventure Waterpark, trying the high‑speed slides and lazy river.

Evening: Dine at Atlantis The Palm with a view of the Arabian Gulf, followed by a leisurely walk along the boardwalk.

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Day 5: Abu Dhabi Day Trip

Morning: Drive to Abu Dhabi and start at the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, admiring its pristine white marble.

Afternoon: Visit the cultural hub Louvre Abu Dhabi and explore its art collections.

Evening: Return to Dubai and unwind at your hotel’s pool or spa.

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Day 6: Shopping & Leisure

Morning: Shop at the upscale Mall of the Emirates, trying the indoor ski slope at Snow World.

Afternoon: Relax at Kite Beach, enjoying water sports or a beachside brunch.

Evening: Experience the vibrant nightlife at Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) with live music and cocktails.

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Day 7: Relaxation & Departure to Qatar

Morning: Unwind with a spa treatment at your hotel and a final dip in the pool.

Afternoon: Pack and enjoy a leisurely lunch at Al Seef, a heritage waterfront district.

Evening: Fly to Doha, Qatar, and settle into your accommodation.

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Day 8: Arrival in Doha & City Highlights

Morning: Arrive in Doha and check‑in, then explore the sleek Souq Waqif for spices, textiles, and traditional tea.

Afternoon: Visit the stunning Msheireb Museums to learn about Qatar’s rapid development.

Evening: Dine on fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant along the Doha Corniche, watching the skyline light up.

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Day 9: Cultural Immersion

Morning: Tour the world‑class Katara Cultural Village, exploring galleries and the amphitheatre.

Afternoon: Wander the futuristic Villaggio Mall and take a gondola ride inside.

Evening: Experience a traditional Qatari dinner with a live “ardah” dance performance.

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Day 10: Desert & Pearl Qatar

Morning: Embark on a desert safari to the dunes of Khor Al Adaid, with dune bashing and sandboarding.

Afternoon: Visit The Pearl-Qatar, strolling the marina and boutique shops.

Evening: Sunset dinner cruise on the Doha Bay, enjoying views of the illuminated skyline.

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Day 11: Museum Day & Departure to Maldives

Morning: Explore the impressive National Museum of Qatar, showcasing the nation’s heritage.

Afternoon: Relax in Al Bidda Park before heading to the airport.

Evening: Fly to Malé, Maldives, and transfer to your resort.

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Day 12: Arrival & Resort Relaxation

Morning: Check‑in to your over‑water villa and unwind with a welcome drink.

Afternoon: Snorkel around the house reef at Malé Atoll, spotting colorful marine life.

Evening: Enjoy a candlelit beach dinner under the stars.

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Day 13: Island Hopping

Morning: Take a speedboat tour to nearby islands, stopping at Hulhumalé for a beach walk.

Afternoon: Picnic lunch on a secluded sandbank and optional kayaking.

Evening: Return to the resort for a sunset yoga session and spa treatment.

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Day 14: Water Sports Adventure

Morning: Try windsurfing and paddle‑boarding at the resort’s water sports centre.

Afternoon: Dive with a certified instructor to explore vibrant coral reefs at Banana Reef.

Evening: Savor fresh grilled fish at the resort’s beachfront restaurant.

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Day 15: Cultural Excursion

Morning: Visit the capital’s historic site, the Hukuru Miskiy (Old Friday Mosque).

Afternoon: Explore the bustling Malé Fish Market and the nearby National Museum.

Evening: Attend a traditional “Bodu Beru” drum performance at a local venue.

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Day 16: Luxury Spa Day

Morning: Indulge in a full‑day spa package, including massages, aromatherapy, and a marine‑inspired facial.

Afternoon: Lounge by the infinity pool with a tropical cocktail, reading a book or napping.

Evening: Private dinner on the beach with a personal chef preparing a multi‑course Maldivian menu.

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Day 17: Marine Conservation

Morning: Participate in a coral‑restoration program with local marine biologists.

Afternoon: Take a guided glass‑bottom boat tour to observe marine life without getting wet.

Evening: Celebrate the trip’s highlights with a farewell sunset cruise and live acoustic music.

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Day 18: Departure

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on your terrace and a final dip in the lagoon.

Afternoon: Check‑out and transfer to Malé International Airport for your flight home.

Evening: Arrive back home with unforgettable memories of Dubai, Qatar, and the Maldives.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Burj Khalifa – 2 hours – $40
  • Desert Safari (Dubai) – 5 hours – $120
  • Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – 2 hours – Free (donation $10)
  • Souq Waqif (Doha) – 3 hours – Free (shopping $80)
  • Katara Cultural Village – 3 hours – $15
  • The Pearl‑Qatar – 2 hours – Free (dining $50)
  • Maldives Over‑water Villa – 7 nights – $2,800
  • Snorkeling & Reef Excursions – 4 hours – $100
  • Island Hopping Speedboat – 5 hours – $150
  • Diving at Banana Reef – 3 hours – $180
  • Spa Package (Maldives) – 6 hours – $250
  • Coral Restoration Activity – 3 hours – $70
  • Airfare (Dubai‑Doha‑Malé‑Home) – – $2,200
  • Total Estimated Cost: $6,235

Tips

To extend the trip, add an extra day in Dubai for a day‑trip to Al Ain’s desert oasis or a visit to the Yas Island theme parks in Abu Dhabi. In Qatar, consider a day‑trip to the inland sea of Khor Al Adaid for a deeper desert experience. For a shorter itinerary, condense Dubai to five days by skipping the Abu Dhabi day and combine the Dubai Mall and Marina visits. In the Maldives, replace one island‑hopping day with a relaxing beach day to reduce travel time while still enjoying the over‑water villas.

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