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Culture, Coffee & Colorful Souks

  

Informazioni generali

Destinazione
Dubai, Emirati Arabi

Il programma nel dettaglio

Explore Dubai’s oldest district, Bastakia and sip traditional Emarati coffee at the coffee museum Visit Dubai Museum and learn about life in UAE before the great oil rush Explore a triple bill of Dubai’s most atmospheric souks for gold, textiles, and spices with a local guide to help you shop Unearth the heritage and culture of the old town and discover its art galleries, traditional handicrafts, and traditional Arabian coffee ceremonies Do as the locals do and take a thrilling ride across the creek in an Abra water taxi Local Impact: How you will help the local community by joining this tour: On this tour, you meet with some local Emiratis and ex-pats such as Mr. Abdulla, an Arabic calligrapher. Here, you have the chance to learn more about the Arabic language and have your name written in a very decorative Arabic font. You also visit the Alserkal Art Gallery, which aims to support and promote young artists and designers by showing their artwork. By visiting the Dubai Museum and paying the entrance fee, this tour helps maintain the museum.



Get away from the OTT skyscrapers and fantasy hotels for the morning and discover the old-world charms of Dubai before the oil rush. Discover the cultural treasures of the Alfahidi district with a visit to the Coffee Museum, the Arabic Calligraphy Museum and Dubai Museum, stop for a taste of local food (think Doner kebabs or falafel sandwiches) then shop ‘till you drop in the best souks in the city. Plenty of time will be dedicated to browsing with your local guide on-hand to assist in finding the best price for what you want.



Our tour begins with a gentle stroll to the historic Alfahidi district, one of the oldest heritage sites in Dubai. As we journey through its narrow lanes we will start to discover more about what life was like here before the skyscrapers came. Our first stop is a traditional Bedouin tent where we will share a coffee and chat with our Emeriti friend Abo and find out more about the life of the Bedouin people. We will meet Abo’s pet falcon who is treated with love and respect by his owner (falcons are no longer used for hunting in the UAE). The falcon is usually a willing accomplice in any souvenir photos you may wish to take. At a neighboring tent, we will learn more about the national dress of the country and take a look at some traditional abaya dresses and kandoura (the all-white robes worn by Arab men). In the Islamic world, calligraphy is a highly revered art form. So, we will admire some beautiful artwork at the Calligraphy Museum before learning how to write your name in Arabic, fancy pen-in-hand. Time for another drink and this time our coffee will come with a side of history as we visit the Coffee Museum to learn about local coffee customs. We will sample some delightful Arab blends in the cute café before moving on to soak up a little more culture before the shopping extravaganza commences. The local art gallery we are visiting is nestled in a beautiful old Persian house, displaying many unique local ceramics, glassware, and sculptures as well as paintings and photography. The gallery resembles a typical home of the area, featuring a pretty courtyard with rooms all around it. Every room and wall is carefully curated with pieces of art and furniture, with works by both established and upcoming artists hanging side-by-side. Visit the oldest existing building in Dubai, Al Fahidi Fort, which dates back to 1787 and has recently been converted into a museum where visitors can learn more about the life of Dubai before the skyscrapers arrived. Recharge your batteries and stop for a quick street food bite (doner kabab or falafel sandwich). Time to indulge in Dubai’s favorite pastime now with a spot of shopping. Our first souk stop will be the vibrant textile souk, not far from the creek, where we will enter a world of multicoloured cashmere, fine silks, and the art of bartering for your treasures. The textile souk is very camera-friendly and well worth a visit, even if you have no desire to purchase a textile-themed souvenir to take home. At the nearby Abra stop, we will take a water taxi to the other side of the creek where a delicious surprise awaits us. Luscious dates covered in creamy white chocolate made from camel milk, a local delicacy and a must-try while you are visiting the old town. You will probably be able to smell our next stop before you see it. At the spice souk, we will learn about the different spices used in Arabic, Iranian, and Indian cuisine and we will, of course, stop to take some photos and shop if you wish. Our final stop on our cultural and commercial journey will be the largest gold souk in the Middle East, a fascinating place that should be number one on every tourist’s itinerary. A feast for the eyes, the gold souk features incredibly lavish Arabic jewelry and dazzling displays of gold and other stones. Your guide will be on-hand to aid you in the bartering process should you wish to buy anything. We will end our whirlwind journey through the culture and exotic souks of Dubai at the Al Ras metro station. If you want any hints or tips on what else to do during your trip, be sure to quiz your guide before you go.



Language

English