February 10-20, 2019

Bastakia Quarters

Lunch with Emirati citizens

Souk & gold bazaar shopping

Dhow dinner cruise

Elevator ride up the Burj Khalifa

Dubai Miracle Garden

Sharjah touring

Camel market visit

Al Ain Oasis

Falcon Hospital

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort

DubaiAbu Dhabi &

DAY 1 SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10 FLIGHT TO DUBAI Today we transfer to the airport. Sit back, relax, and enjoy our flight to Dubai!

Note: The airport location and airline will be confirmed no sooner than 9 months before departure. Friends Club trips typically fly out of Chicago, Des Moines, or Cedar Rapids.

DAY 2 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11 DUBAI After arriving in Dubai, we will pass through passport control, meet our local guide, and transfer to our hotel. Relax and get ready for an

amazing adventure in the United Arab Emirates!

DAY 3 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12 DUBAI (BLD) We begin our day with breakfast at the hotel before setting out to see Dubai. Our tour will start in the oldest part of the city, where we will

walk through the labyrinthine lanes of the Bastakia Quarter. The narrow walking lanes of this nicely-restored heritage area are flanked by

sand-colored houses topped with wind towers that provide natural air-conditioning. Here, we will see the old merchants' houses

and even a few examples of the straw houses that were in use until the end of the 50s. Today there are about fifty buildings containing

museums, craft shops, cultural exhibits, courtyard cafés, art galleries, and two boutique hotels. To really understand how fast the city’s

development has been, a visit to the Dubai Museum is an absolute must. The museum’s comparison between old and modern Dubai,

which are separated by only a small number of years, showcases the continuous efforts that led Dubai to its current state of progress and

pioneering. Lunch today will be a very special experience. In a country like the UAE where more than 90% of the population are expats, it is

not always easy to meet and talk to Emirati citizens. We will have the opportunity to dine with locals and talk to them about their

traditions, faith, and culture. Next up is a ride on a small abra (water taxi) across Dubai Creek. On the other side, we will walk through the

exotic and aromatic Spice Souk and one of the best known gold bazaars in the world. This evening we will have a dinner cruise on a typical

"dhow" — a traditional boat used until the 1970s to transport goods from neighboring countries to the Emirates and are still used by

smaller companies and fishermen. While cruising, we will enjoy a buffet of Arabian, Indian, and Iranian foods and the nighttime

illumination of the modern and traditional buildings.

DAY 4 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13 DUBAI (BL) We start the morning with a thrilling elevator ride up the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. We will ride up 124 floors to the

panoramic level in less than one minute and take in the breathtaking views of Dubai and the surrounding desert. Once we’re back on

ground level, we will head to the Dubai Miracle Garden. This is the world’s largest flower garden with millions of blooming flowers in a

variety of sculptures and designs. Keep your camera handy as we board a speedboat in the marina to see the impressing shoreline of

Dubai and some of its really remarkable buildings, including the artificial Palm Islands, Atlantis, the famous sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel,

and much more. Following lunch at the Atlantis hotel, we will return to our hotel for an afternoon and evening at leisure.

DAY 5 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14 AL AIN (BL) Today we will travel a short distance north to Sharjah and pass by many buildings famous for their Islamic architecture, like the University

of Sharjah and the Faisal Mosque. We will visit the Blue Souk and the traditional Souk Al Arsah that is intricately decorated. We’ll see the

unique and very beautiful exhibition of Islamic art at the Museum of Civilization before continuing on to Al Ain, the spiritual heart of the

Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Multiple oases are the defining elements of the city and were created through the ingenuity of the ancient falaj

irrigation system. Today, there is a modern city surrounding the lush beauty of the relatively untouched Al Ain Oasis. Enjoy the evening at

leisure in a beautiful resort setting.

Miracle Garden Lunch with Emirati citizens

Camel market Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort

DAY 6 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15 ABU DHABI (BL) Our day begins with a visit to the camel market to see these large animals up close and hear traders discussing the price and merits of their

animals. This is the last souk, or marketplace, of its kind in the UAE and often has goats, sheep, and sometimes cattle. We will then walk

through the narrow paths of the oasis with our guide, who will share details on farming techniques and the falaj watering systems,

which bring water down from the mountains. A lovely lunch buffet will be served in a hotel up on the mountain of Jabal Hafeet before we

continue on to the city of Abu Dhabi. Enjoy dinner on your own in any one of the many nearby restaurants.

DAY 7 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16 ABU DHABI (BLD) Following breakfast, we will depart on a panoramic city tour starting with the Grand Mosque, one of the largest in the world and certainly one

of the most beautiful. Next up is the Louvre of Abu Dhabi, an architectural masterpiece with both classic and more modern exhibitions.

Artwork from around the world is shown at the museum, with particular focus placed on bridging the gap between Eastern and Western art.

Our touring continues after lunch as we pass by the Royal Palaces and stop in the souk of Abu Dhabi. This modern market was built in a

traditional style on the location of the old souk in 2016. It is connected to a modern shopping center so there is sure to be something for

everyone! Dinner this evening will be enjoyed as a group at the Emirates Palace.

DAY 8 SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17 LIWA (BD) After checking out of the hotel, we will tour the Falcon Hospital. Around 11,200 falcons are taken in each year for examination and treatment.

Since its inception, the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital has become the largest falcon hospital in the world, one of the most well-respected in the

Gulf region, and a leading center for falcon medicine world-wide. We will learn all about falcons, see treatments, and have the opportunity to

hold a falcon. Afterward, we will head into the desert, driving through the Empty Quarter to the luxurious Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort.

Expect the most beautiful sceneries and sand dunes that are some of the largest in the world! We will settle into our rooms and dine on a

delicious dinner buffet.

DAY 9 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18 LIWA (BD) The majority of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Relax in the spa, take a dip in the beautiful pool, or simply enjoy the view from the terraces

of the hotel. In the late afternoon, we will hop into specially-adapted 4x4 vehicles for some dune bashing! It’s a thrilling experience and also

affords wonderful views of the desert landscape among the tall sand dunes. For those looking for something a little less adventurous, a 30-40

minute camel ride is an alternative possibility. This evening, we will have dinner in a traditional desert camp set up exclusively for the group,

including free-flowing house wines and beers.

DAY 10 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19 DUBAI (BD) The morning is yours to enjoy at leisure. We will then board our motorcoach for the journey back toward Abu Dhabi to visit a carbon city project.

We’ll see examples of energy-efficient ways to build and keep a desert city semi-cool. We will then continue on to Dubai and check into our

downtown hotel. The group will gather for a wonderful dinner this evening at Pier Chic. The restaurant is situated on a private pier straight out

from the Madinat Souk Jumeirah, with captivating views of the Arabian Gulf, its beaches, and the futuristic Burj Al Arab hotel. We’ll reminisce on

our amazing experiences in the United Arab Emirates over a delicious meal before retiring to our rooms for the evening.

DAY 11 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20 HOME (B) We will say goodbye to the UAE as we make our way to the airport for our flight home.

Not included in the price of this tour: meals/beverages other than those listed on the itinerary, beverages other than tea or coffee with included meals, items of a personal nature/souvenirs, phone calls and faxes from hotels, passport fees, current baggage fees at the airport as assessed by the airline, and any service not listed in the above inclusions.

Inclusions

Burj Khalifa

DOCUMENTATION: A valid U.S. passport is required for this tour. Each U.S. citizen must have a valid passport. The expiration date of all passports should be at least 6 months after the return date of the tour. If you don't have a passport, call our office and we'll tell you how to apply for one. Holders of non-U.S. passports have different entry requirements. Please NOTE: Due to airline security measures, your passport name must match your airline ticket name and your tour reservation name or you may be denied aircraft boarding.

BASIC SECONDARY TRAVEL PROTECTION PLAN INCLUDED: Hills Bank is including a Travel Protection Plan in your tour pricing. Travel Protection means passengers are covered when unforeseen medical circumstances arise which may force you to cancel or interrupt your vacation. Coverage is as follows: Accidental Death and Dismemberment ($25,000), Emergency Medical Expense/Emergency Assistance (Emergency Accident and Sickness Medical Expense - $50,000 / Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation - $250,000), Trip Cancellation (Trip Cost), Trip Interruption (150% of Trip Cost), Missed Connection ($750), Travel Delay $750 (up to $150 per day), Baggage and Personal Effects ($2,500), Baggage Delay ($250). A brochure with full details is available.

CANCELLATION: Full refund of all monies is made if cancellation is received in writing to Hills Bank prior to final payment. A 100% fee is charged if the cancellation occurs between final payment and departure. If the reason for cancellation is due to a medical or other reason that is covered by Travel Protection, you may be eligible for reimbursement for such fees from your Travel Protection Plan provider.

TRAVELERS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS: You must advise Star Destinations, Inc. (SDI) at the time of registration of any disability requiring special attention. SDI will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the special needs of travelers. The American with Disabilities Act is applicable only in the U.S. and accommodations outside the U.S. may be more limited. Travelers requiring assistance are required to be accompanied by a companion who is capable of and totally responsible for providing the assistance. Neither SDI personnel nor its suppliers may lift or physically assist with traveler's special needs including but not limited to walking, dining, or other routine activities. Travelers thinking they may need assistance should call SDI to determine what accommodations may reasonably be provided. Arrangements at an additional cost are the financial responsibility of the traveler.

TERMS & CONDITIONS: Star Destinations, Inc. (SDI) acts as an agent for and makes arrangements with airlines, hotels, railroads, bus lines, cruise lines, adventure companies and other independent parties to provide you with the travel services and accommodations. Although great care is taken in choosing suppliers, we are unable to directly control them and therefore cannot be held responsible or liable for their acts or omissions. The travel services are subject to the conditions imposed by these suppliers and their liability may be limited by their tariffs, conditions of carriage, and international conventions and agreements. Should for any reason beyond our control, the hotel or establishment described in the attached itinerary may not be available, SDI and its agents reserve the right to lodge travelers in another hotel of similar or superior category. SDI cannot assume responsibility for any claims, losses, damages, costs or expenses arising out of injury, accident or death, damage, loss or delay of baggage or other property, or delay, inconvenience, loss of enjoyment, upset, disappointment, distress or frustration, whether physical or mental, resulting from a) mechanical breakdowns, dangers inherent to the sea, fire, theft, civil disturbances, strikes, government actions, weather and other factors and causes beyond our control. b) passenger's failure to follow instructions of SDI or its representatives. c) any other cause beyond the control of SDI. In addition, SDI reserves the right to vary the Tour Price advertised or printed to cover any increase in air fare, fuel price, Government taxes and charges, exchange rate fluctuations, or other Tour related tariffs and costs subject to price guarantee. The price of this tour is based on the AED/USD exchange rate of $0.27 as of 3/13/18. If you request a variation or change to your booking, SDI may choose to accept or reject that request at its sole discretion. If SDI accepts your request, you must pay the variation fee and any costs associated with it.

• Round Trip Airport Transfers

• Round Trip Air to Dubai

• Private Motorcoach Transportation

• 9 Nights’ Accommodations

• 19 Meals (9 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners)

• Professional Tour Manager

• Admission to Attractions as Stated on Itinerary

• Porter Service of One Bag Per Person at Hotels

• Taxes and Gratuities for Included Services

• Travel Protection Plan

$6,949 per person, Double Occupancy$8,125 per person, Single Occupancy

A $500 deposit per person is required with your registration form.

FINAL PAYMENT IS DUE: SEPTEMBER 25, 2018

Tour Pricing

Ac�vity Levels1. Light: Relaxed pace; minimal/easy standing/walking; must be able to physically get on/off the motorcoach.2. Moderate: Intermi�ent standing/walking; some stairs and uneven surfaces due to nature of a�rac�ons.3. Ac�ve: Moderate to heavy standing/walking; some stairs, inclines, and uneven surfaces due to nature of a�rac�ons.4. Energe�c: Well-paced walking/physical ac�vity; various terrains, uneven surfaces, and hilly ground; best enjoyed by mobile travelers.

LIGHT

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For further information or questions, please call: (319) 358-2230 or (319) 358-2278

or email: FriendsClub@HillsBank.com