Take a journey into the past on the Dubai Heritage Tour. At the start of the excursion you will be picked up from your hotel in Dubai City center, at around 0900h (09:00 am). (Please make sure you are ready for your hotel pick-up as the driver is unable to wait for latecomers.) An English-speaking guide will go with you on this tour.
You will be taken to the Old Bastakiya district, developed in the late 19th century by rich Persian traders who dealt in pearls and textiles.
The mansions of Bastakiya have stood the test of time. Many have been beautifully restored and you can admire the picturesque architecture. Your guide will point out the walls topped with wind towers that shielded many of the homes. The wind was trapped in the tower and funnelled down into the house as an early form of air conditioning.
After Bastakiya you will visit Dubai Museum, housed in the 18th century Al-Fahidi Fort. In the museum, you will see a number of boats and a palm-leaf house with a traditional wind-tower, plus traditional weapons and musical instruments. There is an interesting collection of old maps of the Gulf and the Emirates and aerial photographs tracing Dubai's expansion between 1960 and 1980.
You can also view a magnificent portrayal of the underwater world of pearl diving and interesting artefacts from prehistoric graves. Other popular exhibits are the dioramas with life-size figures, sound and lighting effects showing everyday life before the discovery of oil in Dubai.
After seeing the museum, you will walk through the fascinating alleys of Dubai's largest and oldest ‘souk’. 'Souk' is the Arabic word for market or place where any kind of goods are bought or exchanged. A heady mix of aromas will tell you when you are approaching the Spice Souk. Enjoy the attractive sight of the open sacks laden with valuable spices and dried fruits.
During the tour you will get the chance to enjoy an authentic Dubai experience – a ride along the Creek aboard the Abra (water taxi).
The last stop on the trip is Dubai's world-famous Gold Souk, where all that glitters really is gold! Here the narrow streets are lined with shop windows glinting with ornaments made in 22 and 24 carat gold. Gold prices here are among the lowest in the world.
At the end of your tour you will be dropped at your hotel. You will arrive back at the hotel by about 1300h (01:00pm).