A contrast to the rolling hills
Dubai takes you to an exotic paradise of white sand beaches, swaying palm trees, futuristic landscapes and vast shopping malls mixed with ancient Arabic tradition. There is something for everyone within this exciting UAE metropolis, where families will enjoy spending precious time together on the picture postcard Jumeriah Beach. For adventurers, the stunning Arabian Desert awaits and allows you to sample sand boarding, explore camel farms or enjoy a desert jeep safari. Home to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, Dubai family holidays are full of adventure.
Take a tour along the pretty Dubai Creek on a traditional wooden abra, before taking a stroll through the atmospheric souks where you can pick up a souvenir. Select from an array of beautiful handmade jewellery, striking leather goods and aromatic spices including saffron and cinnamon. Be sure to take a break at the authentic cafés serving shisha and thick Arabic coffee and watch the world go by.
Holidays in Dubai offer upmarket amenities within Dubai City, which has been carved out of the desert. Designer shopping awaits at the boutiques lining the extensive, modern malls in addition to plenty of tax free bargains. When hunger strikes, sample the Michelin starred restaurants and chic cafés that make Dubai so popular with foodies. You will be spoilt for choice with our fine collection of luxury hotels in Dubai, complete with infinity pools. Atlantis The Palm is a spectacular oceanic resort perched on the world’s largest manmade island, Atlantis. Guests can indulge in a luxury Spa, Aquarium and over 20 bars and restaurants.
Every one of our hotels is handpicked and personally visited by our team
The best airports for Tuscany are Florence and Pisa. Direct flights from the UK take approximately two hours.
Tuscany is a mild-weathered place. Temperatures meander between 20°C and 25°C in the warmest months of July and August. July is also usually the driest month of the year. Autumn is light jacket weather (around 17°C in September), while spring is crisper – think 10°C to 15°C.
Tuscany has a calendar full of festivals. Museums and shops shut early on Easter weekend so that locals can join the processions and Passion Plays that pop up throughout the region. Spring also kicks off a long line-up of food events that last till autumn. September is harvest time, so that’s when wine festivals really get into their stride.
British citizens do not currently require a visa to visit Italy.
When you dine out in Italy, you will generally be charged a coperto (cover charge), which is for the bread, tablecloth, cutlery, etc. Tipping in Italy is not customary, but is always appreciated.
The official language of Italy is Italian. English is widely spoken too, so getting by is easy.