Destinations
London, England
The first stop on our tour is London, with a history extending all the way to Roman rule in 43 AD, when the city was known as Londoninium. London is currently capital of England, and is the UK’s largest metropolitan area with a population of about 12 million. London consists of the Ancient city of London, and Greater London, which is further subdivided into Inner and Outer London. The city is split north and south by the Thames River, creating yet another informal section know as the Interior London. In addition to Inner and Outer London, Greater London is subdivided into 32 informal boroughs representing old villages or parish names. The West Side of London is known for its entertainment and shopping, while the East side is known for a high immigrant population. The London Underground Railroad network is the oldest and most extensive in the world and the Heathrow International airport is the busiest in the world with the most international travelers. London has also hosted the Olympics twice, in 1908 and 1948, with plans to host again in the summer of 2012. In addition to Roman influence London’s now diverse cultural background comes from the once ruling Saxons, Vikings, and French, as well as events such as the Reformation, The Troubles with Northern Ireland, epidemics such as The Black Plague of the 14th Century and the Great Fire of 1666. London will serve the location of our first and last experiences on the tour. We are extremely excited to be making two stops at such a fantastic city.
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Abu Dhabi is not only the capital of the United Arab Emirates, but it is also the second largest city, with an estimated population of 860,000. It lies on a T-shaped island in the Persian Gulf. Its Arabian Peninsula neighbors are Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman, and Qatar. Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the hereditary ruler of Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is Crown Prince, as well as the chairman of the executive council and deputy supreme commander of the UAE’s armed forces.
In the past few years Abu Dhabi has experienced rapid development and urbanization, transforming it into a cosmopolitan metropolis. It is now a center of political, industrial, cultural, and commercial activities, while also housing many corporate headquarters. Abu Dhabi is one of the world’s largest producers of oil. CNN and Fortune have called Abu Dhabi the richest city in the world, as it houses the Emirati Royal Family, and has the one of the highest GDP per capita incomes in the world due to its hydrocarbon wealth.
Abu Dhabi has year round sunshine and little rainfall, during our visit in May the temperature will typically stay around 95 °F. Abu Dhabi is four hours ahead of UTC (coordinated universal time) and the main language spoke is Arabic, though English is widely spoken. The main religion practiced is Islam, so Muslims in Abu Dhabi are called to prayer five times a day. The citizens of Abu Dhabi are very open to other customs and religions, yet appreciate that we respect their culture. It is recommended that visitors avoid wearing revealing clothing, out of respect. The local currency is the dirham, with the exchange rate being 1 U.S. dollar for 3.6725 dirhams.
One of the most notable landmarks in Abu Dhabi is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. This architectural treasure is one of the most opulent in the world as it was created using materials from over 10 different countries. It is one of the most visited places in the UAE. Abu Dhabi has many beautiful islands. Here, you can find beautiful beaches and dune scapes as well as the Arabian wildlife park. On Saadiyat Island you can find the world’s single largest concentration of premier international cultural institutions. Yas Island will soon hold the world’s largest indoor theme park, Ferrari World.
Abu Dhabi is home to the public relations offices of Fleishman Hillareand APCO Worldwide, both of which we will be visiting during our stay. We are extremely excited to experience the cosmopolitan metropolis that is Abu Dhabi while immersing ourselves in the Middle Eastern culture.
In the past few years Abu Dhabi has experienced rapid development and urbanization, transforming it into a cosmopolitan metropolis. It is now a center of political, industrial, cultural, and commercial activities, while also housing many corporate headquarters. Abu Dhabi is one of the world’s largest producers of oil. CNN and Fortune have called Abu Dhabi the richest city in the world, as it houses the Emirati Royal Family, and has the one of the highest GDP per capita incomes in the world due to its hydrocarbon wealth.
Abu Dhabi has year round sunshine and little rainfall, during our visit in May the temperature will typically stay around 95 °F. Abu Dhabi is four hours ahead of UTC (coordinated universal time) and the main language spoke is Arabic, though English is widely spoken. The main religion practiced is Islam, so Muslims in Abu Dhabi are called to prayer five times a day. The citizens of Abu Dhabi are very open to other customs and religions, yet appreciate that we respect their culture. It is recommended that visitors avoid wearing revealing clothing, out of respect. The local currency is the dirham, with the exchange rate being 1 U.S. dollar for 3.6725 dirhams.
One of the most notable landmarks in Abu Dhabi is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. This architectural treasure is one of the most opulent in the world as it was created using materials from over 10 different countries. It is one of the most visited places in the UAE. Abu Dhabi has many beautiful islands. Here, you can find beautiful beaches and dune scapes as well as the Arabian wildlife park. On Saadiyat Island you can find the world’s single largest concentration of premier international cultural institutions. Yas Island will soon hold the world’s largest indoor theme park, Ferrari World.
Abu Dhabi is home to the public relations offices of Fleishman Hillareand APCO Worldwide, both of which we will be visiting during our stay. We are extremely excited to experience the cosmopolitan metropolis that is Abu Dhabi while immersing ourselves in the Middle Eastern culture.
Dubai, UAE
Dubai is one of seven emirates that together form the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Dubai is located on the beautiful Arabian Peninsula in the northeast part of the UAE. It is home to a large population of over two million. Over the past few decades Dubai has transformed from a fishing and pearling village to a booming paradise fit for locals, tourists, and businesses. Dubai continues to attract worldwide attention through innovative construction, sports events, and lively entertainment. Summer months in Dubai are hot, windy, and dry. During our visit in May the average high is forecasted to be around 99 °F with overnight lows around 77 °F.
Dubai’s culture revolves around the religion of Islam and traditional Arab culture. The religion of Islam requires Muslims to be called to prayer five times each day. The official language in Dubai is Arabic, but English is widely spoken. In the city of Dubai tourists find a friendly environment that has an extremely cosmopolitan feel. There is a strong influence of Islamic and Arab culture on the architecture, music, attire, cuisine, and lifestyle found in the city. A traditional and appropriate wardrobe is much more conservative than what we’re used to in the United States. Emirati males prefer to wear a kandura, which is a nearly floor length white shirt woven from wool or cotton. Emirati women wear an abaya, a long black cloak covering nearly the entire body. However, western style clothing is accepted in the city of Dubai as long as it is slightly conservative and respectful.
A few of Dubai's biggest lures for tourists are the countless shopping malls, calming sandy beaches, and breathtaking modern attractions. As of 2010, Dubai was the eighth most visited city of the world with a recorded over eight million international visitors. Dubai is ranked as the second most popular shopping destination in the world. Most of this attention is on Dubai Mall, which has over 1,000 stores, an ice rink, an aquarium, and numerous dining options. Dubai is also known for the rich collection of unique buildings and the tourist attractions it provides. Dubai is home to the World Islands, Palm Islands, and the only indoor ski hill. Many modern interpretations of Islamic architecture can be found in Dubai. Modern Islamic architecture was taken to a new level for the downtown Dubai development project. Arguably the most famous building in Dubai known as the Burj Khalifa is currently the world's tallest manmade building standing at 2,723 ft tall. We are excited to experience the vibrant culture of Dubai and plan to take full advantage of all that it has to offer.
Dubai’s culture revolves around the religion of Islam and traditional Arab culture. The religion of Islam requires Muslims to be called to prayer five times each day. The official language in Dubai is Arabic, but English is widely spoken. In the city of Dubai tourists find a friendly environment that has an extremely cosmopolitan feel. There is a strong influence of Islamic and Arab culture on the architecture, music, attire, cuisine, and lifestyle found in the city. A traditional and appropriate wardrobe is much more conservative than what we’re used to in the United States. Emirati males prefer to wear a kandura, which is a nearly floor length white shirt woven from wool or cotton. Emirati women wear an abaya, a long black cloak covering nearly the entire body. However, western style clothing is accepted in the city of Dubai as long as it is slightly conservative and respectful.
A few of Dubai's biggest lures for tourists are the countless shopping malls, calming sandy beaches, and breathtaking modern attractions. As of 2010, Dubai was the eighth most visited city of the world with a recorded over eight million international visitors. Dubai is ranked as the second most popular shopping destination in the world. Most of this attention is on Dubai Mall, which has over 1,000 stores, an ice rink, an aquarium, and numerous dining options. Dubai is also known for the rich collection of unique buildings and the tourist attractions it provides. Dubai is home to the World Islands, Palm Islands, and the only indoor ski hill. Many modern interpretations of Islamic architecture can be found in Dubai. Modern Islamic architecture was taken to a new level for the downtown Dubai development project. Arguably the most famous building in Dubai known as the Burj Khalifa is currently the world's tallest manmade building standing at 2,723 ft tall. We are excited to experience the vibrant culture of Dubai and plan to take full advantage of all that it has to offer.
Delhi, India
Delhi is northern India's largest city and eight largest in the world with 13,782,976 people. One part of it, known as New Delhi is officially designated the capital of India, but the names are often used interchangeably. Delhi is said to be one of the oldest existing cities in the world dating back over 5,000 years, being built and destroyed over eleven times. Today, Delhi is a major cultural, political, and commercial center of India. Built on the banks of the Yamuna River, the city is a beautiful blend of a historical past and a vibrant present. Delhi features an a typical version of a humid subtropical climate, with long very hot summers and brief mild winters. Summers are long and extremely hot, from early April to mid-October, with the monsoon season in between.The National Capital Territory of Delhi was divided into nine districts. They are Central, North, South, East, West, North-East, South-East, North-West, and South-West District. Being a major city, where people from all over India reside there are many different languages spoken. Hindi is the official language and widely spoken, however, Punjabi and English closely follow, especially in the business world. With all of the participants being granted approval to visit, we are eager to see Delhi’s mix of ancient historical cultural, and modern metropolis.
Agra, India
Agra is the 19th most populated city in India. It is located in northern India, just south of New Delhi on the banks of the river Yamuna. It is a beautiful city and the home to the world famous Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is an enormous mausoleum constructed by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his late wife Mumtaz Mahaas. It was named one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. The structure was built between 1632 and 1653, over 24,000 workers aided in its construction The mausoleum is an example of Mughal architecture drawing inspiration from Persian, Indian, and Islamic styles. The building is entirely constructed out of white marble. Many myths surround the Taj Mahal. Among the most notable is that a matching tomb would be built directly across the river, the replication however would be black instead of white. Another rumor that is widely circulated states that Jahan ruled with an iron fist and invoked a good deal of abuse upon the artisans and craftsmen working for him. It is believed that Jahan required workers to sign a contract agreeing to never participate in the construction of a similar structure. While we may never know the truth behind these myths, they certainly add to the allure of the extravagent grave.
Mumbai, India
With a population of 20 million people, Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay) is the most populated city in India filled with individuals of diverse ethnic backgrounds. Located on the west coast of India, Mumbai was originally a conglomeration of seven islands. Today, it lies on the west coast of India and has a natural deep harbor that continues to make it a predominant seaport. Mumbai is the country’s financial powerhouse with important institutions and corporate headquarters for numerous Indian companies and multinational corporations. It is also the home of Bollywood, formally referred to as Hindi cinema, the largest film producer in India and one of the largest centers of film production in the world. Mumbai is an inebriating blend of glistening skyscrapers, fashion centers, bars, restaurants, and glamour. It is one the world’s top ten centers of commerce in global financial flow. However, it is also the country’s largest population of slums and grinding poverty. Mumbai has a tropical wet and dry climate with seven months of dryness and peaks of rain in July. The cooler season from December to February is followed by the summer season from March to June. From June to the end of September is the south-west monsoon season. Our group is honored that we will be immersing ourselves in such a dynamic city on our tour.
Istanbul, Turkey
Due to its strategic location on the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul is the center of Turkey’s economic and cultural power. Located in the northwestern area of the country, it is the only city in the world that sits on two continents. Founded as the small village of Byzantium, it transformed into the grand city of Constantinople in 330. This began Istanbul's rise as a regional and global power, becoming the center of the Eurasian world for more than a millennium. When the city was sacked by Mehmed the Conqueror in 1453, the city was renamed Istanbul and became the seat of Ottoman rule for the next 600 years. With dissolution of the empire and establishment of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, the capital was moved to Ankara. This however has done little to lessen Istanbul’s stature.
Today, Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey with a population of more than 13.5 million people. The city is predominantly Sunni Muslim, with small populations of Alevis, Jews, and Christians connected through the Turkish language. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with cultural designations in criteria I, II, III and VI. The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Tokapi Palace are its most famous landmarks. During May, the average temperatures range from 55-70 degrees with 1.5 inches of rainfall. But despite the pleasant weather, the climate is exacerbated by extremely high humidity.
Today, Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey with a population of more than 13.5 million people. The city is predominantly Sunni Muslim, with small populations of Alevis, Jews, and Christians connected through the Turkish language. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with cultural designations in criteria I, II, III and VI. The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Tokapi Palace are its most famous landmarks. During May, the average temperatures range from 55-70 degrees with 1.5 inches of rainfall. But despite the pleasant weather, the climate is exacerbated by extremely high humidity.
Paris, France
Known as the most romantic city in the world, Paris is the largest city and the capital of France in central Europe. Located on the Seine River, Paris is home to over 9.8 million residents. Some of the most famous attractions include the popular Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, and the Place de la Concorde. The Louvre is one of the largest art museums in the world, and the 984-foot Eiffel Tower is the most famous symbols of France. Fashion, cuisine, wine, and high culture are at the epicenter of this lavish city. Football, basketball, and rugby are the most popular sports in France, and the FIFA World Cup has been held in the 80,000-seat stadium in Paris. The current Prime Minister of France is François Fillon, who is the head of the French national government. France is also the host of the annual Tour de France 2,000 mile bicycle race and competition for serious athletes.
Paris is often referred to as the “City of Light” ("La Ville-Lumière"). The nickname comes from its fame as a center of education and ideas during the Age of Enlightenment as well as for its early adoption of street lighting. Paris is home to an abundance of beautiful sights and attractions. These famed attractions, including the Cathédrale de Notre Dame de Paris and even Disneyland Paris, have made Paris one of the most popular cities in the world to visit, averaging 45 million tourists annually. The most prominent mode of transportation in the city is the metro, which boasts 300 stations and 16 lines. The popularity of this beautiful city is reflected in the fact that it is one the most expensive place in the world to live in. The Parisian culture is characterized by opera, theater, art, cinema, and exquisite cuisine. Another aspect of the culture worth noting in Paris is the fashion. Labeled as the Capital of Fashion, Paris is home to the world's finest and most lavish fashion designers and cosmetics, like Chanel, Christian Dior, Yves Saint-Laurent, Lancôme, L'Oréal, and many more. Popular sports in Paris include soccer, rugby, tennis, and bicycle racing. Whether it is fashion, art, opera, or architecture, Paris has something for everyone to enjoy.
Paris is often referred to as the “City of Light” ("La Ville-Lumière"). The nickname comes from its fame as a center of education and ideas during the Age of Enlightenment as well as for its early adoption of street lighting. Paris is home to an abundance of beautiful sights and attractions. These famed attractions, including the Cathédrale de Notre Dame de Paris and even Disneyland Paris, have made Paris one of the most popular cities in the world to visit, averaging 45 million tourists annually. The most prominent mode of transportation in the city is the metro, which boasts 300 stations and 16 lines. The popularity of this beautiful city is reflected in the fact that it is one the most expensive place in the world to live in. The Parisian culture is characterized by opera, theater, art, cinema, and exquisite cuisine. Another aspect of the culture worth noting in Paris is the fashion. Labeled as the Capital of Fashion, Paris is home to the world's finest and most lavish fashion designers and cosmetics, like Chanel, Christian Dior, Yves Saint-Laurent, Lancôme, L'Oréal, and many more. Popular sports in Paris include soccer, rugby, tennis, and bicycle racing. Whether it is fashion, art, opera, or architecture, Paris has something for everyone to enjoy.