Dubai Sunrise Balloon Ride with Bedouin Camp Breakfast and Falcon Show

Book ahead: places on the shared balloon go by date, and the good mornings fill first. On the day, transfers run you out into the desert, the pilot briefs the group, and the balloon lifts just before sunrise, when the dunes turn gold and the light still sits low enough to pick out every ripple in the sand. Wildlife is easier to spot at that hour too. Breakfast comes after landing, at a traditional Bedouin camp: assorted croissants and breads, eggs cooked to order (scrambled, omelette, sunny side up or boiled), beef cold cuts, a smoked salmon platter, a chia seed verrine with strawberry, a granola verrine with yoghurt, a selection of jams, fruit, Arabic coffee, tea and juices. A falcon show and a camel ride follow. Return transfers within Dubai are included, along with a photo and a flight certificate. One quirk worth planning the week around: on Tuesdays a violinist plays live on board.