For March Break, we usually seek out destinations that offer warm weather, memorable experiences, and the opportunity to use our points and miles to help reduce the overall cost. Next year, we’ve booked something a little different, a family adventure that blends the desert luxury and amusement park fun of Abu Dhabi with the cultural charm of Italy.
At first glance, it might seem like an unusual pairing, but I think it’s a perfect combination that satisfies my craving for a distinctive adventure, the kids’ wish for fun, and our shared love of Italian cuisine.
Why Abu Dhabi and Florence?
The original plan was Italy, but anyone who’s been in March knows the weather can be unpredictable, with a good chance of rain and cool temperatures. So, we pivoted and decided to start somewhere warm and family-friendly, then tag on a shorter stay in Europe to satisfy the Italian cravings.
Abu Dhabi checked every box. The weather in March is sunny and ideal (around 25°C), the destination is safe and clean, and there are countless attractions for families, from world-class theme parks to desert resorts where kids can ride camels or slide down dunes. The city also has a great mix of hotel options that can be booked on points, free night certificates, or at reasonable cash rates.
Then, to end the trip, we added a few days in Florence on the way home that will give us just enough time to explore Renaissance art, take a day trip to Pisa, and enjoy pizza, pasta, and gelato in one of the world’s most beautiful cities.
How We Booked Our Trip
Flights
To get there, we booked Qatar Airways QSuites from Toronto to Doha to Abu Dhabi using Qatar Avios. My husband and I were able to grab saver fares for 70,000 Avios each, and after some debate, decided to book the kids in QSuites too for a once-in-a-lifetime experience at 140,000 Avios each at the flex fare. That means we’ll fill a full quad suite to ourselves, a fun setup for a family flight.
Even better, the short Doha to Abu Dhabi segment books into Qatar Airways First Class, giving us access to the spectacular Al Safwa First Class Lounge at Hamad International Airport, one of the most luxurious lounges in the world.
While it was certainly a steep redemption, the impact was softened by a 30% transfer bonus from RBC Avion to British Airways Avios (and from there transferred to Qatar Avios). I transferred half of my Avios during the promotion, effectively reducing the total cost of the Qsuites flights by about 15%. Timing your transfers during bonus periods can lead to substantial savings.
From Abu Dhabi to Italy, we booked Etihad Airways Economy Class to Rome using 20,000 AAdvantage miles per person, followed by a 1.5-hour train ride to Florence.
For the return journey, we’ll fly Florence to Toronto through Frankfurt with the long-haul segment in Premium Economy for 59,100 Aeroplan points per person, providing a comfortable way to end the trip. We won’t count on it, but we might try to use our eUpgrades to upgrade to business class.
Hotels in Abu Dhabi
We’ll begin our vacation on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s family entertainment hub. Here, hotels like the Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island and The WB™ Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton include complimentary park admission for guests.
The WB™ Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton is closer and within walking distance to the theme parks, but if you hold Diamond status with the Hilton Honors Program, you can enjoy lounge access at the Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island.
During March Break, rooms at both properties average around $300-$400 CAD per night for a family of three, up to $800-$900 CAD per night for a family of up to six or seven. Connecting rooms are available. Keep in mind that this is before taxes and fees, which in Abu Dhabi is a whopping 23.5%.
If redeeming points, a standard room reward would cost 70,000 Hilton Honors points per night. At Prince of Travel, we generally value Hilton Honors points at 0.7 cents per point (CAD) or 0.5 cents per point (USD), so this would be a great value for your points once you consider that taxes and fees are also covered with redemptions. Redeeming a free night reward could also be an option if you have one.
If you have US Amex Platinum or Business Platinum cards, you can also use your Fine Hotels & Resorts $300 USD semi-annual credit toward The WB™ Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton, which makes it a great way to save while still enjoying all the park benefits and Fine Hotels & Resorts perks like daily breakfast and a resort credit.
If you prefer a room that can accommodate the entire family in one space, but don’t need the complimentary park access every day of your stay, the DoubleTree by Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island Residences is an excellent alternative. Its one- and two-bedroom apartments include full kitchens and separate living areas, with an onsite laundry facility, making it a great choice for longer or more relaxed stays for similar pricing but for a family of 4 or more. It is also located within walking distance of the theme parks.
If you’re Marriott loyalist, for similar rates you can stay at the W Abu Dhabi Yas Island. It is a popular choice amongst families and is located right above a Formula 1™ racetrack. This hotel participates in Marriott Luminous, a preferred partner program that you can access through our in-house travel agency, Prince Collection.
By booking through us, you’ll pay the best available rate (and sometimes even less), and have access to exclusive benefits, such as a $100 (USD) property credit, complimentary breakfast for two, one-category room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out (subject to availability), plus a welcome gift and letter.
After an action-packed few days, we’ll trade roller coasters for tranquility at the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, one of the UAE’s most iconic luxury properties. Nestled among rolling sand dunes in the Liwa Desert, it’s a desert oasis for both kids and adults. Guests can enjoy camel rides, dune bashing, falconry demonstrations, and stargazing under crystal-clear skies.
As a family of five, we needed either a two-bedroom villa or two rooms. Thanks again to the US Amex Platinum and Business Platinum Fine Hotels & Resorts credits, we were able to book two rooms at a substantially reduced cost.
Anantara is part of the GHA Discovery loyalty program. I status matched to GHA Titanium status, while my husband will be gifted the same status from fellow writer Jason on our team, who raves about the program. Titanium status comes with benefits like double room upgrades if available, complimentary breakfast, early check-in and late check-out, and a welcome amenity.
Hotels in Florence
In Florence, there aren’t many hotels that will accommodate a family of five in one room. Hotels in Florence are on the pricier end. I’ve tentatively booked the Il Tornabuoni Hotel – The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, a stylish boutique property located right in the heart of the city near Ponte Vecchio and Piazza della Repubblica.
As a Category 7 Hyatt hotel, we booked one night in a suite for 60,000 Hyatt points, and the other two nights using a combination of points and cash, which secured us a two king beds suite spacious enough to accommodate our entire family of five.
Unfortunately, there was a recent Hyatt devaluation, and the same room now costs 80,000 points per night, making this booking an even better value in hindsight.
If hotels in Florence are beyond your budget, consider staying outside the city or in other areas of Tuscany, and making day trips in and around the area instead.
For example, the Grand Universe Lucca, Autograph Collection, located just over an hour’s drive from Florence and only 20 minutes from Pisa, offers standard king rooms during March Break for €340 or 27,0000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. Each room accommodates up to two guests, so booking two rooms for 54,000 points or using a pair of 35K free night certificates can be an excellent value for a family of four.
This hotel participates in Marriott Luminous, a preferred partner program that you can access through our in-house travel agency, Prince Collection for some additional perks if you are paying cash. There is currently (at the time of writing) a special family rate where you can book a second room for 50% off.
Family-Friendly Attractions
Abu Dhabi
Yas Island Theme Parks: Yas Island is Abu Dhabi’s family entertainment capital, and with options like Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, and Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, families could easily spend days here without running out of things to do.
SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi: Opened in 2023, this next-generation marine park combines cutting-edge technology with conservation-focused exhibits. Kids will love exploring massive aquariums, meeting dolphins and sea lions, and learning about ocean ecosystems through immersive experiences.
Mangrove Kayaking: For a change of pace, families can kayak through Abu Dhabi’s Mangrove National Park, a calm network of waterways lined with lush greenery. It’s a peaceful, easy paddle where you might spot herons, crabs, and even flamingos, all just minutes from the city.
Louvre Abu Dhabi: An architectural masterpiece in itself, this museum showcases exhibits that trace the history of human creativity from ancient civilizations to modern art. There’s also a dedicated Children’s Museum with interactive activities that make art and culture engaging for younger visitors.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: The largest mosque in UAE is a must-visit for families, showcasing stunning white marble architecture that blends global Islamic styles. Its serene atmosphere and breathtaking design offer a beautiful glimpse into Emirati culture and spirituality.
Desert Adventures at Qasr Al Sarab: Few experiences compare to waking up surrounded by rolling dunes that stretch endlessly to the horizon. In addition to relaxing at the resort, we plan to try camel riding, go sandboarding, and maybe take a thrilling 4×4 dune-bashing tour through the desert.
Florence
Duomo & Piazza del Duomo: No trip to Florence is complete without visiting its most famous landmark, the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore. We plan on climbing Brunelleschi’s dome for sweeping views of the city.
Uffizi Gallery & Galleria dell’Accademia: Florence’s art museums are world-renowned, and they can be surprisingly engaging for kids when visited strategically. At the Uffizi Gallery, families can marvel at masterpieces like Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus, while the Galleria dell’Accademia offers a chance to see Michelangelo’s David up close, an unforgettable introduction to Renaissance art.
Museo Leonardo da Vinci Firenze: This interactive museum brings Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions to life through wooden models, hands-on displays, and multimedia exhibits. It’s an ideal stop for curious visitors who want to experiment with replicas of his flying machines and engineering creations.
Day Trip to Pisa: A quick train ride from Florence takes you to Pisa, where we plan to visit the famous Leaning Tower, stroll through the Piazza dei Miracoli, and enjoy a relaxed Tuscan lunch nearby. It’s a perfect, low-stress day trip.
For the budding chef, you can join a pizza or pasta-making class. We did one in Rome when the kids were younger, and they absolutely loved it. Italian food is always a highlight for them, so we’ll be sampling plenty of local trattorias and, of course, ending each day with gelato. A cone is usually all they need to re-energize after a day of exploring.
Conclusion
This March Break, we’ll be combining two very different destinations, the modern desert wonder of Abu Dhabi and the timeless charm of Italy, into one unforgettable journey. Between the luxury of QSuites, theme park thrills, desert adventures, and Italian food and history, it’s a trip that I’m very much looking forward to.
Thanks to a combination of hotel points, airline miles, and travel credits, this otherwise very expensive trip featuring world-class flights and 5-star hotels has become a much more affordable reality and a great reminder of just how far your rewards can take you.
This story originally appeared on princeoftravel
