Unforgettable UAE and Oman

Welcome to Dubai! Upon arrival at Dubai International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Overnight in Dubai

This morning enjoy a half-day guided tour of Dubai. You will have the opportunity to explore the spectacular and lively metropolis of Dubai. The city, developed from a small fishing village on Dubai Creek, now presents itself as a glamorous metropolis on the Arabian Gulf. The distinctive skyscrapers and gigantic shopping malls will impress every visitor. You will start with the Atlantis Hotel, located at the crescent of Palm Jumeirah. From there, a photo stop will be made at the Burj Al Arab hotel before you continue to explore the Jumeirah area, where you will get a photo opportunity to see the awe-inspiring Grand Mosque of Jumeirah. Built-in the medieval Fatimid tradition, this stone structure is a tribute to modern Islamic architecture. You will then proceed to Bastakyia, the old town district of Dubai. Learn everything about the local history and geography of the city. Visit the Shindagha Museum. Another highlight will be travelling by local water taxis, known as “Abras”, to cross Dubai Creek. Take in the spectacular views of the city while heading towards the district of Deira. Here, you will be enchanted by the rich variety of exotic spices in the famous Spice Souk along with a visit to the adjacent Gold Souk.

This afternoon, you will head on a spectacular Desert Safari. After settling down in the 4WD vehicles, the jeeps will speed through the desert of the golden sand dunes. The dune bashing or desert driving will continue with the thrill of going up and down the dunes provoking many shrieks and laughter that is full of excitement. The final leg of this program will take you to the main campsite. This will be the highlight of the trip. After seeing a memorable sight – the true Arabian sunset with its glory and magic, a delicious Barbecue dinner will be prepared on open fires, and a variety of beverages will be available. The beat of the music will only increase as a Belly dancer dances to the rhythm of the music.

Overnight in Dubai

After breakfast, you will head on a tour to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. This comprehensive tour will give you the perfect introduction to the UAE’s capital and the island on which it stands. The name Abu Dhabi means “Father of the Gazelle”. You will start at the famous Yas Island home to the Formula 1 YAS Circuit and the first Ferrari attraction park in the world; the largest covered air-conditioned park in the world. Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques on the planet; able to accommodate more than 30,000 worshipers. The beautiful Mosque is completely cladded in marble and features intricate Islamic decorations and carvings as well as extensive landscaping before heading to downtown Abu Dhabi. This afternoon drive along the spectacular Corniche, past gleaming white mosques, glass-clad offices, and elegant high-rise apartments to the tip of the breakwater for a superb view of the city’s magnificent skyline. Then we will drive through the famous giant Saadiyat Island project where museums are being built to complete the image of Abu Dhabi as a cultural city. We will pass by the famous site of the Abrahamic Family House. In the late afternoon visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi, an art and civilization museum, located on the Saadiyat Island Cultural District.

Dinner and an overnight in Abu Dhabi

This morning, we depart for Al Ain, one of the oldest cities in the UAE, located in the Hajjar Mountains. For thousands of years, the oasis of Al Ain has served as an important caravan stop on the ancient trade routes across Arabia. You continue to Jebel Hafeet for a fantastic photo opportunity. This afternoon, you will visit the camel market, the largest in the United Arab Emirates before visiting Jahili Fort, one of the largest castles in Al Ain and a best-in-class example of local Islamic military architecture. From there, visit Al Ain Palace, one of the most important cultural places in the Emirate. It is a direct testimony to the period of rule of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan in Al Ain and his original place of residence there. The Palace is also the birthplace of HH Sheikh Mohamad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Then visit Qasr AL Muwaiji, where you will learn about the history of the region.

Dinner and an overnight in Al Ain

After breakfast, continue your journey back towards Dubai with an enroute stop in Sharjah, the cultural capital known as the ‘Pearl of the Gulf”. You will pass by King Faisal Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the Emirates and the renovated Fort of Sharjah, the former residence of the ruling family. Visit the Sharjah Heritage Museum which conserves and displays the rich traditional customs and culture of Sharjah as a source of pride and inspiration to Emiratis and visitors to the UAE. At the museum you will take journey of discovery through Sharjah's rich and diverse heritage and explore traditions that have endured the test of time. You will see handcrafted works of art and objects that date back to a time when local people relied solely on fishing and pearling. Trace the development of education, currency, and the early postal system. You will discover the traditional skills and crafts relating to jewelry, costumes, herbal medicines, music, and folklore. After your visit, it will be time to explore the colorful Souk Al Arsa, set up in a traditional way. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant where you will discover the real Bedouin meal of Mandi, a succulent recipe of meats or fish with marvelous spices from this part of the world.

After lunch depart back to Dubai, to the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest tower and the centerpiece of the Gulf region's most prestigious urban development to date. Enjoy some free time for shopping. With more than 1,200 stores to choose from and a host of world-class attractions: you can see the Middle East region’s first Galeries Lafayette department store, France’s leading fashion house and one of the top 100 global retailers. Dubai Mall is revolutionizing the modern shopping experience. With an impressive range of leisure pursuits, this is the ultimate, cutting-edge shopping experience. A range of adventure sports vies for attention amid the romance of ice-skating. The Dubai Mall is a place where a 21st-century gold souk is set against a world-class aquarium. Step inside Dubai Mall and discover a place like no other.

Dinner and an overnight in Dubai

Today, you will go on a cruise in the waters of the Indian Ocean. Musandam in the “Gulf of Oman” is the gateway to natural sea treasures. The Musandam Peninsula is the northernmost part of Oman, and it has one of the most rugged, isolated, and beautiful coastlines in the world. The towering Hajar Mountains rise directly out of the sea creating spectacular fjords-like scenery, providing an awe-inspiring backdrop for the caves, bays, and pebble beaches along the coast. The sheltered bays also offer a safe environment for snorkelers and non-divers to explore. Marine life in the Gulf of Oman is rich in diversity with fish, corals, turtles, and invertebrates. You will take a dhow cruise trip through the fjords of Musandam that will offer you incredible insight into this fantastic landscape, that guarantees an ambience of peace and tranquillity. There will also be a possibility to see dolphins. Enjoy lunch on board. This traditional type of dhow is equipped with comfortable seats, cushions, and carpets. Take part in some sea safaris, snorkeling opportunities, swimming, playing and more. You will arrive back in Dubai at the end of the day.

Overnight in Dubai

**  Please note: you will need to take your passport with you today, it is required for the Police Checks

This morning after breakfast, depart on the overland journey to Muscat by bus. An en-route stop will be made in Sohar, Oman's third largest city. Enjoy an orientation tour of Sohar including a stop at the Sohar Mosque, a real architectural achievement. You will continue the trip to Muscat travelling via Barka and Seeb, arriving at the end of the day.

Dinner and an overnight in Muscat

 

After a leisurely breakfast drive through the beautiful embassy quarter, to reach the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque that has a remarkable architectural achievement. As a contemporary place of worship, it serves as a spiritual landmark for modern Oman, projecting the values and aspirations of the Omani people. As an edifice, it maintains a perfect balance between aesthetics, culture and deeply rooted Islamic tradition. After the visit to the mosque, we continue to the Opera House to visit this marvelous edifice specially built by the Sultan Qaboos. This afternoon visit Old Muscat, surrounded by steep mountains and flanked by twin 16th century forts ‘Jalali’ & ‘Mirani’(Photo stop), also see the Al Alam Palace, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos’ residence. We will then proceed to Bait Al Zubair Museum. Sheikh Al Zubair who served three former Sultans, founded the house in 1914 and his son Mohammad Al Zubair opened it as a museum in 1998. Its carved doors open into a fortress style reception. The museum includes traditional Omani weaponry, jewelry, costumes, domestic utensils and recreated urban and rural environments. Then drive through the scenic beauty of the corniche, stop at Muttrah - the main port & commercial center, and explore the colorful historic souk. This is a real souk with winding alleys and backstreets and stalls selling all manner of textiles, jewelry, traditional Omani perfumes (bukhoor - made of frankincense), souvenirs and antiques.

Dinner and an overnight in Muscat

Today you will experience a thrilling adventure. We will drive through one of the most thrilling sections of Oman's 1,700 KM coastline. Visit the famous Sinkhole, a part of a collapsed mountain filled with sea water then continue driving on the graded road via Fins. Continue your journey to Wadi Shab where we will stop to admire the marvelous nature and maybe walk a bit in the Wadi .  We will then continue to Sur, a sea-faring town, and a trading port bustling with activity throughout the year. Famed for the fascinating architecture of its old town and shipyards where traditional dhows have been built for centuries at the edge of the bay. After a short tour of Sur, we will continue along the coastal road passing through high cliffs and small fishing villages. We will reach at the end of the afternoon the desert of Wahiba Sands – one of the most fascinating and mysterious regions of Oman. We will board 4x4 vehicles and start the adventure in the desert. The vast, ever shifting dunes support an astonishing variety of wildlife and host different kinds of flora and fauna. The quick changing patterns of the dunes are a photographer’s delight. The Wahiba is also home to a few thousand Bedouins, who are known to have inhabited this inhospitable region for at least 7000 years. We will do some dunes bashing as our experienced drivers show their skill on the dune drive. This evening, savor dinner in the desert camp for a true desert experience.

Overnight in Wahiba Sands

This morning enjoy the desert and its secrets one last time before boarding your 4x4 to return to civilization. Head to Wadi Bani Khalid, a lush green valley surrounded by rugged mountains. There, you can capture the scenic beauty with your cameras and explore the wadi on foot. Afterwards depart for Nizwa, the ancient capital of Oman, known for its rich history and the birthplace of Islam in Oman. It's 17th-century souq is renowned for silver jewelry.  Nizwa is also home to a popular cattle auction that occurs every Friday. 

Dinner and an overnight in Nizwa

After breakfast visit the ancestral village of Birkat al Mawz, located at the base of Jebel Akhdarir Mountains. Then explore the 17th-century Jabreen Castle, renowned for its exquisite plasterwork and architecture. On your way back towards Nizwa, enjoy scenic views of Jebel Shams part of the most famous Hajar mountains chain in Oman. We will pass by the oldest small towns of Oman Bahla with its fort (photo stop). We will stop at the palm groves at Al Hamra to see its Falaj system before returning to Muscat with an evening transfer to Muscat International Airport to check in for your homeward flight. 

*Please note: Departure flights should be booked to depart no earlier than 21:00pm