BETWEEN OCEAN AND DESERT

Start your day with a visit to the stunning Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. Continue to the bustling Muttrah Souk, filled with spices, frankincense, and handicrafts. Explore the Bait Al Zubair Museum, known for its displays of traditional Omani costumes and jewelry. Stop for photos at Al Alam Palace, then enjoy a sunset sailing trip along Muscat’s coast. On the way back to the hotel, see the Royal Opera House and pass through the government ministries district. (B, L)

Rise and shine with breakfast at your hotel before leaving Muscat and heading towards the interior of Oman. You will visit Jabrin Castle with its winding hallways, hidden staircases and beautifully decorated interior. Later, you will reach Al Hamra and visit the village. The adventure continues as you switch to 4x4 vehicles and drive up to Jebel Shams, known as the “mountain of the sun.” Enjoy a delightful lunch at a local restaurant. Next, visit Nizwa, the former capital of Oman. Here you will have the chance to explore the Nizwa Souq situated within the walls of the famous Nizwa Fort. Overnight in Nizwa. (B,L)

Visit the busy Sinaw Market, a hub for Bedouin traders. Later, enjoy a traditional Omani lunch in a local home with a cultural exchange. Explore the historical ruins of Al Mansfah before transferring by 4x4 to Wahiba Sands. Arrive at your desert camp in time for dinner and an overnight stay under the stars. (B, L, D)

After breakfast, depart the desert and stop at the beautiful Wadi Bani Khaled, known for its turquoise pools and date palms. Continue to Sur to visit a traditional dhow factory. In the evening, take an excursion to Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve to witness nesting turtles, depending on the season. Overnight in Sur. (B, D)

After breakfast, you will enjoy a short city tour of Sur before heading back to Muscat along the coast. Along the way, stop at beautiful Wadi Tiwi and savor lunch at the Wadi Shab Resort. Then visit the Bimah sinkhole, a lake of turquoise waters formed in limestone by the collapse of a large cave chamber. Continue your drive to Muscat and transfer to the airport for your flight to Dubai. After proceeding through immigration and collecting your luggage, you will be met by your driver and taken to your hotel. Overnight in the hotel. (B,L)

After breakfast, you will start your tour of Dubai in the Bastakyia district. At the Dubai Museum situated in the Al-Fahidi fortress, learn about the city’s past as a small fishing village. Cross the Dubai Creek in a water taxi to Deira to shop for exotic spices and unique souvenirs. In Jumeirah, approach the awe-inspiring Grand Mosque, built in the medieval Fatimid tradition. Then look up at Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower and the centerpiece of the region’s prestigious urban development. Upon your return to Dubai, enjoy a relaxing cruise long the Dubai Creek on a traditional Arabian dhow, and savor a sumptuous feast of Arabic and international cuisine. (B,D)

Take time to revel in a morning at leisure. This afternoon, enjoy traveling across the deserts of Dubai in a 4x4 vehicle. This exciting dune drive has many photo stops, but the highlight of this trip may well be the pristine sunset. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Arabian barbeque dinner featuring professional dancers that will demonstrate the ancient art of belly dancing. Return to the hotel and overnight. (B,D)  

Today you will tour the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi. Visit the intricately decorated Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque that can accommodate 30,000 worshipers and is one of the largest mosques in the world. In downtown Abu Dhabi, stop at the Heritage Village, which houses a small museum and depicts Arab life prior to the discovery of oil. Then, drive to the tip of the breakwater for a superb view of the skyline. Next, you will tour Saadiyat Island where the Louvre and Guggenheim Museum annexes are being constructed. Finally on Yas Island, see Formula 1 racing on the Formula Yas 3000 circuit and explore Ferrari World, the first Ferrari-branded amusement park in the world. Overnight in Dubai. (B)

Today you will head out towards the Eastern Emirates and Al Ain, situated in an opulent terrain and dotted with abundant underground water springs. The former seat of the Sheikhs, here you will find a wealth of desert culture in this formerly vital trading center, including an 18th century bazaar, a camel race track, and a livestock market. Visit the Al Ain National Museum and Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum before ascending Jebel Hafeet. At the base of the mountain, soak in the healing hot springs so abundant in this area. Return to Dubai. (B)

Transfer to Dubai airport for your departure flight home with treasured memories to share of your exotic adventure. (B)