Itinerary

1. MUSCAT

   Upon arrival in Muscat, transfer from the airport to your hotel for check-in and enjoy the balance of the day at leisure.

2. MUSCAT

   After breakfast at your hotel, embark on a city tour beginning with a visit to the magnificent Grand Mosque. Then continue to the Muttrah Souk, a traditional oriental market where a lively atmosphere and the scent of frankincense and spices fill the air. Next you will visit Bait Al Zubair museum, known for its fine collection of traditional costumes, antique jewelry, and weapons. Enjoy a photo stop at Al Alam Palace, the palace of the Sultan, and then embark on a sunset sailing along the coast of Muscat. See the Royal Opera House on the way back to the hotel, and drive through the ministries and embassies area. Overnight in Muscat. (B,L)

3. MUSCAT I JABRIN I AL HAMRA I JEBEL SHAMS I NIZWA

   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)

4. NIZWA I SINAW I AL MANSFAH I WAHIBA SANDS

   Have breakfast and then proceed to the famed “Sinaw Market.” It is a very busy market due to its proximity to the Bedouin communities who head there to buy necessities, and sell their livestock and handicrafts. Head to a local home where you will share a traditional lunch and cultural exchange with the family. After lunch, discover the ruins of the old mercantile community of Al Mansfah near Ibra before heading to Wahiba Sands via 4x4 vehicles. Arrive at your desert camp for dinner and an overnight stay. (B,L,D)

5. WAHIBA SANDS I WADI BANI KHALED I SUR

   Power up with breakfast and then board your 4x4 vehicle and return to the bus. The next stop on this fascinating journey is Wadi Bani Khaled, standing in strong contrast to the desert with its natural pools and greenery. Next, continue to the coastal town of Sur and visit the Dhow factory. Tonight, join in an excursion to Ras Al Jinz turtle reserve, where you may have the chance to witness nestling turtles. Head to your hotel in Sur for an overnight stay. (B,D)

6. SUR I WADI TIWI I BIMAH I MUSCAT I DUBAI

   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)

7. DUBAI

   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)

8. DUBAI

   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)

9. DUBAI I ABU DHABI I DUBAI

   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)

10. DUBAI I AL AIN I DUBAI

    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)

11. DUBAI TO USA (OR EXTEND YOUR STAY)

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