Eleven Day: UAE & Oman In Depth

Day One

Arrival at the Dubai International Airport with a "meet and greet" at the airport by our representative. (Most flights from North America arrive in the evening. If you have an earlier arrival we will be pleased to plan a more comprehensive day.)

Transfer to the hotel and check in.

Overnight in Dubai.

Day Two: Dubai

Morning at leisure.

Afternoon Half Day Dubai Sightseeing: Sample the historic sites and vibrant cosmopolitan life of Dubai on this comprehensive tour. Our tour starts with a photo-stop at one of the most famous landmarks in Dubai and the world's only 7 star hotel, the Burj Al Arab. From there we will proceed to Jumeirah, the picturesque palace and residential area which is also home to the famous Jumeirah Mosque. Our tour continues in Al Bastakiya, the old part of Dubai where we will also visit the Dubai Museum which is located in Al Fahidi Fort which was originally built in 1799. Then it's all aboard the Abra (water taxi) to cross the Creek to sample the sights, sounds and delicious smells of the spice souk. No visit would be complete without visiting to the world famous gold souk where you will have time to browse and shop.

Evening Dhow Cruise Dinner: For a fabulous relaxing evening join our traditional Arabian dhow for an evening's cruise on the Creek where you will enjoy a sumptuous feast of Arabic and International cuisine while gently gliding past illuminated souks, banks and palaces.

Overnight in Dubai.

Day Three: Dubai - Abu Dhabi - Al Ain

In the morning we will drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi for a panoramic tour of Abu Dhabi. Our first stop is the Women's Handicraft Centre where you can admire the skill and dexterity of local ladies making traditional handicrafts . The tour proceeds to Abu Dhabi's oldest building, Al Husn Palace, built in the 18th century. Then enjoy a magnificent view of the city after driving along the beautiful Corniche to the Breakwater. Finally visit Dhow Yard, where wooden ships are still being built using simple tools as they have been for generations.

Enjoy taking in the sights and sounds of the beautiful Garden City of Al Ain. The tour begins with a drive through the fascinating and ever changing desert scenery. In Al Ain we visit the camel market, the largest in the U.A.E., before stepping back in time at the Hili Gardens, famous for their archaeological excavations from the third millennium B.C.

Overnight in Al Ain.

Day Four: Al Ain - Nizwa

Full day Al Ain - Nizwa Sightseeing: This morning drive to the Sultanate of Oman. We will cross the border at Mazyad and drive towards Nizwa. While ennroute we will visit Jabreen, one of Oman's most beautiful forts, famous for its wall and ceiling murals. Then on to Bahla, and arrive in Nizwa.

Overnight in Nizwa.

Day Five: Muscat

After checking out from our hotel in Nizwa we will visit the impressive 17th century Nizwa Fort and Souk famous for its Bedouin silver jewellery. Once finished we will continue on to Oman's capital, Muscat.

After arriving in the late afternoon you will have time to relax on one of Oman's "picture perfect beaches" or visit the souk for shopping before dinner.

Overnight in Muscat.

Day Six: Muscat

Morning Half day Muscat Sightseeing: The tour begins by driving through the beautiful embassy quarter of Muscat en route to Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. We will visit the Mosque, a religious landmark of Muscat and splendour of unique Islamic architecture. (Islamic dress code to be observed.) The next stop is the Omani Museum which offers a wealth of information about the country's culture, tradition and history. Then on to Muttrah, a delightful quarter of Muscat, complete with traditional souk and fish market. From Muttrah the drive continues to Muscat Old Town where the tour proceeds on foot, strolling around the palace of Sultan Qaboos and the forts Jalali and Mirani.

Afternoon at leisure to shop in the world renowned Muttrah Souk or relax on a pristine beach at your hotel.

Overnight in Muscat.

Day Seven: Muscat - Rustaq - Sohar- Fujairah

Stop at Bait Na'am, a fortified house where the Imams used to overnight during their journey to the interior, before driving to Nakhla for a visit at the oasis of Nakhla and the Nakhl Fort. Next we drive to the natural warm springs of Thowarah before continuing towards Rustaq and its famous fort. We top off the day by driving along the famous Batinah plain, the main agricultural area of Oman to reach Sohar, the town of Sindbad, the famous seafarer.

After a delicious lunch we will continue on from Sohar to Fujairah and in the process cross the border from man to the United Arab Emirates.

Overnight in Fujairah

Day Eight: Fujairah

You will have a full day to enjoy the beaches and variety of water sports that make Fujairah the perfect place to relax and unwind.

Overnight at a hotel in Fujairah

Day Nine: Fujairah - Sharjah

In Fujairah we visit Al Badiyah, the oldest mosque in the Emirates, as well as Fujairah's centuries old renovated fort. On the way to Sharjah we stop at the oasis by the old citadel of Bithnah and take time to browse around the ‘Friday Market' in Masafi.

Upon arriving in Sharjah, the ‘Pearl of the Gulf,' we will visit many of its famous landmarks including; the King Faisal Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the Emirates; the Fort of Sharjah, former residence of the ruling family originally built in 1820; the Heritage Museum and the adjacent souk ‘Al Arsa' to wander and shop. Before returning to our hotel we will have time to stroll and shop at souk ‘Al Markazi' and view its treasure trove of carpets, jewellery and handicrafts.

Overnight in Sharjah.

Day Ten: Sharjah - Dubai

The morning will be yours to discover and shop in Sharjah famous galleries.

Afternoon half day Desert Safari (4WD): This tour departs in the afternoon and will take you across the desert with several photo-stops during an exciting dune drive and a visit to a camel farm. Upon reaching our campsite you will watch the beautiful desert sunset and have the opportunity to ride a camel, try sand boarding as well as have a henna design painted on your hands or feet. After working up an appetite enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner and a shisha (the famous Arabic water pipe). Before heading to our hotel we will watch a belly dancer performing her show around the campfire by starlight.

Overnight at hotel in Dubai.

Day Eleven: Dubai & Departure

We will transfer you to the Dubai International Airport for your departure.

Depending on your departure time enjoy a free day in Dubai to Shop, visit your favorite site or relax by the beach or pool. We will be happy to arrange a day room at your hotel if you have a late evening departure.