Eight Day: Dubai & Oman Focus

Day One: Arrive Dubai

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

Use the morning to relax and catch-up from your late evening arrival.

Afternoon Half Day Dubai Sightseeing: Sample the historic sites and vibrant cosmopolitan life of Dubai on this comprehensive tour. The tour starts 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.

Overnight in Dubai.

Day Three: Dubai

Morning Dubai Development Tour: Join an exciting tour to witness first-hand the painstakingly planned growth of the multi-cultural metropolis of Dubai. Our first stop is at the Burj Dubai, soon to be the worlds tallest building, sales office. Then drive to the prestigious Jumeirah area, home to the upscale Jumeirah Beach residential area as well as the world's largest artificially created Marina. Visit the sales office of ‘Nakheel', developers of the fascinating and world renowned Palm Islands. Take a close look at the scale models of this astounding project; unofficially named as the ‘Eighth wonder of the world'. Next we drive to the souk Madinat Jumeirah, an Arabian-themed marketplace where the history and heritage of the region comes alive. We continue to Emirates Hills, boasting opulent villas, lakes and The Montgomerie, a world-class golf course. Before returning we will visit Ski Dubai and see the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East which offers skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing all year round.

Lunch at Local Restaurant.

Afternoon & Evening Half Day Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner: You will head off across the desert on an exciting 4WD dune drive where you will visit a camel farm. The drive continues into the desert to our campsite where you will have the opportunity to try your hand at camel riding, sand boarding and even have a henna design drawn on your hands or feet. After working up an appetite we will enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner and a shisha (the famous Arabic water pipe). Before returning we will watch our belly dancer performing her show around the campfire by starlight.

Overnight in Dubai.

Day Four: Sharjah

Morning Half Day Sharjah Sightseeing: During our visit to Sharjah, the ‘Pearl of the Gulf', we will visit the King Faisal Mosque, one of the largest Mosques in the Emirates as well as visit the renovated Fort of Sharjah, former residence of the ruling family and originally built in 1820. Sharjah is one of the cultural capitals of the region and we will have an opportunity to explore the Heritage Museum and wander through the adjacent souk ‘Al Arsa'. Before returning to Dubai we will have time to stroll and shop at souk ‘Al Markazi' - a treasure trove of carpets, jewellery and handicrafts.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Evening Dhow Cruise Dinner: For a fabulous relaxing evening join our traditional Arabian dhow for a cruise on the Creek. During our outing we will enjoy a sumptuous feast of Arabic and international cuisine while gently gliding past illuminated souks, banks and palaces.

Overnight in Dubai.

Day Five: Dubai - Hatta - Sohar - Rustaq - Muscat

Proceed to Muscat via Sohar and Rustaq: We first drive to Hatta, site of a historical cultural viliage and then cross the border into Oman. We continue towards the ancient town of Sohar, known as the birthplace of the mythical Sindbad the Seafarer. After visiting the fish market and Sohar's old fort we will drive along along the coastal plain and reach Al Hazm and its impressive fort. Heading south we will drive through picturesque Wadis (dry riverbeds) to the oasis of Nakhl and the Ain Thowarah warm springs. We will enjoy strolling around the area before visiting the Nakhl Fort and then continuing on to Muscat.

Overnight in Muscat.

Day Six: Muscat

Morning Half Day Muscat Sightseeing: Our tour begins by driving through the beautiful embassy quarter of Muscat en route to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque where we will visit this stunning example of unique Islamic architecture. Next we are on to Old Town where we proceed on foot, strolling around the Portuguese forts, Jalali, Mirani and Qasr Al Alam, as well as the Palace of HM Sultan Qaboos. Our next stop is the Bait Al Zubair Museum with its wealth of information and exhibits about the country's culture, tradition and heritage. We drive on to Muttrah, a delightful quarter of Muscat, where we visit the fish market, stroll along the Corniche (to admire the beautiful merchant houses) and experience shopping in its busy and world famous souk.

Lunch at local restaurant.

Whether you want to continue shopping in the Muttrah souk or relax on one of the nicest beaches you have ever seen, the afternoon is yours to enjoy.

Overnight in Muscat.

Day Seven: Nizwa

Full Day Nizwa Sightseeing: Our early morning departure will allow us to arrive in Nizwa in time to see the cattle market in full swing. Next we will visit the Nizwa souk, famous for its Bedouin silver jewellery, and then on to the impressive 17th century Nizwa fort. Our drive continues via Tanuf and Bahla to Jabreen, to visit one of Oman's most beautiful forts, famous for its wall and ceiling murals. We return to Muscat via a spectacular drive through the Hajar Mountains and the oases of Fanjah and Birkat Al Mauz.

Overnight in Muscat.

Day Eight: Muscat

Depending on your departure time enjoy a free day in Muscat to shop, visit your favorite area 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.

Transfer to the Muscat International Airport for your departure.