Nine Day: Highlights of Dubai & Oman

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 your hotel and check in.

Overnight in Dubai.

Day Two: Dubai

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

Overnight at your hotel 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.

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 an 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: Al Ain

Enjoy a great day out taking 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 before reaching the Hajar Mountains. In Al Ain we visit the museum and the renovated Old Palace of H.H. Sheikh Zayed, the late ruler of Abu Dhabi and the late President of the UAE. The next destination is the camel market, the largest in the U.A.E. Step back in time at the Hili Gardens, famous for the archaeological excavations from the third millennium B.C

Overnight at your hotel in Al Ain

Day Five: 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 at your hotel in Nizwa

Day Six: Nizwa - Muscat

Full Day Nizwa Sightseeing: This morning we will visit the Nizwa souk, famous for its Bedouin silver jewellery, and then on to the impressive 17th century Nizwa fort. Our journey continues to Muscat via a spectacular drive along the Hajar Mountains and the oases of Fanjah and Birkat Al Mauz.

Overnight in Muscat

Day Seven: 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.

You will have the afternoon at leisure to shop in the world renowned Muttrah Souk or relax on a pristine beach at your hotel.

Overnight in Muscat.

Day Eight: Rustaq

Full Day Nakhl and Rustaq Sightseeing: Our first stop will be in Barka to see the fish market and souk as well as visit Bait Na'am, a fortified house where the Imams used to overnight during their journeys to the interior. We continue to the oasis of Nakhl to visit its famous fort and stroll around the natural warm springs of Thowarah. Our tour continues along picturesque wadis (dry river beds) before reaching Rustaq for a stop at the Rustaq Fort. Our final excursion for the day will be at Al Hazm where we visit its impressive fort.

Overnight in Muscat.

Day Nine: Muscat & Departure

Transfer to the Muscat International Airport for your Departure.

Depending on your departure time enjoy a free day in Muscat 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.