Nine Day: Eastern UAE & Oman Highlights

Day One: Arrive Muscat

Arrival at the Muscat 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 Hotel and check-in.

Overnight in Muscat.

Day Two: 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.

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

Overnight in Muscat.

Day Three: 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. Our tour continues along picturesque wadis (dry river beds) before reaching Rustaq to view the Rustaq Fort. We continue to the oasis of Nakhl to visit its famous fort and before returning to Muscat we will visit the natural warm springs of Thowarah.

Overnight in Muscat.

Day Four: Nizwa

Full Day Nizwa Sightseeing: We start with a spectacular drive through the Hajar Mountains via the oases of Fanjah and Birkat Al Mauz to reach Nizwa and its impressive 17th century fort. While in Nizwa we will enjoy the beauty of this town as we stroll through its vibrant souk, famous for its authentic Bedouin silver jewellery.

Overnight at Nizwa.

Day Five: Nizwa - Al Ain

Full Day Nizwa - Al Ain: We visit Tanuf before stopping at the UNESCO listed magnificent Bahla Fort on our way to Jabreen. The highlight of our day is our visit to the most beautiful fort in Oman, Jabreen Castle known for its beautifully decorated walls and ceiling murals. We continue on to Ibri and cross the border into the UAE at Jebel Hafeet to reach the beautiful ‘Garden city' of Al Ain.

Overnight in Al Ain.

Day Six: Al Ain - Hatta - Fujairah

Full Day Al Ain - Fujairah: This morning we will visit the Al Ain museum and the renovated Old Palace of H.H. Sheikh Zayed, late ruler of Abu Dhabi and President of the UAE. After leaving the beautiful city of Al Ain we will drive towards the eastern coast of the United Arab Emirates. Upon reaching Hatta we will visit its historic and enchanting Heritage Village before heading to Fujairah via the newly constructed tarmac road, revealing a masterpiece of scenic architecture. In Fujairah we will visit the old Fort, built on a hilltop, and has borne witness to an exciting past. Before our day ends we will stop at Al Badiyah, the oldest Mosque in the Emirates.

Overnight at Fujairah

Day Seven: Fujairah - Sharjah - Dubai

Full Day Fujairah-Sharjah Sightseeing: On our way to Dubai we will visit Sharjah the 'Pearl of the Gulf.' One of the many landmarks to see during our tour is the King Faisal Mosque, one of the largest Mosques in the Emirates. We will also visit the renovated Fort of Sharjah, a former residence of the ruling family, originally built in 1820. We then continue to the Heritage Museum where we can also wander through the adjacent ‘Al Arsa' souk. Before heading to Dubai we will have time to stroll and shop at the ‘Al Markazi' souk, a treasure trove of carpets, jewellery and handicrafts.

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 Eight: Dubai

Morning 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.

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 Nine: Dubai & Departure

Transfer 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.