Day Two: Muscat
Morning Cruise for Dolphin Watching & Snorkeling: This morning we will transfer to Marina Bander Al Rowdha (a marina with floating pontoons) for an exciting half-day cruise combining the pleasures of watching dolphins and snorkeling. We head out into the open sea for a glimpse of Muscat's resident dolphins. Varieties such as ‘spinner' and ‘common' dolphins will amuse you as they spin and leap through the air. After being entertained by the dolphins we will snorkel in nearby crystal clear waters where coral reefs are home to an exotic variety of tropical fish.
Afternoon Half-Day Muscat Tour: Our tour begins by driving through the beautiful embassy quarter of Muscat en route to Muscat's Old Town, the former capital of Oman. Here we will visit Bait Al Zubair, exhibiting one of the finest private collections of artifacts, jewellery and costumes from all over the Sultanate. We will have time to walk past the walls of Qasr Al Alam, HM the Sultan's Palace, to see the 16th century Portuguese forts of Jalali and Mirani, standing guard at the mouth of Muscat's natural harbour. We make a final stop at the Muttrah Corniche, a delightful quarter of Muscat, complete with traditional souk and fish market. Strolling along the historic Corniche we will view the beautiful merchant houses and discover shopping in the renowned Muttrah souk, well known for its silver craft shops, perfumes and souvenirs.
Overnight in Muscat.
Day Three: Muscat - Sur
Full Day Muscat to Sur via Wadi Shab and Turtle Beach (4WD): Our tour begins with a visit to the famed Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a fine example of Islamic architecture, adorned with breath-taking Swarovski crystal chandeliers, stained glass windows, 18 ct. gold leaf embroidery on walls and ceilings and a hand-stitched priceless Persian carpet that took 4,000 craftsmen 2 years to weave.
From Muscat we head to the coastal town of Quriyat, famous for its incredibly beautiful beach. Then on to Oman's famous ‘Sinkhole,' formed when part of a mountain collapsed and filled with seawater. Our next stop is ‘White Beach' where a picnic lunch will be served and you wil have time for a swim in the Indian Ocean. Our tour continues past Tiwi to the picturesque Wadi Shab where we will wander though its lush vegetation. Our last stop is at the archaeological site of Bibi Myriam's Tomb in Qalhat. From the 2nd century this was a prosperous port town until it was razed by the Portugese Navy in the 16th century and only the tomb (formerly a beautiful Mosque) of a local noblewoman, Bibi Miriam, was left mysteriously standing. This monument is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and is currently under renovation.
After an early dinner we drive to Ras Al Junayz, Oman's most famous turtle reserve where we will enjoy a guided walk with a park ranger and, with luck, observe nesting turtles and even newly hatched little turtles as they make their way to the sea.
Overnight in Sur. |
Day Four: Sur - Wahiba
Full day Sur to Wahiba via Wadi Bani Khalid (4WD): Sur is an ancient port city that grew prosperous after the decline of Qalhat. Start your day with an exploration of Sur and its Dhow yard, where traditional wooden ships, called Dhows, are built with simple hand tools even to this day. Wander around the boatyard then drive to the near-by Maritime Museum for a photo-stop by the mounted ‘Fattah Al Khair', one of the largest Dhows ever built here. This is followed by an invigorating trip around the harbour in a fishing boat, past pretty houses of the old town of Al Ayqa, home to a tribe of rebellious Sheikhs whose access to the mainland has only recently been restored after decades of political differences with H.M. the Sultan.
The tour continues inland to the magnificent Wadi Bani Khalid, one of Oman's most beautiful wadis, famous for its lush green oases, water pools and deep canyons. Picnic lunch is served while you enjoy a swim in the cool, refreshing waters of the Wadi. Passing small villages of friendly inhabitants, drive through the spectacular landscape of the Woodlands to the Wahiba desert with its softly undulating sand dunes varying from red to honey colour. After an exciting drive over the virgin dunes you will visit a ‘modern' Bedouin settlement. Enter the home of one of the tribesmen and enjoy true Omani hospitality. Partake in a refreshing cup of Arabic Coffee ‘Kahwa' and some local dates whilst your guide assists in translating your general conversation.
From here you will drive deeper into the desert, past rolling sand dunes that sometimes rise as high as 70-100 meters to reach an oasis where you will camp for the night in Bedouin-style tents made with real hair from goats and sheep. Enjoy sand boarding and camel riding, then, having worked up an appetite you will enjoy a traditional Arabic meal under the starlit desert sky.
Dinner & Overnight at Thousand Nights Camp, Wahiba Sands
Day Five: Wahiba - Nizwa
Full day Wahiba to Nizwa with Tanuf & Al Hoota Caves (4WD): After an early breakfast, drive to the village of Mudairib whose many watchtowers pay tribute to its importance as a guardian outpost for the Sharqiya region you will have just traversed. Continue via Ibra to Nizwa, the former cultural and political capital of Oman. Lunch is at a local restaurant en route.
Until relatively recently, Nizwa was the seat of the Imamate (religious body) that ruled the interior of Oman. As late as 1954, the ruling Imam declared the rest of Oman independent from Muscat and only after a British-led military expedition was sent forcing him to abdicate, did the Imamate come to an end. After lunch drive to Tanuf to see the bombed remains of the residence of its last Imam (religious head), a rebellious leader who invited the Sultan's wrath in the form of a British RAF squadron that reduced his residence to rubble.
From here, you will continue to the spectacular Al Hoota Caves, located at the foot of the Jebel Akhdar Mountain's southern slopes. This water-bearing subterranean set of caves is accessible by a short train ride and an approximate 40-minute underground walk around an 800m circular circuit, part of which is paved with a railing on one side and a low wall on the other. A majority of the walking is done by ascending or descending metal walkways with steps that has railings on both sides. The effort is well worth it though as the cave has an impressive number of stalactites, stalagmites and rock formations as well as an underground lake where rare, blind and transparent fish breed. This visit through the astounding natural formation will leave you awestruck. After the visit, you will return to Nizwa for the night.
Overnight at your hotel in Nizwa |
Day Six: Nizwa
Full day Nizwa and surroundings: After an early breakfast, drive to Nizwa's town centre and visit the weekend cattle market, the largest in the region, attracting sellers and bidders from as far away as Syria and Yemen. Nizwa is also famous for its 17th century fort which, though not the most spectacular in a country full of them, has a long history. Built by the second Imam of the Al Ya'ribi dynasty, Sultan Ibn Saif, it became the seat of religious and political power until the Sultan's intervention. At the back of the fort are the remains of the ‘Falaj', the irrigation system developed around 500 BC by the Persians, on which the area depends for its crops. Underground channels were built to transport water from wells dug into the water table.
Next you walk to the adjacent traditional souq and wander around looking for bargains on Bedouin silver jewelry made with Maria Theresa thalers, embroidered hats, pottery, palm frond mats and the ubiquitous silver ‘khanjar' - daggers. Leaving Nizwa you drive towards Bahla, an ancient village famous for its 15th century fort pre-dating the arrival of Islam in the region. Bahla Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site, presently under restoration. This village is also well known for its pottery and dates. The highlight of the day though, is a visit to Jabrin to see its Castle, one of the most beautiful in Oman. Popularly known as ‘Palace of Bilyaroub' after the Ya'rouba dynasty that ruled Oman's interior until recently, you will have time to explore and admire its interesting architecture that reflects as much of the ruling Imams' artistic indulgences as their crafty political skills. Admire the captivating sculpted staircases and the exquisitely hand-painted ceilings before driving via Ibri to the UAE border at Jebel Hafeet. Complete immigration formalities and drive to the lush green oasis of Al Ain.
Overnight at your hotel in Al Ain
Day Seven: Hatta - Fujairah
Full day Al Ain to Fujairah via Hatta: Start your tour today with first of all a visit to the Al Ain Museum as well as the renovated Old Palace of H.H. late Sheikh Zayed, former Ruler of Abu Dhabi & President of UAE. The next destination is the camel market, the largest in the UAE. From here, the drive passes red sand dunes on the way to the oasis town of Hatta.
Lunch is at Hatta Fort Hotel, a mountain resort that is part of the Relais Châteaux Group, including time for a swim or to try your hand at clay pigeon shooting.
Visit the Heritage Village, a carefully restored example of 16th century village life consisting of a mosque, watchtowers and some stone & mud-built homes, all of which are dominated by the Hatta Fort. The tour then passes through UAE's first tunnel carved straight through the Hajar Mountain to reach the coastal village of Kalba on UAE's east coast. Continue along the coast to reach your hotel.
Overnight at your hotel in Fujairah
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Day Eight: Fujairah
Full day Musandam Sea Safari: This morning you embark on an exciting cruise along the eastern cliffs of the Musandam peninsula in a privately chartered speedboat. The tour starts with a drive into Omani territory to the sleepy town and port of Dibba. Board the speed boat and sail through the beautiful fjords of Musandam passing by Haffa Beach and Village, then enjoy a relaxing swim and basic snorkeling in the Gulf of Oman. You will have the opportunity to steer your boat as the crew guides you expertly. Anchor off a secluded beach where your crew sets up a Barbeque lunch and assists you to grill succulent meat or chicken accompanied by Arabic bread, salad, fruit and soft drinks. The cruise continues past villages consisting solely of stone houses as well as some spectacular white limestone mountains and breathtaking bays before returning you to the port with memories of mystic Musandam.
Overnight at your hotel in Fujairah
Day Nine: Fujairah - Sharjah
Full day Fujairah to Sharjah: This morning, drive past the settlements at Masafi and Manama to reach the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah on the UAE's West Coast. Visit the Museum and the old souk before driving to the hot springs in Khatt. Lunch is at a local restaurant en route. After lunch, the drive continues to the ‘Pearl of the Gulf' - Sharjah, where you visit the unique Desert Park & Natural History Museum, the first of its kind on the Arabian Peninsula. This exciting venue offers visitors a chance to learn about the flora and fauna of the Arabian Desert, offering thematic areas such as "The Living Desert" and "The Living Sea". Drive further into town and make a photo-stop at Al Hisn fort, former residence of Sharjah's ruling Al Qasimi family and originally built in 1820, before strolling across to the Heritage area for a look at Souk al Arsah, a quintessential Arabic market with quaint shops selling a treasure trove of silver jewellery, Bedouin handicraft, Persian carpets and more. Sharjah is one of the only places left in the region where pearl merchants still thrive. Arrive at your hotel late evening.
Overnight at your hotel in Sharjah |
Day Ten: Dubai
Morning at leisure - by the beach or pool
Afternoon Dubai city tour: Sample the historic sites and vibrant cosmopolitan life of Dubai on this comprehensive tour. The tour starts with a photo-stop at the famous landmark of Dubai, Burj Al Arab. Proceed to Jumeirah, the picturesque palace and residential area of Dubai, also home to the famous Jumeirah Mosque. Passing by the Sheikh Saeed House (former residence of the ruling family), the tour continues to Al Bastakiya, the old part of Dubai, to reach the museum located in Al Fahidi Fort. All aboard the ‘Abra' water taxi to cross the Creek to the spice souk. Before you return, there is time to shop in the most famous landmark of Dubai - the gold souk.
Evening Jumana Show: Secrets of the desert: Jumana - ‘Secrets of the Desert' is an Arabian love story that celebrates the Middle Eastern region's rich history and culture, weaving the rich fabric of fables and folkloric themes into a spellbinding fantasy. Performed by dozens of dancers and acrobats, mainly from the region, and using magnificent audio-visual, pyrotechnics, water and laser effects, some of them never seen here before, this 65-minutes display of passion, skill and creativity will hold you spellbound till the very end. Either before the show or after it, enjoy a delicious Arabic buffet dinner.
Overnight at your hotel in Dubai
Day Eleven: Dubai
OPTION 1: Hot Air Balloon flight over the sand dunes: An early morning (5:00 am) drive to the meeting point heightens the sensations of this exciting excursion. Once you meet up with you fellow fliers, an hour's drive through partly tarmac and off-road tracks brings you to the launch site. In the pre-dawn darkness you watch with bated breath as the pre-flight checks and inspections are completed. As super-hot air is pumped into its cavernous mouth, the balloon soars skywards. Float above the red sand dunes of the Arabian Desert with dawn seeping in over the horizon. Enjoy fantastic photo-ops with the rugged landscape of the Hajar Mountains to the east and the ultra-modern skyline of Dubai to the west as your balloon rises into the vast desert sky, leveling out at approx. 2,000 meters. Your route is somewhat determined by the winds, making the prospect of landing doubly thrilling. Once back on firm ground, enjoy light refreshments before returning to your hotel for a late breakfast.
Breakfast at Hotel
OPTION 2: Panoramic Helicopter flight over new Dubai: After breakfast, drive to Dubai Airport where you board a privately chartered Helicopter and take a scenic 30-minute flight for a bird's eye view of the extensive new developments in the metropolis of Dubai. See such highlights as the iconic Burj Al Arab as well as Palm Jumeirah, one of the three largest man-made islands in the world and self-declared as the '8th wonder of the world'. You will also have the opportunity to grasp the full symbolism of another astonishing project, a cluster of 300-man made islands loosely representing the shape of the world's continents along Dubai's coast, collectively known as ‘The World'. Fly over Dubai Marina, the world's largest man-made marina then photograph Burj Dubai, already over 600m tall and still under construction. When complete, it is billed to become the tallest building on Earth at over 800m.
Afternoon half-day Desert Safari with BBQ dinner (4WD): This tour departs in the afternoon across the desert with photo-stops during an exciting dune drive and visit the camel farm. The drive continues across the desert. Watch the beautiful sunset in the desert. Reach our campsite, where you have the opportunity to do camel riding, sand boarding and try out a henna design on hands or feet. After working up an appetite enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner and a shisha (the famous Arabic water pipe). Before returning, watch our belly dancer performing her show around the campfire by starlight.
Overnight at your hotel in Dubai |
Day Twelve: Dubai
OPTION 1: Morning visit to Wild Wadi Water Park: After breakfast, get ready to have some fun and excitement at Wild Wadi, an outdoor water park featuring 24 adrenalin-pumping state-of-the-art rides, a 60-foot waterfall, surfing machines and the largest water slide outside North America besides changing facilities and two restaurants all of it spread over 12 acres along the prestigious Jumeirah beach strip.
OPTION 2: Morning visit to Ski Dubai: Ski Dubai is the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East and offers an amazing snow setting to enjoy skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing or just playing in the snow. It is claimed to be the world's largest indoor Snow Park, an amazing 3000 square meters covered with real snow and offering tobogganing hills, a twin track bobsled ride, a snowball throwing gallery and a snow cavern filled with interactive experiences and amazing sights and sounds. It also has a large observation tower, offering a view over Ski Dubai's main slope. Regular snowfalls add a magical feeling to this fun-filled snow experience.
Afternoon is at your leisure to shop the world famous gold souk, visit one of Dubai's famous shopping malls, visits another incredible site or relax and do nothing .at the beach or pool.
Evening Bateaux Dubai farewell dinner cruise: For elegant dining and unique sightseeing, join the "Al Minsaf" Panoramic Cruise. The restaurant deck is covered entirely by glass and offers unobstructed views of the bustling life on the Creek of Dubai. The menu selection combines Eastern and Western specialties, prepared a la minute by the Chef on board. Enjoy live music whilst dining in this enchanting atmosphere. Cruise the entire length of the Creek whilst indulging in optimal comfort.
Overnight at your hotel in Dubai
Day Thirteen: 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.
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