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Muscat, Oman to Dubai, UAE

Glide past bronze desert coastlines punctuated by 500-hundred-year-old Portuguese fortifications and shimmering, contemporary city skylines. The Persian Gulf is a cultural enigma rich in contrasts, abundant in both modern and ancient destinations bound by timeless traditions. Ride camels or air-conditioned 4x4s across endless golden sand dune crests. Wander amid masterpieces by European and Asian artists in the new Louvre Abu Dhabi, a breathtaking domed architectural marvel that hovers above the sea. Savor succulent lamb and local fish throughout regional cuisine, admire contemporary coastal havens, and experience friendly and authentic Middle Eastern culture in seaside desert surroundings unmatched anywhere in our world.

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Day 1: Muscat, Oman

In a land steeped with history, Muscat, Oman’s port capital, is a mix of upscale shopping malls, modern high-rises and 16^th century Al Jalali and Mirani, Portuguese forts. The city has numerous mosques including modern, marble-clad Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, with its 164 foot (50m) dome and prodigious Persian carpet, and that can accommodate 20,000 people. Wander the lively fish market and busy Mutrah Souk. There are plenty of soft sand beaches leading to pristine Gulf of Oman water full of fish and turtles.

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Day 2: Fujairah, United Arab Emirates

Fujairah is known for sparkling, uncrowded beaches, considered one of the best places for SCUBA diving. The nearby Hajar Mountains Wadis offer scenic hiking. Sites to see include the Al-Bidyah Mosque, Fujairah Fort, Bithnah Fort and Sheikh Zayed Mosque.

Please note: Wear flat, closed-toe shoes and sunscreen and bring a shawl, cardigan or light jacket to cover up due to differences in temperature/ climate, and local currency. Guests are required to bring the original passport for this tour as it crosses the border between UAE and Oman, which will require some time.

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Day 3: Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates

The most northerly of the seven Emirates, Ras Al Khama (RAK City) is known for its slower pace, rich culture and beautiful beaches. Through the centuries RAK City was an important trading post known for magnificent pearls. Sites to see here include the National Museum with a comprehensive collection of local artifacts and the Al Jazirah Al Hamra, an intact traditional pearling village abandoned in the mid-20^th century.

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Day 4: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

The capital of the United Arab Emirates sits off the mainland on an island in the Persian Gulf and connects to the mainland by a short bridge. It is one of the nation’s two most prosperous emirates because of its rich oil fields, both onshore and in the Persian Gulf discovered in 1958, and one of the world’s highest per capita incomes. Among the many sites to see are Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center, Louvre Abu Dhabi Art Museum, Emirates Palace, The Corniche and Yaz Mall.

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Day 5: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

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Day 7: Manama, Bahrain

Manama is best known as a trade, financial, and commercial center; and the seat of numerous banks. The lovely skyline is decorated with modern glass and steel spires. Manama has a thriving nightlife with popular bars and clubs and although an Islamic country, alcohol is legal there. A visit to the famous Bab el-Bahrain Souk will yield narrow stalls with a wide variety of perfumes, spices and gold.

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Day 8: Doha, Qatar

The sparkling city of Doha boasts gleaming skyscrapers and mosques with intricate carvings, extravagant shopping malls and a 4-mile Corniche. Lose yourself in narrow alleyways of the oldest souk in Qatar amidst the raucous noise of bartering. Find the Museum of Islamic Art, resembling a giant sandcastle and appreciate the beauty of the sea and coastline.

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Day 9: Doha, Qatar

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Day 10: Sir Bani Yas, United Arab Emirates

Sir Bani Yas Island is famous for its ancient archaeological sites, geological features and man-made attractions, dominated by the Arabian Wildlife Park, a savannah-like reserve for over 16,000 animals including roaming giraffes, cheetahs and gazelles. See flocks of flamingos on the white-sand beaches and the ruins of an ancient Christian monastery. They operate the region’s first wind turbine and work to protect their delicate ecosystem.

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Day 11: Dubai, UAE

In Dubai, sports run the gamut from camel races in the desert to an indoor ski mountain. Architecture spans Bedouin tents and Arabian wind towers to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. Archipelagos miraculously appear in the image of palm trees and planets. It’s a lot to take in. By all means, add some extra days here to get your head around this amazing city that seems to be all things to all people.