Explore the Persian Gulf past and present, by land and sea, on this incredible Cruise Tour. Begin with nine days of glitz, glamor and unbelievably gorgeous architecture in the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain. Then spend five days on an in-depth tour of Oman, traveling deep into the interior to find a reservoir of traditional life. Here between the Hajar Mountains and the vast Empty Quarter you’ll discover historic forts, rural farming villages that still using centuries-old irrigation techniques, friendly Bedouins who will happily welcome you into their homes, and truly epic scenery. Marvel at mountain gorges that rival the Grand Canyon, rolling desert dunes, terraced orchards, and green valleys filled with date palms. The deeper you travel into the heart of Oman, the better you’ll understand local customs and cultures, and the better insight you’ll have on what Omani life was like before the discovery of oil.

Recommended to bring:
Sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and your swimsuit
 
Please note: Ladies visiting mosques are required to cover their heads with a scarf and not wear shorts, beachwear, or sleeveless outfits as they are to be fully covered. Men are also to be fully covered though short sleeve shirts are allowed. No eatables are allowed inside the mosque premises. Slip-on shoes are recommended.

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.

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.
 

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.

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.

This modern metropolis is known for its airy waterfronts, sandy beaches, and as a popular destination for arts, sports and entertainment. Also heralded for international cuisines and a striking contrast of historic and modern architecture. It is also the gateway to Al Ahsa, a UNESCO site that is one of the world’s largest natural oases and an intricate cave system.

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.

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.
 

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.
 

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.

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.

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.
 

Meet your guide at the yacht and proceed to Muscat’s Grand Mosque, a perfect blend of modern design and traditional craftsmanship. Admire the handmade carpets, elegant chandeliers, and the ceiling of the great dome in the main prayer room. At the National Museum, browse thousands of artifacts showcasing Oman’s history and culture. Take a few photos of Al Alam Palace on your way to Jebel Akhdar Hotel.

(Includes transfer from the port, lunch, dinner and overnight at Jebel Akhdar Hotel)

Our first stop this morning is the Nizwa Fort, built in the 1650s. The fort and nearby Nizwa Souq give you a glimpse of old Oman. During a brief break at Birkat Al Mauz, walk through a classic oasis with date trees. Then it’s on to Wahiba with its incredible sand dunes up to 300 feet high. If you’re feeling adventurous, ride over the dunes with an experienced driver. Visit a local Bedouin house before arriving at Desert Camp in time for a spectacular desert sunset and dune driving before dinner.

(Includes breakfast, dinner, and overnight at Wahiba Sands.)

Our route to Sur takes us through Wadi Bani Khalid, a beautiful oasis with spring-fed lagoons, pools, and waterfalls. Sur played a pivotal role in Oman’s maritime past and still produces traditional wooden vessels known as dhows. Stop by a dhow factory to see how these historic ships are made. Continue on to the Bimmah Sinkhole with its incredible turquoise color. In Muscat, drive along the waterfront corniche to Mutrah Souq to one of the oldest markets in Oman before checking in to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

(Includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight at hotel.)

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to the airport for your flight home.

(Includes breakfast and transfer to the airport.)