Bring the list of things you’ve dreamed of seeing in the Persian Gulf – Dubai’s Palm Island and Burj Khalifa, Abu Dhabi’s stunning Louvre, Doha’s whimsical architecture. Then add another page for the things you’ll discover once you get here. Beautiful oases with date palms and blue-green lagoons, native wildlife with its very own private island, incredible fjords, Bedouin villages, and souks that enchant you with their colors, scents, sounds, and sensations. And that’s not all. There’s also 5,000 years of culture to explore, UNESCO sites to see, and desert adventures that will leave you breathless. Plus extra days in Dubai to explore historic neighborhoods and museums, see all those “must sees,” and experience a luxurious stay in the desert beneath the stars with unforgettable hospitality and an magical experience of Bedouin traditions.

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.
 

Known as the Norway of Arabia with its spectacular fjords, Khasab sits isolated on Oman’s northern coast. Exploring the impressive coast by boat may result in encounters with friendly bottlenose and humpback dolphins. Check out Khasab Castle, built in the 17^th century with its museum of local life back through the ages. Not far away are Bedouin villages and the Khawr Najd viewpoint with sweeping views of the impressive fjords.

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.

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.
 

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 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.

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.
 

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.

Disembark and meet your English-speaking guide who will help you discover Dubai both old and new. Begin with Al Bastakiah Quarters, one of the oldest parts of Dubai. Admire the traditional homes and visit the Shindagha Museum for a look at Emirati life past and present. Stop by the Perfume House before experiencing the unique Sheikh Mohammed Center of Cultural Understanding where you’ll enjoy an authentic Emirati lunch with a local, seated on Bedouin-style carpets and pillows. A traditional abra boat ride brings you to the souks of Old Dubai. Afterwards, it’s time to make your way to Bab Al Shams for an amazing desert experience – a feast under the stars, at Al Hadeerah and mesmerizing entertainment including dancers, musicians, falconers, and camel riders.

(Includes lunch, dinner, and overnight at Bab Al Shams.)

After checking out of the hotel, the first stop is Dubai Mall with its state-of-the-art aquariums and unique dancing fountains – a great introduction to Modern Dubai. Enjoy a 360-degree view from the 124^th floor observation deck of the Burj Al Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, before heading to the iconic manmade Palm Island and photo stops at the water-themed Atlantis Hotel and sail-shaped Burj Al Arab. Explore the ultra-stylish Madinat Jumeirah Mall on your own, followed by a photo stop at Jumeirah Mosque, a magnificent example of neo-Islamic architecture. After dinner at a local restaurant, check in to the Sofitel Obelisk Hotel.
 
(Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner and overnight at Sofitel Obelisk Hotel.)
 

After breakfast it’s just a short drive to Sharjah, recognized by UNESCO as the Cultural Capital of the Arab World. Interact with local guides as you explore the Sharjah Heritage Museum, focusing on deep-rooted Emirati customs and traditions. Visit a few old souks on the way to Bait Al Naboodah. Built in 1845, this was once the home of a prominent pearl merchant. Note the traditional design elements from carved teak columns to wind catchers and coral walls. After lunch, proceed to the Museum of Islamic Civilization to learn about the Bedouin lifestyle and culture. End your tour of Sharjah with a stop at Souq Al Markazi, also known as the Blue Souq, remarkable for its mix of modern and traditional Islamic architecture and the eclectic variety of goods. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
 
(Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner and overnight at Sofitel Obelisk Hotel)

Breakfast at the hotel. It is time to bid adieu to this great land with fond memories. Transfers will be arranged 3½ hours prior to the departure time of your flight.

(Includes breakfast and transfer to the airport)