overview

VIEW THE JOURNEY

Muscat, Oman to Dubai, UAE

Spectacular natural scenery, intimate cultural experiences, wild adventures ashore and unforgettable futuristic cities are all on the table during this immersive land and sea journey with extra days inland in Oman. Find the enchanted and remote and wild Musandam Peninsula where vistas of mountains and fjords shake up your assumptions about Middle East landscapes. Be inspired by imaginative modern architecture and the classic beauty of traditional mosques. And learn what life is like here as you enjoy the legendary hospitality of Bedouins, spend a night at an enchanted desert camp, and visit camel markets, souks, pearl farms and oases straight out of the Arabian Nights.

VIEW THE JOURNEY

Day 1: Arrive in Muscat

Muscat is scenically wedged between mountains, desert, and the Gulf of Oman, the gateway to the Persian Gulf. Transfer to the Sheraton Oman, with panoramic views of the Al Hajar mountain range and city, or the clifftop Crowne Plaza Muscat, with breathtaking views of the Gulf. Enjoy dinner at the hotel before retiring.

(Includes transfer from the airport, overnight at Muscat Hotel and dinner.)

VIEW THE JOURNEY

Day 2: MUSCAT, JABEL AKHDAR

Muscat’s Grand Mosque is 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 breakfast, overnight at Jebel Akhdar hotel, lunch and dinner.)

VIEW THE JOURNEY

Day 3: NIZWA FORT AND SOUQ AND WAHIBA

Following breakfast at the hotel the 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, overnight at Wahiba Sands, with dinner.)

VIEW THE JOURNEY

Day 4: SUR, MUSCAT, TRANSFER TO YACHT

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 Bimah 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 arriving at your ship.

(Includes breakfast, lunch and transfer to yacht.)

VIEW THE JOURNEY

Day 4: 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.

VIEW THE JOURNEY

Day 5: 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.

VIEW THE JOURNEY

Day 6: Khasab

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.

VIEW THE JOURNEY

Day 7: 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.

VIEW THE JOURNEY

Day 8: 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.

VIEW THE JOURNEY

Day 9: 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.

VIEW THE JOURNEY

Day 10: 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.

VIEW THE JOURNEY

Day 11: 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.

VIEW THE JOURNEY

Day 12: 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.

What's Included?