This is the definitive journey to the Persian Gulf. Cruise to all the big-name cities with their space age architecture, see the beauty of remote Omani fjords, and experience local culture during the land portion of your Cruise Tour as you spend a total of 6 nights ashore in Dubai and Muscat. You’ll also have extra time to explore in-depth with overnight stays in Abu Dhabi and Doha. See the sights everyone talks about – Dubai’s Palm Island, Abu Dhabi’s Grand Mosque, Doha’s sandcastle-shaped Museum of Islamic Art. Then go further, right into the heart of local cultures. Dine with Emiratis, spend time in Bedouin and Omani homes, and haggle with shopkeepers in colorful souks. Adventures are also here for the taking. Ride camels or 4x4s over towering sand dunes, sail a traditional dhow through Oman’s spectacular fjords, and kayak the lagoons of Sir Bani Yas. With your days on land in Dubai and Muscat you’ll get an even richer feel for life here, exploring new and old Dubai, seeing a spectacular palette of Omani landscapes, and enjoying two enchanted desert camps surrounded by dunes and stars. It’s a journey you’ll never forget with a range of wonders that’s hard to fathom.

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.)

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.)

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.)

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.)

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.
 

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.

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 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 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)