12 Day Explore Oman & Dubai

Arrive in Muscat, the ancient capital of Oman and one of the oldest cities in the Middle East, characterized by a unique civilization that reflects both Arabic and Islamic influences. Transfer to the hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure to rest, relax and acclimate to the new time zone
Overnight: Muscat

The discovery of the white-walled city of Muscat begins at the exquisite Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, one of the most extravagant modern mosques in the world - considered an architectural masterpiece! Admire the magnificent blend of Islamic, Middle Eastern, and Omani architectural styles along with the world's largest handmade Persian rug. Here, an Omani guide offers an overview of Islamic culture as you walk through the mosque that holds over 20,000 worshippers. View Al Alam Palace, the ceremonial palace of His Majesty the Sultan in the heart of the Old Muscat, surrounded by two 16th century Portuguese fortresses, Al Jalali and Al Mirani. Lunch at a local restaurant before proceeding to the Beit Zubair Museum that celebrates the culture and heritage of Oman with extensive permanent collections and jewelry and costumes from different regions of Oman. A drive along the corniche takes you to Muttrah, a delightful quarter of the city with ancient buildings, narrow winding streets, Arabesque gates and beautiful engravings, evoking a unique medieval charm. Time to explore the picturesque narrow alleyways of the souk, filled with locals busy with daily shopping, dressed in typical Omani style and enjoying the air filled with scents of sandalwood. Later, return to the hotel and participate in an informative lecture and discussion on the heritage, culture, and status of women in Omani society. In the evening, join your Tour Manager and fellow travelers at a Welcome Dinner and attend an orientation meeting on the extraordinary journey that lies ahead
Overnight: Muscat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

As you depart Muscat this morning, shining white beaches nestle under rocky overhangs. Stop at the unique Bimmah Sinkhole, a spectacular limestone crater with inviting cool blue-green waters. Created by erosion, or perhaps even a meteorite, this sinkhole is thought to be one of the most beautiful sinkholes on the planet! Then to Wadi Tiwi, with its string of emerald pools and thick plantations, known as the “Wadi of Nine Villages”. From here, drive to Sur for lunch at a local farm house. Afterward, the drive takes you between the contorted slopes to the desert paradise of Wadi Bani Khalid, an oasis of shaded palms and stunning water pools. Proceed to your desert camp. En route, stop to visit an authentic Bedouin house in the desert and meet the proud tribespeople who embrace their ancient Bedouin traditions and culture. Arrive in the stark desert wilderness of the Wahiba Sands, a vast mass of undulating red and white seas of sand and dunes that rise over 650 feet. After settling in at your delightful desert camp, enjoy the glowing sunset and a traditional barbecue dinner under the starry skies accented by sweeping vistas across the golden sands
Overnight: Wahiba Sands Desert Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, drive to the town of Nizwa, nestled on a stark plain surrounded by a thick palm oasis and some of Oman's highest mountains. At the souk, stroll the narrow lanes past vendors selling their colorful wares. Next, on to the striking 17th century Nizwa Fort, with its 125 foot round tower offering panoramas of the Hajar Mountains! After a home-hosted lunch with a local Omani family, visit Jabreen Castle, designed to imitate the most beautiful grand European palaces of the 1600s. You'll be enchanted by the stunning decorative inscriptions, frescoes, and magnificent carvings - truly an authentic expression of Omani craftsmanship. In the Sun and Moon Room, reserved for important visitors, admire the majestic Islamic calligraphy, colorful eye drawings and rows of decorative windows. Afterward, a photo stop in Bahla, best known for its gigantic ancient fort with towers of unbaked bricks, a remarkable example of this type of fortification that sits adjacent to the Friday Mosque with its decoratively sculpted prayer niche dominating the surrounding mud brick settlement and palm grove. Continue to the hotel located in the hills above the town of Al Hamra, with spectacular views of the entire countryside. Tonight, gather together for dinner at the hotel
Overnight: Al Hamra
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Spend free time in the morning at the hotel before departing for the UAE. After crossing the border, arrive in the oasis city of Al Ain, the largest inland city in the Emirates. Check in to your hotel with time to settle in before dinner together this evening
Overnight: Al Ain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the garden city of Al Ain, visit one of the world's oldest permanently inhabited settlements; this UNESCO World Heritage Site was once a vital green oasis on the caravan route. Al Ain’s World Heritage locations include its six oases and the archaeological sites of Bida bint Saud, Hafeet and Hili, all testimonies to the human occupation of this desert region dating back to the Neolithic period with vestiges of many prehistoric cultures. Here, visit the Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum, the residence of the Sheikh and his family, and the Al Ain National Museum, housing artifacts discovered around the city, ancient Arabic manuscripts and royal treasures. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Al Hili Archaeological Park. It’s a public garden and excavation site of a Bronze Age settlement, with discoveries dating back over 4,000 years! After, continue to Abu Dhabi for overnight
Overnight: Abu Dhabi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

An exciting day awaits you in ultra-sophisticated Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE - an intriguing city that combines a hospitable mix of new and old! Begin at the opulent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, an iconic symbol of Abu Dhabi, one of the world's largest with a capacity for an astonishing 40,000 worshippers, featuring 82 domes, over 1,000 columns and 24 karat gold gilded chandeliers. Stand before the gorgeous reflective pools surrounding the mosque, amplifying its beauty. Then, head to the Date Market to view all the different varieties of dates from across the Middle East. Afterward, admire cultural art at the Arab World's first universal museum, the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Later, head to the Etihad Tower Observation Deck for uninterrupted bird's eye of the city's skyline. On the way back to your hotel, a photo stop at Emirates Palace. Tonight, perhaps stroll along the glamorous waterfront or sip coffee at a seaside café and just people-watch
Overnight: Abu Dhabi
Meals: Breakfast

Morning visit to the renowned Falcon Hospital, a pioneer in the nurturing and rescue of these super-intelligent birds. Gain insight into the traditions of falconry, a deeply revered tradition of the country. Then, a photo stop at the futuristic eco-city of Masdar, the world's first carbon-neutral, zero-waste city powered entirely by renewable energy built on inhospitable terrain, similar to living on the moon. Continue to Yas Island, known for being the home of the biggest Ferrari theme park and the famous F1 Yas Circuit, and board a traditional double-decker dhow boat that takes you on a cruise around the city -- enjoy breathtaking views and a lavish buffet lunch. Disembark and travel to Dubai for overnight
Overnight: Dubai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, discover the world's most futuristic cities, once a tiny fishing village and Bedouin port. Begin with a visit to the Dubai Museum at the Al Fahidi Fort - view this realistic replica of a desert fort, complete with cannons and battlements. After, board a traditional wooden abra (water taxi) for a ride on Dubai Creek, to get a perfect snapshot of the city's startling contrasts between old and new; view traditional houses and minarets against a backdrop of dramatic glass high rises. In Old Dubai walk along the narrow lanes of the bustling souk to tiny shops selling traditional robes and aromatic spices. Stop to admire the glitter of the gold souk, with its dazzling displays. Afterward, you're invited to the important Sheikh Mohammed Centre in the heart of the old Bastakiya area. Here, enjoy a specially arranged meeting and lunch with the opportunity to try camel meat. Participate in an open discussion and learn more about Emirati culture and local traditions. Continue to the Dubai Mall, one of the largest malls in the world. Visit the world’s tallest building Burj Khalifa. While at the top, a guide will help answer all your questions from your vantage point on level 124 of the building. Pause to delight your senses at the Dubai Fountain's dancing waters performance accompanied by colorful syncing lights and music. Return to your hotel, with time to explore the city's extraordinary restaurants and nightlife on your own
Overnight: Dubai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Morning visit to the Meydan Stables Private Club, home of the thoroughbred stars of racing. Here, experience an inside-look at world-class horse racing with an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the stables, grandstand, and racecourse - host to the $10 million Dubai World Cup, the world's richest horse race. Observe the horses during morning track work and walk through the stables where the horses are groomed. You'll even see horses exercise in the equine swimming pool; visit the jockey's rooms, saddling paddock and parade ring. Afterward, tour Camelicious Farm, the first and only camel dairy farm and major research center. Learn about camels, their milk, and many sub-products, with samples to taste. A photo stop at Burj Al Arab, the distinctive sail-shaped hotel and iconic symbol of Dubai, before continuing on a monorail tour of Palm Island. Tonight’s Farewell Dinner is at the hotel. Bid a fond goodbye to your newfound friends and share memories of an illuminating journey together
Overnight: Dubai
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast