Mysteries of the Arabian Peninsula

United Arab Emirates

Day 1-3: Meet in Dubai

Start with a stroll through the old souk to the pier where we board a water taxi crossing the river to the bustling traditional spice souk. Wander around Shindaga waterfront and visit the Heritage and Diving Villages and Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House (residence of a former ruler of Dubai).

Visit the fascinating underground Dubai Museum with its insights into traditional life, antiques and ancient artifacts.

Marvel at the famous 7-star Burj al Arab hotel and catch a glimpse of some of Dubai’s breathtaking architectural and engineering projects such as the Dubai Marina and ride up to the observation tower of Burj Khalifa.

Day 4: Sharjah - Ajman - Ras Al Kalmath-Kasab

A full day visiting three of the United Arab Emirates. Visit engaging museums, see inspiring architecture and soak up the ambiance of authentic old Middle Eastern towns. Enjoy dramatic scenery up to the mountainous border with Oman's spectacular Musandam Peninsula.

Oman

Day 5: Khasab

Enjoy the beauty and quaintness of this old town and its natural harbor. A tour of Khasab Fort, harbor, old souq and nearby villages. Boat ride on a traditional Omani dhow.

Day 6: Muscat

A one hour flight to Muscat. Explore the seaside residential area of Qurum, and the Bait Al Zubair Museum, a walking tour of Surbal-Lawatiya-the walled district of the Lawati tribe. Our small group tour then enjoys a scenic drive along the Corniche waterfront to charming ancient Muttrah (old city) and its souq, probably the oldest in Oman. We'll continue through the old city to see the Al Alam Palace, an architectural marvel for both its design and location between the twin forts of Jalali and Mirani.

Day 7-8: Muscat-Salalah

Morning short flight to Salalah. The town is a colorful subtropical city with an interesting ethnic mix. Tour including a visit to the Frankincense Museum and the archaeological site of Al-Balid, a UNESCO site, Khor Rawri - ancient port and traditional fishing village Taqua. Return to Muscat Day 8 evening.

Day 9: Lost City of Ubar & Empty Quarter

Visit the remarkable area of Dhofar with its unspoiled and magical sand dunes. Drive to the the lost city of Ubar UNESCO World Heritage Site where the Ancient Kingdom was said to exist. Visit the Wasi Dawka UNESCO World Heritage Site known for the biggest collection of the Frankincense trees in the region.

Day 10: Quriyat - Tiwi - Fins Beach - Sur

Early morning visit to the Grand Mosque in Muscat before embarking on our soft adventure excursion along the coastline to Sur. We'll visit the fishing village of Quriyat, enjoy picnic lunch on the beautiful white sands of Fins Beach before we meander in Tiwi, a sleepy picturesque fishing village with pastel colored houses. After dinner, we go to Ras al-Junayz to see the wild turtles nesting ground (Sept-Nov tours only).

Day 11: Wadi Bani Khalid - Wahiba Sands

Our tour of Sur, then takes us to Wadi Bani Khalid, a desert oasis with clear, green spring-water pools. From there we continue to Wahiba Sands, the great desert of Oman. Wahiba Sands is home to the traditional Bedouins. Our small group visits a Bedouin family in their dwelling before enjoying the accommodations at Desert Camp.

Day 12: Jabal Akhdar (Jabal Shams)

An early morning drive brings the tour to the quaint village of Sinaw to see the camel market. Here we’ll see a true slice of traditional life. Afterwards we proceed to the beautiful Jabal Akhdar Mountains.

Day 13: Nizwa

We depart for the oasis city of Nizwa, stopping en-route to visit the old walled town of Al Hamara, the mountain village of Masfah. In Nizwa we visit the Bahla and Jabrin Forts and the traditional souk.

Day 14: Nizwa-Al Ain-Abu Dhabi

We cross the border back into UAE and tour the intriguing border town Al Ain and its fascinating national museum, Al Ain Palace and possible animal market. We continue to Abu Dhabi, the second largest of the United Arab Emirates.

Day 15-16: Abu Dhabi

A full day touring Abu Dhabi's many highlights. Day 15 evening return to Dubai. If you are joining the Gulf States tour you will fly from Abu Dhabi to Bahrain this evening.

Day 17: Depart

Trip Length

17-day trip begins in Dubai and ends in Abu Dhabi.

Dates

February 15-March 2 & October 25-November 9, 2023

Land Cost

2023: $5585 twin share, $1810 single room supplement
Plus Flights (estimate): Khasab-Muscat, Muscat-Salalah-Muscat: $425.
Discount if booking Gulf States: $200 per person twin share

Accommodations

9 nights 5 star hotels
5 nights 4 star hotels
1 night 3 star hotels (best available)
1 night deluxe desert camp with beds, a/c, private western bathrooms

Group Size

4-12 guests

Included Meals

All breakfasts, half board at Desert Camp

Duration

17 Days

Reading List

Arabian Peninsula Reading List
International Travel News Review:
Oman Review 2011 - ITN
International Travel News Review:
Oman Review 2018 - ITN