Oman & UAE

DAY 1, Arrive in Muscat
Arrive in Muscat, the ancient capital of Oman, 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.

DAY 2, Sultan Qaboos Mosque, Muttrah Quarter, Dinner & Discussion
The discovery of the white-walled city of Muscat begins at the exquisite Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque- 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. After lunch at a local restaurant proceed 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.

DAY 3, Bimmah Sinkhole, Wadis of Oman, Visit a Bedouin House
Depart Muscat this morning. and stop at the unique Bimmah Sinkhole, a spectacular limestone crater with inviting cool blue-green waters. 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 farmhouse. 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 desert camp, enjoy the glowing sunset and a traditional barbecue dinner.

DAY 4, Nizwa Souk and Fort, Jabreen Castle, Al Hamra
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. 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 views of the entire countryside.

DAY 5, Border Crossing, Travel to Al Ain
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 into your hotel with time to settle in before dinner this evening.

DAY 6, The 'Garden City' of Al Ain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Abu Dhabi
Visit the garden city of Al Ain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which 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, tour 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! Later, continue to Abu Dhabi for overnight.

DAY 7, Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Etihad Tower Observation Deck
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, 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 view of the city's skyline. On the way back to your hotel, a photo stop at Emirates Palace

DAY 8, Abu Dhabi, Futuristic Masdar, Dhow Boat Cruise, Dubai
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.

DAY 9, A Day of Discovery in Dubai
Begin with a photo stop at Dubai's signature landmark, Burj Al Arab, the celebrated sail-shaped hotel facing the Persian Gulf. Proceed to Souk Madinat Jumeirah and stroll through the bustling alleys of the souk, allowing the mystical aromas of numerous spices tantalize your senses. Then, head to Jumeirah Palm, a man-made island, which was built in the shape of a palm tree, known for its posh residential buildings, villas, and luxury resorts. Upon entering the island, board the Palm Monorail and visit the View at the Palm, offering stunning 360-degree views of Palm Jumeirah, the Persian Gulf and beyond. Later, continue the ride to the far end of the palm. After a photo stop at Pointe at the Palm, have lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, take an hour cruise on a traditional Dhow on the waters of Dubai Marina. Return to your hotel.

DAY 10, Al Shndagha Museum, Spice & Gold Souks, Burj Khakifa
This morning, visit the Al Shindagha Museum, and experience an inside-look at the nation's past and traditions. Afterward, head to the spice and gold souks and walk through the maze of narrow alleys. The jewelry on sale, mostly in gold with astounding quality, varies from traditional to the latest designs. After lunch, attend a calligraphy session. Later, 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.

DAY 11, Depart the United Arab Emirates
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight