Day 1 Join Dubai

You will be met at Dubai International Airport, and transferred over the UAE-OMAN border to your hotel in Musandam, Oman. Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 2 Musandam Peninsula - Full Day Dhow Cruise

Pick up at the hotel at around 9.00am and transfer to the port. You will board a traditional dhow and cruise in azure waters through a majestic 16 km fjord (Khor), surrounded by spectacular mountains and serene remote white sand beaches. At the entrance of the fjord you can enjoy dolphin watching. The Dhow will anchor at various places during the cruise for swimming and snorkelling in pristine waters, teeming with friendly colorful fish. Lunch onboard and snorkeling equipment provided. End your day with a beautiful sunset by the sea. After the cruise, return to the hotel in Musandam for overnight.

Day 3 Jebel Harim - Full Day Mountain Safari

Today we will drive a spectacular scenic route to Jebel Harim through mountains and valleys, reaching a height of 1784 m above sea level with panoramic views. Visit centuries old villages, typical old stone houses, and the lush natural park of Khalidya with its many acacia trees. Return to your hotel in Musandam for overnight.

Day 4 Fly to Muscat

Transfer to Khasab airport for your Oman Air flight to Muscat: WY918 KHS–MCT 1220H–1330H (Flight timing is subject to change. Flight duration is at 1 hour and 10 minutes). Arrival at Muscat International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Muscat. Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 5 Boat trip to Bandar Khayran

You will be picked up from your hotel in Muscat and enjoy a half day sightseeing tour of Muscat including Muttrah Souq, the Grand Mosque and the new Royal Opera House. This afternoon you will be transferred to the Bander Rhowda Marina. You depart on our boat to explore the dramatic coastline of the capital and you will see the sites of Muscat from the sea and hopefully see dolphins. You head for Bander Khyran which is full of secluded bays and sandy beaches, where your tents will be erected and you will have a chance to relax on the beach and snorkel before sundown. (Overnight camping)

Day 6 Quriyyat and Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve

Heading out of Qantab, a village near your camp, you head south along the coast to the fishing town of Quriyyat where you are able to stroll along its promenade and visit its historic fort. Continuing along the coast, you will visit the Bimah sinkhole, one of the wonders of Oman and the twin wadi’s of Tiwi and Shab. The afternoon is taken up exploring the wadi’s, clambering over big boulders and swimming in their deep pools. This evening you head to the turtle reserve at Ras Al Jinz to see the Green Back Turtles. (Overnight hotel)

Day 7 Sur and Wahiba Sands Desert

Leaving the camp after breakfast and a quick swim, you arrive in Sur mid-morning. Here we have the opportunity to wander around this famous boat-building town. Home to the Arabian dhow, Sur is rich in tradition and it is possible to see the traditional boat building methods still being used today. Leaving the port you head to the Sharqiya Sands region, home to the Wahiba Sands desert and Wadi Bani Khalid. You visit the old domed mosque at Jalan Bani Bu Ali near the town of Al Kamil. Proceeding alongside the desert you head into the hills and onto Wadi Bani Khalid. This wadi is one of Oman’s finest and gives you a great opportunity to explore the depths of the wadi. You have an opportunity to just relax by the crystal waters, or swim through the different pools and clamber over the boulders into the heart of the wadi itself. Midafternoon you head into the sands. Driving through the sands you pass camels and Bedouin settlements on your way to your Bedouin style camp some 25 kilometres in the sands. This evening you enjoy a magnificent sunset over the desert before dinner. (Overnight Bedouin style permanent desert camp)

Additional Information

Inclusions

• 11 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 6 dinners
• English speaking driver-guides
• Accommodation on a twin share basis in hotels and in tents
• Gear package including sleeping bag and sleeping mat
• Group arrival transfer from Dubai Airport to Khasab (Day 1)
• All internal transport by 4*4 or car where applicable
• All group camping gear and camp staff for the 1 night camping
• Bottled Water
• One way flight from Khasab to Muscat (Day 4)
• All park entrance fees and trekking permits
• All sightseeing per the itinerary including entrance fees

Souks and Deserts of Dubai

4 DAYS

Offering an exciting abundance of attractions, activities, shopping and nightlife, Dubai is a cosmopolitan city that makes for a great short break.

Dubai is a modern city of compelling contrasts and boundless energy. With a unique combination of guaranteed sunshine all year round, sandy white beaches, welcoming atmosphere, diverse culinary experiences, modern infrastructure, and cultural attractions, Dubai offers visitors all the benefits of a cosmopolitan city combined with the magic of traditional Arabia.

Highlights

• Explore the cosmopolitan city of Dubai
• Visit modern and historically significant city sites
• Sunset dinner safari in the sand dunes

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Dubai, private transfer to hotel

Upon arrival you will be met and transferred from the airport to your hotel in a private sedan car. Dubai - the City of Merchants - blends old with new. Glitzy and ostentatious the city is renown for its shopping and for being "over the top" but it also offers some fascinating insight into ancient Arab culture. The capital of the United Arab Emirates is a fascinating mix of tradition and progression, from the magnificent Emirates Palace Hotel and Yas Island Formula 1 Grand Prix Circuit to the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and traditional Heritage Village.

Day 2 In Dubai, half day orientation tour

This fascinating tour provides peeks into Dubai’s rich history, from the Majlis Al Ghorfat, a royal residence built in 1955 and recently restored, to one of the modern world’s most legendary hotels. Your half day excursion takes in sprawling palaces, ancient wind towers and old souqs, the famous Jumeirah Mosque and the Dubai Museum, Al Fahidi Fort (a 200-year-old fortress) and old covered markets. It brings to life Dubai’s importance as a trading hub, pearl diving centre, and bargain haven. Fed by the waters of the Arabian Gulf, the Dubai Creek separates the suburbs of Deira and Bur Dubai. Sailing across its tranquil waters in a traditional abra (a wooden water taxi) the startling contrasts of the city come to life with towering architecture on one side, and small bustling alleyways on the other. (Please note: this city tour operates twice daily except on Fridays when it only runs in the afternoon. Please advise at time of booking whether you prefer morning or afternoon tour.)

Day 3 In Dubai, evening dune dinner safari

Today is at your leisure to explore Dubai city and surrounds. In the late afternoon, leaving behind the crowds and chaos of the city, trained safari guides driving 4x4 vehicles take us on a thrilling journey over towering sand dunes and through the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. The desert is an amazing venue for a magical and memorable evening. There are great photo opportunities as we enjoy the beauty of the desert at dusk. As the sun casts its glow over the soft sands, lanterns come to life in the distance, signalling a traditional welcome to our desert camp. Inside, wonderful local hospitality revives memories of the Arabian Nights with Bedouin-style seating, aromatic water pipes, camel rides, sand art, traditional Arabic attire, henna designers and belly dancers. All of this is accompanied by the haunting strains of classical Arabian music. We dine this evening on a barbecue of grilled meats, fresh salads and delicious Arabic sweets. Selected beverages are included; others are available at additional cost.

Day 4 In Dubai, trip concludes

Your trip concludes this morning with a private transfer from the hotel to the airport.

Additional Information

Inclusions

• 3 breakfasts, 1 dinner
• half day orientation tour of Dubai
• dune dinner safari
• private return airport transfers