ITINERARY

Arabian Adventure

Arrive LONDON (Heathrow) in the morning
Leave LONDON (Heathrow) by BA #73

OMAN

Arrive MUSCAT
HOTEL AL BUSTAN

MUSCAT

Morning free.

Afternoon city tour:
Visit the walled city of Muscat, which in Arabic means “Place of Falling” and lies in a natural bowl formed by volcanic mountains. See the Sultan’s Palace and flanked by the twin forts of Mirani and Jalali dating back to the 16th century. Drive past the PDO complex. Stroll through the colorful Souk at Muttrah and along the waterfront Corniche.

MUSCAT

Full day excursion to Nizwa, Bhala, Jabrin and Al Hambra:
After breakfast proceed to Nizwa, the largest town of the interior Oman and its medieval capital. Once the administrative center of the Imamate, the town is still regarded as the holy city of Ibadism. Visit Nizwa’s famous Round Tower, a fort built by the 17th and 18th Century Ya’arubah dynasty. The fortress rises majestically above the town and at one time was considered nearly impregnable.

Then, proceed on a tour of the colorful souq famous for its Khanjars. Proceed to Bahla. The walled village of Bahla was the capital of the Imamate during the 12th to 17th Centuries and is famous throughout Eastern Arabia as a center of pottery and of superstition. We then see the village of Al Hamra which is full of thick date groves. We will also visit Jabrin.

Lunch at Falj Daris (formerly Nizwa Motel).

Afternoon East Salalah:
Drive along the coast to the ruined city of Al Balid, identified as the medieval town of Zafar. Proceed to Ain Arzat, a water source, surrounded by beautiful manicured gardens. Lvisit the ancient incense trade capital of Samhuram and the fishing village of Taqa before returning to the hotel.

SALALAH

Morning West Salalah:
Visit the Biblical Nami Ayoub or Job’s Tomb located in the “Jabal” (arabic for mountain) and onto Wadi Ayoon to tap a frankincense tree. Drive down to Mughsail Beach to see thenatural blowholes and onward to Wadi Awafal and then return to the hotel.

MUSCAT

Morning free.

Leave MUSCAT by Oman Air, WY #643

KUWAIT

Arrive KUWAIT
HOTEL KUWAIT SHERATON

KUWAIT

Morning city tour of Kuwait City’s most prominent landmarks, the Kuwait Towers, which opened in 1977.  Continue to see Seif Palace, the Emir’s headquarter, the  Gates of the Old City Wall and the main shopping area.

Afternoon additional sightseeing.

BAHRAIN

Arrive MANAMA
HOTEL INTER-CONTINENTAL

MANAMA
                                                           
Morning sightseeing includes the Souq in Manama, the Grand Mosque, and Siyadi House. Also visit Bahrain National Museum.

Afternoon sightseeing includes Northern Bahrain, Alkhamis Mosque and other archaeological sites. Also drive across the Causeway to the Saudi Arabia Border.

Arrive DOHA
HOTEL SHERATON DOHA

Afternoon city tour, including visit to the National Museum and Equestrian Club to view the famous Arabian horses.

DOHA

Morning city tour to include the Falcon stop and the Sheep/Camel/Fish Markets and the Old Souk.

 9:45 AM

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Afternoon proceed for a city tour of Dubai:
We will see the Jumeira Mosque - a magnificent example of Islamic architecture, the Dubai World Trade Center – the tallest building in the Gulf, and the Bastakia area – the oldest part of the city, where we will see the wind towers which served as “air-conditioners” in bygone days. Next, we will visit the museum housed in 150-year old Al Fahidi Fort. We then enjoy a ride across the famed Dubai creek in a local water taxi, which is called “Abra” to see the bustling activities on the waterfront. Then, move on to “Deira” side of Dubai. This will be followed by a visit to the aromatic Spice Souq and the vast glittering Gold Souq, where you can buy exquisite gold jewelry at prices lower than in most of other countries.

DUBAI

Full day tour of Northern Emirates and East Coast:
Passing by Ajman Souq, an impressive example of modern Islamic architecture. on reaching Ras Al Khaimah, we start off with a visit to the museum housed in an old fort. Then, we go to the old part of town and later to “Nakheel” – the modern part of the town. Also, pass by the fish market before leaving Ras Al Khaimah town. The journey towards Manama is particularly enjoyable as the barren land and the desert on the right sharply contrasts with the lush green farms on our left. We will stop briefly at the natural hot springs of “Khat”. Driving on, we proceed through the curved mountainous route towards Fujairah. Lunch stop at Fujairah Hilton.

After lunch is the circular drive taking us through breath taking scenery. Pass by the town of Khorfakkan, which is famous for its magnificent corniche and white unspoiled sandy beaches. En route, see the oldest Mosque of Ottoman style at Bediyah. Next is the town of Dibba, interestingly divided into three parts belonging to Sharjah, Fujairah and Oman. En route, pass by Masafi, where fresh water springs are located. Return to Dubai.

DUBAI

Full day tour of Al Ain, which is situated in the eastern part of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi:
This city has major historical attractions ranging from one of the first forts to be built by the Al Nahyan family over 175 years ago, to prehistoric tombs at Hilli, which are said to be more than 5,000 years old. We visit Al Ain Museum, which is full of amazing excavated finds and cultural artifacts. It is housed in the old fort, where the father of Sheikh Zayed was born. Sheikh Zayed is the Ruler of Abu Dhabi and President of UAE. The tour continues to the Camel Market, where you could choose to buy one at a bargain.

DUBAI

Morning Camel Races (if scheduled)

Full day a city tour of Ajman and Sharjah:
We start with a visit to the dhow (Arabic boat) building yard in Ajman, where the ancient art of building dhows is practiced today as it was hundreds of years ago. A short drive from Ajman will bring us to Sharjah, the cultural city of the Emirates. We stop at Souq Al Majarrah to see the unique golden dome of its famous 12 zodiac signs done in intricate mosaic. On our way to the Heritage Village, we drive past the Islamic Center and Mosque, the Sharjah Clock tower and Rolla Tree Monument. The Heritage Village is the old souq (market place) and it used to be the commercial center of Sharjah. Today, the souq has been architecturally restored to preserve its cultural heritage. Here, we will walk through the finely restored “Al Naboodah House,” which is the biggest in this complex.

In the afternoon, proceed for a Dune dinner desert safari in 4-wheel drive vehicles. This safari gives you a chance to discover the desert within a few hours. We will experience the thrill of driving up and down the golden yellow sand dunes. We will drive past the camel camps, camel racing tracks and Bedouin villages, where we stop to photograph life in the desert. Driving over sand dunes our route leads to our campsite, which is in a serene enclave surrounded by sand dunes.

An Arabic tent is pitched and a “Majlis (sitting area on floor) is set up in the traditional manner to create the ambiance. The sunset outlines the shrubs bushes into black silhouettes. Enjoy a sumptuous Arabian style BBQ of various fresh meats and salads

DUBAI

Morning tour to Abu Dhabi for a visit:
The city of Abu Dhabi founded in 1761, stands on an island, and was named after a breed of Gazelle found in the island. On the way to Abu Dhabi you bass by Dubai Industrial Zone and the largest man made Port of Jebel Ali.

Visit the Petroleum Exhibition (if open) and proceed on a city sightseeing tour. Drive along the Corniche to view the gardens and famous fountains.

Return to Dubai. Afternoon free.

Enjoy a Farewell Dinner.