Day 1 - Arrive Muscat, Oman
Arrive in Muscat, where you are met and transferred to your
hotel. Standing majestically on a clifftop overlooking the
turquoise waters of the Gulf of Oman, the resort’s Moorish
and Omani architectural elements reflect the rich heritage
of the Sultanate.
Day 2 - Muscat
Begin your exploration of Muscat at the National Museum.
Housed in the heart of Old Muscat, it features artifacts
depicting Oman’s cultural and historical heritage. After a
brief stop at the Al Alam Palace, continue your exploration
of Muscat’s fascinating fusion of old and new at the Royal
Opera House Muscat. Constructed by the same team
responsible for the Grand Mosque, it embodies a similar synergy of contemporary construction and time-honored
tradition. After lunch, return to your hotel for an afternoon
at leisure, followed by a welcome dinner.
Day 3 - Muscat
Today, continue your exploration of Muscat in the historic
port city’s Grand Mosque, a contemporary architectural
marvel showcasing an enduring tradition of regional artistry
and craftsmanship. Explore the basic tenets of Islam with a
local expert in the mosque’s main prayer room, a vast space
adorned with intricate chandeliers and handwoven carpets.
Next, head to the local market with a chef who assists you in selecting ingredients for your interactive Chef ’s Table
experience. Learn about Omani dishes and share your lunch
with local students. After leisure time at your hotel, Ride Like
a Local on a dhow (traditional fishing boat) cruise exploring
the city’s port and coast beyond, taking in an iconic seascape
traversed by sailors for centuries. Pause in a scenic cove
for a photo opportunity set against a spectacular backdrop.
Disembark and make your way to Muttrah Souk, a traditional
Omani market filled with frankincense, silver handicrafts
and gold jewelry.
Day 4 - Wahiba Sands
Follow the coast to Sur, passing through the village of
Quriyat and seeing Bimah Sinkhole. Continue to Wadi
Tiwi, with its deep, narrow gorges carved from towering
seaside cliffs. Stop at a dhow factory before proceeding to
the undulating red and white dunes of Wahiba Sands,
noting the pretty villages that cling to the slopes of the
rugged mountainside en route. Upon reaching camp, set
out to discover the boundless dunes by 4x4 vehicle,
continuing into the desert sunset by camel back for a
Scenic Sundowner. Tonight’s barbecue dinner, accompanied by a local oud (lute) player, is set beneath the
desert stars.
Day 5 - Jabal Al Akhdar
This morning, travel back in time at Birkat Al Mouz, a
former settlement of clay ruins and cleverly irrigated date
plantations. Continue on to explore Jabal Al Akhdar (the
Green Mountain), a scenic vista nestled within Oman’s
spectacular Al Hajar Mountain Range. Perched some 6,600
feet above sea level, your vantage on a ridge of Jabal Al
Akhdar affords commanding views of the rugged canyons below. Check in to your accommodations, a melding of
traditional Omani construction techniques, local stones and
contemporary architecture.
Day 6 - Nizwa
Visit the 17th-century trading enclave of Nizwa, passing
through the city’s arched gateway to explore its iconic
fort, bustling souk, weekly livestock market, fascinating
silversmith shops and deeply rooted Islamic traditions.
After lunch, enjoy the option to continue to a nearby wadi
for grand views of the canyon or return to your luxurious
resort for an afternoon at leisure.
Day 7 - Abu Dhabi, UAE
Continue exploring the Ad Dakhiliyah region with a visit
to Jabrin Castle, the finest surviving example of Oman’s
17th-century fortresses. This former bastion of astrology,
medicine and Islamic law showcases elegantly painted
ceilings, intricate woodcarvings and other period details.
After lunch, travel overland to Muscat and fly to Abu Dhabi,
where you check in to your luxury accommodations on
Saadiyat Island.
Day 8 - Abu Dhabi
One of the wealthiest and most modern city-states in the
world, Abu Dhabi is renowned for its lush greenery, planned
development and beautiful Corniche. Begin your exploration
of the city at the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital and Museum,
gaining insight into this fascinating bird of prey and its
integral role in the Emirati’s heritage. This afternoon, visit
the Louvre Abu Dhabi for a privately guided tour of this
cultural beacon of the city.
Day 9 - Dubai
After breakfast, visit the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand
Mosque, widely renowned as Abu Dhabi’s crowning
jewel. The mosque accommodates the world’s largest
Persian carpet, seven crystal chandeliers and some 41,000
worshipers. Take in the majesty of this vast architectural
marvel, gaining a deeper understanding of the mosque’s vital
role in the local religious community. Next, drive to Dubai,
taking in sights of this stunning city along the way. Pause to
enjoy lunch and interact with an interesting local resident,
providing you further insight into Emirati culture. Then,
continue exploring Old Dubai, strolling the aromatic spice market and making your way to the modern Deira Gold
Souk, a market specializing in some of the world’s purest
gold. Check in to your hotel where the evening is at leisure.
Day 10 - Dubai
Today, explore New Dubai and its iconic skyscrapers. Begin
at Burj al Arab, a striking architectural marvel evoking the
sail of a dhow. Next, visit the world’s tallest skyscraper, Burj
Khalifa, an engineering masterwork measuring a staggering
2,716 feet high (2,722 feet if you count the antennae).
Topping out in late 2008, this neofuturistic wonder bested
both the Willis (formerly Sears) Tower and Taipei 101 by
considerable margins. Soaring over the cityscape, your
vantage point affords breathtaking views. Return to your
hotel for an afternoon at leisure. Later this evening, gather
for a farewell dinner with your fellow guests.
Day 11 - Depart Dubai
Transfer to the airport and board your homebound flight.