Oman & The Emirates: The Sands of Time – 11 Days

11 days from $11,595 per person

Private journey designed for you

Experience the rich tapestry of history, culture, and innovation that forms the cornerstones of Oman and the United Arab Emirates. These two nations offer a unique blend of ultra-modern metropolises and timeless traditions that can take you on a journey back in time. From the vibrant cities to the serene deserts and mountains, immerse yourself in the beauty and diversity of these fascinating destinations.

Advantages

Private Tour, You can pick the date freely and we will arrange for you based on it.
PRIVATE TOUR
Enjoy a camelback ride to an overnight camp and indulge in a private barbecue dinner with live oud music.
Visit the Grand Mosque in Muscat and chat with a local Omani scholar about the Islamic faith.
Explore Nizwa Fort and Jabrin Castle, showcasing Oman’s trade heritage.
Visit two rural villages near Jabal Al Akhdar, offering stunning landscape views.
Experience Emirati culture at the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital and Museum, and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Admire Dubai’s skyline from the Burj Khalifa observation deck and wander through its souks.

Itinerary

DAY 1: ARRIVE MUSCAT, OMAN
Upon arrival in Muscat, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, the Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel, or similar. You can relax and unwind after your journey and enjoy the hotel’s luxurious amenities.

DAY 2: MUSCAT | FUSION OF OLD & NEW
Your exploration of Muscat begins at the Grand Mosque, a contemporary marvel of regional artistry and craftsmanship. In the mosque’s main prayer room, a local scholar will enlighten you about the basic tenets of Islam. You will then visit the Royal Opera House Muscat, which embodies a similar fusion of contemporary construction and time-honored tradition. Afterward, you will visit the National Museum to view artifacts depicting Oman’s cultural and historical heritage. Your day ends with a visit to the Al Alam Palace before returning to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure and welcome dinner.

DAY 3: MUSCAT | HISTORIC PORT CITY
Your day starts with a visit to Muttrah Souk, a traditional Omani market filled with frankincense, silver handicrafts, and gold jewelry. Next, you’ll head to the local market with a chef who will assist you in selecting ingredients for your interactive Chef’s Table experience. You’ll enjoy sharing your lunch with local students on this exclusive experience. Afterleisure time at your hotel, you’ll embark on a sunset dhow cruise exploring the city’s port and coast beyond, taking in an iconic seascape traversed by sailors for centuries. You’ll pause in a scenic cove for a photo opportunity set against a spectacular backdrop.

DAY 4: WAHIBA SANDS | UNDER THE DESERT STARS
After breakfast, you’ll follow the coast to Sur, passing through the village of Quriyat and seeing Bimah Sinkhole. You’ll continue to Wadi Tiwi, with its deep, narrow gorges carved from towering seaside cliffs, and stop at a dhow factory. The next stop is the undulating red and white dunes of Wahiba Sands, noting the villages that cling to the slopes of the rugged mountainside en route. Upon reaching the camp, you’ll set out to discover the boundless dunes by 4×4 vehicle, and then continue into the desert sunset, riding camelback, to enjoy a Scenic Sundowner. Tonight’s barbecue dinner, accompanied by a local oud (lute) player, is set beneath the desert stars at Desert Nights Camp or similar.

DAY 5: JABAL AL AKHDAR | ENDLESS MOUNTAIN VISTAS
This morning, you’ll visit Wadi Bani Khalid, distinguished by the caves scattered around its corners. You’ll continue exploring the region with a visit to Jabrin Castle, the finest surviving example of Oman’s17th-century fortresses. This former bastion of astrology, medicine, and Islamic law showcases elegantly painted ceilings, intricate woodcarvings, and other period details. After lunch, you’ll continue through the Al Hajar mountain range. Perched some 6,600 feet above sea level, your vantage on a ridge of Jabal Al Akhdar (the Green Mountain) affords commanding views of the rugged canyons below. You’ll check in to your accommodations, Alila Jabal Akhdar, which combines traditional Omani construction techniques, local stones, and contemporary architecture.

DAY 6: JABAL AL AKHDAR | EXPLORING AT LEISURE
This morning, you’ll enjoy a short walk around the villages of Saiq, Wadi Bani Habib, and Al Ain, overlooking a spectacular landscape of dramatic peaks, gorges, and wadis. After lunch, the balance of the afternoon is at leisure, giving you time to relax and enjoy the hotel’s amenities.

DAY 7: JABAL AL AKHDAR/ABU DHABI, UAE | NIZWA FORT
You’ll visit the 17th-century trading enclave of Nizwa, passing through the city’s arched gateway to explore its iconic fort, bustling souk, fascinating silversmith shops, and deeply rooted Islamic traditions. After lunch, you’ll travel overland to Muscat and fly to Abu Dhabi, where you’llcheck in to your luxury accommodations on Saadiyat Island at St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort or similar.

DAY 8: ABU DHABI | CULTURAL CAPITAL
Today, you’ll visit the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital and Museum to gain insight into the fascinating bird of prey and its integral role in the Emirati’s heritage. You’ll then visit Qasr al Watan, a working presidential palace that has hosted world leaders for official visits. This palace is also home to the nearby Great Hall, a vast domed space where you can admire the intricate calligraphy and artwork that decorates its walls.

DAY 9: DUBAI | MODERN MARVELS
You’ll start your day by visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, widely renowned as Abu Dhabi’s crowning jewel. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the mosque’s vital role in local culture and Islamic traditions. Then, drive to Dubai, taking in sights of this stunning city along the way. After lunch, you’ll explore Old Dubai, strolling the aromatic spice market and making your way to the modern Deira Gold Souk. You’ll check in to your hotel, Palace Downtown or similar, for an evening at leisure.

DAY 10: DUBAI | CITY IN THE SKY
Today, you’ll explore New Dubai and its iconic skyscrapers by visiting Burj al Arab and Burj Khalifa. You’ll have the opportunity to experience the thrill of being on topof the world as you ascend to the observation deck of the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa. Afterward, you can return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure. In the evening, you’ll gather for a farewell dinner with your fellow guests, savoring the last moments of your luxury tour.

DAY 11: DEPART DUBAI
After breakfast, you’ll transfer to the airport and depart for your homebound flight, taking with you lifelong memories of the enchanting country of Oman and the luxury experiences you’ve enjoyed.