This 14-day Middle Eastern vacation takes across the United Arab Emirates and Oman. It features first-class accommodations and private tours.
Your journey begins in Dubai, the futuristic city that defines the 21st century. A city tour will introduce you to the city landmarks, starting at the Palm Jumeirah, heading to the Gold and Spice Souks, stopping for photos at the Dubai Frame, and ending at the Dubai Mall, one of the world’s largest malls. Another day, head across the desert and into the mountains on a Jeep adventure safari. You’ll swing by Mount Meliha, stop by the Wadi Shawka pools, and go for a hike through the farmland and ruins around Wadi Helo before enjoying a picnic lunch on the East Coast. Back in Dubai, enjoy a morning luxury yacht cruise along the harbour. Admire the Dubai Marina, Blue Water Island, and Dubai Eye from the water as you feast on a delicious breakfast. During the rest of your time in Dubai, be sure to visit the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, to enjoy the best views of the city from its observation deck.
Connect to Abu Dhabi, the Emirati capital, where you’ll explore the city in the company of a private chauffeur. Drive around town and see landmarks, from Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to Emirates Palace. You’ll have another day at leisure to explore the city on your own. Get an adrenaline rush at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi or admire some of the world’s best artwork at the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Fly into Oman and connect to the capital Muscat, where a morning tour will introduce you to Omani history and several city landmarks, including the Grand Mosque, Bait Al Zubair Museum, the Sultan’s ceremonial palace, Al Alam Palace, and the 16th-century Portuguese fort. After getting settled in Muscat, depart the city in a 4WD and cross the farmland of the Batinah Plain on route to Nizwa. Along the way, you’ll pass through sedimentary mountains in Wadi Bani Auf and stroll alongside the quaint homes of Bilad Sayt, which are built into the rocky slopes themselves.
Spend the night in Nizwa before continuing to Jabrin to following day to see the finest Omani castle from the 17th century. Admire the intricate ceiling paintings and wood carvings before heading into the Al Hajar Mountain range, which peaks with Jebel Shams, the tallest mountain in the country. Continue your journey through the Omani desert and stop off for a swim in the deep-blue pools of Wadi Bani Khalid. Then gaze upon the drifting white sand sea of the Wahiba Sands before turning back to Muscat. Swing by Fins Beach for a swim and the Bimah Sinkhole before you say goodbye to the desert at Wadi Arbayeen and return to Muscat.
After a final night in Muscat, you’ll connect to the airport for onward travels.