A Taste Of The UAE & Oman (6n/7d)

The Bahala Fort is undergoing reconstruction headed by UNESCO

The Bahala Fort is undergoing reconstruction headed by UNESCO

Day 01: Arrival to Abu Dhabi – transfer to the hotel   
Overnight / Breakfast in Abu Dhabi

Day 02: Abu Dhabi
On arrival the first destination is the Women’s Handicraft Centre, admire the skill and dexterity of local ladies making traditional handicrafts. The tour proceeds to Abu Dhabi’s oldest building, Al Husn Palace built in the 18th century. Enjoy a magnificent view of the city by driving along the beautiful Corniche and make a photo-stop at the Breakwater. We then visit the Heritage Village and journey to the past to explore the life before oil was discovered. Before returning, we tour the Dhow Yard, where wooden ships are still being built using simple tools. Visit the Women’s Handicraft Centre and admire the skill and dexterity of local ladies making traditional handicrafts. Proceed to Abu Dhabi’s oldest building, the Al Husn Palace. Visit the Petroleum Exhibition to learn about the origin and production of the “black gold”. Drive along the beautiful Corniche to the Breakwater and the Dhow yard, where wooden ships are still built using simple tools. Note! The Petroleum Exhibition is presently closed for renovation, reopening date to be advised. In the afternoon, drive along the coast to Dubai, pass by Jumeirah Beach and stop at the Jumeirah Mosque. Overnight / Breakfast in Dubai

Day 03:   Sharjah & Dubai     
Morning city tour of Sharjah – The Pearl of the Gulf. Photo stop at King Faisal Mosque, currently the largest mosque in the Emirates. We visit the renovated Fort of Sharjah, former residence of the ruling family originally built in 1820, then continue to the Heritage Museum and proceed to wander through the adjacent souk “Al Arsa”. Our last stop is the famous souk Al Markazi – a treasure trove of carpets, jewellery and handicrafts. Return to the hotel. In the afternoon Dubai sightseeing – The Golden City. After a photo stop at Shaikh Saeed House, the former residence of the ruling family, we visit Dubai Museum in the old Al Fahidi Fort. A wander through the oldest part of the city, Al Bastakiyah, takes us to the abra station (water taxi). Enjoy a short journey on the Creek and proceed to the Spice Souk. Visit the Gold Souk – with time for shopping. A savour of the sights and sounds of the fruit and vegetable market ends this interesting tour of the cosmopolitan city. Overnight / Breakfast in Dubai

Day 04: Dubai – Al Ain – The Garden City of the UAE
Pass by fascinating and ever changing desert scenery and reach the fascinating oasis town of Al Ain at the foot of the Hajar Mountains. Stop at the camel market, the largest of its kind in the region. Visit Al Ain Museum with its ethnographical and archaeological exhibits. Then onto Buraimi Souk and oasis with the ancient irrigation system called Falaj. A step back in time will conclude this tour with the visit of Hili Gardens renowned for the archaeological excavations from the 3rd Millenium BC. Overnight / Breakfast Hotel in Al Ain

Day 05: Al Ain-Rustaq-Al Sawadi
Cross the border into Oman and drive to Sohar Town, known as the birthplace of Sinbad the Seafarer. Visit the fish market and Sohar old fort. Continue along the coastal plain and reach Al Hazm – we visit Al Hazm’s impressive fort, before proceeding to Rustaq and Ain Al Kasfah, known for its hot springs. Drive through picturesque Wadis (dry riverbeds) to the oasis of Nakhl and Ain Thowara, where there is time for a stroll around before visiting Nakhl Fort. Lunch in a local restaurant en route. Reach Al Sawadi late afternoon”. Overnight / Breakfast in Al Sawadi

Day 06: Nizwa – The Centre of Jebel Akhdar
Depart from Al Sawadi and drive through the Western Hajar mountains via the oases Fanjah and Birkat Al Mouz. Visit the busy cattle market (Thursdays and Fridays only), the traditional souk and the impressive 17th Century fort. Lunch break in Nizwa. Pass the magnificent Bahla Fort (under restoration by Unesco). The highlight of this day is the visit to the most beautiful fort in Oman, Jabreen Castle. Arrive in Muscat late afternoon. Overnight / Breakfast in Muscat

Day 07: Muscat  – The Fascinating Capital
Drive through the beautiful embassy quarter of Muscat to Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. Visit the mosque –  a splendour of unique Islamic architecture (Islamic dress code to be observed). Our next stop is the Bait Al Zubair Museum with its wealth of information and exhibits on the country’s culture, tradition and heritage. Then on to Muttrah, a delightful quarter of Muscat.  Stroll along the Corniche to see the beautiful merchant houses and discover the shopping experience in the busy souk, well known for its silver craft shops, perfumes, souvenirs and much more to buy. Via the old pass road drive to the former capital of Oman, the old town of Muscat. Walk along the wall of H.H. the Sultan’s Palace and see the forts Jalali and Mirani. Rest of the day at leisure.

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