From Oman to UAE – a journey for all your senses
Khimji's House of Travel
8 Nights Programme
Day 01: Arrival in Muscat
Arrive at Muscat International Airport, meet and greet by our representative at the arrival area and transfer to your hotel. Standard check-in time is 14:00. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at Muscat [BB]
Day 2: MUSCAT – JABRIN – BAHLA – NIZWA
After breakfast, meet our experienced guide and drive to historic town of Nizwa, the cultural capital of Oman. Visit Nizwa Souq, one of the most traditional local souq of Oman famous for Omani silver jewellery and silver dagger. You can visit the date market, the spice market, the souvenir market and the vegetable market in the Souq complex. After shopping walk to Nizwa Fort, the 17th century round tower defence fort.
Continue to the historic town of Jabrin. Jabrin castle built in 17th century is one of the finest of its kind. Its magnificent plasterwork, the carved doors and the painted wooden beams of the ceilings makes this castle amazingly different. Thereafter continue to Bahla, one of the oldest small towns of Oman and in the 12th century the capital of the tribe living in the region. As the monumental fort is closed for renovation only a photo stop is planned. Bahla is also famous for its pottery. Drive back to your hotel in Nizwa and check in.
Overnight stay at Nizwa [BB]
Day 03: NIZWA – WAHIBA SANDS
Depart Nizwa to Wahiba Sands. Stop to visit Sinaw Souq, a traditional souq that features different areas for women and men, which are designated by a sign, but the action often spills out on to the streets, with sellers who missed a prime spot under the covered area opting to set up shop and display their wares along the pavement. You will also visit Ibra, the second largest city in the Ash Sharqiyah Region of Oman. It is located about 170 km (2 hours) from Muscat and has a population estimated at 55,000 people. Ibra is one of the oldest cities in Oman and was once a center of trade, religion, education and art. The city acquired its importance as an important meeting point at the base of the Ash Sharqiya.
The afternoon is reserved for your desert experience. You drive into the Wahiba Sands, a vast mass of undulating red and white sea of sand. The ever-changing patterns of the dunes are a photographer’s delight. After some exciting sand dune driving which offers excellent thrills and chills for all, we will arrive the Desert camp.
Maybe, you may even feel like going on a short camel ride (own cost), before checking into a camp. Sunset from nearby dunes.
Overnight stay at Desert Camp [B, D]
Day 04: WAHIBA SANDS – WADI BANI KHALID - MUSCAT
Following breakfast, your journey continues to wadi Bani Khalid nestled deep in the mountains and one of the largest and most picturesque wadis in Oman. Water cascades down the gorge forming cool blue-green pools, fed by underground streams flowing from within the surrounding limestone hills. Enjoy a gentle walk along the riverbed and cool down in the crystal clear waters of the rock pools.
Later drive to Sur. Sur the famous city in the Persian Gulf in building wooden ships. Its historical location gives it the hand to monitor the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean. Many ships have been built in this city, like the sambuk and Ganjah they formerly went as far as China, India, Zanzibar, Iraq and many other countries. These vessels were also used for pearl diving and pearl trading. Today the city has retained its reputation as a major Dhow-building town, the very same vessels that were used for trade two centuries previously.
Keep driving towards Muscat. Enroute visit Bimah Sinkhole, a spectacular limestone crater with blue green water at the bottom. On clear sunny days while driving along the coast one might chance to see sharks in the deep blue water or fleet footed Gazelle sprint across the landscape.
Overnight stay at Muscat [BB]
Day 05: Half Day Muscat City Tour
After breakfast, proceed for a half day city tour of Muscat. Visit Grand Mosque, the most exquisite Mosque in Oman. It can accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers and consists of a main prayer hall, ladies prayer hall, covered passageways, a meeting hall, and library which will eventually contain up to 20,000 books. A major feature of the main prayer hall is the hand-made Persian carpet consisting of 1,700 million knots, Weighing 21 tones and made in a single piece measuring 70 x 60 meters.
Note: Ladies visiting the mosque are required to cover their head with scarf and do not wear shorts, beachwear or sleeveless outfits as they are to be fully covered. Men are required to wear long trousers. No shorts are allowed.
We then drive to old town of Muscat and visit Bait Al Zubair Museum. It consists of a concise collection reflecting the splendid Omani Heritage and culture. The collection includes traditional Omani Weapons such as swords, daggers, rifles & their accessories, along with jewelry, cosmetics & costumes from various regions of Oman. We drive to the magnificent Al Alam Palace, the official residence of His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tariq, the ruler of Oman. The palace is an architectural marvel for both its design and its location between the twin Portuguese forts Mirani and Jalali (A brief photograph stop from outside only).
We then visit Muttrah Souq – one of the most popular souqs in the Middle East. Take a walk in its labyrinthine alleyways beckoning with a myriad of merchandise, from imported fabrics to exotic Oriental spices, perfumes and richly handcrafted artefacts. A visit to this frenetic, pulsating hub of Muscat’s old quarter makes for a delightful experience. Here, scents of exotic Arabian perfumes and spices float through the air. Other shops specialize in famous Omani khanjars (daggers), antiques, traditional silver jewelry, and handicrafts in copper, camel bone, wood, leather and hand-made Omani costumes. After shopping at Souq you will be transferred back to hotel.
Overnight stay will be at Muscat Hotel [BB]
Day 06: MUSCAT - DUBAI
Breakfast at hotel and transfer to Muscat International Airport for your scheduled flight to Dubai. On arrival at Dubai International Airport, meet & greet by our representative at the arrival area and transfer to your hotel. On the way, enjoy the stunning views of gorgeous skyscrapers of Dubai.
After check-in, relax for a few hours and in the evening, meet our driver and proceed for a traditional Dhow cruise with dinner. Enjoy your evening in Dubai's luxury boat. Savor the sumptuous international buffet menu by The Radisson Blu Hotel on your private seating. Actually, Dhow is a traditional Arab boat made from wood which is now commercialized and converted into glowing floating restaurants which offer delicious continental buffet dinner with onboard entertainment activities of Tanura show which is Traditional Arab dance form along with other entertainment shows like magic show and many more while cruising around Marina Dubai cruising tour in Dubai helps in understanding transition of Dubai from well preserved ancients mud houses to new era.
Overnight at Dubai [BB]
Day 07: - FULL DAY ABU DHABI TOUR
Abu Dhabi City tour will allow you to visit a selection of carefully chosen highlights of the UAE’s lovely capital and from its remarkable buildings featuring some of the most stunning architecture to be found anywhere, to glimpses into the past. You will be able to sample Abu Dhabi‘s unique blend of culture and fine traditional arts and crafts in the oriental markets and handicrafts Centre. Enter a world where Islamic designs and elements feature on modern architecture. A surreal work of architecture spread across 30 acres of land - that’s how you can describe the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the first destination of your experience. Admire the remarkable beauty of the pure white marble and huge domes of the mosque. Witness the most impressive features in the mosque - the world’s largest hand-loomed carpet and the gold-clad Swarovski Crystal Chandeliers.
Visit the region’s first and only global museum with multiple art galleries that houses both permanent and temporary art pieces from its sister museum in Paris set in a stunning structure crafted by world-famous architect Jean Nouvel. Louvre in Abu Dhabi houses an exquisite art collection with many famous paintings including Vincent Van Gogh's Self- Portrait and Leonardo da Vinci’s La Belle Ferronnière.
Visit the Founder's Memorial, a permanent memorial to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. As you explore, learn more about the Sheikh's life, heritage, and principles. Swing by the Qasr Al Watan palace to get insights into Arab heritage and the governing principles that shaped the history of the UAE. Explore the palace’s fascinating exhibits and marvel at its overall exquisite craftsmanship.
Overnight at Dubai Hotel [BB]
Day 08: DUBAI CITY TOUR & DESERT SAFARI
Admire the ultramodern architecture of Dubai on a private 4-hour tour. Feel like a VIP with your own personal transport and as you visit historic souks and modern shopping malls. Tailor the tour to your own preferences on a flexible itinerary.
Visit top attractions such as the Jumeirah Mosque, Burj Al Arab, historic souks and end the tour with a visit to Dubai Frame.
Desert safari begins when you’re picked up at your hotel in a 4x4 Land Cruiser and head off with your local guide to the desert, just a 45-minute ride from Dubai. Reaching Lahbab Red Dunes desert, you will get 20–25 minutes to refresh. Restroom and toilet facilities are available there. Try quad biking, which is an optional addition. Once your 4x4 vehicle is ready, you will be taken across the desert.
The adventure begins, 30-minutes dune bashing ride deep in the Lahbab Red Dunes desert. Try sandboarding. (Surfing over the dunes) for an extra thrill before going to Desert Camp. Arrive at Desert Camp. You can visit a group of Camels for a desert ride. Enjoy the desert camp will have unlimited soft drinks supply and Kandura and Abaya - Arabian clothes for men and women. Be welcomed with Tea & Coffee. Enjoy Camel ride. Try the Shisha smoking, Henna painting, Arabic makeover with the traditional clothing Kandura and Abaya.
Meet the Falcon expert and pose with the royal bird. The evening entertainments start with a Tanoura dance show in the center stage followed by Eye catching Belly dance and Fire Show performance. You will then be notified when the buffet barbecue begins. After the meal, taste the local deserts, and relax. As a final treat, the camp will be completely switched off, giving the typical ambience of a desert night. Relax and meditate as you watch the stars, before finally being returned to your hotel.
Overnight at Dubai [BB]
Day 09: BURJ AL ARAB TOUR & BURJ KHALIFA – DUBAI MALL VISIT
Don’t miss the chance to explore one of the most luxurious hotels in the world and immerse yourself in a unique and royal atmosphere. You will be accompanied by a butler who will share fascinating stories about the hotel's history, architecture, and past events. The tour includes a visit to the atrium, Royal Suite, and open-air lounge where you can enjoy stunning views. In the afternoon, proceed to visit the iconic Burj Khalifa. A fascinating 90-minute privately guided tour enables visitors to see all the luxury of the place, learn curious facts about its history, and experience a lot of memorable moments.
Reveal what's hidden behind the doors of the iconic hotel in Dubai and satisfy your curiosity by listening to untold stories about it. Enjoy the spectacular innovative architecture of one of the most attractive landmarks in the UAE.
The observatory is destined to be the highlight of any visit to the UAE. After that it’s time to enjoy the World’s Best Fountain Show - Set in front of Burj Khalifa Lake, the fountain shoots water jets as high as 500 ft. (150 meters), equivalent to that of a 50-storey building. The fountain is 900 ft. (275 meters) long and has five circles of varying sizes and two central arcs. It has been designed by California-based WET, the creators of the Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas. Thereafter we visit to Dubai Mall - is the region's premier shopping, lifestyle and entertainment destination. With more than 1,200 stores and a host of world-class attractions.
The Dubai Mall isrevolutionizing the modern shopping experience. We return back at the hotel for overnight stay at your hotel.
Overnight at Dubai [BB]
Day 10: Departure
In time, transfer to Dubai International Airport for departure.
Lufthansa City Center