Frankincense & Mirages

After breakfast a 9:30am departure for a Muscat city tour which begins with a visit to the magnificent Grand Mosque built with sandstone and marble. A beautiful Swarovski chandelier and a huge handmade Persian carpet adorn the main prayer hall. Then continue to the Muttrah Souk a traditional oriental market. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere and the scent of frankincense and spices.

After a light lunch at one of the restaurants near the souk visit Bait Al Zubair Museum. This privately-owned museum located in the old town of Muscat is known for its fine collection of traditional costumes antique jewellery and weapons. Later photo stop at Al Alam Palace one of six residences of the Sultan. Afterwards experience a 2 hour boat ride along the sparkling coast of Muscat. On the way back to the hotel stop at the Royal Opera House before driving drive through the ministries and embassies area. Overnight at your hotel.

After breakfast depart towards the inner lands of Oman. Visit Jabrin Castle Oman’s most beautiful Castle with its winding hallways hidden staircases and beautifully decorated interior. Continue to the village of ‘Al Hamra.’ Later switch to 4×4 vehicles and go further up to Jebel Shams the ‘mountain of the sun.’

Admire the spectacular view from the ‘Grand Canyon of Oman’ before continuing to Nizwa the former capital city. Take some time to explore the bustling market of Nizwa Souq which lies in the vicinity of the walls of the famous Nizwa Fort. Its building embraces both traditional and modern architectural lines. Through its many alleys and divisions Nizwa Souq has remained for hundreds of year’s home to a number of local industries such as daggers copper spinning livestock sales fish vegetables and handicrafts. Overnight at Nizwa.

This morning browse the ‘Sinaw Thursday Market.’ Held every Thursday it is a very busy market due to its proximity to the Bedouin communities who head there to buy staples and sell their livestock and handicrafts. Continue to a local house and share a home-made lunch with a local family.
This afternoon explore the ruins of the old mercantile community of Al Mansfah. Later switch to 4×4 vehicles and continue to your unforgettable dessert camp in Wahiba Sands.

Awake in the desert atmosphere to breakfast before continuing your journey to Wadi Bani Khaled which stands in stark contrast to the desert with its natural pools and greenery. In the afternoon travel to the coastal town of Sur a delightful fishing village where you may still see locals living off the ocean the way their forebears have done for centuries. Tonight visit Ras Al Jinz turtle reserve where you can have a chance to see giant sea turtles nestling. The beach is one of the largest turtle reserves in the world. Marvel as you see these creatures lumbering up the sand to where they were born up to 50 years ago while the new generation emerges all along the beach and make their way into the ocean for the first time.

After a short morning tour of Sur start our journey back to Muscat along the sparkling coast. Stop at the beautiful Wadi Tiwi and have lunch at the Wadi Shab Resort. Admire Bimah sinkhole a geological formation of the karst topography and a scenic wonder. Continue to Muscat airport and catch your flight to Dubai. Upon arrival proceed through immigration and collect your luggage. You will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Spend the day exploring Dubai. Within less than 30 years this city was transformed from a small fishing village by the Dubai creek to one of the most important cities in the Gulf region. Begin with the visit of the Classic Dubai: Photo stop at Jumeirah-Mosque built in mediaeval Fatimid style and at the Burj Al Arab Hotel in the form of a giant sail.

Then explore Dubai’s old district of “Bastakya” with its traditional houses and wind towers which in the past served as a natural air conditioning system. Visit the Dubai Museum which is located in the historical Al Fahidi fort. Cross the Dubai creek to Deira with the traditional water taxi (Abra) and visit the Gold and Spice markets.

This afternoon discover the Modern Dubai. Visit Burj Khalifa (included) which at 828 meters it is the tallest building in the world. Admire the aquarium in Dubai Mall (from outside) and continue along Jumeirah road to the artificial island ‘The Palm.’ After a photo stop at the Atlantis Hotel return to the mainland on-board of the Monorail offering a beautiful view of the island and the skyline of Dubai. Short break at the hotel before transferring to Dubai Marina for a relaxed dinner-dhow cruise (duration 2h dinner buffet incl. non-alcoholic beverages.)

Morning at leisure or join an optional excursion to Sharjah.

Early afternoon depart for a desert safari to the golden dunes. Drive up to one of the highest sand dunes to admire an unforgettable sunset. Continue to a Bedouin camp for an evening BBQ and oriental entertainment followed by tea. Return to your Dubai hotel for overnight.

Departure transfer to the airport.

• Transportation in A/C coach and 4WD (where necessary)
• Airport transfers with local driver
• Accommodation in listed hotels (or similar) with private facilities
• Meals as indicated
• Sightseeing and entrance fees
• English speaking tour guide
• Drinking water during excursions
• Oman and UAE Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel

• International airfares
• Optional tours and excursions
• Port Taxes and fuel surcharges
• Porterage
• Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
• Personal Expenses
• Departure taxes
• Local Tourism Dirham tax (for Dubai only)
• Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
• Visas (unless specified)
• Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above

Turtles are in their natural habitat therefore sightings are not always possible. Visitors are required to keep silent and not to use flashlights. Photography is not permitted in order to not disturb the animals.