Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Middle East is a grand epic, a cradle of civilisations and a beautiful, complicated land that's home to some of the planet's most hospitable people.

Welcome to United Arab Emirates. For most people, the U A E means just one place: Dubai, the sci-fi-esque city of iconic skyscrapers, palm-shaped islands, city-sized malls, indoor ski slopes & palatial beach resorts. But beyond the glitter awaits a diverse mosaic of 6 more emirates, each with its own character & allure.

Arrive in the dynamic & vibrant Emirate of Dubai, an stirring alchemy of profound traditions & ambitious futuristic vision wrapped into starkly evocative desert splendour.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Dubai International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be met by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in and provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next few days.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or independent exploration or optional activities (We shall be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements). 

Glimpse of the Future | Shopping Haven | Nocturnal Action |Cultural Dynamism

Located at the cross-roads of Asia, Europe & Africa, Dubai is well positioned to attract tourists looking for somewhere new & different, a destination combining the traditions of the east with the comforts of the west.

It is hard not to admire the ‘happening’ Emirate of Dubai, for its indefatigable verve, gutsy ambition & ability to dream up & realise projects that elsewhere would never get off the drawing board. This is a superlative craving society that showcases the world's tallest building, an island shaped like a palm tree, a huge indoor ski paradise, the world's fastest roller coaster & starchitect designed & art museums of international stature. Sci-fi concepts such as flying taxis, a lightning-fast Hyperloop train & an army of Robocops are all reflections of a mindset that fearlessly embraces the future.

Ever since you first set foot in this tiny powerhouse Emirate, it will fascinate you with its energy, optimism & openness towards people from all over the world. For a die-hard foodie, the staggering variety of authentic global fare is exhilarating & even the shopping here is actually a joy instead of a chore. Dubai is a place that is constantly in flux & it is exciting to see it grow & mature as a city and as a society. Wait to see what the future holds.

With many more grand projects in the pipeline for World Expo 2021 (October onwards, please check out our Packages), it is clear that Dubai is a city firmly in charge of writing its own narrative. Famous sights like the Burj Dubai, the world's only 6* hotel, the massive Palms island mini-city & so much more - it is an exciting city and worth a stopover.

Dubai is a city that provides a new setting at every turn, richly mixing together the old & the new; it is without a doubt the leading tourist destination in the Middle East. Dubai is a city of ages that rises out of the desert and crowns the gulf coast with its presence.  Sunshine, shopping, seaside, sports and safety – 5 of the key ingredients that have earned Dubai a growing reputation as one of the world's most attractive & rapidly developing leisure destinations. Long established as the trading & commercial hub of the Middle East, the Emirate combines the excitement of a bustling commercial centre with the wide open spaces of a luxurious resort

While the UAE these days appears to be little more than a stage for Dubai to strut its increasingly crazy stuff, there is far more to this fabulous little federation than Disneyesque dioramas. The UAE is a contradictory destination, an Islamic state where the DJs’ turntables stop spinning just before the muezzins’ morning call to prayer can be heard & where a traditional Bedouin lifestyle & customs continue alongside a very Western version of rampant consumerism. While many visitors marvel at the fantastic (in the true sense of the word) hotel & real estate projects, the real wonder is how the savvy sheikhs manage to harmonise such disparate & seemingly opposing forces.

Both business travelers & tourists find that Dubai offers the highest standards of comfort & luxury. As befits a dynamic & prosperous business centre, Dubai's ultramodern hotels offer every luxury. Yet the comforts of the 21^st century co-exist comfortably with the Emirate's rich Arab-Islamic culture. An intriguing land that combines old-world souks & modern shopping malls, rolling sand dunes & championship grass golf courses, remote Bedouin villages & an array of five-star hotels, Dubai defies easy definition.

Famous for its soaring skyline rising from the desert, it is a relatively new, world-class city, which is growing quickly. Famous sights like the Burj Dubai, the world's only 6* hotel & the massive Palms mini-city, and its indoor ski hills - it is an exciting city & worth a stopover.

After dark, Dubai sometimes seems like a city filled with lotus eaters, forever on the lookout for a good time. Its shape-shifting party spectrum caters for just about every taste, budget and age group. From flashy dance temples, sleek rooftop terraces & sizzling beach clubs to fancy cocktail caverns, shisha lounges & concerts under the stars, Dubai delivers hot-stepping odysseys. Most of the nightlife centres on the fancy hotels, but there is no shortage of more wholesome diversions either, including community theatre, live-music venues & the world-class Dubai Opera.

Balance of the afternoon at leisure relax or to explore.

Evening, you would be transferred to the Dubai Creek where you would enjoy an unforgettable evening cruising along the Dubai Creek on board an Arabic traditional Dhow boat. As you go inside, you will be ushered to your table by a friendly waiter. The 2 hour Dhow cruise will take you on a trip across the water, providing you a glimpse of the spectacular Dubai Marina area, Jumeirah Beach area, the water promenade of the Dubai Marina Yacht Club, the Dubai Marina Mall, elegant 5* hotels in the vicinity, an  amazing skyline & other impressive architecture.

Start enjoying a sumptuous array of a wide selection of cuisine served buffet style, including continental & oriental dishes. Soft drinks and mineral water are included.

Gently glide past illuminated souks, banks & palaces along the Creek as you enjoy a performance from a chanteuse rendering songs that will surely capture your taste, and of course the most awaited and popular dance performance of Tanoura Dancers that will enliven your mood. The Dhow Cruise is an experience you surely won’t forget!

Transfer back to the hotel.

Today, get ready for the name sake raison d’etre for this brief visit to the Emirates – Expo 21 Dubai.

Meet the Journeys Driver / Rep & other co-travelers at 09.30 am & proceed to the 4.5 square kilometers Expo site in Dubai South, close to Al Maktoum International Airport.

Arrive at the Mobility District Gate at 10.00 am. You have a full day to move around & explore on your own till assembling back at the same location before 06.00 pm for the transfer back to hotel.

* The Expo is open till midnight. Guests wanting to stay late to catch a Concert or a Stage performance or enjoy Dinner, will have to make their own way to the hotel (we will be happy to arrange the private Transfer & / or Dinner at a supplement cost).

Welcome to this once-in-a-lifetime celebration, a kaleidoscope of the world capsuled in a day or 2 or 3. Connecting Minds, Creating the Future is the official motto for this Expo featuring narratives from every corner of the globe.

The Expo is notably going the world's greatest international event ever staged in this part of the world, for 173 days, each one brimming with new experiences, where we celebrate human brilliance & connect people from all across the globe. Experience a diverse range of installations, artistic creations, workshops & performances & you will be engulfed in a realm of contemporary creativity.

Participating in an Expo allows countries to create a fleeting miniature world, a microcosm of global progress & dialogue, providing a unique international stage to engage in cultural diplomacy & interact with the host country, other participants, potential tourists, trade partners & investors.

Countless technological advances await. Unleash your inner techie, discover life-changing cutting-edge innovations & architecture & experience a truly connected high-tech world. There will also be specialized pavilions focusing on the 3 main themes Sustainability, Mobility & Opportunity.

Expo 2021 Dubai will be a celebration of the UAE Vision 2021 by supporting the growth of tourism, stimulating the development of innovative businesses in the UAE, and enhancing the country's international reputation as a location to do business. Here, you will experience warm Emirati hospitality at its finest, as well as the UAE’s values of inclusion, tolerance & co-operation.

Every day at the Expo will be a time to create memories, connect & be part of the future. It is going to be fun. We are talking eye-catching, mind-bending, taste bud-tickling, grin-inducing, jaw-dropping, did-that-really-just-happen fun.

Experience countless architectural marvels in one place - from Al Wasl dome - the world’s largest 360 degree Projection surface on the ceiling, almost as wide as 2 Airbus A380s wing to wing to getting a bird’s eye view from the top of the rotating Observation Tower. Go on an unforgettable behind-the-scenes tour to learn about architecture, pavilions, designs, sustainability, building technology, engineering & more.

Visit your ‘some’ of your favorite countries out of 192 unique country pavilions, each featuring inventions & innovations hailing from that country that could change the way you see the world & discover new places you have never considered or known.

We will commence with our country, of course & our neighbour.

Embark on an immersive journey through Canada's past, present & future in the Canadian Pavilion - a wooden structure inspired by the Canadian landscape & Middle Eastern architectural elements & discover the values that drive a spirit of innovation & collaboration, presented through a 360° immersive theater.

Our southern neighbour showcases a dynamic society that has shaped the modern world. Guests are taken on an 8 minute journey through the first 4 major exhibits via a unique moving walkway - a high capacity transportation system - that meanders through the USA Pavilion. The open-air Courtyard features live entertainment throughout the day & visitors will be able to experience American food & culture.

UAE Pavilion is an iconic structure with an inspirational message, done up in an outline of a Falcon in flight. It tells the story of the UAE as a global hub & the vision of its leaders to create a peaceful & progressive society with ambitious plans for the future.

Another suggestion we have for you is to visit the Islamic Republic of Iran Pavilion - a blend of traditional & contemporary architecture, highlighting peaceful co-existence & showcasing Iran’s ancient civilisation & traditions, its rituals & its people, economy, social development & culture.

Water-filled runnels (very small streams) inspired by ancient Iranian Architecture running down the walkways will be used for cooling the outdoor space of the Pavilion. One of the visual attractions of the Pavilion is hundreds of balls made of fired clay - a building material used in the warm & dry regions of Iran.

Politics apart, it will provide an opportunity to discover one of the world's oldest civilisations, with historical & urban settlements dating back to 7,000 BC - a Civilisation that was home to some of the most significant physicians, astronomers, thinkers, writers, alchemists & philosophers of the Islamic Golden Age.

You can enjoy the great, sweet experience of hand weaving a Persian carpet with the help of a master Weaver. Every carpet knot can develop a deep mutual affection & friendship between people of the world.

Taste delicious, refreshing Iranian traditional herbal teas & syrups that have various health benefits in the Pavilion's Syrup House located in a replica of Isfahan’s UNESCO World Heritage listed Naqsh-e Jahan Square - one of the largest city Squares in the world.

Enjoy a casual Lunch is on your own (Cuisines to suit every palate & budget – included). But, there also exciting Gastronomic experiences enable you to discover the creative merging of flavours & cuisines to treat your taste buds.

Food connects people & cultures, and what better way to enjoy the company of others than by sharing delicious dishes and fresh experiences together? Taste dishes from every corner of the world at more than 200 food & beverage outlets. Old classics, new favourites, street bites, haute cuisine & gourmet delights, family-friendly meals, sustainable dining & unique culinary journeys are just a handful of the options.

We bet you have never celebrated like this before! Explore a vibrant artistic & cultural scene as you heighten your senses, with everything from opera performances to world-famous A-lister artists, pop-up theatres to flash mobs & parades to national day celebrations.

Upto 60 live daily shows with future-shaping technologies. Feel the energy as Performers liven things up in the Street Festivals & Parades filled with music & dancing, a feast for the senses that bring fun to people of all ages & backgrounds. Fill your ears with musical styles from around the world & hear your favourite performing artists in the Concerts.

Be entertained by a wide variety of stage performances, appealing to every age & taste. Al Wasl Opera is a cultural milestone combining Emirati & global talent of more than 100 artists & musicians and a production team of 70 professionals coming together to celebrate the best global operatic talent.

Finally, it is time to leave. Reach the Mobility District Gate before 06.00 pm for the Transfer back to the hotel.

* The Expo is open till midnight. Guests wanting to stay late to catch a Concert or a Stage performance or enjoy Dinner, will have to make their own way to the hotel (we will be happy to arrange the private Transfer & / or Dinner at a supplement cost).

Reach the hotel by 07.00 pm.

Balance of the evening is at leisure for independent exploration or optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

You can visit shopping Malls like Bur Juman, Al Ghurair and Deira City Center - the biggest shopping mall in Dubai with more than 300 shops. We will take you to Al Fahidi Street which is also called the Electronics Street and the Naif souk with abundance of textiles adds color to the trip and tests your bargaining skills.  Return to the Dubai Gold souk, which proves Dubai as the “City of Gold”, is the place where to buy some of the finest and purest gold at competitive prices with a dazzling array of international designs attracting our attention!  Walk through the bustling alleys of these souks being amazed by mystical aromas of numerous spices and the breath-taking amount of dazzling jewelry varying from traditional to the latest designs at amazingly affordable prices displayed by almost 200 shops.

Since a day’s visit (or even 2 or 3 or 4) is not sufficient to cover the entire Expo 2021, we will visit the Expo again & experience a different perspective of events & attractions.

Meet the Journeys Driver / Rep & other co-travelers at 09.30 am & proceed to the 4.5 square kilometers Expo site.

Arrive at the Mobility District Gate at 10.00 am. You have a full day to move around & explore on your own.

International Exhibitions originated in the French tradition of national exhibitions, a tradition that culminated with the French Industrial Exposition of 1844 held in Paris (a little landmark called the Eiffel Tower was specially built to commemorate same) to celebrate cross-cultural connections. This Fair was followed by other national exhibitions in Europe held in different parts of the world at a specific site for a period of time, ranging usually from 3 - 6 months, every 5 years.

World Fairs are governed & regulated by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), a Paris-based organization established in 1928 whose objective is to bring order to Exposition scheduling and to make clear the rights & responsibilities of the host city & participants. Nations compete & the selection is made by vote.

Designed to showcase achievements of nations, the character of World Fair or Expositions, has evolved since the first one & they are largely focused on trade & display state-of-the-art science & technology from around the world.

Visit your favorite countries landmark Pavilions & discover new places you may have never considered. Experience warm Emirati hospitality at its finest, as well as the UAE’s values of inclusion, tolerance & cooperation.

You will find ground breaking architecture at every turn from the world’s biggest 360-degree projection surface on Al Wasl Plaza’s steel dome to the all-natural materials that make the Opportunity Pavilion, including 2,500 tonnes of stone & 111 km of rope.

Later, enjoy some casual Lunch (included) at one of the many food outlets

Post lunch, continue exploring on your own to visit your preferred Pavilions, or catch some street entertainments or take part in one of the many events they have lined up.

The entire Expo site will have a completely different look as the sun goes down and will be lit to perfection using sustainable resources. It is also a good time to catch some live performances on site.

Walk through the Mobility District & Opportunity District, which focuses on how human development impacts the world. Learn about the symbolism behind the architecturally intriguing pavilions. View the impressive 360-degree projection dome at Al Wasl Plaza, which connects each of the Expo’s 3 districts

Discover the symbolism & cutting-edge architecture of installations from across the globe, all centered around the motto "Connecting Minds, Creating the Future."

Evening, meet the Tour-guide at the designated time & place and proceed to enjoy a sumptuous dinner (included) at one of the many leading restaurants in Expo Plaza.

Transfer back to the hotel.

* The Expo is open till midnight. Guests wanting to stay late to catch a Concert or a Stage performance, will have to make their own way to the hotel (we will be happy to arrange the private Transfer at a supplement cost).

However, if all Group members want to stay late, then the bus will wait for you.

Morning, meet the Tour-guide in the in the Lobby at 09:00 am & proceed on an exciting 4 hour sightseeing tour to discover the spectacular & lively metropolis of Dubai.

The city, developed from a small fishing village at the Dubai Creek, nowadays presents itself as a glamorous metropolis at the Arabian Gulf. The distinctive skyscrapers and gigantic shopping-malls will impress every visitor.

You will visit a selection of carefully-chosen highlights of the city, from the remarkable buildings featuring some of the most stunning architecture to be found anywhere.

To experience the amalgamation of modern & ancient look, our route takes us to the highest buildings in the Middle East. , Pass through Dubai’s most tony area through an avenue lined with majestic palaces of the ruling family of Dubai.

Fist stop will be the Atlantis hotel located at crescent of Palm Jumeirah   Next photo stop is at one of the most luxurious hotel in the world - Burj Al Arab.

Continue driving in the Jumeirah area & stop at the awe inspiring Grand Mosque of Jumeirah. Built by the late HH Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai at the time, in the medieval Fatimid tradition that originates from Egypt & Syria and features intricate geometric designs, Arabic calligraphy & keel motifs on the domes. Made entirely of pure-white stone with 2 minarets framing a central dome & accommodating 1,300 people, it is a tribute to traditional Islamic architecture. While the Jumeirah neighbourhood is popular for its quirky cafes and plethora of cosmetic & beauty clinics, the Mosque is actually one of the earliest landmarks of the area & is featured on the AED 500 note.

After a short photo break at the magnificent Dubai Creek, proceed to the oldest part of the city - Al Bastakiya where fascinating old Wind Towered Houses of wealthy merchants are still to be seen.

Visit the Dubai Museum with its records of the city's past with all its developing stages, located in the ancient Al Fahidi Fort reminiscent of Dubai's illustrious past which has existed for almost 2 centuries, defending the settlers of early days.

The Museum offers an opportunity to get acquainted with how Dubai interacted with different people & civilizations across history. Learn about different environments of urban & rural lives - marine, coastal, desert, mountain or agricultural. Rare authentic monuments, original samples, drawings & diagrams, audio & video media are scattered all over the halls.

A section displays antique pottery, weapons, tombs, buildings. Another wing depicts a market in the 1950s displaying comprehensive examples reflecting the atmosphere, vendors, shops & goods sold in those times. There are examples of a traditional home & a masjid, Old Dubai fortifications, weapons, an oasis, desert & the story of water. There is a section devoted to Astronomy & natural phenomena. The ‘Sea’ section takes the visitor on a breathtaking tour to get to know shipbuilding & the manufacture of shipping equipment, the profession of pearl diving & the marine life on the floor of the Arabian Gulf.

In the centre of Fahidi Fort lies a spacious yard that is used for displaying models of local boats & bamboo houses with their traditional furniture.

After spending an hour here, walk through the Material market on the way to Abra Terminal where you will board an “Abra” - a traditional boat used as local water taxi - which will take you across the Dubai Creek. Enjoy the spectacular view of the city as you head towards the famous Spice Souk & Gold Souk - the most famous landmark of Dubai in the district of Deira on the other side of the Creek.

Walk through the bustling alleys of these Souks being amazed by mystical aromas of numerous exotic spices

Get a unique & affordable souvenir as you wander among the breath-taking amount of dazzling jewelry, varying from traditional to the latest designs, at amazingly affordable prices, displayed by almost 350 shops.

Enjoy a ‘buffet’ Lunch at one of the exotic restaurants in the Souk.

Tour ends at a specific vantage point in the city & you will be transferred back to the hotel (you can stay back & return to the hotel on your own, if you so desire, but before 03.00 pm).

Later, around 03.30 pm, you will be picked up for an exciting 6 hour experience in the desert.

Depart on an interesting journey with several photo-stops during an exciting drive over the Sand Dunes as you enjoy a Desert Safari.

Arrive at the starting point in the Desert after about an hour of driving.

The adventure begins with a 20 minute adrenaline-pumping speed- ride, cascading over steep golden sand dunes in a 4 X 4 vehicles, dune bashing, going up & down  seeing the sand sweeping around your vehicle driven by a highly skilled driver, provoking many shrieks & excited laughter. (Guests can also opt for one of two optional upgrades - 20 minute quad bike or dune buggy ride - not included, extra payment)

The drive continues across the desert to the tented Bedouin campsite in the middle of the desert, where you will have the opportunity to do something adventurous. You can enjoy a thumping 20 minute Camel ride. You will get a chance to witness a memorable sight - the true Arabian sunset in the desert with its glory & magic. You may even visit a Camel Farm if there is one not too far away from Campsite.

And now, the finale.

As you enter the richly decorated Arabic tents (majlis), you would be accorded a traditional welcome with Arabic tea, coffee & dates. The Tents with Persian rugs & traditional accessories are set up to create a typical Bedouin camp under the stars. Relax sitting on the plush carpeted floor, while the traditional oven is lit in preparation of the dinner. Ladies can try out the traditional Arabic costumes & get a henna tattoo on hands or feet & click pictures with the falcon.

After working up an appetite, enjoy a sumptuous 3 Course Barbecue Buffet Dinner prepared on open fires. Includes a variety of veg. & non-veg options including appetizers, main-course, grilled seafood & something sweet too, accompanied with a variety of salad & soft drinks.

Enjoy a flavored shisha (the famous Arabic water pipe) & drinking traditional Arabic coffee while you watch a captivating belly dancer gyrating around the campfire by starlight. The tempo of the Tannoura music increases as a she starts gyrating to the rhythm of the Band.

Watch the sun setting on the desert, a truly magnificent sight. What better way to experience a true Arabian night than this? The desert safari provides plenty of great photo opportunities, so keep your camera ready.

Drive back to the hotel by around 10.00 pm.

Morning, Check-out at 08.00 am & depart for the other equally famous sheikhdom of Abu Dhabi, the capital of United Arab Emirates, known as the Arabian Jewel located on a T-shaped island jutting into the Persian Gulf from the central western coast.

Abu Dhabi is the capital & 2^nd most populous city in the U A E after Dubai. It is also the seat of government of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, which is ruled by Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan - the current ruling Emir of the UAE. As well, it is the federal capital of the country of United Arab Emirates.

Year-round sunshine, pristine beaches, spectacular sand dunes & pulsating cosmopolitan lifestyle await every guest in Abu Dhabi. Such idyllic setting cuddles this emirate known around the world for its massive oil reserves & majestic Mosques with towering minarets. These, combined with the distinct Arabic hospitality & mystique - & world-class infrastructure - make Abu Dhabi an excellent destination both for the experienced & novice traveller.

Abu Dhabi city bursts with dazzling business-cum-leisure facilities ranging from state-of-the-art convention centre, luxurious hotels, spas, designer golf courses, theatres & now, some of the world’s most famous Museums particularly Guggenheim & Louvre. The palace-like Shopping Malls & indigenous Souqs make for a great shopping expedition, offering the best handicraft from local Bedouins to the best of Paris’ or Milan’s high street fashion brands, sans the ubiquitous sales tax. Gastronomic treats further abound from cool & sophisticated cafes, clubs & restaurants. For the fitness conscious, jogging & cycling (or even roller blading) are a welcome treat especially during the cooler months in the city’s charming Corniche or beachfront, merely minutes away from the bustling city centre.

Cultural sites abound in Abu Dhabi, (the name implies “Father of the Gazelle” most likely due to the large number of gazelles & oryx that once flocked the Emirate’s arid deserts). These heritage sites provide holiday makers with a glimpse of this Emirate’s storied past - reaching as far back as 5000 BC - and an understanding of its people’s culture, values & aspirations.

On the way you will pass through Jebel Ali free zone of Dubai. Once you reach the border of Abu Dhabi you will be astonished by the eye-catching plantations all along the wayside.

Immediately on arrival in the city, proceed on an exciting full day of discovery.

You will visit a selection of carefully-chosen highlights of the UAE's lovely capital; from the remarkable buildings featuring some of the most stunning architecture to be found anywhere, to glimpses into the past. Enter a world where Islamic designs & elements feature modern architecture, blending the new with ancient traditions of the East & the West, in this city where the glorious greens of its gardens vie with the blues of the sea & sky.

Commence your Tour with a visit to the world’s 3^rd biggest Mosque - Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque with its immense dimensions & utmost spirituality. It can accommodate up to 42,000 worshipers at the same time & holds 2 world records, (the world’s biggest Chandelier & world’s largest single piece Carpet designed by Iranian artist). The beautiful Mosque is completely cladded in marble & features intricate Islamic decoration & carvings as well as extensive landscaping. A sacred Islamic worshipping place where even, the non-Muslims are permitted to visit, so they can learn more about the Arabs most dominant Religion, Rituals, and the Arabic-Islamic Art & ornamentation.

Next stop would be the Women’s Handicraft Centre, where you will admire the skill and dexterity of local ladies making traditional 'tali' handicrafts. Proceed to Abu Dhabi’s oldest building, Al Husn Palace built in the 18^th century.

The Tour continues through Al Bateen District, past the Palace area, where you can see the majestic residential palaces of the sheikhs in Abu Dhabi, including the ‘Presidential Palace’. You will then have a brief photo-stop at the world’s most luxurious Hotel, Emirates Palace.

Continue driving towards Abu Dhabi downtown.

Enjoy a magnificent view of the city as you drive along the magnificent Abu Dhabi Corniche past gleaming white mosques, glass-clad offices & elegant high-rise apartments to the tip of the Breakwater that stretches out into the sea, for a superb view of the city’s magnificent skyline.

Lots of ‘eating’ options here & you will enjoy Lunch in the city (included).

Visit the Heritage Village which houses a small Museum depicting the traditional daily activities of the Arab community & where you will get a chance to journey in the past to explore the life before Oil was discovered in Abu Dhabi & the Middle - east in general. See the Dhow yard where traditional boats are built the same way they have been for hundreds of years.

Visit Qasr al-Hosn, a historical landmark & the oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi, built in 1761. The city's first permanent structure, the Watchtower was used for defending the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi Island. The commanding structure overlooked the coastal trade routes & protected the growing settlement established on the island. Over the centuries, Qasr Al Hosn has been home to the ruling family & seat of the government.

Transformed into a Museum in 2018 following more than 11 years of intensive conservation & restoration work, Qasr Al Hosn is a national monument that encapsulates the development of Abu Dhabi from a settlement reliant on fishing & pearling in the 18^th century, to a modern, global metropolis, with displays of artefacts & archival materials dating back to as far as 6000 BC. It now stands as the nation’s living Memorial & the narrator of Abu Dhabi’s history as part of a larger historic complex that also includes the National Consultative Council building, the Cultural Foundation & National Archives;

Drive to the famous man made Yas Island which houses the Formula 1 Yas circuit at the famous Ferrari World with a huge Red Ferrari sign at the entrance - the world’s biggest indoor air-conditioned Theme Park, with more than 22 Rides & Simulators, where you can enjoy watching the world’s fastest Roller-Coaster sliding down with a speed of more than 240 km / hour.

From here, drive  for 20 minutes to reach the famous low-lying giant Saadiyat Island, location of a tourism-cultural project showcasing Nature & Emirati heritage & culture, 500 metres off the coast of Abu Dhabi island. The Island also boasts 2 gorgeous white-sand beaches (which protect critically endangered Hawksbill turtles), competition-worthy Saadiyat Beach Golf Club & a collection of luxury hotels.

The gorgeous, natural 27 square kilometre Island has been undergoing a remarkable transformation into a world-class leisure, residential, business & cultural hub, housing the world's largest single concentration of premier cultural assets, including the functional Louvre Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum & Guggenheim Abu Dhabi in the future.

The building was designed by Pritzker-prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel. A symphony in concrete, water & the subtle play of reflected light, the incredible structure was inspired by the region’s rich architectural traditions & the Museum’s unique location, where the Arabian sky meets the sands of Saadiyat Island & the waters of the Arabian Gulf. The centrepiece of Nouvel’s vision is a huge silvery Dome that appears to float above the Museum-city. Despite its apparent weightlessness, the Dome weighs around 7,500 tons, about the same as the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Clearly showcasing the juxtaposition of different civilisations in the same space, the Museum illustrates similarities & exchanges from the shared human experience, going beyond geography, nationality & history.

You will visit the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi, an art & civilization Museum in the Arab World, translating & fostering the spirit of openness between cultures. This art-lovers’ dream displays works of historical, cultural & sociological significance, from ancient times to the contemporary era, encompassing 9,200 square metres of Galleries, including a Permanent Gallery & a Temporary Gallery enriched by loans from notable French museums including Musee du Louvre, Musee d'Orsay & Centre Pompidou.

Another cultural icon is the Manarat Al Saadiyat that brings Saadiyat's vision to life, encouraging visitors to connect. Meaning 'place of enlightenment' in Arabic, it hosts the annual Abu Dhabi Art Fair and various Workshops encompassing Printmaking, Self-portrait & Figure drawing, Theatre & Robotics. It also organises Comedy nights, Sky-gazing, Yoga, Conferences, Talks & Film screenings.

And finally, the day ends & you are transferred your downtown hotel, 7 minutes away.

Arrive by evening & Check-in.

Balance of the day is at leisure for independent exploration or optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Morning, depart for the Garden city of Al Ain - one of the oldest settlements in the region.

But enroute, enjoy a unique experience as you stop at an eco-friendly camel-hide leather factory.

Camels have long been a Bedouin’s best friend, providing food, clothing, transportation, shelter & protection, and becoming a symbol of reliability & resilience in the harsh Arabian climate. Former UAE President & Ruler of Abu Dhabi HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan wanted to take this a step further & constructed the Al Khaznah Tannery to transform local camel hides into finished leather.

It is the first Tannery to produce an exclusive range of leathers tanned using the most advanced environmentally friendly technologies. As well as creating butter-soft leather in all manner of colours & finishes, Al Khaznah’s products are bio-degradable within 6 months & produced using environmentally friendly & sustainable methods. And it is not just local businesses across the UAE that are benefitting: the Tannery’s unique techniques have ensured it is now on its way to supplying camel leather to some of Paris’s famous fashion houses. There are many ways of tanning leather.

The tanning industry has always been seen as polluting. Until 15 years ago, untreated waste water from Tanneries all over, including in Europe & UK, was being disposed right into the ocean. This Tannery tries to minimise the environmental impact by using hazard-free chemicals. All waste is recycled & the used water is treated & injected back into the process.

Tanning involves stabilising the protein structure [of the hide] that would otherwise rot. The traditional method uses wood barks & extracts. Unlike traditional leathers universally produced with synthetic oils to gain their required softness, the natural oils used in the process consist of vegetable sustainable extracts.

Observe & learn about the unique leather & tanning processes from the factory staff. Although, Al Khaznah provides leather to manufacturers, supplying in bulk to companies, it also produces some leather goods in smaller quantities on demand.

After spending an hour here, drive on to Al Ain, one of the agricultural centers of the Emirates & a university town & the birthplace of Sheik Zayed, the founding father, ruler & President of the U.A.E.  It is a stunningly green city with an incredible number of public parks and numerous green houses.

About 2 hours east of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain is fed by natural springs and is set among oases & plantations, garnering it the nickname 'Garden City'. The birthplace of the United Arab Emirates' founding father Sheikh Zayed was once a vital stop on the caravan route between Oman & the Gulf.

Arrive in the City driving up the snaking road along the craggy contours of Jebel Hafeet just south of town & immediately commence the sightseeing tour.

A sprawling stunningly green city with palm groves fed by natural springs set among central oasis & plantations, it has an incredible number of public parks & numerous green houses. Nicknamed 'Garden City', for thousands of years the Oasis of Al Ain has been a vital caravan stop on the ancient trade routes across Arabia, between Oman & the Gulf.

Unlike Abu Dhabi, Dubai & Sharjah, laid-back Al Ain with its lack of ultra-modern skyscrapers, preserved Fort & smattering of UNESCO World Heritage sites has given it a reputation as culturally authentic, while the Zoo & Wadi Adventure water park are popular family destinations on the weekend. The fact that it is home to the UAE's highest proportion of Emirati nationals (clocking in at a whopping 30%) also helps.

Visitors flock to its forts, museums, zoo & a smattering of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Unlike Abu Dhabi, Dubai & Sharjah, Al Ain lacks ultramodern skyscrapers & as a result, feels more culturally authentic. The fact that it is home to the UAE's highest proportion of Emirati nationals (clocking in at a whopping 30%) also helps.

First stop will be Qasr Al Ain or Al Ain Palace, one of the best-reinstated forts in Abu Dhabi & an important historical site. It is a direct testimony to the period of rule of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan in Al Ain & was his original place of residence. The Palace is also the birthplace of HH Sheikh Mohamad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the current Crown Prince of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The royal family moved to Abu Dhabi in 1966.

In 1998, it was converted into Sheik Zayed Palace Museum to celebrate UAE’s rich history, preserving its links to the present & the future. The Museum provides insights into the lives & culture of both the ruling family & the community until the country’s transformation after the discovery of petroleum. The Bedouin-style architecture (Bedouins are the nomadic Arab people from the region) dates back to 1937.

The rambling low-rise cinnamon-coloured compound is divided into private, guest & official quarters & landscaped with cacti, magnolia trees & palms. A contrast of modern design elements & traditional Emirati influences can be seen throughout the property. The structure of the Museum is a conglomeration of courtyards that merge official & private facilities in one complex.

Each of these areas was built & restored using locally sourced & environmentally-friendly building materials including clay, adobe & plaster stones, as well as palm-tree elements for roofing rooms, ceilings, doors & windows. You can step inside the Majlis (reception room) where Zayed received guests & snap a photo of the Land Rover he used to visit the desert Bedouin.

The most visited section of the Museum is the room that was devoted to teaching the Palace residents the Holy Quran, with Hadith, that comprises the teachings & sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), inscribed on the ceiling. Visitors can see artifacts from a famous nearby excavation site dating back 3000 BC, ancient Arabic manuscripts & royal treasures of H.H. Sheikh Zayed.

Move on to the picturesque Al Jahili Fort, one of the UAE’s most historic buildings & an illustration of Islamic military architecture. Sheikh Zayed owned a farm in Al Ain & he ordered construction of the Fort to control the tribes who lived in the area, defend the city & protect his precious palm groves. The Fort as a symbol of power, reflects the nation’s history & importance of Al Ain to Abu Dhabi’s ruling family. It was also used as the royal summer residence.

In the early 1950s, British forces came to Al Ain & incorporated the Fort into a larger enclosure that formed their regional headquarters. Barracks & other buildings were added to the compound. This military use of the tower continued until around 1970. An Al Ain landmark, it was carefully restored in 2007 - 2008, & now houses a permanent exhibition devoted to the British adventurer & photographer Sir Wilfred Thesiger.

At the end of the 19^th century, the Emirate of Abu Dhabi was ruled by Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (r.1855-1909).  During summer, the rulers left the intense humidity of the coast for the more temperate weather of Al Ain, with its low humidity, fertile land & fresh water.

Enjoy Lunch at a city restaurant.

From here, drive to Al Hili Archaeological Park outside Al Ain city.

Combining both a public garden & an impressive archaeological site, this is a popular place for visitors & residents. The Park was developed to highlight the ancient monuments of Al Ain & make them easily accessible. The site not only provides the earliest known evidence of an agricultural village dating back to 3000 BCE but also contains other Bronze Age & Iron Age structures, burial grounds & forts. In the period between 2500BCE & 2000BCE, the settlement at Hili expanded. Artefacts from these sites can be seen in Al Ain National Museum.

The Park’s centrepiece is the Hili Grand Tomb, from 2000 BCE. Built in a circular form with a diameter of up to 12 metres & approx. 4 metres high, the Tomb was used to bury people from surrounding settlements. It has 2 entrances decorated with beautifully engraved reliefs portraying human & animal figurines. Many other similar Tombs can be found throughout the area of Hili, with an archaeological trail being planned to permit tourists to visit these sites & learn more about the Umm an-Nar culture up close.

Explore the Al Hili Tombs that were used for collective burials over centuries & their funerary goods give valuable evidence of life in the oasis. You will find see Fossil Valley, an area rich in a variety of fossils dating back many thousands of years to when it was covered by the sea.

Next stop will be the Camel Market of Al Ain.

Dusty, noisy, pungent & chaotic. Al Ain's famous family-friendly quaint Camel Market is a full immersion in traditional authentic Arab culture & a wonderful place to take a few fantastic photographs. All sorts of camels are holed up in pens, from wobbly legged babies that might grow up to be racers to beautiful imposing studs kept for breeding. The market is a one-of-a-kind experience offering a closer look at the animal that enjoys a special place in Emirati heritage.

You have a good opportunity to observe these extraordinary "ships of desert" up close & see traders discussing the price & merits of their animals. The intense haggling is fun to watch. Trading takes place in the morning, but it is usually possible to see the corralled animals all day long.

In the active livestock section, watch locals arrive in pickups laden with goats & sheep & other animals, ready to do some hard bargaining. There are some excellent photo opportunities, but be careful where you point your lens & always ask permission first.

Visitors are welcome to get up close, attend mock races, take pictures with the camels. Some traders may offer to give you a tour (for a fee), but you are free to walk around on your own. Taking photographs will also elicit requests for payment. Haggling should bring the often exorbitant asking price down to Dhs10 or Dhs20. (you will have the Tour-guide with you, so not relevant to you).

A highlight is the drive up the mountain road snaking to the top of Jebel Hafeet, treating you to sweeping views of the arid splendour that is the Empty Quarter along the way.

Jabal Hafeet is a mountain rising to a height of 1,249 metres, in the region of Tawam, on the border of the UAE & Oman, which may be considered an outlier of Al Hajar Mountains in Eastern Arabia. The mountain range is the reason for the vastly different climate in Oman from that of the UAE. Abu Dhabi’s highest & UAE’s 2^nd tallest, this limestone behemoth has been weathered over millennia, with significant fossil discoveries made in the area being vital pieces in the jigsaw that makes up the city’s ancient history.

Reach the summit of the rocky mountain for sweeping breathtaking views of the arid splendour of the Empty Quarter & the lush garden city below. Sunrise & sunset are especially incredible.

At the foot of Jebel Hafit, occupying a 9 km stretch, sits the family-friendly UNESCO World Heritage listed Jebel Hafit Desert Park. Boasting majestic natural surroundings, here one can hike, mountain bike, enjoy a horse or camel ride & discover fascinating archaeological & historical remains that tell enchanting stories of this unique area’s ancient habitation. These archaeological remains include remnants of the Neolithic period from 8,000 years ago, to the 5,000-year-old Jebel Hafit Tombs excavated in 1959 at the request of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. These Tombs mark the beginning of the Bronze Age in the UAE, with excavations by Danish archaeologists finding evidence of ceramic vessels & copper artefacts, indicating the importance of maritime trade across the Arabian Gulf even then. The single-chamber Tombs are made of local, unworked or roughly cut stones & differ from the later Umm an-Nar Tombs in the area, which were made from finely worked blocks & contained the remains of hundreds of people.

The Park not only preserves the area’s rich history but also its unique biodiversity, encouraging visitors to experience this dynamic landscape up close & understand how it has changed over millions of years.

Last stop will be Qasr Al Muwaiji, where you will learn everything about the history of this region. 

Qasr Al Muwaiji is an impressive fort, a fine example of early 20^th century mud-brick architecture & has played a major role in the history of the United Arab Emirates for more than 100 years.

The carefully restored Fort, was built by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Khalifa & is the birthplace of Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the current president of the UAE.

The location, Al Muwaiji Oasis, is the smallest in Al Ain & contains approximately 21,000 Palm trees, as well as a Falaj irrigation system that uses ground-level & underground water canals to bring water from the nearby mountains. Even the grounds of the Fort have been used over the years for Date Palm cultivation.

A stylised Falaj marks the entrance while inside the thick mud-brick walls, a glass-walled display hall contains exhibits on the lives & leadership of both Sheikh Khalifa & his father, Sheikh Zayed, as well as the history of the Fort itself. The hall leads to the northwest tower, Sheikh Khalifa's childhood home, which you can explore.

The building has always presented a simple but striking form: a square enclosure with projecting corner towers & a grand entrance gate. It was used as a Diwan (a council or seat of governance) & as a place for the community to congregate. The Fort’s mosque also was enlarged, and Qasr Al Muwaiji’s significance as a focus for the community increased as people came there to gather, pray and celebrate.

An exhibition hall, housed in a glass-walled space within the courtyard of the Fort, tells the story of the Fort & its inhabitants, with a focus on highlights the accomplishments of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates.

The Exhibit traces the history of Qasr Al Muwaiji from the earliest archaeological evidence through to today & sets out the chronology of the members of Abu Dhabi’s ruling family with a connection to the Fort & include its role in hosting state visitors. The Displays also explain the importance of water to life in Al Ain & its Oasis.

And finally, the sightseeing concludes & you are transferred to the hotel.

Check-in at the hotel.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or independent exploration or optional activities (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Morning, Check-out & depart for Dubai, enroute stopping at Sharjah known as the ‘Pearl of the Gulf”.

"Smile you're in Sharjah!"  Located between the Blue Souq & Fish Market, near the Union Bank Tower, the floral call to cheer up etched on the roundabout has lent its name to the roundabout itself.

Sharjah is the 3^rd largest & also the 3^rd most populous city in the United Arab Emirates, forming part of the Dubai-Sharjah-Ajman metropolitan area.

While Dubai is all about flashy tall buildings & shop-till-you-drop malls, Sharjah takes a more subtle approach, forgoing glitz to concentrate on culture & history.

Sharjah was historically one of the wealthiest towns in this region with a settlement in existence for over 5000 years.

In the early 18^th century, the Qawasim clan (Huwayla tribe) established itself in Sharjah. On 8 January 1820, Sheikh Sultan I signed the General Maritime Treaty with Britain, accepting a protectorate to keep the Ottoman Turks out.

At the height of World War II, Nazi propaganda infiltrated the town. Loud transmissions of pro-Hitler speeches could be heard emanating from the Sheikh of Sharjah's palace during a period in 1940 & messages sharing a similar sentiment had been graffitied on walls in the town centre according to British intelligence reports at the time. Because the message being propagated by the Germans was one of anti-Imperialism, it found a sympathetic audience among the Emirate's populace. After the Sheikh was confronted by the British, he wrote a letter reiterating his support for the British war efforts & disputed the charges laid out against Abdullah bin Faris, a secretary of the Sheikh. The incident resolved after the Sheikh & bin Faris ceased from transmitting propaganda and doubled down on their support of the British.

Sharjah is known as the cultural & literature hub of the U A E & the city is rooted in its Arabic & Islamic heritage with many Ummayyad & Abbasid styled public buildings (all designed by the present Shaikh himself - a qualified architect), offering a glimpse of Arabic & Islamic environment in an otherwise largely westernized country.

While Abu Dhabi & Dubai are all about flashy tall buildings & shop-till-you-drop malls, neighbouring Sharjah takes a more subtle approach, forgoing glitz to concentrate on culture & history. It offers visitors a vastly larger view into Arabic & Islamic Art, Literature & Architecture as well as Libraries, Islamic Museums & Cultural Centers.

Some travellers are put off by its conservative reputation (the Emirate is 'dry'; no alcohol is available anywhere), but if you can handle a day or two without a beer, Sharjah is home to some of the best Museums & Art galleries in the country: the restored Sharjah Heritage Area & the mind-bogglingly vast history of the Mleiha Archaeological Site.

Sharjah is doing more than the other Emirates to preserve its heritage & consequently UNESCO declared it Cultural Capital of the Arab World in 1998, a recognition reaffirmed in 2014, when it became Capital of Islamic Culture.

Closely connected to Dubai through the Dubai-Sharjah-Ajman metropolitan area, with commuter traffic creating ‘serious’ rush hour traffic jams.  Once you have penetrated the traffic-clogged outskirts of town, the historic old town is easy to navigate on foot.

The city has many green parks, apartment complexes & a very large community multi-ethnic community of Arabs & about 100 + other nationalities making the city an effective cultural meeting pot. Couple of hours are required to explore the Heritage & Arts areas, the Souqs & excellent Museums.

Immediately on arrival, begin a journey of discovery through the Emirate.

All tours start at the marvellously (& aptly) named Cultural Roundabout, where mock-Renaissance buildings housing various Museums encircle the, yes, roundabout.

The Cultural Square features a 14 metre high pedestal with a sculpture of the Holy Quran. Designed by Spanish sculptor Marinas Rubias, it is the centerpiece of the Roundabout in the Square, representing the spiritual heart of the city. The Sculpture is encircled by a number of stately buildings illustrating typical Islamic architecture & reconstructed with traditional materials. These buildings are of prominence in UAE history, particularly the Ruler’s Office & the Ahmad Bin Hanbal Mosque. There is also the Cultural Palace, a venue for Concerts & Events.

The Sharjah Heritage district also called the Heart of Sharjah, encompasses Al Hisn Fort, Galleries & Museums. Literature Square covers House of Poetry, Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, Sharjah Heritage Museum which gives a great insight into the cultural traditions of the past.

The area is also home to the traditional covered Souq Al Arsa with an array of items to sell including antiques and the office of the Sharjah Centre for Cultural Communication where you can get info on Sharjah attractions

You will pass by the King Faisal Mosque, one of the largest in the Emirates. 

Stop at the renovated Al Hisn Fort of Sharjah, former residence of the ruling family converted in 2015 into a Museum. A double story traditional rock, coral & adobe fortification in the centre of the city, the Fort was originally constructed in 1823 by the then Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi. & was considered the biggest & most important construction in Sharjah.

One of the most important heritage buildings in Sharjah, the Fort offers the opportunity to learn about the modern history of Sharjah, the ruling family, the history of the Fort, the defense methods & Sharjah’s everyday life 200 years ago.

The square- shaped construction, featuring a spacious yard in the middle, consists of 2 main floors & 3 towers built for defensive purposes, mainly to protect the city & its inhabitants. Built with coral stones collected from the deep sea waters of the Arabian Gulf. The solid thick walls & high watchtowers, were covered with a light brown plaster & the doors were made of teak wood. Mangrove trunks & parts of palm trees (fronds, leaves & fibers) were used to build the ceilings.

It was the headquarters of Sharjah government. Exploring inside, you will come across a wide collection of photographs & archaeological artifacts. In Al Muhalwasa jail, visitors will learn about the first jurisdiction system adopted in Sharjah. You will also get the chance to find out how “dibs” (date molasses) was made in the past. You will learn about the weapons & defense strategies used by the Sheikhs & their guards.

Continue to the Sharjah Heritage Museum which conserves & displays the rich traditional customs & culture of Sharjah as a source of pride & inspiration to Emiratis.

In an architecturally designed 2 storey family house built around a shaded courtyard, the Museum is dedicated to a family life reconstruction many years ago. There are many rooms which has displays of traditional furniture along with household items too. Moreover, there are also provision of children's costumes, games & jewellery.

Begin a journey of discovery through Sharjah's rich & diverse heritage and explore traditions that have endured the test of time. You will see handcrafted works of art & objects that date back to a time when local people relied solely on fishing & pearling.

Trace the development of education, currency & the early postal system. Discover the traditional skills & crafts relating to jewelry, costumes, herbal medicines, music & folklore.

Move on to the 80,000 sq. metre Souk al-Markazi (Central Market), popularly known as the Blue Souq (because of the blue tiles on the outside walls) - the main shopping hub & one of the most impressive landmarks.

The 2 floor building has been designed by the British architects Michael Lyle & Partners, based on the ideas & guidance of the Ruler of Sharjah, HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi & was completed in 1978. The architecture captures the character of a traditional bazaar on a grand scale. Located on the shore of the Khalid Lagoon, it is most beautiful at sunset, seen across the water.

The Central Souk consists of 2 large buildings, interconnected by bridges, with exuberant vaults & a unique skyline of 20 wind-towers. An interesting, if slightly chaotic, shopping centre hosting around 600 shops in 2 wings, selling gold, jewelry, gems, perfumes, souvenirs & gifts, as well as electronics, clothes, cosmetics, household & other goods. The ground floor shops tend to stock gold & expensive designer clothes, with the upper level containing shops stocking carpets & curios from as far afield as Afghanistan & Tibet. Haggling over prices in the upper-level shops will frequently attract massive discounts.

Having visited the modern Blue Souq, you will have the time for a brief visit to the colorful traditional Souq Al Arsa. Probably the oldest market place in the U.A.E, it was the meeting place for the Bedouins & their camels in the old days.

Step into the covered Souq & begin a journey back in time as you walk along the comfortably air-conditioned alleyways of the market designed with solid wooden doors, beautiful coral brick walls & hanging lanterns.

This Souq is home to numerous quaint stores selling local, new & antique handicrafts, wooden articles, Arabic bridal & pearl chests, copper coffee pots, ethnic & handmade jewellery, perfume bottles & incense, hand-made woven garments, palm-leaf baskets, medicinal herbs, carpets, shawls & novelties.

There is a very famous Omani Halwa (sweets) shop in the discreet corner - a real olfactory delight that tempts every passerby to taste the inimitable indigenous sweets. You will also have an opportunity to observe how the traditional Halwa is prepared.

And when you are tired of walking, there is the popular Coffee shop serving Arabic coffee & Sulaimani (black tea), where you can engage in conversations with fellow tourists & shoppers and perhaps even get a few intelligent tips from the locals to make your trip more memorable (in addition to our suggestions, of course).

The office of the Sharjah Centre for Cultural Communication (official Tourist Bureau) is located in this Souq, where you can get more info on Sharjah attractions & pick up some colourful brochures.

The sightseeing of the UAE’s cultural capital concludes & you proceed for Lunch in a nearby restaurant where you will enjoy an authentic Bedouin meal of Mandi, a succulent recipe of meats or fish with marvelous spices from this part of the world. 

And now, time to leave for a short drive back to the Emirate of Dubai.

But the experience is not over yet as you reach “Dubai Mall”, world’s largest destination for shopping, entertainment & leisure, located next to the world's tallest building, an integral part of Downtown Dubai.

At over 12 million square feet (equivalent to more than 200 soccer fields), the Dubai Mall is the largest shopping mall in the world based on total area Featuring over 1,200 retail stores, 2 major department stores and hundreds of food & beverage outlets.

For lovers of high fashion, over 70 signature Outlets beckon your attention, including retailers such as Bloomingdale’s & Galeries Lafayette, the 1^st in the Middle East. For haute couture, head to Fashion Avenue where you can experience the latest collections from world renowned designers & brands such as Versace, Burberry & more.

You can also find the finest gold jewellery in the 21^st century Gold Souk as well as the latest in footwear at Level Shoes set off against an incredible array of art on display.

The Mall is the ultimate family entertainment destination linked by a fully air-conditioned link bridge. A centrepiece of the Mall is the world class Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, one of the largest in the world. With the capacity to hold 10 million litres of water, Dubai Aquarium illuminates the marvels of the ocean floor & showcases one of the most diverse collections of thousands of fascinating aquatic animals, including sharks & rays. The 270 degree acrylic walkthrough Tunnel makes for incredible close-encounter experiences. . A special 'lunar-cyclic' lighting system changes the ambiance of the tank depending on the time of day.

There are also the children ‘edutainment’ section - Kidzania, a massive interactive mini-city that combines play with learning in a fun & innovative way. There is an Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink with a giant 20 metre x 10 metre LED screen & a massive indoor Reel Cinema complex with 22 screens, which can seat 2,800 people. With an impressive array of leisure pursuits, this is the ultimate, cutting-edge shopping experience, just some of the ways to keep everyone busy.

Spend an hour or 2 (depending on available time & Tour-guide’s discretion) to explore the world’s largest Mall with its promenades lined with the most extensive Food & Beverage offerings with over 200 outlets from fine dining to casual - an array of themed cafes & restaurants, each offering an al-fresco dining experience with engrossing views.

But, apart from all else, the Mall is internationally famous as the site of Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest Tower & the centerpiece of the Gulf region's most prestigious urban development to date.

It is an understatement to say that Burj Khalifa represents the state-of-the-art in building design. From an initial concept through completion, a combination of several important technological innovations & innovative structural design methods have resulted in a superstructure that is both efficient & robust. The Tower pierces the sky at 828 metres with more than 163 stories set in a stepped design that narrows as it climbs, syringe-like, to the sky, patterned after the repetition of a single geometric shape, meant to echo Islamic art. Bringing a new meaning to the term Skyscraper, the building is part of the massive downtown Dubai complex of offices, hotels, shopping malls, entertainment precincts & apartments.

Opened in January 2010, the Burj, piercing the sky at 828 metre, is a stunning feat of architecture & engineering, with 2 Observation Decks on the 124^th & 148^th floors (note that high humidity often cloaks Dubai in a dense haze, making views less than breathtaking) and restaurant-bars on the 122^nd & 154^th floor. You will feel like a VIP upon being welcomed by a Guest Ambassador & treated to soft drinks, coffee & dates in the fancy Sky Lounge at the world's highest Observation platform called At the Top Sky located at 555 metre on the 148^th floor (watching a multimedia presentation on the way and then taking in the sights through the deck's floor-to-ceiling glass walls). 

Aside from the views, a highlight on this floor is an interactive screen where you 'fly' to different city landmarks by hovering your hands over high-tech sensors. This is followed by a trip down to the 125^th floor where another VR experience awaits: A Falcon's Eye View, which lets you see Dubai from a bird's-eye perspective. 125^th floor also offers a new immersive experience - step on an inspired glass floor with a twist. Feel the glass crack underneath your feet, as you explore the lofty heights from 456 metres in the air.

But, you will be going to the lower Observation Deck called At the Top on 124^th floor (supplement cost if you want to visit the 148^th floor).

Leave the Reception area aboard the 65 metre long Escalator on a trip that transports you through time, being entertained & informed by a multi-media presentation that chronicles Dubai's earliest exotic history & the fascinating story of Burj Khalifa construction before squeezing into the world's fastest double-deck Elevators that whisks you 452 metres up, at a cruising speed of 10 metre per second.

As the doors open, floor to ceiling glass walls of the Observation Deck, provide a breath-taking unobstructed 360 degree view of the city, the desert & the ocean. Pause briefly at a unique viewing point for your first close-up view of the soaring Burj Khalifa, seen through a skylight framing its awe-inspiring height.

To intensify the viewing experience, you can drop a few Dirhams into the avant-garde high-powered Telescopes to enjoy unrivalled panoramas & a stunning look at the world below, which not only zeroes in on modern-day Dubai but also simulates the same view at night & in the 1980s. You can also walk the entire perimeter for the most comprehensive views. If you wish, venture out onto the open-air terrace to enjoy another perspective of the sweeping views below & dramatic vistas from the top of this 163 floor structure.

From this perch on 124^th floor, discover the rarity, the joy, the miracle & experience the breath taking view of the Persian Gulf & the Dubai Fountain show, enjoying the synchronized water spectacle from an eagle eye point of view. With panoramic visibility on the rest of the Emirate, it is the perfect spot for capturing the Burj Khalifa moments forever and integrate reality & special effects with memorable green screen photography.

After the 2 hour experience, you will come down to the Mall level & you may wander through the gardens & fountains of Burj Khalifa Park.

At the pre-arranged time, you will be met by a Journeys Driver & transferred back to the hotel.

Balance of the evening is at leisure (we will be happy to offer suggestions if you are in the mood for further exploration & make arrangements).

Morning, meet the Tour-guide in the in the Lobby at 07.00 am & proceed on an exciting full day excursion to discover the scenic East Coast of the Emirates, bordering Oman.

Drive along Musandum’s picturesque western coast with its dramatic limestone scenery & reticulated coastline to reach the fishing harbor at Dibba village in Musandam Peninsula in the northern-most part of Sultanate of Oman. It has one of the most rugged, isolated & beautiful coastlines in the world, with the towering 2000 metre high Hajar Mountains rising directly out of the sea creating spectacular fjords & crystal-clear waters providing an awe-inspiring backdrop for the caves, bays & pebble beaches along the coast and making this area one of the best diving & snorkeling spots in the world.

Accessible but still isolated in character, separated from the rest of Oman by the eastern coastline of UAE & guarding the southern side of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf, Musandam with its cultural eccentricities, is dubbed the ‘Norway of Arabia’ for its beautiful Khors (rocky inlets), small villages & dramatic, mountain-hugging roads.

The Musandam Governorate is an Omani peninsula. Boasting some of the Sultanate’s most dramatic landscape, its jagged coastline & fjord are home to Dolphins & other marine life and Dhow cruises are a popular activity.

The mountains have housed extremely isolated communities for centuries & many coastal villages can only be reached by boat. It also includes the village of Madha in Musandam which is completely encircled by UAE.  In 1930s, the Madhanis chose to pledge their allegiance to the Sheik of Oman, based on the firm belief that Oman was wealthier, had a stronger government, & would be better placed to protect the village's water supply. The boundary was settled in 1969 & Madha residents' decision to align with Oman made them an enclave of the Oman.

In another tiny enclave called Nahwa, the tribe pledged allegiance to Sharjah, so this village became part of UAE. They didn't win the rest of the coast though, which is why Musandam is also not connected to the rest of Oman & why you have this small island of UAE inside Oman & the other Omani island inside UAE.  Some Bedouin communities are still today closed for non-Omanis. Omanis in the region have for centuries developed close trading ties with Iran & the Iranian city of Bandar Abbas is just 65 km by boat across the Strait of Hormuz

The sheltered bays offer a safe environment for snorkelers & non- divers to explore. Marine life of the Gulf of Oman is rich in diversity with fish, corals, turtles & invertebrates.

Cross the Oman / UAE border & after the Immigration formalities. Border Control on both sides is painfully slow & require travelers to fill out Forms. The process to get a UAE Exit & Omani Entry Visa usually requires 30-60 minutes on normal days but during other times, it may take longer  (Canadian & US nationals do not require an Omani Visa to cross into Musandam. Passport is mandatory, though & please check for updated regulations directly)

Dibba is a pretty compact town which has a large natural harbour on the East Coast & in previous periods of history, it was attacked by several regional & colonial powers. It is the entry point to Eastern Musandam & is a quaint, rather classic border town with no attractions.

Arrive at the Dibba harbour around 10.00 am to board a traditional double-decker Arabian Dhow featuring traditional carpeted Omani interiors & equipped with comfortable seats, cushions, rugs & pillows. You will be welcomed with Arabic tea & coffee.

Enjoy your time lazing & / or sunbathing on the Deck as the Dhow cruises around the fjords, offering an insight into the fantastic landscape amidst an ambience of peace & tranquility. Pass by the salty white mountains, naturally carved caves, Haffa beaches & Ziggy Bay.

For ‘lucky’ people, there is a possibility of seeing a school of Dolphins swimming along the Dhow. There are several pods of humpback dolphins living in the Musandam fjords & the Dhow Captain knows the correct spots (feeding strictly not allowed, Dhow crew whistles to attract).

Stop to swim & Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean (complimentary snorkeling equipment & towels will be provided & there are Showers on board). Scuba diving is one of the most popular tourist activities here & there are over 20 Dive sites, all of them also suitable for Snorkeling. The water temperature ranges from 22°C in the winter to 30°C in the summer. There are SSI & PADI certified Dive Centers in Dibba.

Enjoy an Arabian Lunch on board. Complimentary soft drinks, mineral water & fruits are available throughout the cruise.

Post lunch, you will have more time on the Dhow, to spend as you please - swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing & admiring the amazing landscapes.

Head back to the harbor by 03.00 pm & get ready to disembark / depart for Dubai.

Continue along the rugged coast, passing sleepy fishing villages as your Tour-guide shares snippets about the villages.

However, the other border town – Khasab, the state capital of the Musandam peninsula on the coast of the Hormuz Strait between Iran, UAE & Oman, does have interesting historical attractions (taking this route back to Dubai, would be strictly subject to the time & Tour-guide’s discretion).

Reach your hotel in Dubai by evening.

Balance of the evening free to relax or for optional activities (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Get up early & depart before dawn for Muscat in Oman, passing through the most picturesque landscape, from desert to mountain.

Enroute while still in UAE territory, you will stop at Hatta.

Hatta, scattered with palm trees & cradled by the jagged contours of the Hajar Mountains, became an enclave of Dubai Emirate during the reign of Hasher Bin Maktoum after the Omani Sultan Turki bin Said transferred the territory to Dubai (much before the federation of UAE came into being).

Since the early 1980s, Hatta has been a popular chilled-out mountain retreat, a weekend destination for adventurous western expats & locals escaping the car-exhaust-clogged Dubai streets & sticky humidity of the coast for 'wadi bashing' through the tracks between Hatta, Mahdah & Al Ain.

From taming the rough terrain on a mountain bike though recently opened series of  52 km free to ride & self-guided with clear markers, interconnected mountain-bike trails for beginner to advanced-level riders, to tackling the highly photogenic green-blue teal waters of the Hatta dam by kayak, Hatta is the ideal spot for adventure. There is the Wadi Adventure Hub area, just east of town, which promises zip lines, a climbing wall & various other adrenaline-fuelled pursuits.

Another major draw is the restored, centuries-old Hatta Heritage Village in the central town, where you will learn about Dubai’s Arabian heritage from food to folklore. It comprises 30 buildings, including huts & stone houses with palm-frond roofs houses, reconstructed as they were hundreds of years ago. There is a Museum housing relics of true Emirati life, historic documents & exhibits include traditional weapons, furniture & crockery. The Museum also hosts several events throughout the year, especially around UAE National Day (2 December).  

The Village includes 2 prominent military Watchtowers from the 1880s, a Fort from 1896 & the oldest building in Hatta - a still functional Juma Mosque built in 1780. There is an ancient traditional water supply system called Falaj that has been restored.

Spend an hour here before driving towards the border.

After the Immigration formalities (how long, depends on the line up) & cross over into Sultanate of Oman.

Reach the town of Sohar, a major city in northern Oman boasting a long & eventful history.

A little bit about Oman, first, which was closed to foreigners, not too long ago.

The Sultanate of Oman casts a spell on many who visit this charming yet to be discovered country, in tourism context.

The oldest independent state in the Arab world, Oman is one of the more traditional countries in the Gulf region, strategically placed at the south-east corner of the Arabian Peninsula bordering United Arab Emirates on the northwest, Saudi Arabia on the west & Yemen on the southwest. Oman lies on a coastline of 1,700km & a land mass of over 300,000 square km of major strategic & historical importance in between the Persian Gulf & Indian Ocean.

The Omani landscape offers indeed a spectacular variety of attributes: mountain ranges reaching an altitude of 3000m (Jabal al Akhdar), fertile plains, rocky wadis, sea sceneries & arid deserts, oases, palm groves, frankincense trees, wildlife & water pools.

The oldest known human settlement in Oman dates to the Stone Age. Sumerian tablets refer to a country called Magan, a name thought to refer to Oman’s ancient copper mines. The present-day name of the country is believed to originate from the Arab tribes who migrated to its territory from the Uman region of Yemen. Many tribes settled in Oman making a living by fishing, herding or stock breeding. Some present day Omani families are able to trace their ancestral roots to other parts of Arabia.

Contact with Europe was established in 1508, when the Portuguese conquered parts of Oman's coastal region & their influence predominated for more than a century. Fortifications built during the Portuguese occupation can still be seen at Muscat.

Except for a brief period when Persia conquered parts of Oman, it has been an independent nation. After the Portuguese were expelled in 1650 & while resisting Persian attempts to establish hegemony, the Sultan of Oman extended his conquests to Zanzibar, other parts of the eastern coast of Africa & portions of the southern Arabian Peninsula.

In years gone by, Oman was rich with copper & frankincense and enjoyed an extensive East African empire. Then, in the early 20^th century, a deeply conservative ruler, Sultan Said, chose deliberately to isolate the country from the modern world.

Coming back to Sohar, a leading city among the nation’s seafaring exploits & a centre of an extensive trading network stretching up & down the Gulf. Once the largest city in Oman, it served as the capital for some centuries until the rise of Muscat around 16^th century.

Sohar is often claimed to be the rumoured home of 2 famous sailors, the historical Ahmed Bin Majid & the semi-fictional legendary Sindbad, hero of the “Seven Voyages of Sindbad the Sailor”, one of the most famous tales in the One Thousand & One Nights, subsequently recycled into countless films, cartoons & books. It is a nice story, given Oman’s historic seafaring prowess & one you will probably see recycled a few times in local tourist literature. According to legends, true or false, mythical Sindbad was a merchant from Baghdad, who set sail from Basra, although the stories of his 7 seafaring voyages & assorted travellers’ tales, most likely derive from Persian sources, or perhaps from the famous collection of Sanskrit fables known as the Panchatantra.

The Sohar region has enjoyed continued prosperity for at least 6 millennia when it developed as a centre for smelting & mining, as well as a major agricultural centre. In the 3^rd century BC, the town’s prosperity was built on copper that was mined locally in the nearby Wadi Jizzi, then shipped to Mesopotamia & Dilmun (modern-day Bahrain).

Sohar retained its pre-eminent commercial position, nonetheless - “the hallway to China, the storehouse of the East”, part of the Silk Road, as the eminent 10^th century historian Al Muqaddasi described it.  Unfortunately, the city’s wealth also attracted less welcome visitors, usually hailing from neighbouring Persia. In 971 & again in 1041, a Persian fleet overran & sacked the city, while around 1276 the city suffered at the hands of almost 5,000 Mongol raiders from Shiraz, although it had at least partly revived by the time Marco Polo visited around 1293.

Sadly, despite its lustrous Arabian Nights heritage, modern Sohar is a somewhat anodyne place. Little more than legend & a Triumphal Arch over Hwy 1 marked Sohar's place in history, however, until the new Port transformed the town into a city, bringing jobs & creating wealth. Nothing remains of the old town, while its major attraction, the imposing Sohar Fort, is closed for extended renovations.

Stop at Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the most magnificent architectural attraction in the city.

The massive Mosque accommodates up to 4600 worshipers & is built in the style of Persian & central Asian Islamic architecture with a touch of Omani architecture. With a large garden, 3 main entrances, 4 minarets with a large blue main dome, it also uniquely integrates wood in its design in a way not common among Omani royal mosques. The intricate interior with a magnificent central Chandelier, is beautifully tiled in a subtle turquoise & gold palette. The Mosque is meant to function as a cultural & social hub and has a public library, a couple of classrooms for Islamic studies, a multi-purpose hall for hosting official cultural & social events.

There is a very famous Omani Halwa (sweets) factory - a real olfactory delight that tempts every passerby to taste the inimitable indigenous sweets. You will also have an opportunity to observe how the traditional Halwa is prepared.

Enjoy Lunch in one of the nearby restaurants before driving on towards Muscat, passing through 2 quaint towns.

As with many other places along the Batinah coast, Barka is a rather sleepy town that gives little sense of its former importance, when it was a major centre of local Gulf trade. The old part of town, near the sea, is looking a bit sad as the traditional mud-built houses are being torn down to make way for a new Corniche. There is an interesting traditional market & the Fort which is being restored. In the nearby new suburb of Bahla, big shops & glitzy restaurants are transforming life in this once sleepy town.

Rather more famous & interesting than the Fort is the beautiful old fortified house of Bait Na’aman.

The unusually tall & narrow house, with alternating Square & round Towers, is thought to have been constructed around 1691 - 92 which was beautifully restored in 1991. Unlike most of Oman’s Forts, the house has been fitted out with a lavish selection of traditional furnishings & fittings, giving the place an engagingly domestic atmosphere & making it easier to imagine what life was like for its former inhabitants than in most other Omani heritage buildings.

Downstairs you will find the original bathroom & stone toilet, both connected to an underground Falaj which formerly brought water all the way from Nakhal. There is also a storage room, in which dates were pressed (the holes in the floor were used to siphon off the juice), as well as a pitch-black ladies’ jail.

Next town enroute will be Seeb at the western edge of your final destination.

Al-Seeb is a coastal fishing city which offers an opportunity to find out what life was like in a Gulf fishing village once-upon-a-time. At its heart is the waterfront near the old town, a neighbourhood of one-storey “shaabi” houses & the occasional mansion.

On one side of the highway is Seeb Souq, beach & fish market. On the other is Al Khoudh, a residential & commercial area near Sultan Qaboos University that boasts the city’s best shawarma & sweets.

If time permits, you have the time, you may briefly visit the Freshi Herb Centre, a multi-storey grocer & medicinal centre that sells the familiar (Colgate toothpaste & American Garden soy sauce) & the occult (donkey hoofs to stave off djinn & patches of animal pelts for incantations).

Just past Freshi, there is the Spice & Fish Souq and behind this, is the usual Gulf commercial potpourri of Balochi tailors, optometry shops, banks, frankincense carts & pharmacies.

Omanis are laid back masters of sitting on a beach & swalif (Arabic word to denote the art of banter & good conversation). A ‘working’ beach is better for socialising than swimming. In the morning, men ride horses from local stables along the shore & in the afternoon, women in colourful cotton thobes (or thawb - the traditional Arabic word for 'a garment' – a long tunic) & shawls meet under palms. Flocks of gulls follow fishermen pulling in nets with Toyota Land Cruisers & football games last until the Moon rises over the sea.

Seeb is renowned for mashakik - chargrilled meat, fish & squid dipped in spicy tamarind sauce and there are mashakik stalls all along the Waterfront. You will also see enterprising young men set up Grills along the beach from sunset onwards.

Zanzibari treats are an integral part of Omani cuisine. Staples include the chilli, lime & onion salad, kachori potato dumplings, beans in thick coconut sauce, local fish & sweet coconut dumplings, served with tamarind juice or clove-spiced tea. Those craving dessert can wander up Al Khoudh Al Tijary Street for a towering falooda cocktail & for fresh pistachio & almond maamoul shortbread.

Finally, reach Muscat, the port city on the Gulf of Oman by late evening & Check-in at the hotel.

The city has a character quite distinct & compared to flashy Emirati neighbours, the Omani capital is a breath of fresh, sea air. This port city is famous for dazzling souks & superb seafood but its terrain backed by the arid Hajar mountains, brings the biggest thrills - offering an opportunity to trek in deserts at dawn, swim from sandy beaches, dive with turtles in nearby lagoons, spot dolphins at sundown & enjoy plenty of effusive Omani hospitality in between. Conservative in nature, the city offers an opportunity to connect with the country's rich heritage.

Scenically wedged between mountains & ocean, with old Forts & excellent Museums, an Opera House & flower-filled Parks, the gentle city of Muscat is a delight to visit. Its name means ‘safe anchorage’ & the sea plays an important role in city life to this day, sustaining the fishing industry. There are few high-rise blocks & even functional buildings are required to reflect tradition with a dome or an arabesque window, resulting is an attractive, whimsically uniform city that retains the elegance observed by early travellers.

Oman’s largest city offers an absorbing snapshot of the country’s past & present. Much of the city is unequivocally modern - a formless straggle of low-rise, white-washed suburbs which sprawl along the coast. It is here that Oman is at its most contemporary & consumerist, exemplified by the string of opulent hotels which line the city’s sand-fringed coastline, backed up by swanky restaurant & modern upscale malls, honeycombed with a network of roaring, multi-lane highways.

Unquestionably the commercial & administrative powerhouse of modern Oman, with stately government buildings to the high-rise office blocks of Ruwi’s Central Business District. Its modern, marble-clad Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, with 50 metre dome & prodigious Persian carpet, can accommodate 20,000 people. With history dating back to antiquity, it mixes with clifftop landmarks such as the 16^th century Portuguese forts - Al Jalali & Mirani, looming over the Harbor.

Balance of the evening is at leisure (we will be happy to offer suggestions if you are in the mood for further exploration & make arrangements).

Morning, meet the Tour-guide in the in the Lobby at 09:00 am & proceed on an exciting full day 8 hour sightseeing tour to discover the spectacular city.

Drive through the beautiful Embassy quarter, to reach the iconic Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque dominating the skyline of Muscat.

Quietly imposing from the outside, this glorious piece of modern Islamic architecture was a gift to the nation from Sultan Qaboos to mark his 30^th year of reign. It can accommodate 20,000 worshippers, including a separate prayer hall for 750 women. The Mosque is embellished in beautiful, colourful mosaic & art patterns with unique carvings & timbered panels reflecting a blend of Islamic, Middle Eastern & Omani architectural styles.

The main Prayer Hall features the world’s largest 24 carat gold plated Chandelier measuring a staggering 14 meters in diameter & weighing 8,500 kilograms with around 6,00,000 bright Swarovski crystals. There is also the world’s 2nd largest single piece hand-woven Carpet in classical Persian, Isfahan & Kashan design traditions, covering around 4,343 square meter & containing 1,700 million knots.

Move on to Royal Opera House, Oman's premier venue for musical arts & culture.  

As a true admirer of art & classical music, Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said initiated its construction in 2001 & the stunning white marble building opened its doors in 2011 with an absolutely impressive list of Performers. Combination of Islamic, Oriental & European influences is visible in a choice of material & decoration.

The Opera House also features “Opera Galleria”, Muscat’s flagship shopping destination, host to wonderful international brand shops offering a wide range & carefully balanced mix of art outlets, gems, fashion & perfumes with an array of international cafes & dining options.

Spend 30 minutes touring the interior & learning about its history, influences & symbolism. There is a collection of rare & special musical instruments and a special exhibit of Costumes worn by some famous Artists who performed here & things that belonged to them. An example is Luciano Pavarotti’s Letters & Agenda.

Proceed to a traditional sea-food restaurant in the downtown area for a sumptuous Lunch.

Next stop will be the privately owned Bait Al Zubair Museum, an integral part of Muscat heritage, set up by the Zubair family in a beautifully restored house with 6 separate buildings & a relaxing & manicured garden of indigenous plants & trees (there is a wonderful miniature Omani village display in the garden). Sheikh Al Zubair who served 3 former Sultans, built the house in 1914 & his son Mohammad Al Zubair converted it to the Museum.

At the entrance to the Museum there are 2 magnificent old canons presented by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said on the occasion of its Opening (note: it is forbidden to take photographs).

Evolving into the premier Cultural Centre of Muscat & Oman, it hosts international exhibitions of contemporary art in Gallery Sarah within the Museum. The Foundation manages the cultural space & develops projects relating to culture, heritage, arts, community, history & publishing.

The Museum displays the Omani family’s constantly evolving permanent Collection of thousands of ethnographic artifacts spanning a number of centuries, defining Omani society, both past & present. Most refined & comprehensive, a window into rich Omani heritage & culture, the thematic Displays of traditional handicrafts, furniture, stamps, coins, weapons, domestic utensils, clothes & jewelry of all shapes & preciousness are Oman’s largest collections.

A modern cafe & a shop selling quality souvenirs usually entice visitors to stay longer than they expected. Visitors at the cafe can take a look at an ancient Wind Tower for an idea of how old buildings in Muscat coped with the heat before the invention of modern air conditioning.

Drive through Old Muscat, surrounded by steep mountains & flanked by twin 16^th century Portuguese forts - Al Jalali & Mirani looming over the Harbor. See the Al Alam Palace, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos’ residence.  

Last stop will be the attractive seafront Muttrah Corniche stretching along the harbor with latticed buildings & mosques, pristine gardens, beautiful fountains, wonderful figures & sculptures. It looks spectacular at sunset when the light casts shadows across the serrated crescent of mountains & it transforms into a popular bustling romantic spot where locals stroll or ride a bike along the lighted pavements.

The area is the main Port & commercial center. It is the site of a fish market every morning & a colorful historic Souq

The Port is permanent home for Shabab Oman, the country's magnificent fully rigged training ship, which is soon to be retired. The Harbour is home to His Majesty's Dhow, visiting cruise ships & assorted naval vessels. You may also see Al Said, the world's 3^rd largest yacht, owned by the Sultan.

Muttrah Souq is one of the biggest & busiest in the Middle East & retains the chaotic look of a traditional Arab market albeit housed under modern timber roofing. A palm frond roof has recently been added to make it more authentic.

Navigating through a maze of dark alleyways here takes a bit of practice. That said, getting lost inside the Souq is part of the fun.  Entrance is through a 2 storey, domed gateway on the Corniche (you will be with the Tour-guide, so no worries). Because tourists are a relative rarity, this is very much a market for local people. The shopkeepers try to attract the attention of curious visitors but not so insistently as in other Souqs. Bargaining is expected although discounts tend to be small.

Divided into different sections, the Gold & Silver Souq has rows of shops piled high with modern & antique jewellery. Then, there are sections devoted to household goods, traditional clothes & textiles, traditional Omani perfume (bukhoor - made of frankincense), hardware & shops selling Omani & Indian artefacts together with a few antiques.

Distinctive items include antique Mandoo (wedding chests) with brand-new thumbtacks brought down from the Hajar Mountains; rope-twined Muskets that saw action in the Dhofar wars of the 1970s. The Spice stalls, sell every spice imaginable and quite a few that may be unfamiliar to some. There is an alleyway of shoes & sandals that complete the men’s smart Omani costume & another selling aluminium serving dishes for the traditional Omani shuwa (marinated lamb cooked in an underground oven).

But, the most popular item is Frankincense that has been traded by the Arabs for the last 5,000 years & its use is mentioned in the Bible & other medieval documents. Its importance to the Omani economy & traditional Arab culture has been commemorated by building of an immense monument in the shape of an incense burner on the road between Muttrah & Old Muscat.

You will be stuck by the overwhelming smell as soon as you enter as every stall holder seems to have a dish of the smouldering resin. In fact, the same scent is to be encountered everywhere in Muscat, from the moment you step off the plane.

Frankincense is tapped from the Boswellia sacra tree which grows in profusion in southern Oman. Regarded as a purifier & for killing germs, it was traditionally used in religious rites & for medicinal purposes. Today it is also extensively used in Aromatherapy & as a healthy home air freshener.

The sightseeing concludes & you are transferred back to the hotel by 05.00 pm.

Later in the evening, around 07.30 pm, you will be met by a Journeys Rep who will accompany you to a traditional Omani restaurant for a sumptuous Dinner.

Come back to the hotel by 10.00 pm.

Get up early to Check-out & embark on a thrilling adventure today driving through interesting sections of Oman's 1,700 km coastline.

Enroute, stop at the famous Bimmah Sinkhole, a spectacular limestone crater that had been created many years ago by a collapsed mountain filled with seawater, in a 50 metre by 70 metre wide approximately 20 metre deep lake of turquoise waters, about 600 metre away from the sea, between the coastal towns of Ḑibab & Bimmah. The bit of land surrounding the Sinkhole is called Hawaiyat Najm Park.

Surrounded by a short stone wall for safety (though locals jump over it so they can dive from a higher point, not recommended at all). There is a set of Steps leading down into the Sinkhole which has a depth varying from a feet to over 300 feet. Swimming & Cliff Diving is allowed. There is a rope tied off to the wall. One can swim across to it, climb up on the rocks & jump from a lower height of 2 – 6 metres. There are smaller Garra fish that live in the Sinkhole & harmlessly nibble at visitors’ feet & legs.

Spend an hour here before driving on through the villages of Dibab & Finns with its white sand beach.

Arrive at Wadi Ash Shab, near the coastal village of Tiwi, undoubtedly one of the major attractions in Oman.

The narrow canyon is home to crystal clear blue water pools & also a secret Waterfall that spurts forth from inside the Cave & flops down onto the rocky land. Freshwater cascading from top of the mountains of Bani Jaber meet the briny sea water on its banks, creating an environmental diversity, making it stand on a pedestal of its own when compared with the other Wadis in the Sultanate.

To reach the Waterfall, visitors have to hike through the undulated mountainous terrain & saunter alongside a meandering river to finally reach the source of this water body in the Cave.  Hiking along Wadi Shab is pretty easy & the sound of water produces a wonderful symphony, in harmony with the sound of birds.

To get to the beginning of the Wadi Shab hike, you must take a 3 minutes  boat ride across the river. The river is very deep and wide so you must take the boat ride to get to the other side.

You will be tempted to take off your shoes & take a dip. There are also numerous other pools of clear turquoise waters & if you like, you may enjoy a relaxing swim.

This astounding Wadi situated between the cliffs, has an archaeological history that came to light when the circular huts of fishermen dating back to the 4^th millennium BC were found, with indicators of the practice of fishing craft in this era.

Very popular with the locals the Valley is a combination of beautiful coastal nature & mountain formations that embrace many tourist attractions. The rock formations here are different from other places in the world, as the water & various erosion factors have carved wonderful artistic scenes in it. 

The Wadi rewards even the most reluctant walker with turquoise pools, a busy Falaj (irrigation channel), & terraced plantations; kingfishers add glorious splashes of colour & year-round trusses of pink oleander bloom by the water’s edge.

Take a nature walk along banana plantations, date palms & up narrow rocky paths before sitting down for a sumptuous Lunch.

Later, drive to Sur, a placid sea-faring town on Oman’s eastern tip which played a pivotal role in Oman’s maritime past & a trading port bustling with activity throughout the year. 

Sur (also known as Oman city & presumed home of the legendary Sinbad the Sailor) is famed for the fascinating architecture of its old town with its striking traditional dwellings & world-renowned traditional Dhow-building at centuries old boatyards at the edge of the bay. Though demand for wooden Dhows has declined sharply in the past 100 years, it is still possible to see traditional dhow builders at work.

With a long history as Oman's foremost trading Port, one of the oldest in the world, it played a very important role in forming the trade with more than 150 sailing ships coming daily during the 18^th & 19^th centuries. Considered one of the most Omani ancient cities, it was the meeting point across the Indian Ocean, Arabian sea & Omani sea, playing a vital role in forming a commercial business bridge between the Arabian Peninsula, India, South East Asia & Africa.

It is the most easterly city in Arabia & the first one to witness the sunrise in this part of the world. A number of famous ancient monuments, including Bilad Sur Castle, As Sinaysilah Castle, Al `Ayjah Castle, Fanar Ras Al Meel & Ras Al Hadd Castle can be found here.

It also has a number of valleys, the most prominent being Wadi Shab & Wadi Tiwi, in addition to Ras Al Hadd where there is the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Sanctuary famous for its breeding sites of the world's rare sea turtles, which has been declared a protected wildlife area.

In the city center, Sunaysilah Fort has 4 defensive Towers around a courtyard. Exhibits at the Maritime Museum include ship models. There is a fine Corniche with the dhows in the harbour visible against the scenic backdrop of the Gulf of Oman & Souqs & excellent beaches nearby.

The large industrial fringe that creeps along the undercliff of the Eastern Hajar Mountains has been something of a blight to a small section of coast, but it has also brought wealth to the town, bringing in long-stay expats who spend money in the town's growing number of shops.

Though now surpassed by Muscat, it is still a thriving town. A glimpse of how it used to be can be seen in old Sur & the small suburb of Aija where a walk through the labyrinth of streets reveals many fine old houses with carved doors & arabesque windows.

After a quick drive-round in the city, continue on the coastal road passing through high cliffs & small fishing villages. 

Reach the desert of Wahiba Sands - one of the most fascinating & mysterious regions of Oman, an ocean of regular dunes that seem to stretch out endlessly.

Pale gold at noon, the towering piles of sand shift between rich yellow & coppery orange when the sun is at lower angles. Dunes here run north to south in surprisingly regular lines, pushed by the winds to heights of up to 100 metre. They are highest in the east, near the oceans & lose height further north. The Dunes are constantly moving - up to 10 metre a year - making permanent roads impossible.

Instead, there are just a few tracks created by visitors who come for the Desert Camps & by a few thousand Bedouins who are known to have lived a traditional nomadic life amongst the ever-shifting sands in this inhospitable region for at least 7000 years.

The vast, ever shifting dunes despite the barren appearance, support an astonishing variety of wildlife & different kinds of flora, fauna. A 1986 expedition by Britain’s Royal Geographical Society documented 16,000 different species of invertebrates as well as 200 species of mammals, birds & reptiles, all supported by hidden underground water reservoirs. However, most of the wildlife here is notoriously shy, not yet comfortable with ‘humans’.

The sands are an important piece of the puzzle that is Oman & you will experience the primal power of the desert by spending a night at a comfortable Desert Camp.

Bedouin style, honed by centuries living in this unforgiving landscape, has a strong influence on many of the Camps in the desert. For a wholly authentic experience, guests can choose to stay in a traditional black-wool tent, though for those preferring more creature comforts, there are more indulgent Tent that boasts air conditioning.

Check-in at the Camp & relax.

Shortly after, board 4x4 vehicles & embark on a Desert Safari to exploit the soft sand hills & emptiness. Dune bashing with our experienced drivers showing their skills, is a thrilling experience.

The quick changing patterns of the dunes as you climb to the top of a dune to watch the sunset, are a Photographer’s delight. Light pollution doesn’t dim the stars here & stargazing is a popular activity after sunset. Guests can also enjoy a camel ride.

Come back to the Camp & dine on local cuisine including lamb & mint tea served on low tables around a crackling fire.

Morning, check-out & embark on another ‘drive around’ in the desert before departing towards normal civilization.

Enroute, stop at Wadi Bani Khalid – a lush green valley surrounded by rugged mountains in Eastern Oman.

Justly famed for its natural beauty, this Wadi just north of the town of Al Kamil comprises a long series of orange plantations & tiny villages that lie in or close to the wadi floor surrounded by a rugged ravine & vibrant date palms.

The approach road, which climbs high into the Eastern Hajar Mountains, zigzags through some spectacularly colourful rock formations, green with copper oxide & rust-red with iron ore and passes by an ayn (natural spring), which is accessed via steps by the side of the road.

After driving through the browns of the desert bleakness, the Wadi is a stunning desert oasis with green coloured water flowing from a natural spring in the upper reaches of the Wadi, supporting the abundant vegetation that makes it such a beautiful spot that has been developed with a few bridges, seating areas, & a restaurant, but it doesn’t detract from its beauty.

Guests can spend a refreshing & blissfully relaxing time swimming in one of the many massive emerald green pools full of fish that will give you a foot massage if you dangle your feet it. The nibbling feels odd, but people pay to have this done in Thailand!

From the main pool you can swim (or walk) under a bridge (where many kids like to jump off) & into a narrow canyon with pale rocks looming above. To get to the 2^nd set of much smaller pools, guests have to walk about 10 minutes on slightly slippery rocks.

Swim or walk in the Wadi to investigate the surrounding area & enjoy an incredible view with a chance to capture the scenic beauty with the cameras.

Depart for Nizwa, one of the oldest cities & the ancient capital of Oman in 6^th & 7^th centuries AD in the Ad Dakhiliyah region of northern Oman. The town's immense palm oasis stretches for 8 km along the course of 2 Wadis.

Arrive by late afternoon & Check-in at the hotel.

Shortly after, embark on a short orientation sightseeing tour. Visit the Souq & walk around the city.

Oman has a rich history dating back 100,000 years & Nizwa, set on a plain amid a verdant spread of date palm plantations & seasonal rivers, strategically located at the crossroads of routes linking the interior with Muscat & the lower reaches of Dhofar, was once a center of trade, religion, education & art. 

For much of this time, the city served as the capital of the interior & seat of the country’s ruling Imams, the religious leaders who presided over an independent state quite separate from the Sultans of Muscat down on the coast. According to legend it was here that the Julanda tribal leaders became the first Omani converts to Islam in 630 AD. As such, Nizwa had until quite recently a reputation for tribal belligerence & religious conservatism verging on fanaticism. Ibn Battuta, visiting Nizwa in 1329, described the Omanis as “a bold & brave race … the tribes are perpetually at war with each other”.

Being a seat of learning & the supposed birthplace of Islam in Oman, British explorer Wilfred Thesiger, travelling 6 centuries later in the late 1940s, was forced to steer clear of Nizwa as his Bedouin companions were convinced that he wouldn’t survive the ferocious conservatism of the town & refused to let him enter. The seat of factional imams until the 1950s, the ‘Pearl of Islam’ as it is sometimes called, is still a conservative town & appreciates a bit of decorum from its visitors. Ironically, in the 60 years since Thesiger’s aborted visit, he would have been amazed to find that Nizwa has reinvented itself as one of Oman’s most welcoming destinations for foreign travellers.

With its deep connection to the root of Islam, Nizwa possesses a number of renowned mosques, such as Sultan Qaboos Jama (Friday mosque), So'al Mosque built in 9^th century AD, Ash-Shawathinah Mosque in Uqr & Ash-Sharja Mosque. There are also Al-Ain Mosque, Ash-Sheikh Mosque & Shuraij Mosque in Tanuf built around 1000 AD.

Marked by a grand double-arched gateway, Nizwa forms a natural access point for the historic sites of Bahla & Jabreen. The town centre is very small & the main attractions are the Fort & the Souq,

The imposing giant Nizwa Fort, a castle with a huge cylindrical tower built in the 17^th century by Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Ya'rubi to defend the city's position on a major trade route. A reminder of the town's significance through turbulent periods in Oman's long history, it was a formidable stronghold against raiding forces that desired Nizwa's abundant natural wealth & its strategic location at the crossroads of vital routes. Oman's most visited National Monument, the Fort was the administrative seat of authority for the presiding Imams & Walis in times of peace & conflict.

Adjoining the Fort is the bustling high-walled Nizwa Souq, in a building embracing both traditional & modern architectural lines, famous for the exquisite silver jewelry & its Silversmiths, noted masters in making Khanjars (traditional Arab ceremonial daggers) in distinctive styles & silver craftsmanship in general, working in small shops & handicrafts stalls where tourists can buy exquisite copper ware, coffee pots, swords, leather goods & beautiful pottery. Today, Indian or Pakistani Silversmiths often work under an Omani master-craftsman, especially for pieces designed for tourists & the workmanship is often very exquisite. 

One of the oldest in the country, this extensive marketplace is dedicated mostly to fruit & vegetables, meat & fish, all of which are housed in separate blocks behind the great, crenellated piece of city wall that overlooks the Wadi. The Souq is also a good source for antiques, including Maria Theresa thalers, once used as Oman's official currency. Vanilla, saffron, spices, dried lemons & nuts of all types are also good purchases. Also a good place to pick up some of Nizwa's prized dates.

The southern end of the Souq is more functional, with specific areas devoted to fish, meat & dates, plus a colourful Fruit & Vegetable Souq, with piles of produce & a string of stalls at the back selling tubs of Halwa.

If you are not put off by the smell of heaving bulls & irritable goats, there is the Goat Market, home to Nizwa’s famous Friday Market where locals come to trade livestock in a centuries old tradition. Animals - cows & goats in particular - are walked around the circular stand at the centre of the market & auctioned off to the highest bidder, a lively scene featuring hundreds of locals, a fair few tourists & an overwhelming smell of animal poo. Things can get particularly lively during these Friday auctions, as some of the more restive animals (including some rather large bulls) attempt to break free of their handlers & charge to freedom through the surrounding throng.

Balance of the evening is at leisure.

Morning, Check-out & continue the sightseeing of Nizwa’s surroundings.

Traditional Omani villages embodied the life of the Omanis in the past, in all its simplicity & harshness and reflect the extent of its adaptation to the surrounding environment, demonstrating how to use natural resources to fulfil basic needs.

First stop will be the pretty ancestral village of Birkat Al Mawz sheltered in the hinge between the plain & Jebel Akhdar Green Mountain, which has retained much of its aged charm (despite recent modernisation). It is an enchanting stop that will transport you back in time as you explore the interesting attractions.

Birkat Al Mawz roughly translates as “Banana Pool’, an appropriate name as the area is home to many Banana Plantations. The area is famous for its traditional rose water extraction & agricultural products including pomegranate, apricot, peach & walnut.

There is an interesting Falaj Irrigation System (traditional network of ancient water channels) dating back 5000 years. This ancient watering method is deeply rooted in Oman’s heritage, with over 3000 "Aflaj" (plural) is still in use today. Using gravity to transport water from springs, the fair management of these waterways play an important role in communities around the country.

The Falaj at Birkat Al Mawz with a length of 7990 metre is the largest canal network in the country & one of 6 such separate Channels in Oman collectively listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

As the primary source, it provides the surrounding countryside with much needed water for the immense Banana Plantations, Date Palm Groves,  Farms, Sugar processing & Leather tanning, stretching for almost 8 km along the course of 2 Wadis (Kalbouh & Al Abiadh). Al Ghantuq & Dhoot are the other 2 important Falajs in Nizwa. At some points around Falaj, there are shady picnic spots among flowering tropical blooms such as scented frangipani, peacock flowers (caesalpinia) & tufts of bougainvillea.

You will also see one of Oman’s most spectacular areas - Jebel Akhdar meaning "the Green Mountain", part of the Al Hajar Mountain range which extends about 300 km northwest to southeast. It is the highest point in Oman & whole of eastern Arabia with a height of around 3,000 metres. The area is famous for its traditional rose water extraction and agricultural products including pomegranate, apricot, peach and walnut.

There are other interesting things Nizwa, including a Fort & some interesting old buildings that are in the process of being renovated.

Rising without competition from the surrounding plain, 17^th century Jabreen Castle built by Imam Bil-Arab Bin Sultan, is an impressive sight with its magnificent plasterwork, the carved doors & the painted wooden beams of the ceilings.

Jabreen is one of the best-preserved & whimsical Castles of them all. The Castle was an important centre of learning for Astrology, Medicine & Islamic Law and, unusually for Oman's Forts & Castles, there is quite a lot to discover inside the vast battlements.

The most interesting feature of this Castle is the distinctive elaborately painted ceilings. Several rooms that seem to spring illogically from different courtyards in the heart of the keep, sport ceiling timbers with the original floral motifs. Finding these hidden rooms is part of the fun - & the original defensive mechanism - of Jabreen. Try to locate the burial chambers, remarkable for their carved vaults & the room earmarked for the Sultan’s favourite horse.

Jabreen's location, trapped between the mountain & a particularly arid part of the desert, roasts under a ferocious sun for much of the year, hence the Falaj (irrigation channel) System running through the outer courtyard, was not used for water supply but as an early air-con system.

There is an interesting Date store, for example, to the right of the main entrance on the left-hand side. The juice of the fruit would have run along the channels into storage vats, ready for cooking or to assist women in labour.

Head for the flagpole for a bird's-eye view of the latticed-window courtyard at the heart of the keep.

Birkat Al Mawz also boasts the most famous ruins in the Sultanate, signifying the Tribes that lived in those mountains surrounded by large Plantations & several important rock art sites with the oldest figures dating back to 6000 years ago.

After spending an hour at Jabreen Castle, drive back towards Nizwa passing the 309 metre high Jebel Shams (nicknamed Mountain of the Sun as it is the first place to receive sunrise in Oman), the most famous part of Hajar mountain chain.

Best known not for its peak but for the breathtaking views into the spectacularly deep straight-sided Wadi Ghul lying alongside it. This 500 metre deep Wadi or Al Nakhr Canyon is known locally as the Grand Canyon of Arabia, as it fissures abruptly between the flat canyon rims, exposing vertical cliffs of 1000 metre & more.

Until recently, there was nothing between the nervous driver & a deadly plunge into the abyss, but now an iron railing at least indicates the most precipitous points along the track.

Near the summit, the terrain flattens out into a large plateau making an ideal place to camp & picnic...or buy a carpet!

Jebel Shams has a number of well-established marked hiking routes, the most famous (& easiest!) being the thrilling 4 km Rim Walk or Balcony Walk just below the canyon rim to the abandoned village of As Sab, which was once home to about 15 families that built their homes into the side of the cliff.

The hike with around 200 metre in elevation change starts at 1,900 metre at the rim of the Wadi Ghul & goes as low as 1,700 metre.

Continue driving & pass by Bahla, also called Madinat al-Sehr (City of Magic), one of Oman’s oldest oasis towns & once the capital. It is an outstanding example of defensive architectural ensemble that enabled dominant tribes to achieve prosperity in Oman & the Arabian Peninsula during the late medieval period.

The road to Bahla crosses the majestic Jabal Akhdar, the western chain of black volcanic mountains towering more than 3,000 metres.

Steeped in custom, it is home to many myths & legends. Although people are reluctant to talk about witchcraft & consider it a feature of the past, the village of Bahla is known as the birthplace of “jinn” or black magic, a reputation that predates Islam, possibly a result of its history as a fortress town surrounded by dangerous desert.

A mysterious aura surrounds the walled city, a sign many say prove that magic is still practised here, deep in the country’s heartland. Strange things happen here. Legends about Bahla’s magical past include tales of people being turned into cows or goats, haunted by spirits or vanishing when they stood in cursed places or leaned against cer­tain fence posts. Fires are said to erupt spontaneously in the winter desert. Walls crumble & refuse to be rebuilt. This, locals say, is the work of the jinn, supernatural creatures known in Middle Eastern legend. Historians say the legend of Jinn in Bahla may be rooted in the 12^th century, when it was a military & religious center and its rulers wanted to discourage locals from going outside the fortress walls into the desert.

Another particular feature of Madinat al-Sehr that has nothing to do with the “jinn” is the weekly Friday Cattle auction, where farmers from surrounding villages converge to sell their animals. Potential buyers stand in a circle while the animals are displayed & offer a price. The display continues until the farmers get the price they are looking for.

Besides its reputation of black magic, the town is in itself a magical place with an impressive 13^th century Fort on a promontory dominating the oasis below, its ancient 12 km wall whose construction dates to the pre-Is­lamic era, its Souqs, traditional trades & artefacts.

Pottery jars dating from the 2^nd half of the 4^th millennium BC have been found in old tombs in the oasis city. So, it is also home to “magical” Pottery creations, copper artefacts, clay utensils & silver daggers that adorn many homes in Oman & abroad. Bahla potters & craftsmen are reputed to have magic in their fingers & the skills are be transmitted from father to son. Increasingly, their traditional ways are being transformed into mass industrial production with Indians, Pakistanis & other foreign workers.

Although the modern electric Potter’s Wheel has been introduced, one can still see the kick-wheel used to make snake pots, which are popular decorative objects traditionally used to store dates.

The clay comes from the canyon bed & is laboriously crushed & squashed to make it malleable, then fashioned, moulded & curved into shapes & pots of different sizes on the Wheel and finally placed in a dome-shaped Kiln heated with wood & palm fronds - as Potters have done throughout history. Guests can visit a few old workshops near the Souq & observe the Craftsmen working their craft using traditional methods. All these traditional industries are concentrated in the old Souq, a short distance from the Fort.

Outside a mosque, beneath palm trees laden with dates, men in white traditional robes take part in an auction for this year's crop of the fruit.

One of the oldest & largest traditional mud brick forts of Oman, UNESCO World Heritage listed 13^th century Bahla Fort with its attractive Towers, including a Windtower, known as Burj-al-Reeh, became accessible to the public only a year ago after a restoration that took more than 2 decades. It was built in different phases by successive rulers.

Bahla Fort comprises the ruins of a typical Omani military fortress, surrounded by a 12 km long wall, built by the local Banu Nabhan tribe that ruled between the mid 12^th & 15^th centuries.  According to a legend, the Fort was threatened by an attack from a neighbouring kingdom & the ruler reached out to a genie or djinn or a spirit to help them. A formidable Fort apparently sprang up overnight & the opponents beat a hasty retreat after just looking at it. One of the legends relating to black magic in Oman is rather ominous. Apparently there was a man who was stoned to death here thousands of years ago by the locals for practising witchcraft. People here believe that trees are bewitched & that if you touch a mere branch, you may just vanish into thin air.

But one more stop on the way & you will have Lunch at a midway point.

After catching a glimpse from the outside, continue driving to Al Hamra.

Al Hamra, a venerable 400 year old town, one of the oldest in Oman, at the foot of the Hajar mountains, is home to a number of villages.

Entering Al Hamra, you will see a Tower and picturesque views of the Oasis & interesting well-preserved row of old 2 & 3 storey mud-brick houses built in Yemeni style, surrounded by new houses. Al Hamra has a new as well as an old quarter; these are located either side of a large Plantation of Dates. There are many abandoned houses in the upper parts of the town. Modern cars parked along those walls of the ancient houses sure look funny.

Stop for a walk & feel the history as you stroll through the alleys in between the old abandoned building & houses dating back 3 - 4 centuries. The views are especially engrossing at sunset when the honey-coloured buildings appear to melt into one. Exploring the ancient Falaj (Irrigation) system is interesting.

If time permits, enter the Bait Al Safah old house which has been turned into a ‘living’ Museum devoted to domestic pursuits that helps open up the inner life of this 400-year-old community. Visitors learn about the Omani traditions with men & women illustrating the ancient practices. You will see how to roast coffee beans, mill the grain & how to extract oil out of it.

Enjoy Lunch in one of the nearby restaurants before driving onward passing through another quaint town.

As with many other places along the Batinah coast, Barka is a rather sleepy town that gives little sense of its former importance, when it was a major centre of local Gulf trade.

The old part of town, near the sea, is looking a bit sad as the traditional mud-built houses are being torn down to make way for a new Corniche. There is an interesting traditional market & the Fort which is being restored. In the nearby new suburb of Bahla, big shops & glitzy restaurants are transforming life in this once sleepy town.

Barka Fort’s main claim to fame is as the site, in 1747, of one of the most important events in Omani history - the Banquet massacre resulting in the final expulsion of the Persians from the country & foundation of the Al Bu Said dynasty, whose descendants continue to rule Oman to this day.

Ahmad bin Said, the popular Governor of Sohar & Barka, who had a few years previously, signed a Treaty with the Persians & to affirm his friendship invited the entire Persian garrison at Muscat to the Banquet at the Fort as part of a cunning plan. The festivities were well under way when there was a sudden beating of drums & the royal Public Crier announced: “Anyone who has a grudge against the Persians may now take his revenge”. According to one version of the story, all the Omanis present immediately fell upon their unarmed guests killed all or most of them.

But rather more famous & interesting than the Fort is the beautiful old fortified house of Bait Na’aman.

The unusually tall & narrow house, with alternating Square & round Towers, is thought to have been constructed around 1691–92 which was beautifully restored in 1991. Unlike most of Oman’s Forts, the house has been fitted out with a lavish selection of traditional furnishings & fittings, giving the place an engagingly domestic atmosphere & making it easier to imagine what life was like for its former inhabitants than in most other Omani heritage buildings.

Downstairs you will find the original bathroom & stone toilet, both connected to an underground Falaj which formerly brought water all the way from Nakhal. There is also a storage room, in which dates were pressed (the holes in the floor were used to siphon off the juice), as well as a pitch-black ladies’ jail.

Final destination today is Mussannah, one of Oman’s notable seaside towns, in the northern part, jutting out into the Strait of Hormuz between Iran & the Gulf of Oman.

On arrival by evening, Check-in at the famous sea-facing Millennium Resort that punctuates the flat shoreline of Mussanah, at the edge of the shrubby Batinah Plain, that was initially established to accommodate athletes during the second Asian Beach Games of 2010.

The Resort features luxurious rooms, each offering impressive views of the Hajar Mountains, Marina or Gulf of Oman. Relax around the 5 pools or just feel the warm sand on the beach. There are many restaurants, a poolside bar serves snacks, a relaxing lounge & a grand Spa.

The Sultanate is all about diversity, with a variety of arts, culture, traditions, dances, cuisine & of course, landscapes. Well known for its unspoilt natural beauty, from its rugged mountains & canyons to deserts &, of course, miles & miles of seas.

This coastal town, home of Oman's Navy, has earned itself a name as the destination of choice for nautical adventures & became famous for hosting the World’s Sailing Championship in 2015 & the 2^nd Asian Beach Games. As an epic location for water sports & beach downtime, visitors have the options of dolphin & whale-watching, snorkelling, kayaking, camping or embarking on short Dhow trips to see & experience traditional Omani villages nestled comfortably around the surrounding rugged mountains.

It has to be said that other than visiting the Resort, there isn't too much to see or do in the surrounding area, although a couple of Forts dot the salt-blighted date plantations & are of passing interest.

Balance of the day is at leisure.

Morning, enjoy the Indian Ocean coast & its beaches or any other Resort offering.

Post Lunch, embark on an excursion to Nakhl  (or Nakhal) a typical traditional village / town, between the flat Batinah Plain & the Hajar Mountains rising almost vertically behind the settlement, making a striking backdrop to one of Oman’s most dramatic and best-loved Forts.

A typical Omani village at the foothills of the mountains near an abundant source of water, which irrigates the extensive date palm plantations that spread across the surrounding plain, it offers a couple of sights of interest including the beautifully restored Al Ghasham Museum House, which was once home to royalty. Near by is Wadi Mistal - a natural thoroughfare that leads into the Hajar Mountains & gives access to the remote hamlet of Wakan.

Overlooking the village, built on the top of a large hillock is one of the most well-known ancient Forts in Oman, the impressive Nakhal Fort, well-placed to protect the large Plantations.

Surrounded by orchards of Palm trees & its battlements providing a view of the Al-Batinah Region, it was initially built by the Sassanids as a bulwark for an area Oasis & nearby trade routes and against incursions by Arab tribes, with a history dating back to the pre-Islamic period with major contributions by the Al Ya’arubah & the Al Bu Sayed dynasties.  Imams of Wadi Bani Kharous & the Ya'arubah dynasty resided here in the past. In November 2003, Prince Charles visited the restored Fort during an official visit.

There is a historic Museum exhibiting historic guns, traditional furniture, handicrafts & historic artifacts. A Goat Auction takes place within the precincts of the Fort on Fridays. 

Enjoy panoramic views of Nakhal village below. There is a. mineral-laden hot water spring at Al Thowarah.

You may also visit Rustaq.

Rustaq enjoyed a spell as Oman’s capital in the 17^th century & remains an important regional centre.

The massive imposing 12^th century Al Rustaq Fort dominates this friendly town & the famous mineral hot springs at Ain Al Kasfah feeds into neighbouring Public Baths.

The Fort with 3 levels, is cradled by 4 tall watch towers, the tallest being more than 18 meters tall. It also has its own Falaj water system within it.

The town has a distinct older portion around the Fort & a newer part, linked by a giant decorative Gateway. The Old Souq is located right next to the Fort. Shoppers can buy locally made handicrafts, agriculture produce & pure Omani honey.

There are also some mighty wadis nearby, including Wadi Hoqain & Wadi Sahten, threading along the base of the Hajar Mountains. With Jebel Shams towering above the wadi & impossibly lofty villages perched on high-altitude ledges, a 4WD drive through this region is an off-road highlight.

Finally, time to go back to Mussannah but there is one more stop.

Pass by the small town of Seeb & stop for a photo op.

.Al-Seeb is a coastal fishing city which offers an opportunity to find out what life was like in a Gulf fishing village once-upon-a-time. At its heart is the waterfront near the old town, a neighbourhood of one-storey “shaabi” houses & the occasional mansion.

On one side of the highway is Seeb Souq, beach & fish market. On the other is Al Khoudh, a residential & commercial area near Sultan Qaboos University that boasts the city’s best shawarma & sweets.

If time permits, you have the time, you may briefly visit the Freshi Herb Centre, a multi-storey grocer & medicinal centre that sells the familiar (Colgate toothpaste & American Garden soy sauce) & the occult (donkey hoofs to stave off djinn & patches of animal pelts for incantations).

Just past Freshi, there is the Spice & Fish Souq and behind this, is the usual Gulf commercial potpourri of Balochi tailors, optometry shops, banks, frankincense carts & pharmacies.

Omanis are laid back masters of sitting on a beach & swalif (Arabic word to denote the art of banter & good conversation). A ‘working’ beach is better for socialising than swimming. In the morning, men ride horses from local stables along the shore & in the afternoon, women in colourful cotton thobes (or thawb - the traditional Arabic word for 'a garment' – is along tunic) & shawls meet under palms. Flocks of gulls follow fishermen pulling in nets with Toyota Land Cruisers & football games last until the Moon rises over the sea.

Seeb is renowned for mashakik - chargrilled meat, fish & squid dipped in spicy tamarind sauce and there are mashakik stalls all along the Waterfront. You will also see enterprising young men set up Grills along the beach from sunset onwards.

Zanzibari treats are an integral part of Omani cuisine. Staples include the chilli, lime & onion salad, kachori potato dumplings, beans in thick coconut sauce, local fish & sweet coconut dumplings, served with tamarind juice or clove-spiced tea. Those craving dessert can wander up Al Khoudh Al Tijary Street for a towering falooda cocktail & for fresh pistachio & almond maamoul shortbread.

Drive on & reach the Resort by evening.

Balance of the evening is at leisure.

Alas, like all good things, the wonderful experience comes to an end. Time to say good-bye to the enchanting Sultanate of Oman & go home.

You will be dropped at the hotel if you are staying longer or transferred to Terminal ? - Muscat International Airport .

Oman's low-rise towns retain their traditional charms, and Bedouin values remain at the heart of an Omani welcome. With an abundance of natural beauty, from spectacular mountains, wind-blown deserts & a pristine coastline, Oman is the obvious choice for those seeking out the modern face of Arabia while wanting still to sense its ancient soul.

And that, we are sure, will entice you come back & discover a bit more of these 2 ‘old’ new ultra-modern countries which used to be a bleak desert just 50 years back.  The Omanis (& Emiratis) are waiting to host you again….

“When you leave Oman, as the plane lifts, you feel that more than leaving a continent you are leaving a state of mind. Whatever awaits you at the other end of your journey will be of a different order of existence.”  – Anonymous

Depart on for your onward journey.  B L

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