Tour Itinerary:
*UAE
Day 1: Arrival in Dubai.
Met at airport and transfer to hotel.
Day 2: Dubai
Half day sightseeing tour. We start with visit to fascinating underground Dubai Museum near our hotel. Next walk through the old souk and cross the magnificent Dubai Creek by water taxi, landing at the spice market, then visit the gold souk. Then we will drive towards the modern site of Dubai and stop at the Jumeirah mosque for photo, then a short stop in front of Burj Al Arab the 7 star hotel and tallest tower hotel in the world for photo opportunity. Lastly visit the camel race track located in Nad Al Shiba, on the way back to hotel we pass the Zabeel Palace, Shaikh Palace.
Day 3: Dubai
Half day excursion to The Emirates of Sharjah and Ajman. We start our journey at Sharjah Lagoon, then pass by majestic King Faisal Mosque, the Pearl Monument, symbol of the UAE Federation walking distance to the fabulous blue souq (central market) located in the Union Square, where more than 600 shops sell carpets, gold, silver, antiques, perfumes, clothes and many other goods. Next stop is Old town of Sharjah, and the souk al torath, refreshments can be had in the local juice shop. Drive to Ajman. Visit Ajman's enchanting museum - housed in an ancient fort and giving intriguing insights into lifestyles before changes brought by oil. Also see Majahrah souq with its intricate mosaics and golden dome; 150-year old of Al Naboodah House.
*Oman
Day 4: Muscat
Transfer to airport for flight to Muscat and transfer to hotel. Afternoon - Muscat City Tour. Our tour will take you through the seaside residential area of Qurum to the National Museum. After a tour of the museum continue drive to Old Muscat en-route stopping at the Zawawi Mosque for a photo stop. Continue drive through the city to corniche water front to visit the Muttrah souq (market place). After visiting the souq, drive through the old city to the Al Alam Palace an architectural marvel for both the design & location between the twin forts of Jalali & Mirani. Drive back to the hotel.
Day 5: Muscat/Quriyat/Tiwi/Fins Beach/Wadi Shaab/Sur
After breakfast you will be met by your guide in the lobby for a full day excursion. First we proceed to Grand Mosque. Afterwards, we embark on our 4-wheel drive soft adventure program. This tour along the coast line to Sur offers breath taking glimpses of the blue waters of the Gulf of Oman offset by pristine beaches The adventure starts from Quriyat, a very large fishing village between the lagoon and the sea. The port of Quiriyat is still guarded by a watch tower dating back to 1635. Continue on the bumpy track, sometimes touching the sea following a creek or overlooking superb white beaches hundreds of metres long. Arrive at Fins beach (white beach) stop for a short swim or just laze under the sun, and continue to 'Wadi Shaab. Shallow green pools and abundant shade give Wadi Shaab a perfect setting for a picnic. After lunch you may take a long walk inside the wadi, return to your vehicle and proceed to Sur.
Day 6: Sur/Wadi Bani Khalid/Wahiba Sands/Nizwa
After breakfast, a tour of Sur town visiting the dhow building yard before proceeding to Wadi Bani Khalid, which stands out like an oasis in the desert with clear green natural spring water pools, a stark contrast to Wahiba Sands. the great desert of Oman. Continue to 'Wahiba Sands, often described as a perfect example of a sand sea. The Wahiba Sands is the home of the traditional bedouin tribe who are known for their hospitality and their knowledge of the sands. Our experienced driver will take you on a drive through the undulating sand dunes to experience the thrills of dune driving. There is a possibility of meeting one of the Bedouin families to enjoy a cup of coffee with them & know about their living style. Continue to Nizwa. On arrival check in at Falaj Daris hotel.
Day 7: Nizwa/Bahla/Jabreen/Al Hamra/Al Ain
Morning tour of the Oasis city of Nizwa, which was once the capital of Julanda Dynasty in the 6th & 7th Century AD. Today it remains a popular attraction with its historical buildings & imposing fort. The first stop is the colorful souq which is renowned for its intricately hand-carved "Khanjar" and ornately designed silver jewelry. Also visit the other traditional shops before proceeding to the Nizwa fort with its enormous round tower, built in the 17th century by the great Imam Sultan Bin Seif to safeguard the route to the interiors. Next, is a quick stop at the Bahla Fort. Continue to Jabrin Fort to visit the castle, the finest of Oman's castle built in the late 17th century, which became a seat of Omani learning. Afternoon, drive to Al Ain. Entering Al Ain we’ll pass magnificent sand dunes sculpted by the wind with knife-sharp edges. Overnight at Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet hotel.
Day 8: Al Ain
This morning we will meet our UAE guide at the hotel for a tour of Al Ain including: a visit to the national museum (impressive archaeological section), Al Ain Palce Museum which was the House of the late Sheikh Zayed the founder of United Arab Emirates, Souk Al Mawashi,(animal market) and visit to Al-Khandaq Fort--a vision straight out of a fairytale. Afternoon we wander through the atmospheric oasis with its shady date palms, labyrinthine paths and traditional irrigation channels.
Day 9: Al Ain/Abu Dhabi/Dubai
After breakfast drive to Abu Dhabi. After lunch, tour Abu Dhani including: Cultural Foundation, Qasr al-Husn, Women’s Handicraft Center. Afternoon continue to Dubai Transfer to hotel.
Day 10: Transfer to airport for flight to Sanaa
*Yemen
Day 11: Arrival in Sana
Sana'a was founded by Shem son of Noah's and is one of the first sites of human settlement. Our representative will meet you on arrival and we will proceed to Wadi Dhahr for a sightseeing tour through the Green Valley, a fertile and very pleasant valley of small villages and clan- walled orchards, green all year round and growing all kinds of Mediterranean fruits. Visit Imam Palace Dar Al-Hajar (Rock Palace) former Imam Summer Residence. Late afternoon walking tour in the old Sana'a city, 'Bab Al Yemen ' and the medieval “Souq” market, where you can soak up the atmosphere of the old Sana'a city by night. Dinner at Arabia Felix Funduk in old Sana'a , enjoying traditional ambiance and cuisine.
Day 12: Sana'a - Kawkaban - Shibam - Thula - Sana'a
Drive to Kawkaban, a village built on the most inaccessible mountainside. A typical Yemeni lunch will be provided in guest house in Shibam. Drive to Hababah, walking tour in the village and continue driving to Thula. Thula is a rare example of an almost perfectly preserved highland town of stone tower houses. Return to Sana’s. Dinner at Shibani restaurant.
Day 13: Sana'a - Manakha - al Hajjrah - Hodeidah
After breakfast drive to Manakha the urban capital of the reunion to al Hajjrah. Yemeni typical lunch will be provided at Al- Hajjrah Funduk with folkloric dances. After lunch drive on to Al-Hoteib the famous pilgrimage center for the Dawoudi Bohra (Ismaili Muslims of India). Continue to Hodeidah. Overnight at Ambassador Hotel
Day 14: Hodeidah - Zabid - Taiz
Early morning visit fish market. Afterwards, visit to Bait Al Faqih, the 18th century coffee-trading center. Currently its one of the biggest weekly market. We can also see can also see the handcraft shops where they make cloths. Drive on to Zabid. Lunch at local restaurant. Continue to Taiz. Overnight at Sofitel
Day 15: Taiz
Drive to Yafrus to visit the mosque and the tomb of Ahmed Bin Alwan, one of the most famous Sufis of the 16th century. Continue to Saber Mountain for a great view of Taiz City. In afternoon explore Taiz. Visit the Ashrafia mosque and walk through the Sunday souq, one of the most interesting in Taiz. Dinner and overnight at Sofitel.
Day 16: Taiz - Jiblah - Ibb - Sana'a
Depart via Jiblah to see the great mosque with its column prayer hall, and the finely decorated tomb of the Queen. Continue to Ibb. Visit of the old town of Ibb, lunch en route. Continue to Sana'a passing through Sumarah Mountain. Visit the old city of Sana'a and Bab Al-Yemen medieval souq-market. Overnight at Taj Sherba.
Day 17: Transfer to airport for flight home.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price includes:
*UAE Tour Includes: 4 nights Dubai, 2 night Al Ain, breakfasts, arrival/dep transfers, land transport, 2 half day sightseeing tours with private guide in Dubai, full day Abu Dhabi-Al Ain; entrance fees.
*Oman Tour Includes: 4 nights-Muscat & Sur 5 star, Nizwa, 3 star (best avail); breakfasts, 1 picnic lunch on Dec 4 and 1 local lunch on Dec 5, arrival and departure transfers by ac vehicle, tours with private guide/driver, entrance fees, 4wd vehicle Dec 3, 4; land transport to Al Ain by private ac mini bus; water and soft drinks during 2 days 4w drive excursions.
*Yemen Tour Includes: 6 nights- Sana & Taiz 5 star, Hodeidah 3 star (best avail), all meals, arrival and departure transfers, land transport- 4w drive, private guide/driver, entrance fees, ice box with mineral water: 3 small bottles per day during the Tour.
Price Excludes: intl flight, flights between countries in Arabian Penninsula, visa fees, departure taxes, insurance, tips, meals not listed.
Also see tour packages in:
Middle East
United Arab Emirates
Yemen
Oman
Cultural Journey
Archeology/History
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