10-Nights Oman & the Emirates: The Sands of Time - Luxury Small Group Journeys from $13,695
Abercrombie & Kent
OFFER ID 1557179
Oman & the Emirates: The Sands of Time
Celebrate the rich tapestry of history, culture and innovation that lies at the cornerstones of Oman and the United Arab Emirates, two nations boasting both ultra-modern metropolises and timeless traditions that take you on a journey back in time.
10 nights from $13,695 per person
Itinerary Details
Abercrombie & Kent: Oman & the Emirates: The Sands of Time
Day 1 Muscat, Oman
Arrive in Muscat, where you are met and transferred to your hotel.
The Chedi Muscat
Meals:
Day 2 Muscat
Begin your exploration of Muscat at the Grand Mosque, a contemporary architectural marvel showcasing an enduring tradition of regional artistry and craftsmanship. Explore the basic tenets of Islam with a local scholar in the mosque’s main prayer room, a vast space adorned with intricate chandeliers and handwoven carpets. Continue your exploration of Muscat’s fascinating fusion of old and new at the Royal Opera House Muscat. Constructed by the same team responsible for the Grand Mosque, it embodies a similar synergy of contemporary construction and time-honored tradition. Afterward, visit the National Museum. Housed in the heart of Old Muscat, it features artifacts depicting Oman’s cultural and historical heritage. Stop at the Al Alam Palace before lunch, and then return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure, followed by a welcome dinner.
The Chedi Muscat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 Muscat
Continue to discover the splendors of Muscat, starting in the historic port city’s Muttrah Souk, a traditional Omani market filled with frankincense, silver handicrafts and gold jewelry. Next, head to the local market with a chef who assists you in selecting ingredients for your interactive Chef ’s Table experience. Learn about Omani dishes and share your lunch with local students, on this A&K-exclusive experience. After leisure time at your hotel, embark on a sunset dhow (traditional fishing boat) cruise exploring the city’s port and coast beyond, taking in an iconic seascape traversed by sailors for centuries. Pause in a scenic cove for a photo opportunity set against a spectacular backdrop.
The Chedi Muscat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 Wahiba Sands
Follow the coast to Sur, passing through the village of Quriyat. Stop at a dhow factory before proceeding to the undulating red and white dunes of Wahiba Sands, noting the villages that cling to the slopes of the rugged mountainside en route. Upon reaching camp, set out to discover the boundless dunes by 4x4 vehicle, and then continue into the desert sunset, riding camelback, to enjoy a Scenic Sundowner. Tonight’s barbecue dinner, accompanied by a local oud (lute) player, is set beneath the desert stars.
Desert Nights Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 Jabal Al Akhdar
This morning, visit Wadi Bani Khalid, distinguished by the caves scattered around its corners. Continue exploring the region with a visit to Jabrin Castle, the finest surviving example of Oman’s 17th-century fortresses. This former bastion of astrology, medicine and Islamic law showcases elegantly painted ceilings, intricate woodcarvings and other period details. After lunch, continue through the Al Hajar mountain range. Perched some 6,600 feet above sea level, your vantage on a ridge of Jabal Al Akhdar (the Green Mountain) affords commanding views of the rugged canyons below. Check in to your accommodations, a melding of traditional Omani construction techniques, local stones and contemporary architecture.
Alila Jabal Akhdar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 Jabal Al Akhdar
Rise early this morning to visit the 17th-century trading enclave of Nizwa, where you witness the weekly livestock market for an authentic immersion in a cherished Bedouin tradition. Pass through the city’s arched gateway to explore its iconic fort, bustling souk, fascinating silversmith shops and deeply rooted Islamic traditions. After lunch, the balance of the afternoon is at leisure.
Alila Jabal Akhdar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 Jabal Al Akhdar/Dubai, UAE
This morning, you may wish to enjoy a short walk around the villages of Saiq, Wadi Bani Habib and Al Ain, overlooking a spectacular landscape of dramatic peaks, gorges, and wadis and where rose water is distilled in the homes of the villagers. After lunch, travel overland to Muscat and fly to Dubai, where you check in to your luxury accommodations.
One&only One Za’abeel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8 Abu Dhabi
Travel to Abu Dhabi, one of the wealthiest and most modern city-states in the world, renowned for its stunning cityscapes, and contributions to contemporary art and culture. Begin your exploration of the city at the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital and Museum, gaining insight into this fascinating bird of prey and its integral role in the Emirati’s heritage. Visit the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, widely renowned as Abu Dhabi’s crowning jewel. The mosque accommodates the world’s largest Persian carpet and some 41,000 worshipers. Take in the majesty of this vast architectural marvel and learn about its vital role in local culture and Islamic traditions. Continue to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the largest art museum in the Arabian peninsula, showcasing a wide array of local and international art. Return to Dubai for an evening at leisure.
One&only One Za’abeel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9 Dubai
Begin your explorations of Dubai in Old Dubai, strolling the aromatic spice market and making your way to the modern Deira Gold Souk, a market specializing in some of the world’s purest gold. Enjoy a special lunch of traditional Emirati dishes at the Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding, where you have the opportunity to learn about life in the UAE from locals. After lunch, visit the world’s tallest skyscraper, Burj Khalifa, an engineering masterwork measuring a staggering 2,716 feet high (2,722 feet if you count the antennae). Topping out in late 2008, this neofuturistic wonder bested both the Willis (formerly Sears) Tower and Taipei 101 by considerable margins. Soaring over the cityscape, your vantage point affords breathtaking views.
One&only One Za’abeel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10 Dubai
This morning, learn about another of Dubai’s great architectural feats, The Palm, at The View Palm Jumeirah. This immersive museum showcases the historical timeline of how The Palm was constructed. Take photos from the Observation Deck. Then, wander through Souk Madinat Jumeirah, a contemporary take on an old Arabian town. Return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure. Later this evening, gather for a farewell dinner overlooking the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain.
One&only One Za’abeel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11 Dubai
Transfer to the airport and board your homebound flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Excursions
Dubai - the Veuve Clicquot Desert Experience
Dubai - the Veuve Clicquot Desert Experience
Set beneath the sunset of the Dubai desert, the Veuve Clicquot Desert Experience is a sublime evening of premium dining with specially paired drinks from the portfolio, served in your own private dining space among the natural beauty of the desert dunes to create a truly memorable experience in one of the world’s most unique settings.
The Veuve Clicquot Desert Experience blends dining excellence, wine pairing and desert beauty unlike anywhere else in the world
Inclusions:
- Return VIP transfers in a luxury car from your hotel or residence in Dubai
- A multi-course dining menu, specially paired with wines and spirits
- A private chef, sommelier and safari guide throughout the evening
- A short camel trek in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve to your private desert lounge
- A Veuve Clicquot champagne reception
- Photo opportunities at the Sundowner Lounge
- A private dining space to host your group
Dubai - Private Desert Safari Experience - 6 hours or more
Dubai - Private Desert Safari Experience - 6 hours or more
Get ready to experience the desert like never before. Leave the buzzing city behind as you’re whisked off to the beautiful and peaceful Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, ready to deliver the best of what the dunes have to offer. Enjoy a thrilling dune drive, spotting local wildlife along the way, snap unbeatable photos at sunset, find your
balance on a camel or a sandboard and have your hands decorated in Henna to help the memories last longer.
As you reach the magical campsite, you’re in for an evening full of awe-inspiring local entertainment and a delicious barbeque dinner under the stars, accompanied by your preferred package of adult beverages. Sit back, relax and indulge in delectable foods and mesmerising performances.
Inclusions
- Pick-up and drop-off in a shared/private vehicle in a 4 wheel drive (Land cruiser or similar)
- Dune drive
- Sunset stop
- Modern Bedouin-style camp
- Enjoy a variety of entertainment: Camel ride, sandboarding, henna hand painting,
- Arabian Adventures Fire and Dance Show
- BBQ dinner
- Unlimited soft drinks
- Option to add an adult beverage packages ( House or Premium beverages)
Sharing means: Transfers to the camp will be shared with other guests. Table seating
is shared
Private means: Transfers to the camp will be private. Table seating is shared
Age Policy: Adults are 12 years & above and Children are 5 -11.99 years
To book children 2-4.99 years or under 135cm, please book Evening Desert Safari
Private Vehicle and enter details on infants
Language: English (other languages can be arranged at an additional cost)
Departures: Daily and available all year round
Duration: Late afternoon until early evening ( estimated departure at 3pm with estimated return at 9pm)
Good To Know
- Souvenirs and photos are available for purchase at the campsite
- Restrooms are available at the campsite
- Shisha is included in the Premium package. Shisha is available for purchase on the Soft and House package (AED 50) per shisha at the venue
- Modest dress and comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- A portion of your fee goes towards supporting local conservation
- Entertainment may vary during Ramadan and other religious holidays and adult beverages will be served only after sunset.
- Beverage package: Soft drinks beverages are available on site with the option to purchase selected drinks on site House Packages include standard house wines and beer. Premium packages includes premium wines and beers and selected spirits. All packages include unlimited soft drinks and water
- Arabian Adventures reserves the right to cease service of alcohol to guests who display obvious signs of intoxication
- Please note there is a fuel surcharge for Desert Safaris that take place in Dubai, where the guest pick up is from Abu Dhabi, Ras Al-Khaimah and Fujairah. The surcharge is AED 100 per person
- For pregnant ladies or people with pre-existing medical conditions (including heart ailments neck or back problems) participation is not recommend
- Please contact our team for special needs and arrangements
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
Reference this number when contacting our agency so we may better serve you. Also keeping this number handy will allow you to locate this document again quickly.