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Day 1-2: Meet in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Stroll through the old souk, then go by water taxi to the spice and gold souks. Wander around Shindaga waterfront and visit the Heritage and Diving Villages and Sheik Saeed al-Maktoum House. Visit the fascinating underground Dubai Museum. Marvel at the famous 7-star Burj al Arab hotel and catch a glimpse of the Dubai Marina, Dubailand, Dubai Autodrome, International City, some of Dubai’s breathtaking new projects. Enjoy Atlantis Resort's "The Lost Chambers" spectacle describing the legend of the lost city of Atlantis.
Day 3: Sharjah - Ajman - Al Fujayrah
A relaxed day visiting three Emirates: museums, souks, mosques and enjoying the pretty waterfronts.
Day 4-6: Oman: Sohar - Muscat
Cross the border into Sohar, a quiet seaside town. A short drive to Muscat. Tour the seaside residential area of Qurum, and the Bait Al Zubair and Bait Al Oud Museums. A scenic drive along the Corniche waterfront on our way to the charming ancient Muttrah souk. We'll continue through the old city to the Al Alam Palace, an architectural marvel for both its design and location between the twin forts of Jalali and Mirani.
Day 7: Quriyat - Tiwi - Fins Beach - Sur
Early morning visit to the Grand Mosque in Muscat before embarking on our soft adventure excursion along the coastline to Sur. We'll visit the large fishing village of Quriyat, enjoy picnic lunch at the beautiful white sand Fins Beach, meander in Tiwi, a sleepy picturesque fishing village with pastel colored houses. After dinner, we go to Ras al-Junayz to see the wild turtles nesting ground (Sept-Nov tours only).
Day 8: Wadi Bani Khalid - Wahiba Sands
A tour of Sur, then relax at Wadi Bani Khalid, a desert oasis with clear, green spring-water pools. Continue to Wahiba Sands, the great desert of Oman. Wahiba Sands is home to the traditional Bedouins. Visit a tribal family in their dwelling. Enjoy accommodation at Desert Nights Deluxe Camp.
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Day 9-10: Nizwa
Early morning drive to the quaint village of Sinaw to see the camel market. Here we’ll see a true slice of traditional life. Tour the oasis city of Nizwa, visit the old walled town of Al Hamara, the mountain village of Masfah, and Bahla and Jabrin Forts.
Day 11: Al Ain - Abu Dhabi - Dubai
Early morning visit to the animal market, a part of the colorful souk, which is renowned for its intricately hand-carved "Khanjar" and ornately designed silver jewelry. Drive to Al Ain and visit the national museum, Al Ain Palace Museum, Souk Al Mawashi and the camel market. Continue to Dubai via Abu Dhabi.
Day 12-13: Sana'a, Yemen
Walking tour in the old city of Sana'a, 'Bab Al Yemen'. Soak up the atmosphere of the medieval souk. Drive through the Green Valley, a fertile, pleasant valley of small villages and clan-walled orchards. Visit Kawkaban, a village built on an inaccessible mountainside, Shibam to see the old caves built into the mountain, and Thula, a rare example of a well-preserved highland town of stone tower houses.
Day 14: Manakha - al Hajjrah - Hodeidahi
Enjoy a typical Yemeni lunch with folkloric dances. Visit Al-Hoteib, the famous pilgrimage center for the Dawoudi Bohra (Ismaili Muslims of India).
Day 15-16: Taiz
Enroute, visit Bait Al Faqih, the 18th century coffee-trading center and Zabid UNESCO site. In Yafrus, visit the mosque and tomb of Ahmed Bin Alwan, a 16th century Sufi. Continue to Saber Mountain for a great view of Taiz City. Explore Taiz.
Day 17: Sana'a-Depart
See the great mosque of Jiblah with its column prayer hall and finely decorated tomb of the Queen. Visit Ibb's old town, and on to Sana'a via Sumarah Mountain.
Day 18: Depart
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