Frankincense & Mirages
Frankincense & Mirages
$1991
Frankincense & Mirages
9 Days Starting in Muscat and ending in Dubai
Visiting: Muscat, Bait Al Zubair Museum, Mutrah Souq, Al Alam Palace, Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Nizwa, Maison Musée Bait Al Safah, Jebel Shams, Jabrin, Nizwa Souq سوق نزوى, Wahiba Sands, Sinaw Market, Al Manzifat, Ras Al Jinz, Wadi Bani Khalid, Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve محمية راس الجنز, Sur, Wadi Tiwi, Bimmah Sinkhole, Dubai, Dubai Marina, Burj Khalifa, Bastakiya, Al Shindagha Museum, Desert Safari Dubai, Sharjah
Tour operator:
Tour code:
53856
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 24
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Frankincense & Mirages" tour, a captivating journey through Oman and the United Arab Emirates. Begin in Muscat, exploring the Grand Mosque and Mutrah Souq, before venturing to the historic Jabreen Castle and the breathtaking Jebel Shams. Experience the vibrant Sinaw Market and the serene Wahiba Sands. Witness the nesting turtles at Ras Al Jinz and marvel at the natural beauty of Wadi Bani Khalid. Transition to the modern marvels of Dubai, with visits to the iconic Burj Khalifa and the historic Bastakiya district. Enjoy a traditional dhow cruise along Dubai Creek, offering a unique perspective of the city's skyline. This tour combines rich history, stunning landscapes, and modern wonders, providing an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival In Muscat ( / / )
Location: Muscat
Accommodation Name: Radisson Hotel Panorama Muscat (4*)
Arrival at Muscat International Airport. After proceeding through immigration and collecting your luggage you will be met by your driver in the arrivals hall. Transfer to the hotel and check in.
Overnight at Muscat.
Day 2 : Full–Day Muscat Tour And Sunset Boat Trip (Appr. 80 Km) (B/L/ )
Location: Bait Al Zubair Museum, Mutrah Souq, Al Alam Palace, Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat
Accommodation Name: Radisson Hotel Panorama Muscat (4*)
At 09:30 depart for the city tour which begins with a visit to the magnificent Grand Mosque, built with sandstone and marble. A beautiful Swarovski chandelier and a huge handmade Persian carpet adorn the main prayer hall. Then continue to Muttrah Souk, a traditional Arabian market. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and the scent of frankincense and spices. Next, visit Bait Al Zubair museum. This privately owned museum, located in the old town of Muscat, is known for its fine collection of traditional costumes, antique jewellery and weapons.
Afterwards we will have a photo stop at Al Alam Palace, the palace of the Sultan, followed by a 2-hour sunset boat ride along the coast of Muscat. On the way back to the hotel, photo stop at the Royal Opera House and drive through the ministry and embassy district (lunch included in a local restaurant during the tour). Return to the hotel.
Free time for dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 : Muscat – Jabreen – Al Hamra – Jebel Shams – Nizwa (Appr. 350 Km) (B/L/ )
Location: Nizwa, Maison Musée Bait Al Safah, Jebel Shams, Jabrin, Nizwa Souq سوق نزوى, Muscat
Accommodation Name: Al Diyar Hotel
After breakfast, leave Muscat and depart towards the interior of Oman. Visit Jabreen Castle, Oman’s most beautiful castle with its winding hallways, hidden staircases and beautifully decorated interior. Later, you will reach Al Hamra and visit the village. Afterwards switch to 4x4 vehicles and continue up to Jebel Shams, the ‘mountain of the sun’. Enjoy the spectacular view from the Grand Canyon. Lunch during the tour in a local restaurant.
Afterwards, proceed to Nizwa, the former capital of Oman. Visit Nizwa Souq, which lies in the vicinity of the walls of the famous Nizwa Fort. Its building embraces both traditional and modern architectural lines through its many alleys and divisions. Nizwa Souq has remained for hundreds of years home to a number of local industries, such as daggers, copper, spinning, livestock, fish, vegetables and handicrafts.
Overnight at Nizwa.
Day 4 : Nizwa – Sinaw Market – Al Manzifah – Wahiba Sands (Appr. 220 Km) (B/L/D)
Location: Nizwa, Wahiba Sands, Sinaw Market, Al Manzifat
Accommodation Name: Arabian Oryx / Sama Al Wasil Camp
After breakfast, proceed to Sinaw Thursday Market, held every Thursday. It is a very busy market due to its proximity to the Bedouin communities, who head there to buy staples and sell their livestock and handicrafts. After the visit you proceed to a local house where you will meet the family and enjoy a homemade lunch.
After lunch, see the ruins of the old mercantile community of Al Manzifah near Ibra. Later arrive in Wahiba Sands. 4x4 vehicles will take you to the camp.
Dinner and overnight at the desert camp.
Day 5 : Wahiba – Wadi Bani Khalid – Sur – Ras Al Hadd (Appr. 230 Km) (B/ /D)
Location: Ras Al Jinz, Wadi Bani Khalid, Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve محمية راس الجنز, Sur
Accommodation Name: Turtle Beach Resort 3*Sup
After breakfast, take the 4x4 vehicles and return to the bus. You proceed to Wadi Bani Khalid, which stands in strong contrast to the desert with its natural pools and greenery.
Afterwards you will continue to the coastal town of Sur and visit the dhow factory. Drive to Ras Al Hadd and Check in to the hotel.
After dinner, night excursion to Ras Al Jinz turtle reserve, where you can witness the nestling turtles. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Dinner and overnight at Ras Al Hadd.
Day 6 : Sur – Wadi Tiwi – Bimah Sinkhole – Muscat – Flight To Dubai (Appr. 250 Km) (B/L/ )
Location: Wadi Tiwi, Bimmah Sinkhole, Dubai, Muscat
Accommodation Name: Hampton by Hilton Dubai
After breakfast , we will start our journey back to Muscat along the coast.
We will stop at the beautiful Wadi Tiwi and have lunch in local restaurant. You then head towards Bimah Sinkhole, a geological formation of the karst topography and a scenic wonder.
Continue your drive to Muscat and transfer to the Airport. Flight to Dubai (included).
Arrival at Dubai International Airport. After collecting your luggage and completing the formalities, meet one of our English-speaking representatives who will meet you in the arrival hall at the airport, welcome you and then accompany you to meet your driver. Your driver will take you to your hotel (Transfers with an English-speaking driver, without a guide).
Dinner at your leisure. Overnight stay at a Dubai hotel.
Day 7 : Full–Day Dubai Tour & Dhow Cruise Creek (B/L/D)
Location: Dubai Marina, Burj Khalifa, Bastakiya, Al Shindagha Museum, Dubai
Accommodation Name: Hampton by Hilton Dubai
Breakfast at the hotel.
Dubai is a unique and spectacular city. Start your visit with the discovery of the skyscrapers along the famous Sheikh Zayed highway which runs along the city. After a photo stop in front of the Burj Al Arab, an iconic 7-star hotel in Dubai.
Continue to the Dubai Marina and stop for a moment to admire the various buildings, before heading to Palm Jumeirah for some Instagram worthy photos with the famous Atlantis The Palm and Atlantis The Royal as a backdrop.
Taking the Sheikh Zayed Road back towards the city we stop in Downtown Dubai, home of the tallest building in the world. We’ll visit the highest observation deck in the world at level 124 of Burj Khalifa to take in some stunning 360-degree views of the city.
We stop for lunch at a local restaurant.
After discovering the modern part of the city, the scenery changes as we stroll through the narrow streets of the historic Bastakiya district with its Arabic wind towers. Learn more about Emirati history and traditions at the Al Shindagha Museum (including a visit to the childhood home of Sheikh Al Maktoum). Cross Dubai Creek on board an abra (local, traditional water taxi) to reach the spice and gold souks where you can show off your bargaining skills.
At this point, your guide will leave in the hands of your capable driver who will accompany you until the departure of the dinner cruise.
Dine aboard a traditional dhow on the waters of the creek, you can discover the "Old Dubai" from another viewpoint. Admire the district of “Bastakiya” by night as you sail past the skyline of Dubai.
Dinner is an International buffet on-board a traditional Arabian trading boat – Dhow (cruise duration is 2 hours).
Your driver will drop you off at the hotel after dinner.
Overnight stay at a Dubai hotel.
Day 8 : Free Day (B/ / )
Location: Dubai, Desert Safari Dubai, Sharjah
Accommodation Name: Hampton by Hilton Dubai
Breakfast at the hotel.
Free day at leisure. Meals are not included.
Night at the hotel in Dubai.
Day 9 : Departure From Dubai (B/ / )
Location: Dubai
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to Dubai International Airport with English-speaking driver (without guide).
What's Included
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Return airport transfers without guide
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Hotel accommodation in selected category
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Flight ticket from Muscat to Dubai
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Meals and programmes as mentioned
Meals and programs as mentioned are included, such as 2 half board and 1 full board day in Oman, and a Dhow cruise dinner at Dubai Creek in the UAE.
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1 small bottle of water in the bus
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All transfers as mentioned in the programme
All transfers as mentioned in the program are included in a modern air-conditioned vehicle and a 4x4 desert safari.
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Entrances to sites as per the program
Entrances to sites as per the program and an English-speaking guide during visits are included.
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Value added tax (VAT) 5% in Oman & UAE
Value added tax (VAT) of 5% in Oman and UAE is included.
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Meals and programmes as mentioned above (Oman: 2 half board & 1 full board day / UAE: Dhow cruise dinner at Dubai Creek depending on the program chosen; Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner included (except 1st program); Musandam Cruise Dibba on shared basis wit
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All transfers as mentioned in the programme in a modern air-conditioned vehicle and a 4x4 desert safari in all programs (except 1st program)
What's Not Included
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Insurance; long haul flights and airport taxes
Insurance, long haul flights, and airport taxes are not included.
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Visa
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Meet & Greet inside the airport/transit
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Meals and beverages (unless mentioned)
Meals and beverages are not included unless specifically mentioned in the program.
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Tour guide during Dhow Dinner Cruise and Desert Safari & Musandam Cruise Dibba
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Tips for drivers & guides
Tips for drivers and guides are not included.
It is recommended to tip 3-4 USD per person per day for drivers and 5-7 USD per person per day for guides. -
Porters in the hotels and at the airport
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Tourism Dirham Tax
Tourism Dirham Tax is not included and is payable directly to the hotel: 5* hotels: 20 AED (approx.
6 USD), 4* hotels: 15 AED (approx.
4 USD), 3* hotels: 10 AED (approx.
3 USD). -
Insurance; long haul flights and airport taxes. Personal expenses (phone calls; beverages; etc)
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Meals and beverages (unless mentioned in the programme)
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Tips for drivers & guides (we recommend 3-4 USD per person per day for drivers & 5-7 USD per person per day for guides)
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Tourism Dirham Tax (AED per room per night) payable directly to the hotel: 5* hotels: 20 AED (approx. 6 USD) 4* hotels: 15 AED (approx. 4 USD) 3* hotels: 10 AED (approx. 3 USD)
Mode of Transport
Travel in modern air-conditioned vehicles, with 4x4 desert safaris included. Enjoy return airport transfers, a flight from Muscat to Dubai, and a dhow cruise dinner at Dubai Creek, ensuring a seamless and memorable travel experience.
Accommodation
Experience comfort and style with stays at the Radisson Hotel Panorama Muscat, Al Diyar Hotel, Arabian Oryx / Sama Al Wasil Camp, Turtle Beach Resort, and Hampton by Hilton Dubai, offering a mix of 3 to 4-star accommodations throughout your journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides hotel accommodation in selected categories, including stays at Radisson Hotel Panorama Muscat, Al Diyar Hotel, Arabian Oryx / Sama Al Wasil Camp, Turtle Beach Resort, and Hampton by Hilton Dubai.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Meals are included as per the program, with 2 half board and 1 full board day in Oman, a Dhow cruise dinner at Dubai Creek, and a Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner in the UAE. Meals are not included on the free day in Dubai.
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Is there a guide provided during the tour?
An English-speaking guide is provided during visits to sites as per the program. However, there is no tour guide during the Dhow Dinner Cruise and Desert Safari & Musandam Cruise Dibba.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour includes all transfers in a modern air-conditioned vehicle and a 4x4 desert safari. A flight ticket from Muscat to Dubai is also included.
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What activities are included in the desert safari?
The desert safari includes a 4x4 vehicle ride and a BBQ dinner. Dune bashing is also part of the safari experience.
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Will there be opportunities to see wildlife during the tour?
Yes, there is a night excursion to Ras Al Jinz turtle reserve where you can witness nesting turtles.
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Are there any cultural experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes visits to traditional markets like Mutrah Souq and Nizwa Souq, a visit to a local house for a homemade lunch, and a stroll through the historic Bastakiya district in Dubai.
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How does Today Voyages work?
We are an Online Travel Agency, specialized in Group Vacations and Private Vacations. We have been in business for over 30 years through our sister company Go West Tours and, throughout the years, have developed an extensive network of trusted professionals around the world and a structured methodology to screen our suppliers. Today Voyages offers a selection of tours that are designed, managed and operated by our network of trusted Tour Operators and DMCs. Our database is connected with our partners so that when you make a booking with us this will immediately be received and processed by the Tour Operator.
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Where should I buy the flights to reach my destination?
Today Voyages does not sell flights directly. None of our tours come with flights included. Why? Because we prefer to give full flexibility to our valued customers to select the airlines and the booking platform they prefer. As soon as your flight is booked and confirmed, we invite you to update your flight plan within your Today Voyages booking confirmation page by entering your flight number, departure and arrival times, as well as your Passport information (if needed). None of these fields are mandatory but we highly encourage you to provide as much information as possible. This will allow us to provide you with the excellent service you are looking for.
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What is an additional excursion or tour optional?
Certain tours might show a selection of additional excursions/optional activities that you may want to add to our standard itinerary. These services are priced separately and can be added to the cart before completing the booking. We believe these optional services to contribute to making your vacation unforgettable; however, you are in no way obliged to purchase them. All our tours are awesome with our without optional services!
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What is the difference between Group Vacations and Private Vacations?
If you purchase one of our Group vacation packages, you will be escorted by a professional tour guide and will be traveling with other like-minded travelers you may not know. The group size depends on the tour you select. If you purchase one of our Private vacation packages, you will be traveling only within your group of friends. You may or may not be escorted by a professional tour guide; this depends on the type of private tour you are interested in.
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When and how will I receive the travel documents (vouchers)?
If you book one of our Group or Private tours, you will receive your travel documents via email approximately 20 days prior to travel date. If you reserve one of our Vacation Rentals, you will hear back from the property manager via email a few days prior to checking-in. We recommend checking your emails on a regular basis as this is our most reliable method of communication. If you have questions or need additional support, you can always chat with us or email us directly.
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What happens if a Group tour does not get confirmed?
It is very simple... you will be offered an alternative departure date or be refunded the full amount you pre-paid. No questions asked!
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What happens after I book?
The majority of our tours are confirmed at the time of booking. This means that, after submitting the payment online, you will receive an order confirmation email; make sure to save this email and to note down your confirmation number for any future communication with us. Some tours may be sold on a 'on request' basis. This means that for these tours we reserve the right to check the availability of your spot(s) with the Tour Operator before confirming the tour to you. As soon as you submit the payment online for a 'on request' tour you will receive an email notification that confirms your order request. Within 72 hours, you will receive either a confirmation email or a denial email. Do not worry... we will do everything we can to confirm your tour!
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Free Date Changes
Today Voyages allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 65 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Today Voyages requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of today voyages charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.