The Gulf of Arabia

The Gulf of Arabia

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The Gulf of Arabia

11 Days Starting and ending in Dubai

Visiting: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Nizwa, Muscat

Tour operator:

Today Voyages

Tour code:

13368

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Experience the charm of Al Ain on day 3 of the Gulf of Arabia tour. Depart from Abu Dhabi and make your way to the enchanting oasis city nestled in the Hajjar Mountains. Al Ain, one of the oldest cities in the UAE, offers a glimpse into the region's rich heritage. Visit the bustling camel market, where you can witness the vibrant trade of these majestic creatures. Explore Al Ain Palace, the birthplace of HH Sheikh Mohamad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and delve into the city's history at the National Museum. Marvel at the ancient archaeological excavations at the Hilli Gardens, transporting you back in time. Immerse yourself in the unique culture of Al Ain before retiring to your hotel for the night.

Highlights

  • Begin your journey in the vibrant city of Dubai,

  • Discover the capital city of the United Arab Emirates - Abu Dhabi,

  • Experience the charm of Al Ain,

  • Cross the border into Oman and visit the impressive fortress of Jabreen,

  • Venture into the vast desert of Wahiba Sands and witness its ever-shifting dunes,

  • Explore the capital city of Oman,

  • Indulge in a shopping spree at the world-famous Dubai Mall,

  • Experience the thrill of a desert safari,

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Dubai (Arrival)

Location: Dubai

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hampton by Hilton

Arrival at DUBAI International airport, after formalities, you will be able to direct yourself to the Car rental area at the car rental counter . After the car formalities are done , you will receive the keys , and you will be ready to discover the region. Drive to your hotel . We will provide you with a GPS device and a road book.Check in at hotel . Overnight in DUBAI .

Day 2 : Dubai — Abu Dhabi (120 Km)

Location: Abu Dhabi

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Centro Al Manhal

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at your hotel. Delivery of your car and briefing by our Staff. We suggest you to start with Abu Dhabi city tour, the largest and the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. This comprehensive tour is the ideal introduction to the UAE capital and the island on which it stands. The name Abu Dhabi means: “Father of the Gazelle”. Stop first at Sheikh Zayed Grand mosque, one of the largest Mosques in the world; able to accommodate more than 30,000 worshipers. The beautiful Mosque is completely clad in marble and also features intricate Islamic decoration and carvings as well as extensive landscaping works. Continue the tour towards Abu Dhabi downtown. Pass through the old city or what we consider OLD today and pass by the oldest building in town, the palace of Al-Husn. Proceed to the Heritage Village, which houses a small museum and depicts the traditional daily activities of the Arab community prior to the discovery of oil. Lunch can be taken in a local restaurant in Heritage village. In the afternoon, you can drive along the spectacular Corniche, past gleaming white mosques, glass-clad offices and elegant highrise apartments to the tip of the breakwater for a superb view of the city’s magnificent skyline. The remaining part of the afternoon will be devoted to drive through the famous giant Saadiyat Island project where the LOUVRE museum is opened and other museums are being built to complete the image of ABU DHABI as a cultural city. Continue towards the famous Yas Island which houses the FORMULA 1 YAS circuit & the first attraction park of Ferrari in the world. An impressive attraction park, the largest covered air-conditioned park in the world with a huge RED FERRARI sign as landmark. Overnight in Abu Dhabi.

Day 3 : Abu Dhabi — Al Ain (150 Km)

Location: Al Ain

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: City seasons Hotel Al Ain

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at your hotel. Departure to the oasis city of Al Ain, located on the Hajjar Mountains. Al Ain is one of the oldest cities in the UAE, rich in traditions. For thousands of years the oasis of Al Ain has been an important caravan stop on the ancient trade routes across Arabia. You will visit the camel market, the largest in the UAE. Visit of Al Ain Palace, it is one the most important cultural places in Al Ain city. It is a direct testimony to the period of rule of the late Sheik Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan in Al Ain and his original place of residence there. The Palace is also the birthplace of HH Sheikh Mohamad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi. Visit of the Jahili fort, one of the largest castles in Al Ain and best-in-class example of the Islamic military architecture locally. After Lunch (own arrangement), proceed to visit the National Museum of Al Ain, where you will learn everything about the history of this region. In the afternoon, step back in time at the Hilli Gardens, famous for the archaeological excavations from the third millennium B.C. Transfer to the hotel and check in. Overnight in Al Ain.

Day 4 : Al Ain – Jabreen – Bahla — Nizwa (385 Km)

Location: Nizwa

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Al Diyar Hotel Nizwa

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at your hotel. After breakfast drive to the Oman border. Immigration formalities to undergo at both UAE & Oman borders. Enjoy a scenic drive through the inland of the Sultanate of Oman while heading towards the city of Nizwa. Our first visit of the day we suggest, the most impressive fortress in the Sultanate of Oman: the fortress of Jabreen which dates back to 1670. Its design and construction were supervised by the Al Immam BilArab bin Sultan Al Y`aribi (who now rests on the left side of the castle’s main entrance) and was built to resemble the most beautiful palaces of that period. This castle was a beautiful palace for the Immam and his family and a bastion during wartime. It was also a beacon of education and contained many study rooms. Continue to Bahla for a photo stop. It was once protected by a 37 kilometer long wall, which is now under renovation by the UNESCO. Continue to the date palm groves of Al Hamra, which is also noted for its extraordinary ancient mud houses. Visit one of oldest houses of Sheikh “Bait Al Safa”, which has been restored and decorated and transform into a lively museum. Then proceed to Nizwa and explore the eventful history in the region around Nizwa. In former times the city was the capital of Oman. During a walk through downtown Nizwa you will visit the ancient souks and the historical fortress out of the 17th century. Overnight in Nizwa.

Day 5 : Nizwa — Wahiba Sands (200 Km)

Location: Nizwa

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Arabian Oryx Wahiba

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, before you head for W ahiba, If your visit falls on a Friday, do not miss the Cattle market happening early morning at Nizwa. Drive to Wadi Bani Khalid – a lush green valley surrounded by rugged mountains. Enjoy an incredible view and a chance to capture the scenic beauty with your camera. Investigate the surrounding area on foot. Proceed to Wahiba and meet our 4x4s waiting at the edge of the desert to transfer you to the desert camp . A short dune ride can be organized (optional) at extra cost from the camp. Wahiba deserts are the vast, ever shifting dunes support an astonishing variety of wildlife and host different kinds of flora and fauna. The quick changing patterns of the dunes are a photographer’s delight. Wahiba sands are also the home to a few thousand Bedouins, who are known to have inhabited this inhospitable region for at least 7000 years. Dinner & Overnight in the camp



Note : On this day, you will park your car in a allocated area as agreed with the camp outside the desert and you will board the 4x4 to reach your camp.

Day 6 : Wahiba – Sur — Muscat (400 Km)

Location: Muscat

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Garden Hotel Tulip Inn

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast , return to the edge of the desert by 4x4 . Get back your vehicle and continue your journey to Sur, a sea- faring town and a trading port bustling with activity throughout the year. Famed for the fascinating architecture of its old town and shipyards where traditional dhows have been built for centuries at the edge of the bay. Continue your drive through the coastal area to Qalhat - drive through one of the most thrilling sections of Oman's 1,700 km coastline. Qalhat, one of the oldest towns and seaports in Oman, was famous for exporting horses to and importing spices from India in the 13thcentury. Also pass the ruins of Bibi Mariam Mausolem. On the way, have a photo stop at TIWI . Pass by at the beautiful white beach of Fins, before you visit the famous Sinkhole, a part of a collapsed mountain filled with sea. Do also a photo stop at Quriyat a small fishing village before reaching Muscat, the capital of the Sultanate of OMAN. Overnight in Muscat.

Day 7 : Muscat (70 Km)

Location: Muscat

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Garden Hotel Tulip Inn

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive through the beautiful embassy quarter enroute the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque that has a remarkable architectural achievement. As a contemporary place of worship it serves as a spiritual landmark for modern Oman, projecting the values and aspirations of the Omani people. As an edifice, it maintains a perfect balance between aesthetics, culture and deeply rooted Islamic tradition. After the visit to the mosque , continue to Bait Al Baranda museum, which showcase the history of Muscat.Visit Old Muscat, surrounded by steep mountains and flanked by twin 16th century forts ‘Jalali’ & ‘Mirani’, also see the Al Alam Palace, The late Majesty Sultan Qaboos’ residence. Proceed to Bait Al Zubair Museum. Bait Al Zubair is itself a part of Muscat heritage. Sheikh Al Zubair who served three former Sultans, founded the house in 1914 and his son Mohammad Al Zubair opened it as a museum in 1998. It’s carved doors opens up into a fortress style reception. The museum includes traditional Omani weaponry, jewellery, costumes, domestic utensils andrecreated urban and rural environments. Then drive through the scenic beauty of the corniche, stop at Muttrah - the main port & commercial centre, and explore the colorful historic souk. This is a real souk with winding alleys and backstreets and stalls selling all manner of textiles, jewelry, traditional Omani perfumes (bukhoor - made of frankincense), souvenirs and antiques… After that long tour , drive back to the hotel. Overnight in Muscat.

Day 8 : Muscat — Nakhl – Dubai (460 Km)

Location: Dubai

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hampton by Hilton

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at your hotel. Depart early to the Northern Al Batinah region of Oman. You will visit the impressing fortresses of Nakhl and stop at Rustaq. Continue to Sohar, you will stop in the city of Sohar with its beautiful Corniche. Continue to the OMAN - Emirates border. After immigration and custom formalities, Continue your route to DUBAI. Arrival at the end of the day to your hotel in Dubai & check in. & Overnight in Dubai.

Day 9 : Dubai

Location: Dubai

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hampton by Hilton

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at your hotel. . You will have the opportunity to discover the spectacular and 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. We suggest start with Bastakyia, the old town district of Dubai. Learn everything about the local history and geography of the city when visiting the Dubai museum, located in the ancient fortress of Al-Fahidi. Another highlight will be the local water taxis, called “Abras”, to cross the Dubai Creek. Enjoy the spectacular view of the city while heading towards the district of Deira. Here you will be enchanted by the large variety of exotic spices in the famous Spice Souk. Take the chance to get a unique and affordable souvenir when you visit the adjacent Gold Souk. We then proceed to Jumeirah area, where we will have a photo stop of the awe-inspiring Grand Mosque of Jumeirah. Built in the medieval Fatimid tradition, this stone structure is a tribute to modern Islamic architecture. After that, photo stop of Burj Al Arab hotel and continue to Atlantis hotel located at crescent of Palm Jumeirah. In the afternoon, transfer to the famous “Mall of the Emirates”, its biggest claim to fame is the Middle East's first indoor ski slope, Ski Dubai. W ith its indoor ski area, one of the largest in the world, the Mall of the Emirates seeks to differentiate itself from the dozen or so other newly completed malls in Dubai and the surrounding Emirates. Free time for shopping.



In the evening OPTIONAL CRUISE DINNER ($48 PP)- Our shuttle bus will transfer you from the hotel for a cruise dinner on board of a traditional Arabian dhow. After the cruise, return to your hotel. Overnight in Dubai.

Day 10 : Dubai

Location: Dubai

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hampton by Hilton

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at your hotel. We suggest this morning to do a half day shopping tour at “Dubai Mall”. On the way, pass by the region of Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest tower and the centerpiece of the Gulf region's most prestigious urban development to date. Burj Khalifa will radiate out in a series of ellipses from the sky breaking tower encompassing residential, commercial, hotel, entertainment and the world's largest shopping mall “Dubai Mall”. Free time for shopping. With more than 1,200 stores and a host of world-class attractions; the Middle East region’s first Galeries Lafayette department store, France’s leading fashion house and one of the top 100 global retailers. The Dubai Mall is revolutionizing the modern shopping experience. W ith an impressive array of leisure pursuits, this is the ultimate, cutting-edge shopping experience. A range of adventure sports vies for attention alongside the romance of ice-skating. The Dubai Mall is a place where a 21st century gold souk is set off against a world class aquarium. Step inside The Dubai Mall and experience a place like no other. A climb to BURJ KHALIFA will be proposed to all our guests (optional). In the afternoon OPTIONAL Desert Safari - you will join a sharing desert safari. (pickup from hotel ) You will try on comfortable 4x4 vehicles to pass the endless and spectacular sandy desert. In the evening you will reach a traditional Bedouin desert camp. where you will be having a BBQ-dinner in the sunset on the rhythm of traditional Arabic music, an unforgettable experience. In the late evening, you will return to your hotel. Overnight in Dubai.

Day 11 : Dubai (Departure)

Location: Dubai

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at your hotel. Then depart to the airport , on arrival go to the car rental RETURN parking , handover your car rental company team , and direct yourself to the departure area.

What's Included

  • Accommodation including breakfast

  • Road book

  • Pick up car

  • GPS included

  • Car type full size : HONDA CIVIC or similar comfortable for 4 people with car insurance

  • Prices are per person in USD inclusive of taxes & VAT

  • Children sharing parents’ room are free (maximum 1 child per room under 12 years on existing bed or extra bed). Breakfast to pay extra

  • 24/24 assistance from Kurban Tours Call Center

What's Not Included

  • Flights

  • Optional excursions and entrance fees

  • Porterage & Personal expenses

  • Visa fees if needed

Check out our Q&As

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    Yes

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    Yes

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    No however you will have 24/24 assistance from Kurban Tours Call Center

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    No

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    No, upon arrival in Dubai, you will pick up your rental car and drive to your hotel. At the end of your tour, you will return your rental car at Dubai airport.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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!

Reviews of this operator

Paula  

Unforgettable tour in the US National Parks

04-May-2022

I booked a guided tour in the National Parks through Today Voyages and couldn't have been happier! Our guide was great, he knew the destination very well and gave us great advice for the best hikes and view points. The itinerary was well-packed and we were amazed at the scenery of the South West. We would definitely consider booking another tour next year.

Date of experience: May 04, 2022
Emily  

Helengeli island is stunning

12-Apr-2023

Wow, Helengeli island is stunning. The resort is clean, the staff are so attentive, the grounds are pristine, and the food is 5*. Spending a week at this resort was simply paradise, white sand, crystal blue ocean, what more could you want! As I wasn't able to tailor-make my holiday, the Today Voyages team helped me find the tour that best matched my expectations, and they definitely didn't disappoint!!!

Peter  

Good Bali experience

03-Feb-2023

There is no better place on Earth than Bali to celebrate your honeymoon. We are so glad we came across this tour. Two unforgettable weeks of jungle adventures, beaches and snorkeling, massages, nature. And the price was great. We cannot be happier! Planning Vietnam for 2024!

Date of experience: January 29, 2023
Chetcu  

Top Experience!

03-Feb-2023

The Las Vegas and the National Parks Hiking Tour is a deal not to be missed. What a phenomenal trip! We were 14 people in our minibus and it was great to connect to all of them. So many stories to share. The cool thing about this tour is that it attracts hikers of all kinds: laid back hikers as well as more experienced ones could find beauty in every single destination this tour took us to. I will for sure join another tour soon. Thank you guys, also, for the assistance provided throughout the trip. Loved it!

Date of experience: October 19, 2022
Emmanuelle  

Amazing affordable trip!

20-Jan-2023

I booked a self-drive vacation to Greece for my family. The trip was amazing, easy communication, great customer service since we had an issue on the road with the car and we got immediate assistance.

Date of experience: September 22, 2022
Adelaide  

Unforgettable 8-day trip to Kenya

01-Mar-2023

I just came back from an unforgettable 8-day trip to Kenya. A mix of relaxation and adventure. I had never traveled with a group before and, honestly, I was a little skeptical at the beginning. Pauline at Today Voyages convinced me that this was the right tour and the right destination for me. And the truth is... she was right. Tsavo and Watamu are such awesome destinations, our guide was impeccable and it was a small group: a family of 4, a young couple, and us. We became friends. Highly recommended!

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.