Frankincense & Mirages
from $0

Coach Tour 9 Days ex Muscat Guaranteed departure (min 2 pax)

Departs Mondays

Note: This tour offer a mix of hotel categories offering the best available in each location.

The mesmerising countries of Oman and United Arab Emirates are full of fascinating contrasts. Sparkling coastlines dotted with ancient fishing villages and one of the most modern cities in the world both feature in this 9 day itinerary. Seeing giant sea turtles laying their eggs as the new generation of hatchlings make their way to the water and experiencing an unforgettable sunset from atop a desert sand dune are just two of the incredible memories this holiday will leave you with.

*Please note that this tour offers a mix of hotel categories offering the best available class in each location.

Highlights

  • Experience a two hour boat ride along the glittering coast of Muscat
  • Explore the desert with an overnight camp in Wahiba Sands
  • Discover a bargain at the Sinaw Thursday Market

Day 1: Muscat

Upon arrival at Muscat International Airport and proceeding through immigration and collecting your luggage you will be met by your driver in the arrivals hall. You will then be transferred to the hotel for check in. The rest of the day is at leisure to unwind and begin soaking in the Omani culture. (Please

Note: check-in time is from 14:00 hrs)

Day 2: Muscat (BL)

After breakfast a 9:30am departure for a Muscat 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 the Muttrah Souk a traditional oriental market. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere and the scent of frankincense and spices.

After a light lunch at one of the restaurants near the souk 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. Later photo stop at Al Alam Palace one of six residences of the Sultan. Afterwards experience a 2 hour boat ride along the sparkling coast of Muscat. On the way back to the hotel stop at the Royal Opera House before driving drive through the ministries and embassies area. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 3: Muscat - Jabrin - Al Hamra - Jebel Shams - Nizwa (BL)

After breakfast depart towards the inner lands of Oman. Visit Jabrin Castle Oman’s most beautiful Castle with its winding hallways hidden staircases and beautifully decorated interior. Continue to the village of ‘Al Hamra.’ Later switch to 4x4 vehicles and go further up to Jebel Shams the ‘mountain of the sun.’

Admire the spectacular view from the ‘Grand Canyon of Oman’ before continuing to Nizwa the former capital city. Take some time to explore the bustling market of 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 year’s home to a number of local industries such as daggers copper spinning livestock sales fish vegetables and handicrafts. Overnight at Nizwa.

Day 4: Nizwa - Sinaw - Al Masfah - Wahiba (BLD)

This morning browse the ‘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. Continue to a local house and share a home-made lunch with a local family. This afternoon explore the ruins of the old mercantile community of Al Mansfah. Later switch to 4x4 vehicles and continue to your unforgettable dessert camp in Wahiba Sands.

Day 5: Wahiba - Wadi Bani Khaled - Sur (BD)

Awake in the desert atmosphere to breakfast before continuing your journey to Wadi Bani Khaled which stands in stark contrast to the desert with its natural pools and greenery. In the afternoon travel to the coastal town of Sur a delightful fishing village where you may still see locals living off the ocean the way their forebears have done for centuries. Tonight visit Ras Al Jinz turtle reserve where you can have a chance to see giant sea turtles nestling. The beach is one of the largest turtle reserves in the world. Marvel as you see these creatures lumbering up the sand to where they were born up to 50 years ago while the new generation emerges all along the beach and make their way into the ocean for the first time.

Day 6: Sur - Wadi Tiwi – Muscat - Dubai (BL)

After a short morning tour of Sur start our journey back to Muscat along the sparkling coast. Stop at the beautiful Wadi Tiwi and have lunch at the Wadi Shab Resort. Admire Bimah sinkhole a geological formation of the karst topography and a scenic wonder. Continue to Muscat airport and catch your flight to Dubai. Upon arrival proceed through immigration and collect your luggage. You will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 7: Dubai (BD)

Spend the day exploring Dubai. Within less than 30 years this city was transformed from a small fishing village by the Dubai creek to one of the most important cities in the Gulf region. Begin with the visit of the Classic Dubai: Photo stop at Jumeirah-Mosque built in mediaeval Fatimid style and at the Burj Al Arab Hotel in the form of a giant sail.

Then explore Dubai’s old district of “Bastakya” with its traditional houses and wind towers which in the past served as a natural air conditioning system. Visit the Dubai Museum which is located in the historical Al Fahidi fort. Cross the Dubai creek to Deira with the traditional water taxi (Abra) and visit the Gold and Spice markets.

This afternoon discover the Modern Dubai. Visit Burj Khalifa (included) which at 828 meters it is the tallest building in the world. Admire the aquarium in Dubai Mall (from outside) and continue along Jumeirah road to the artificial island ‘The Palm.’ After a photo stop at the Atlantis Hotel return to the mainland on-board of the Monorail offering a beautiful view of the island and the skyline of Dubai. Short break at the hotel before transferring to Dubai Marina for a relaxed dinner-dhow cruise (duration 2h dinner buffet incl. non-alcoholic beverages.)

Day 8: Dubai (BD)

Morning at leisure or join an optional excursion to Sharjah.

Early afternoon depart for a desert safari to the golden dunes. Drive up to one of the highest sand dunes to admire an unforgettable sunset. Continue to a Bedouin camp for an evening BBQ and oriental entertainment followed by tea. Return to your Dubai hotel for overnight.

Day 9: Dubai (B)

Departure transfer to the airport.

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

  • Transportation in A/C coach and 4WD (where necessary)
  • Airport transfers with local driver
  • Accommodation in listed hotels (or similar) with private facilities
  • Meals as indicated
  • Sightseeing and entrance fees
  • English speaking tour guide
  • Drinking water during excursions
  • Oman and UAE Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel

TOUR EXCLUSIONS:

  • International airfares
  • Optional tours and excursions
  • Port Taxes and fuel surcharges
  • Porterage
  • Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
  • Personal Expenses
  • Departure taxes
  • Local Tourism Dirham tax (for Dubai only)
  • Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
  • Visas (unless specified)
  • Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above

NOTES ABOUT TURTLES IN RAS AL HADD:

Turtles are in their natural habitat therefore sightings are not always possible. Visitors are required to keep silent and not to use flashlights. Photography is not permitted in order to not disturb the animals.

Accommodation based on the following or similar:               

Muscat

Grand Hyatt

Nizwa

Golden Tulip (best available)

Wahiba Sands

Desert Night Camp

Sur

Sur Plaza (best available)

Dubai

Movenpick Bur Dubai OR Auris Plaza

VISAS Effective June 2018 Oman introduced a new E-visa system. If you are travelling on the passport of any of the countries in Country List 1 - in the link below you must apply for an E - Visa as visas will not be available on arrival. http://www.rop.gov.om/old/english/countrylist1.asp

RAMADAN ( 05 May - 06 Jun 2019)Please find below some rules and important information for tourists during Ramadan:During the month of Ramadan Muslims will not eat, drink or smoke from sunrise to sunset. Although Non-Muslims are not expected to fast, they have to obey the laws regarding eating, drinking and smoking in public and should respect the local culture.

  • It is illegal to eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours during Ramadan. Cafes and restaurants are closed during the day, and hotel beaches and pools also instate the no eating, drinking, and smoking rule.
  • Some hotels have screened-off areas for Non-Muslim guests where food and beverages are served during the day. Room service will also be available in most hotels.
  • In case there are lunches included in tours and round trips, they will be mainly in form of picnic lunch boxes and guests have to eat in the vehicle.
  • If travelling with an Omani driver/guide, please avoid drinking or eating in their presence. (Breakfast and dinner at the hotels will take place normally).
  • Alcohol will only be available in 5* hotels and only in selected outlets (if any). Otherwise alcohol will not be available (guests can take from home/duty free shop and consume in the privacy of their hotel room).
  • Public life/services in hotels and elsewhere can be very slow and often patience is required even for getting simple service
  • All members of society are expected to dress modestly, women making special efforts to limit the amount of make-up worn and cover arms, legs and shoulders.
  • Working hours are reduced as a rule during this time period. The normal workday of 8am to 5pm changes to 8pm to 2pm in most companies.
  • Retail shops are usually only open in the morning hours and after 4pm, if at all. Supermarkets remain open from around 10h00 – midnight and some stores will deliver also (mainly Muscat area).
  • No music or dancing is allowed during Ramadan. Please turn your car stereo down and be mindful about playing music loudly even in the comfort of your room.
  • Hotels sometimes use the quieter month of Ramadan to carry out minor repairs or maintenance work which can cause inconvenience for the guests.
Enquire About This Itinerary

Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. Note prices usually display available discounted rates if any, (eg. Early Bird Deals if applicable).   All featured tour itineraries and offers maybe subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country.   Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are valid for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.

First Class / 2023-2024 / Price on Application
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  • First Class
  • 2023-2024
  • Price on Application
Class
  • First Class
Travel Date
  • 2023-2024
Room Type
  • Price on Application

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