Itinerary

1. Day1

     Meet at Toronto International Pearson airport , and flight  to Dubai.

   
   
2. Day2

   Arrival at Dubai International Airport, meet and assist at the airport and transfer to your hotel in Dubai.

   
   
3. Day3

   Depart for a guided tour. 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. On your way, you 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. Then, you will continue to 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 follow: you will use 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. Then proceed to Jumeirah area for a photo stop of Burj Al Arab. This afternoon experience a Desert Safari.  Speed through the desert of the golden sand dunes of Arabia in 4WD jeeps with your expert safari driver/guides. Experience the adventure of a life time dune bashing or desert driving with the thrill of going up and down the dunes provoking many shrieks and laughter full of excitement. After witnessing a memorable sight – the true Arabian sunset with its glory and magic enjoy a delicious BBQ prepared on open fires. The beat of music increases as a Belly dancer starts dancing to the rhythm of the music. What a better way to experience a true Arabian night than this. Overnight in Dubai

   
   
4. Day4

   This morning we depart for Oman. We cross the border into the Sultanate of Oman. Upon completing visa formalities we drive into Oman passing magnificent sand dunes sculptured by the wind with knife sharp edges. We will drive to Rustaq and Nakhl via Al Mussannah with a photo stop at Al Hasam Fort as it is currently under renovation. The fort is known for its beautiful gates which are adorned with verses from the Holy Koran and follers travel from afar to take a healing dip in the waters and experience the nostalgia of days gone by. Then visit the old village of Nakhal, which nestles below the highest fort in Oman. This fort once served the Imams of Bani Kharous and the Ya’arubah dynasty.  After recent restoration work carried out on the fort, it is refurbished with traditional furniture, handicrafts and historic relics. The ceilings, the doors and windows are decorated with beautiful carvings. The view from the roof-top is very impressive and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. Then visit the Al Thowara Oasis where on can see the source of famous warm springs of Nakhal which are surrounds by lush date palms.  Enjoy a picnic lunch in shade of the palms. After lunch depart for Rustaq famous for its hot springs (Ain Al Kisfa) which were said to have medicinal powers in the olden days. Overnight in Mussannah 

   
   
5. Day5

   This morning after breakfast depart for Muscat, the capital of Oman and enjoy a full day tour. Visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, with 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 we continue to Bait Al Zubair Museum. Bait Al Zubair is itself a part of Muscat heritage. Shiekh 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. Its carved doors open up into a fortress style reception. The museum has Oman’s finest and most comprehensive collection of antiques from all over the Sultanate. The museum also includes traditional Omani weaponry, jewelry, costumes, domestic utensils and recreated urban and rural environments. Then drive along the scenic beauty of the corniche, stop at the 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. Visit Old Muscat, surrounded by steep mountains and flanked by twin 16th century forts ‘Jalali’ & ‘Mirani’, also see the Al Alam Palace and His Majesty Sultan Qaboos’ residence. Overnight in Muscat.

   
   
6. Day6

   Early this morning depart for a dolphin watching experience (please note for this excursion your tour escort will not be joining you) Dolphins in Omani waters are familiar sights almost all year around; the coast is home to a variety of dolphins and whale species: the spinner and bottle nose dolphin being the most common. Of course since these are wild creatures in their natural habitat, it may sometimes be the case that no sightings can be made. However, the trip onto the untamed ocean is a treat in itself! Enjoy your afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Muscat. 

   
   
7. Day7

   After breakfast depart for an adventure trip. The ancient capital of Oman, Nizwa was a seat of learning and the birthplace of Islam in Oman. The 17th century Round fort and the souq famous for the silver jewelry are the major attractions of Nizwa, not to mention the popular & interesting cattle auction, which takes place every Friday. Built on a solid base of rock, the Round Fort was designed to with stand the vibration of 24 cannons. We move on to Bahla famous for its handmade pottery. Bahla is listed as an UNESCO World Heritage site. The fort is the oldest and first Omani fort to be built in an Islamic style. Then visit the Oasis of Tanuf with its natural springs where the bottled mineral water “Tanuf” is bottled. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Nizwa.  Overnight in Nizwa 

   
   
8. Day8

   This morning drive to visit the defensive stronghold, the Jabreen, perhaps the finest of Omani castles, built during the late 17^th century. The castle has dungeons, passages, rooms and ceilings decorated with fine carvings & paintings. Afterwards cross the border back to the U.A.E. to visit Al Ain, the traditional seat of the Sheikhs is perhaps the most traditional of the main cities in the UAE and it is here that the desert life is best demonstrated. A true series of oases, there is evidence that habitation in this glorious corner of the world has continued for millennia. Al Ain is a charming desert oasis surrounded by red golden sand dunes and curiously shaped hills and has always been an important stop on the caravan trail. Today it is well known as the Garden City. We will pass by the Hilli Tombs dating back to about 5000 years which are now surrounded by a marvellous botanical garden. The history of the Bedouins is well displayed in the Al Ain National Museum, the oldest museum in the Emirates. Watch bargaining at the camel market. Overnight in Al Ain 

   
   
9. Day9

   Today enjoy a full day tour of Abu Dhabi, the largest and the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. This comprehensive tour isthe ideal introduction to the UAE capital and the island on which it stands. The name Abu Dhabi means: “Father of the Gazelle”. Our first stop will be 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. Many of the city’s striking examples of modern architecture show fascinating interpretations of Islamic themes captured in today’s materials. Learn about how “black gold” oil has transformed Abu Dhabi into the wealthy city of today. We will see from outside the oldest building in town, the palace of Al-Husn now the home of the Centre for Documentation and Research. This afternoon, drive along the spectacular Corniche, past gleaming white mosques, glass-clad offices and elegant high-rise apartments to the tip of the breakwater for a superb view of the city’s magnificent skyline. Enjoy lunch at the Emirates Palace one of the only 7 star hotels in the world. Overnight in Abu Dhabi 

   
   
10. Day10

    Today you will be transferred to either Abu Dhabi or Dubai International Airport for your onward flight.