The Arab Sheikdoms

This journey provides us with a rare and fascinating glimpse of the traditional life style of the Arab Sheikhs, as well as of the contemporary oil-producing Arabia. We wander through fragrant souqs, explore exotic gardens, flourishing in the desert and visit museums filled with treasures. We explore Kuwait, a decade after the Gulf War and travel through the heart of the Arab Gulf States, with visits to all seven of the United Arab Emirates, along with the sheikdoms of Qatar, Bahrain and Oman.

Your Itinerary

Day 1:

Day 01 Friday: Arrive Muscat Merhaba! (Welcome) We arrive at Seeb International Airport and are warmly welcomed and transferred to our hotel. Overnight: Radisson SAS Hotel, Muscat (3 nights)

Day 2:

Day 02 Saturday: Muscat The Sultanate of Oman has a history that dates back to almost 3000 BC, in an era known as Magan. The Samaritans inhabited the country around 4000 BC followed by the Phoenicians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Shabeans and finally the Persians. At this time, Oman became famous for its trade of copper and frankincense throughout the Arabian world. By the year 630 AD Islam was established in Oman and the religion quickly spread. This morning is free to relax, and in the afternoon we take the Muscat Discovery tour, which includes the Oman Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Ministries Area in Al Khuwair, the Aalam Palace, the Corniche and a unique traditional fish market.

(B) (D)

Day 3:

Day 03 Sunday: Muscat Today we enjoy a day excursion to Nizwa, built by the great Imam Sultan Bin Seif. In the 17th Century Nizwa was chosen as the capital, due to its well-protected position and construction. Even today it remains one of Oman’s most impressive towns. We begin our tour with a visit to the massive circular fort, surrounded by vast mud walls. We explore Jabrin Castle and the World Heritage Site of Bahla Fort. The ruins of the immense fort, with walls and towers of earthen brick and foundations of stone, provide a remarkable example of this type of fortification. Jabrin Castle, built by Imam Bilarab in 1675 AD, is an edifice surpassing all other forts in Oman, both in size and magnificence. One cannot help but admire the extraordinary carved wood paneling and friezes painted on the walls. Verses from the Koran and poems engraved in the walls celebrate the beauty of this grand castle. Moving on, we arrive at the Nizwa Souq where a unique goat and cattle auction is held. On our return to Muscat, we enjoy a visit to the aromatic Amouage perfume factory.

(B) (D)

Day 4:

Day 04 Monday: Muscat/Kuwait (Flight) Our next stop is Kuwait, the country that changed the face of the Middle East to what it is today. Kuwait is an archetypical oil-rich state that founded only 300 years ago by the Al Sabah Family, whose descendants still rule the country. By the 18th century Kuwait was a prospering Dhow Trading Port and a stopover point of the great caravans bound for Mesopotamia, the Indian Ocean and beyond. Kuwait means “small fortress” and this small settlement grew quickly; Ottomans and Persians influenced its history for nearly 200 years before it formally became a British Protectorate at the end of 19th century. The first oil wells were found in 1936. The 50’s and 60’s were the magical era of the oil boom. We will be welcomed and transferred to our hotel. In the evening, we will enjoy a traditional meal at the hotel. Overnight: Ritz Hotel, Kuwait (2 nights)

(B) (D)

Day 5:

Day 05 Tuesday: Kuwait Kuwait is a cosmopolitan city-state with a population that has more non-Kuwaiti residents than locals. Our morning tour of Kuwait includes the Kuwait Towers, Seif Palace, the Imir’s Headquarters, Jahra Gate, the Dhow Village, the National Museum and Al Bader House. The afternoon is free to explore the many souqs.

(B) (D)

Day 6:

Day 06 Wednesday: Kuwait/Bahrain (Flight) Our next destination is Bahrain; we are met and transferred to our hotel. Since the dawn of history, Bahrain was known as the “Pearl of the Gulf” as it has been a strategic trading post of the great trade routes linking the Indus Valley and Mesopotamia. It exudes old-world charm, courtesy and dignity as befits a nation whose history goes back more than 4000 years. Bahrain was the first place in the Arabian Gulf where oil was discovered in 1925 and it continues to enjoy oil wealth to this day. Overnight: Elite Hotel, Bahrain (2 nights)

(B) (D)

Day 7:

Day 07 Thursday: Bahrain Our tour of this Sheikdom includes Bait Al Quran, the Al Fateh Mosque, the Ola Palace, the Guest Palace, Island Muharraq, the Old Souq, a traditional village, camel farm and a visit to the pottery makers at A’Ali Village. The evening is free to wonder the narrow lanes of the “Arabian Nights”.

(B) (D)

Day 8:

Day 08 Friday: Bahrain/Doha (Flight) In the morning we take a short flight to Doha, the capital of Qatar. We are welcomed and transferred to our hotel. Qatar was a relatively unknown country until recently. Records indicate that the Qatar Peninsula was inhabited during the Stone Age; however there is little evidence of habitation between the most ancient times and now. Oil was struck in 1939 and the country has one of the largest natural gas fields in the world. Our afternoon tour includes the National Museum, the Equestrian Club and the Camel Racetrack. Overnight Sofitel Doha Palace Hotel, Doha (2 nights)

(B) (D)

Day 9:

Day 09 Saturday: Doha After breakfast we take an excursion into the desert. The desert of Oman offers the traditional nomadic lifestyle of the Arab World. We witness the oasis lifestyle, the mirages in the desert, animal preservation efforts and a lot more. Where we also have the opportunity to meet the local Bedouins.

(B) (D)

Day 10:

Day 10 Sunday: Doha/Abu Dhabi (Flight)/Dubai This morning we fly to the richest of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi. We are welcomed and tour the traditional Iranian Market, the Abu Dhabi Corniche and Fountain, the Petroleum Exhibition Center, the Women’s Handicraft Center and the Al Hisn Fort. Before sunset we proceed for Dubai on a comfortable highway trip. Overnight: Holiday Inn Down Town, Dubai (4 nights)

(B) (D)

Day 11:

Day 11 Monday: Dubai/Sharjah/Ajman Our morning city tour of Dubai includes the Jumeirah Mosque, the Museum, as well as the Spice and Gold Souqs. Our next stop is the Emirate of Sharjah, including a visit to the Natural History Museum, the Discovery Center, the Aviation Museum and the Cultural Center. We then take a short drive to the Emirate of Ajman, where we will visit the Ajman Museum, the Dhow building yard, the Pearl Monument, the King Faizal Mosque, the Bird & Animal Market, the Al Arsah Souq, Al Hisn Fort, Bait Al Naboodah and the Islamic & Art Museum.

(B) (D)

Day 12:

Day 12 Tuesday: Fujairah Our next two days are spent in discovering the remaining Emirates and Sheikdoms in the UAE. We start with a full day tour to the East Coast which includes visit to Fujairah, Khorfakkan, a typical Arabian fishing village in Dibba, Masafi, the market, the Al Bitnah Mosque (oldest in the UAE), Kalba Fort and the natural springs in Masafi. The evening is free for you to enjoy the Dubai nightlife.

(B) (D)

Day 13:

Day 13 Wednesday: Umm Al Quwain/Ras Al Khaimah In the morning we visit the last of the Emirates, Umm Al Quwain & Ras Al Khaimah. This includes the well-preserved Ras Al Khaimah Museum, followed by a visit to the old city, the fish market, the dhow building yards and Al Khatt springs. The evening is free to enjoy the many attractions that Dubai has on offer, a real example of where East and West dine together.

(B) (D)

Day 14:

Day 14 Thursday: Depart Dubai After witnessing the lifestyles of the rich desert people of these magic sheikdoms, we bid farewell as we take our departure flight from the majestic Dubai Airport.

(B)

Legend: (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner
Note: Tour and Tour Information are subject to change.

Tour Prices:

Single Person Price: $5580

Double Occupancy Per Person Price: $4785