Culture & Adventure in Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Oman

(11 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Zighy Bay, Dubai, Arabian Desert, Abu Dhabi

This leisurely, luxurious private tour is perfect for families, couples and anyone wanting to experience the best of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, the desert and the beach. The tour features contemporary architecture and culture in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, fascinating traditional culture in Sharjah, and spectacular landscapes and abundant activities at the finest beach and desert resorts in Oman and the Arabian Desert.

Arrive in Dubai and transfer to the Musandam Peninsula in Oman for a stay at Zighy Bay, a luxurious, secluded beach resort. During free time, relax around your private pool, enjoy the spa and fresh cuisine from the resort's organic garden, walk along the beach, ride bikes among the resort's paths, or opt to book a dhow cruise, paragliding, kayaking, snorkeling, diving, hiking, fishing, or a four-wheel drive (4X4) trip.

Next, you will be transferred back to Dubai. En route, opt to stop in Sharjah to visit the museums, galleries and souks of the UAE's cultural capital. Then, experience the best of Dubai during flexible, personalized city touring. Learn about Dubai's culture and history while exploring Old Dubai. See the traditional buildings of the Bur Dubai district and Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood (formerly known as Bastakiya), ride an abra (water taxi) across Dubai Creek, and browse the spice and gold souks. Visit tile-covered mosques, and see ultra-modern skyscrapers, including the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Dubai is also a renowned shopping destination, with atmospheric souks and legendary luxury malls filled with exclusive boutiques and attractions such as Ski Dubai and the Dubai Aquarium. Depending on your interests, also experience Dubai's burgeoning art and design scene during visits to interesting shops and galleries housed in converted traditional and industrial buildings. Other options include visiting one of Dubai's water parks, touring attractions such as Dubai Miracle Garden and the Dubai Frame, seeing the Dubai Fountain, or enjoying Dubai's beaches and exciting dining and entertainment districts.

Artisans of Leisure can also arrange additional special interest activities such as private culinary tours, a private falconry lesson, Arabian cultural exchange activities, tours with art experts and shopping experts, and scenic flights over the city's renowned skyscrapers and man-made islands. Artisans of Leisure can also make advance dining reservations at the city's top restaurants and in unique locations such as the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel.

Next, journey back into the UAE and the Arabian Desert, and stay in your own private tented accommodation at a luxury resort surrounded by sand dunes and palm trees. Relax in your private pool, and enjoy activities according to your interests, such as camel and horseback riding, naturalist-led tours focused on desert plants and animals, wildlife-spotting, traditional sports such as falconry and archery, and thrilling four-wheel drive (4x4) tours through the sand dunes.

Continue to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE. During private touring, visit the most interesting cultural sites, such as the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Al Hosn Palace and Emirates Palace. Other options, depending on your interests, include touring the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, visiting Ferrari World theme park, seeing other museums and structures on Saadiyat Island such as the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, or experiencing futuristic Masdar City.

Return to Dubai to continue flexible touring and shopping or enjoy time to relax by the pool or at the beach.