Best of Dubai & Oman

(12 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Dubai with Arabian Desert & Abu Dhabi, Muscat & Nizwa, Jebel Akhdar (Al Hajar Mountains), Wahiba Sands

This private tour of Dubai and Oman is a perfect combination of ancient cultures and modern style. It features private cultural touring and accommodation at the finest luxury resorts throughout.

Begin in Dubai and experience the best of the city 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 or the Dubai Frame, seeing the Dubai Fountain, or enjoying Dubai's beaches and exciting dining and entertainment districts.

One morning, take a private four-wheel drive (4x4) excursion to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve in the beautiful Arabian Desert to see the sand dunes and local wildlife.

One day, enjoy a private excursion to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE. 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.

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.

Fly to Muscat, the seaside capital of Oman. During touring with your private guide and driver, visit the impressive Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the landmark Royal Opera House and museums dedicated to Oman's rich cultural heritage. In Old Muscat, see Al Alam Palace (one of several used by the Sultan of Oman) and hilltop fortresses overlooking the Gulf of Oman. Walk along the waterfront corniche in the Muttrah district, and browse the Muttrah Souk for Omani frankincense, jewelry, ceramics, antiques and more.

Next, visit Nizwa, a historic oasis town in the foothills of the Al Hajar Mountains. Walk along the ramparts of atmospheric Nizwa Fort, take in views of the expansive palm groves, and visit the souk to browse for pottery, textiles and other local handicrafts.

Continue into the mountains to the Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountain) region and stay at a luxury mountain resort with spectacular views of the dramatic desert landscapes. During private touring, visit local villages in the surrounding Saiq Plateau, and see gravity-defying cliffside agricultural terraces—the roses, pomegranates and other crops grown here are considered the finest in Oman. During leisure time, enjoy the resort facilities and its incredible views.

One day, take a private excursion to Jebel Shams (Sun Mountain), the highest peak in Oman. En route, visit mudbrick villages set among palm oases, venture into deep desert wadis (valleys), learn about the UNESCO World Heritage-designated aflaj (irrigation canals) that carry water from the mountains to local farms, and perhaps opt for guided hikes such as the legendary Balcony Walk along the steep slopes of Wadi Nakhr.

Next, visit Wadi Bani Khalid, a beautiful river valley dotted with villages, en route to Wahiba Sands (A'Sharqiyah Sands). Spend a night in a desert camp amid spectacular sand dunes rolling for miles into the distance. Enjoy options such as meeting local Bedouins, riding a camel, going for a thrilling four-wheel drive "dune-bashing" experience and watching the sunset from the top of the sand dunes.

Transfer along the coast of Oman back to Muscat, stopping en route in Sur, a whitewashed port town with a long and interesting history, as well as at the unusual Bimmah Sinkhole and wadis carved into the rugged coastal mountains.

The tour concludes with one night back in Dubai.

Booking Information >

All Artisans of Leisure tours are private and depart daily.

Please Contact Us for more information regarding the above tour, or to begin customizing your own itinerary.

The Artisans of Leisure Style of Travel:

• Private touring with your own personal guides and drivers
• Preferred rooms in the very best luxury hotels
• Firsthand, sophisticated destination knowledge and recommendations from our travel specialists
• Itineraries that are customized according to your interests and schedule
• Artisans of Leisure upgrades and amenities
• A seamless travel experience, including all logistics, skipping lines during touring whenever possible, restaurant and spa reservations, performance tickets, private airport transfers, internal transportation, VIP and fast-track airport assistance in many destinations
• Around-the-clock support in each destination during your trip
• Unique, insider travel experiences and access to the Artisans of Leisure network of experts around the world