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Overview

Tailor made trip to Dubai & Oman

Begin your Arabian adventure in the capital city of Qatar, Doha. Upon your arrival, be met with VIP meet and greet services, and transferred to your accomodations at the elegant Four Seaons Hotel Doha. Spend two days exploring this bustling city. Go shopping at its local souqs for traditional treasures, visit the seaside Corniche area, as well as the astounding Islamic Art Museum and its incredible designwork by the famous I M Pei.

Next, continue on to the country of Oman, where the Arabian Sea radiates an undulating enchantment unlike any other. Spend the next four days visiting the best of Muscat from the unrivaled comfort of the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa-Al Husn. Take a half day tour of Sultan Qaboos' Grand Mosque in Muscat, one of the most impressive mosques known around the world for its famous prayer carpet, which just so happens to be the largest carpet in the world. Take tours of the Bait Al Zubair Museum, the Round Fort of Nizwa, as well as an exciting desert excursion in the Wahiba Sands. At Salalah, stay at the luxurious Hilton, from which you will visit the religious site of the Prophet Job's tomb.

After Oman, your journey continues to exciting Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. You arrive at Dubai International Airport, where you will be met by a limousine and transferred to your desert getaway at the Al Maha Resort. Enjoy activities like dune bashing, camel trekking, visiting the falconry, or horseback riding. Or for those who simply want to relax, enjoy the Timeless Spa at the Al Maha or cool off in your own private pool just outside your suite.

Finally, end your journey from one of the world's most renowned hotels, the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab. From here, continue exploring Dubai in style as you take a unique city tour, or even choose to go skiing at Ski Dubai, the largest indoor skiing facility in the Middle East.

Don't hesitate to contact our Middle East expert to get more information about this unique tailor made trip!

Itinerary

Day 1| International Flight

Day 2| Arrival in Doha
Welcome to Doha, Qatar! The exciting capital city of Doha is situated halfway down the eastern coast of the Qatar peninsula. This modern economic center is an important cultural and commercial area and has excellent communications with the outside world through its modern seaport and airport. And as Doha is the largest city in Qatar, there is an infinite amount of things to do and see! There are sun-soaked desert escapades and shopping extravaganzas, natural attractions and water sports, state-of-the-art sporting facilities and historical museums, and fine dining and luxurious accommodations are just a few of the things you'll find at on your exciting journey to Qatar!
Upon arrival in Doha, you will be met with VIP service and transferred to your accommodations at the Four Seasons Hotel Doha.
The Four Seasons Hotel Doha's 232 spacious guest rooms feature 57 suites that offer an elegant, homelike comfort in addition to an air of exclusivity. The rooms are furnished with a classical French empire influence, couple with modern and contemporary undertones in style. Each of the suites feature a spacious, open air atmosphere, and many even include a step-out private balcony. Meanwhile the inside is a mixture of soft carpeting, large, ample beds with fine duvet comforters and sheets with pillows and blankets. Desks, chairs, dressers, and cabinets are rich, wooden accompaniments, along with tasteful marble bathrooms that feature deep, soaking tubs and separate showers. In your rooms, Uniktour guests will also receive a welcome gift of fresh fruit, along with other service conveniences like an iPod docking station, L'Occitane or Acqua di Parma bath amenities, and two bottles of water, refreshed daily.

Day 3| Doha
Four Seasons Hotel Doha
This morning after a relaxing breakfast, venture out into the capital city of Qatar, with a full day excursion of the city and a trip to the Islamic Art Museum. Doha has great local shopping at what is referred to as -souqs.- Historically, souqs were held outside of cities in the location where a caravan loaded with goods would stop and merchants would display their goods for sale. Souqs were held when there was a caravan or more available. At that time, souqs were more than just a market to buy and sell goods; they were also major festivals and many cultural and social activities took place in them. Today however, since Doha has experienced much in the way of commercial growth, the souqs have grown quite enormous and have formed incredible shopping districts. At Doha souqs you can buy almost anything you could think of. The souqs sell everything from clothing, fake sunglasses and watches, luggage, handicrafts, silverware, interior décor, wood carved products, antiques and many unusual and local accessories. But the key for shopping at Doha is to bargain. The more you bargain with the dealers, the better! After an engaging round of bargaining, indulge yourself in a glass of tea with rosewater, or a cup of Arabian coffee at one of many traditional coffee shops scattered around Doha souqs.
More notably, your Doha city excursion will take you to the impressive Islamic Museum of Art. The building was actually designed by Chinese American architect Leoh Min Pei (more commonly known as I. M. Pei,) designer of the Louvre in Pyramid. At 90 years old however, Pei had to be lured out of retirement to undertake the work, who then travelled across much of the Islamic world studying its architecture, drawing inspiration from Islamic buildings such as Ibn Tulun's mosque in Egypt (the inspiration for the actual architecture came from the 13th century sabil (ablutions fountain) of the mosque) and the Al Hambra Palace in Spain. The Museum turned out to be one of Pei's masterpieces, an imposing white museum consisting of a blend of modern and traditional styles, and designed so that the cubic shapes of the museum, which descend from the dome in changing geometric patterns, will interplay with the sun and the shadows. Pei also decided to locate the museum on an artificial island (a 60 meter causeway lined with palm trees links it to the Corniche) adjacent to Doha's port so that the museum would never be overshadowed by development on the sea front.
Opened in December 2008, the Museum showcases a selection of Islamic artifacts, many of which are both ancient and historically significant. The Museum showcases artifacts that the Al Thanis, Qatar's Royal Family, have been collecting over many years. The collection of artifacts for the Museum has stepped up in recent years, with much being spent for Islamic Art. This Museum also features the Qatar National Collection of Islamic Art - a collection of metal work, ceramics, jewelry, woodwork and glass collected from three continents. The Museum will include 600 year old artifacts of ivory and silk inscribed with Islamic and Arabic inscriptions. The Museum also features a collection that includes several pages of ancient Qurans, one of which is thought to have been compiled just a few years after Mohammed's death.
Overnight Four Seasons Hotel Doha. (B,L)

Day 4| Doha - Transfer to Muscat
This morning will mark the end of your adventures in Doha, as you will be transferred to Muscat, Oman. As you arrive, Uniktour signature VIP service will greet you, taking you directly to your new accommodation in Oman, the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa.
The Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa is exclusively located on the bay at Barr Al Jissah. Nestled between the rugged mountains and the spectacular Gulf of Oman, the resort offers the perfect getaway destination from which to explore this historic and fascinating location. Al Husn, meaning -the Castle-, is one of the resort's three hotels, offering the highest level of elegant hospitality and discreet service. This exclusive hotel features 180 rooms and suites, all of which have stunning views of the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Oman. Your accommodation will feature a stay at the Deluxe Seaside View suites, some of the largest rooms available at the Al Husn and permeating luxurious décor inspired by royal Arabian palaces and authentic Omani accents. The suites provide a multitude of amazing services including a private butler and pre-dinner cocktail and canapé service in room. The retreat offers exclusive dining and bar areas as well as 110 yards of private beach. In addition, guests have access to the CHI Spa at the main resort, and there is a multitude of land and water-based sporting activities available from the hotel. (B)

Day 5| Muscat
The excitement of Oman begins today as you enjoy tours of the Grand Mosque, as well as a trip to the Bait Al Zubair Museum.
The Grand Mosque, built recently within several decades, began in 1992, when Sultan Qaboos directed that his country should have a Grand Mosque. He held a competition for its design in 1993, after a site was chosen at Bausher. The mosque was constructed from 300,000 tons of Indian sandstone, with a central dome and four minarets as the chief visual features. Your visit begins in the surrounding gardens beautifully landscaped in traditional Islamic style. From the gardens, you will enter the shining white marble courtyard through a series of symmetrical white stone archways which can only be described as a photographer's dream. From the courtyard, meander through a wooden doorway carved with verses from the Koran, which provides entry to the main prayer hall which can accommodate an astonishing total of over 6,000 people. The prayer hall is dramatically arcaded on two sides with striped Islamic arches supported by black marble pillars. Gilded murals in floral and traditional Islamic geometric patterns decorate the walls throughout the prayer hall while stained glass windows allow filtered light to echo the murals. However, one of the most amazing facts about the Mosque is its prayer mat, which covers the floor of the prayer hall. It contains over 1,700,000 knots and weighs approximately 21 tons, taking over four years to produce. This mat features 28 colors in varying shades and is the largest single piece carpet in the world.
As you finish at the Mosque, drive to the Bait Al Zubair Museum which houses Oman's largest and finest private collection of Omani history. It consists of over 5,000 specially selected, inherited or donated pieces spanning a number of centuries and regions that reflect Oman's rich cultural heritage and unique identity. The collection includes traditional weaponry, jewelry, costume, household utensils and furniture, early European maps and prints of the Arabian Peninsula and East Africa, early photographs, satellite images, coins, stamps, musical instruments, documents, manuscripts and books. The Museum also features traditional Omani architecture, a falaj and traditional fishing vessels. (B)

Day 6| Muscat
Your second day in Oman includes a day trip and lunch in the city of Nizwa, one of the oldest cities in Oman and a former center of trade, religion, education and art in all of Oman. Amid the beautiful date palms of Nizwa however is its most noticeable site, the Nizwa fort.
Take a tour of this powerful reminder of the town's invincibility through turbulent periods in Oman's long history. Previously, this fort was a formidable bastion against invading forces that coveted Nizwa's abundant natural wealth and location at the crossroads of vital caravan routes. A large portion of this citadel took about 12 years to build, created from supplies and materials pillaged from other forts as the spoils of war. Some historians however believe that the fort was built from the remnants of an earlier castle built in 845 AD. The most striking feature of the fort is the central tower - a colossal circular tower soaring 115 feet above the rest of the fortification. Make sure to explore every inch of this tower, full of battle posts, turrets, secret shafts, false doors and wells. Access to the top is only by means of a narrow staircase barred by a heavy wooden door studded with metal spikes. (B,L)

Day 7| Muscat
Today's adventure in Oman takes you to the Wahiba Wilderness. The Wahiba is a vast sea of undulating red and white sand dunes rising up to 200 meters. Clear blue skies and warm sun make for a great day as you set out on 4wd vehicles, surfing the hot sands and taking in the surrounding variety of flora and fauna. The ever-changing patterns of the dunes are a photographer's delight. Experience a roller coaster-like feeling as experienced guides drive you over the dunes.
The Wahiba Sands is also home to the traditional Bedouin tribe who are known for their hospitality and their knowledge of the sands. You will stop by a Bedouin family in their traditional and simple habitat to learn even more about the Wahiba area, the red sands, and the pools of refreshing, crystal blue water. After your excursion, stop for lunch to be served at the Al Sharqiyah Sands hotel before heading back to Muscat. (B,L)

Day 8| Muscat - Transfer to Salalah
Your journey in Muscat ends today as you are transferred to Salalah. Upon arrival, check in to your new accommodation at the Hilton Salalah.
The Hilton Salalah Resort is located on the white sand beach of the southern Omani coast. With a pool overlooking the beautiful beachfront and a convenient location near some of Salalah's famous attractions, this resort offers spacious and luxurious accommodations perfect for enjoying this tropical region.
Your room at the Hilton Salalah draws on traditional local influences. You'll have plenty space as your room features a separate sitting area with a large work desk and a comfortable sofa. Relax in a comfortable bed and soft sheets, or sit out on a private balcony that overlooks the nearby mountains. The resort features six restaurants that serve a variety of cuisine, from local to international, seafood to snacks, casual to formal. The fitness center features state of the art equipment, and guests can enjoy the freeform pool overlooking the stunning white sand beach. In addition, scuba diving, windsurfing, and sightseeing tours can be arranged for extra costs. (B)

Day 9| Salalah
Hilton Salalah Resort After a leisurely breakfast provided at the hotel, visit the fishing village of Taqa, an old town with an interesting castle surrounded by watchtowers and Taqa stone houses. Proceed onward to Khor Rori creek, which is the site of the ruined city of Samhuram and capital of ancient Arabia's frankincense trade. Recent excavations have produced evidence that this ancient city had trade links by sea to Far Eastern destinations and even with distant Greece. Also visit the town of Mirbat, the ancient capital of Dhofar, which was an important town as early as the 9th century for it's trade in frankincense, horses and slaves. You will stop and see some of the old houses famous for its woodcarvings. One of Dhofar's best-known historic sites however is Bin Ali's Tomb. This twin domed structure is the tomb of Mohamed bin Ali who died in 1135 AD and is a fine example of medieval architecture.
After taking a picnic lunch, visit one of the highlights of Salalah, the Biblical -Nabi Ayoub- Prophet Job's Tomb. In ancient times, the prophet Job was well-known for his good character and Biblical obedience. So renowned was Job as a good and reverential man that God permitted Satan to test his devotion. First Satan killed Job's children and destroyed his possessions, and later Satan afflicted Job with terrible sores and boils. Although Job grieved over his state, he neither expressed anger at God nor acquiesced to his friends' suggestions that he had done something to deserve such a fate. Eventually God rewarded Job for his steadfastness, giving to him more possessions than he had previously as well as more children.
The story of Job lives on at the site of his tomb in Salalah. The shrine is perched high up on the Atteen mountain range and was a tomb which was used by Job for his prayers. Nabi Ayoub's Tomb at Salalah is about twenty miles from the city of Salalah. Women are advised to cover their heads with scarf and the visitors should take off their shoes before entering the tomb in reverence. (B)

Day 10| Salalah - Transfer to Dubai
Al Maha Desert Resort
Today as you awake, get ready for your transfer to the exciting country of United Arab Emirates! With VIP assistance, transfer to Dubai where you will be met by a limousine and driven to your accommodation at the Al Maha Desert Resort.
An oasis of luxury and enchantment, the Al Maha lies within an award-winning conservation area where desert wildlife abounds. This secluded resort also lies in a pristine desert landscape, just 45 minutes from the cosmopolitan city of Dubai, the thriving centre of commerce and leisure in the Gulf.
Your Bedouin suite at the Al Maha offers a completely private desert experience, as the trained service staff seem to appear just when you need them. Your room is a spacious comfort, with a soft, custom-made king-size bed and handcrafted furnishings, antiques, and artifacts. A luxurious bathroom includes a walk-in shower, king-size bath, and two vanity areas complete with Bvlgari amenities. Just outside your door awaits your own private, temperature-controlled pool, surrounded by a wooden deck. From this vantage, enjoy your own views of the desert sunset, the roar of dune-bashing excursions off in the distance.
Overnight Al Maha Desert Resort B,L,D

Day 11| Dubai
During your stay at the Al Maha Desert Resort, take your pick of things to do! Aside from simple relaxation in your own private pool, try a deeper level of relaxation at the Timeless Spa. Signature treatments include the exclusive Timeless range of products made from Arabic dates and frankincense, state-of-the-art 'LifeFitness' equipment for body sculpting, a sauna, steam room, indoor jacuzzi, and an ice cold plunge pool, all for the ultimate body pampering.
If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, take to the desert on an authentic camel trek or four-wheel drive vehicle. Cruise over the sun-soaked sands and then come back to enjoy two complimentary on-site activities per day during your stay at Al Maha. Traditional a trip to the falconry, or show your equestrian skills on horse back. You'll even have to choice to practice your abilities with a bow and arrow at the archery range. (B,L,D)

Activities available at the Al Maha Desert Resort

The Falconry
"...have you held a falcon and later watched it soar, circle, then fall in a flash for its prey?..." At the Al Maha Falconry, enjoy 'Fly to the lure' demonstrations, which take place during the cooler parts of the day, and will give you the opportunity to see and photograph falcons in flight. You can also view various species up close in the courtyard and even handle these magnificent hunting birds under the careful supervision of a specialist Field Guide.

Camel Treks
Guided camel rides are conducted through the Al Maha reserve, giving you an opportunity to see the natural splendor of the Arabian desert from the back of one of its most famous, and iconic inhabitants.

Archery
Both beginner and expert archers can test their skills with the traditional recurved bow in a specially designated archery area within the Al Maha reserve. Take some time out of your day to practice this ancient skill, learn from the experts, and experience the adrenaline rush that accompanies the skilful use of this age-old weapon.

Nature Walks
With numerous species of flora and fauna indigenous to the Al Maha reserve, amateur biologists and botanists can test their powers of recognition in guided nature walks led by Al Maha's experienced field guides, all of whom are dedicated conservationists. Binoculars will be provided on request.

Dune Safari
Unlike horses or camels, a four-wheel-drive vehicle can quickly transport guests to some of the more isolated parts of the Al Maha reserve. For many, however, the off-road driving is a highlight in itself.


Day 12| Dubai
After breakfast, pack your bags and travel by limousine to the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab Hotel. Burj Al Arab is located on Dubai's Jumeirah Beach strip, and is most recognizable as it stands offshore on a man-made island, linked to the mainland by a slender, curving causeway. The Burj Al Arab is an architecturally innovative wonder, mixing with an exuberant interior to create the breathtaking experience at Burj Al Arab. The interior design of Burj Al Arab is a fascinating expression of Arabian fantasy. The magnificent lobby is sumptuously carpeted in a rich combination of vibrant colors and lavish materials, including chairs and sofas upholstered in flame-reds and yellows.
As you look up into the atrium, it becomes apparent just how spacious the interior is. The suites themselves are no different. With beautiful panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf, your Deluxe Suite feature a handsome spiral staircase that leads you from one floor to the next, separating the entertainment and living areas. On the lower level is your living room, complete with a large lounge, a dining table for four, a private bar and counter, as well as a guest washroom. The upper level of your suite features a spacious bedroom with king size or twin bed, a dressing room, as well as a luxurious bathroom and jacuzzi.
After your check-in, take some time to enjoy the day at your own leisure. Dubai happens to be the home of the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East and offers an amazing setting to enjoy skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing or just playing in the snow. The construction covers an amazing 22,500 square meters covered with real snow all year round.
Ski Dubai has 5 runs that vary in difficulty, height and steepness. The longest run being 400 meters with a fall of over 60 meters, making it the world's first indoor black run. Skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels will enjoy these various slopes and snowboarders can also practice their stunts on the 90-metre long quarter pipe. Kids and parents alike will have fun in the interactive Snow Park which is the largest indoor snow
park in the world with 3,000 square meters. You don't have to worry about ski clothing or equipment either. Ski Dubai has thought of it all and offers guests the use of winter clothing, ski and snowboard equipment. Your skis will carry you down the slope, and the quad-chairlift and tow lift will promptly carry you back to the top for another run. You will enjoy themed restaurants; the St Moritz Café at the entrance to Ski Dubai, and the Avalanche Café at mid-station, with views of the slope. An exclusive retail shop, Snow Pro, has expert staff to advise you on your equipment needs and the team of professional instructors will guide you through the simple, fun process of learning to ski or snowboard. (B,L)

Day 13| Dubai
Dubai is a modern city rising above the cool, blue waters of the Persian Gulf. Its bustling international atmosphere offers the best of both a civilized, affluent society and the timeless heritage of the Arabian sands. The natural Dubai Creek divides the city into two regions along a 9.5 mile inlet in the Persian Gulf, where the city's trade developed.
Today, you will begin your exploration of Dubai by way of a city tour – after all, it's the best way for you to discover new and old Dubai. Your trip will take you to some of the most beautiful landmarks in the city - magnificent Jumeirah mosque, Jumeirah Beach, Camel Race Track, Dubai Golf and Racing Club, and then along Sheikh Zayed Road, the new commercial area of Dubai and the World Trade Centre. After passing by the Sheikh's Palace, take a short break and lunch by the creek side to catch a stunning view of Deira. Continue your journey to the fascinating underground Dubai Museum, the colorful textile market and finally, the glittering Gold Souk. Known as the "shopping capital of the Middle East," Dubai draws large numbers of shopping tourists to this souq district every year.
Enjoy the rest of the afternoon on your own leisure. (B,D)

Day 14| Dubai - Departure
After breakfast this morning, you will be transferred to Dubai International Airport for your journey home.

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