Highlights of the Arabian Gulf: Qatar, Emirates & Oman

(14 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Doha, Dubai & Abu Dhabi, Muscat & Nizwa, Jebel Akhdar (Al Hajar Mountains)

This private tour of Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Oman is a perfect combination of ancient cultures, modern style and beautiful landscapes in the Gulf region. It features private cultural touring and accommodation at the finest luxury resorts in each destination.

During flexible private touring in Doha, the seaside capital of Qatar, visit museums with stunning architecture and notable collections, such as the Museum of Islamic Art (designed by I.M. Pei) and the National Museum of Qatar (by Jean Nouvel). Walk among the shops and restaurants of bustling Souq Waqif, the historic heart of the city, stopping to browse for handicrafts or sample Middle Eastern treats. Visit the Falcon Souk and falcon hospital to see the majestic national bird of Qatar and learn about their cultural significance and care. Tour the sprawling Al Shaqab equestrian center, where Arabian horses train and perform, to learn about their importance in Qatari culture. Other options around Doha include perusing the galleries in Katara Cultural Village, seeing the impressive Qatar National Library, visiting the Imam Muhammad Ibn Abd Al Wahhab Mosque (Qatar State Mosque), shopping at the boutiques in The Pearl neighborhood and walking on waterfront promenades with views of the city skyline.

Fly to 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 and the Dubai Frame, seeing the Dubai Fountain, or enjoying Dubai's beaches and exciting dining and entertainment districts.

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 waterfront 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 of the Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountain) region and stay at a luxury resort with spectacular views of the dramatic desert and mountain landscapes. During private touring, visit local villages in the surrounding Saiq Plateau, and see cliffside agricultural terraces that grow the finest roses and pomegranates in Oman. During leisure time, enjoy the resort facilities and take in the 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.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Doha, Qatar Private arrival transfer to luxury hotel for 3 nights Day 2 Doha Full-day private city tour Day 3 Doha Half-day private city tour Day 4 Doha – Dubai, UAE Private transfer to airport for flight to Dubai. VIP airport assistance through immigration. Private arrival transfer to luxury hotel for 4 nights Day 5 Dubai Full-day private city tour Day 6 Dubai & Arabian Desert Morning private desert excursion. Afternoon private city tour Day 7 Dubai & Abu Dhabi Full-day excursion to Abu Dhabi Day 8 Abu Dhabi Full-day private city tour Day 9 Dubai – Muscat, Oman Private transfer to airport for flight to Muscat. Private arrival transfer to luxury hotel for 2 nights Day 10 Muscat Full-day private city tour Day 11 Muscat – Nizwa – Jebel Akhdar (Al Hajar Mountains) Private transfer to Al Hajar Mountains for 3 nights, with tour of Nizwa en route Day 12 Jebel Akhdar (Al Hajar Mountains) Flexible private touring in region Day 13 Jebel Akhdar (Al Hajar Mountains) & Jebel Shams Full-day private excursion to Jebel Shams, including option for hiking Day 14 Jebel Akhdar (Al Hajar Mountains) – Depart Muscat Private airport transfer

Hotels

Doha: Four Seasons Hotel Doha, Raffles Doha, Mandarin Oriental Doha or The St. Regis Doha Dubai: Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, Marsa al Arab or Burj Al Arab (supplement applies) Muscat: The Ritz-Carlton Al Bustan Palace, The Chedi Muscat or Mandarin Oriental Muscat Jebel Akhdar: Alila Jebel Akhdar or Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort

Cost

Upon request