Tour Highlights

• Return airfare from North America

• ALL meals as outlined

• Deluxe 5-Star and charming boutique hotels

• 8-Night WindStar Cruise from Muscat, Oman to Dubai, United Arab Emirates

• Private English-speaking driver-guide

• Unique private tours/visits as indicated

• Gratuities, ALL Drink & WIFI aboard cruise

• Hosted by Select Holidays (David & Brenda Layden)

• PLUS more……

Day 01:  November 25, 2024 - DEPART NORTH AMERICA

Day 02:  November 26, 2024 - DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES  
Arrive Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Meet and transferred to the hotel for a two night stay.     [IFM]

Day 03:  November 27, 2024 - DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
We make a small  walking tour through the Bastakia, a part that has been left as an island in the middle of the more modern parts.  Here we see the old merchants' houses, and even a few examples of the straw houses that were still in use until the end of the 50s in Dubai. To really understand how fast the development has been, a visit to the Dubai Museum is an absolute must. We then embark on a small Abra  (water taxi) for a ride over to the other side of the Creek, that is still the old port for small boats. On the other side of the creek we will make a walk through the exotic and aromatic Spice Souk and one of the best known Gold Bazaars in the world. During the morning we will also take the thrilling elevator ride of 124 floors (out of 160) in 10 m/s speed minutes only to be totally taken by the breathtaking views arriving on the panorama floor in the highest building in the world, Burg Al Khalifa 828 m. The tower is situated in the Dubai mall, one of the largest in the world.  We continue to the Marina and make photo-stops among the fancy yachts and amazing buildings. We pass by and make several small stops at the man-made Palm Island, at Burj Al Arab – the hotel shaped as a sail that is a symbol of Dubai. Dinner overlooking the skyline of Dubai. [B/L/D]

Day 04:  November 28, 2024 - DUBAI - AL AIN RESORT, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES  
We check out in the morning to travel towards al Ain. On the way we will visit a Camel Dairy farm where we will learn about camel dairy farming as well as the making of dairy products.  This farm is the only one allowed to export its products into the EU.  It is the most famous camel dairy in the UAE with today around 4000 camels and they are the only ones that can export their products to EU. We will get acquainted with the camels and follow the dairy process. We go to the city center of the oasis town of Al Ain, and walk through the narrow lanes/paths of the oasis together. Our guide will explain the old desert farming techniques and watering, the falaj systems bringing water from the mountains. We continue our tour in the local market full of specialties of the area.  We eat lunch and then continue towards the resort, for a two night stay. [B/L/D]

Day 05:  November 29, 2024 - AL AIN RESORT, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Day at leisure in the resort.  
2 activities are included and the choice is between……
-    15min Guided Camel or Horse Riding
-    15min Sand Board Skating
-    15min Archery with Recurve [B/D]

Day 06:  November 30, 2024 - AL AIN RESORT, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - NIZWA, OMAN
We check out in the morning and before we head to the border we continue our Arabic adventure with a visit to the camel market and try to see what is making a certain camel more attractive than the other. The market also has goats, sheep and sometimes cattle as well.  Short drive to the border of Oman where we will change from bus to 4x4 Omani cars. We also change to an Omani guide. Visit the Nizwa fort which has been strategically built atop a hill overlooking the ancient city with its colorful domes and bustling market below. Spend some time in this traditional city and visit the interesting fort with the round tower and the museum and stroll thru the Souq. Next to the Souq is Nizwa Fortress. The fort is a museum today and offers splendid views of this ancient town and the surrounding mountains. You can walk around in this impressive fortress and visit its many rooms, passages and towers. The fort is an architectural testimony to the economic and military achievements of the early Yaruba dynasty from the mid-17th century. It was a military stronghold designed to withstand even the strongest of attacks at the time. Even along the corridors, many traps were laid to deter any intruders that might have penetrated the defenses. Check in to the hotel. [B/L/D]

Day 07:  December 01, 2024 - MUSCAT, OMAN
Visit the wadis (valleys) for instance Wadi  Mistal where the The Wakan village is located at about 2,000 metres above sea level. The road leading to the village passes through a number of valleys and the villages can only be reached by a 4WD car.  On the way we will pass the  many agricultural terraces where the local farmers are growing fruits like grapes, pomegranates and apricots, as well as vegetables.  Lunch Enroute.  We arrive to our hotel in Muscat  [B/L/D]

Day 08:  December 02, 2024 - MUSCAT, OMAN
The first stop on the Muscat City Tour by bus is the Grand Mosque, a most beautiful architectural piece of work. The Mosque was built over a period of 6 years from 1995 to 2001. The main chandelier is made of pure Swarovski crystal and the carpet adorning the large prayer hall was woven by experts, made out of pure Persian silk. The Mosque exterior is constructed with Rajasthani Sandstone and the main halls as well as the smaller prayer rooms are adorned with the finest Italian Marble. The Mosque is surrounded by 5 minarets’, each of which symbolizes the holy five vows taken by every devout Muslim to reinforce his faith in the Almighty. Definitely a “must see!” We then make a visit to the the Muttrah souk - a traditional Omani market. The souk offers a wide range of goods, especially typical Omani souvenirs like Frankincense, the Omani Dagger or Khanjar and beautiful silver handicrafts and “Pashmina shawls”. The guide will escort you on the stroll through the souk and assist wherever needed to obtain the best deal.  From here we shall proceed to see (from outside) the Sultan’s Palace surrounded by the 2 Forts of Mirani and Jalali built by the Portuguese in the 16th century during their rule of the coastal cities of Oman.    [B/L/D]

Day 09:  December 03, 2024 - MUSCAT, OMAN
A free day to relax at the hotel and enjoy the pools. [B/D]

Day 10:  December 04, 2024 - MUSCAT, OMAN: DEPART AT 5PM
A free morning until we transfer to board the amazing, 5-Star, “Star Legend”. In a land steeped with history, Muscat, Oman’s port capital, is a mix of upscale shopping malls, modern high-rises and 16th century Al Jalali and Mirani, Portuguese forts. The city has numerous mosques including modern, marble-clad Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, with its 164 foot (50m) dome and prodigious Persian carpet, and that can accommodate 20,000 people. Wander the lively fish market and busy Mutrah Souk. There are plenty of soft sand beaches leading to pristine Gulf of Oman water full of fish and turtles.    [B/D]

Day 11:  December 05, 2024 - FUJAIRAH, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: 7AM TILL 5PM
Fujairah is known for sparkling, uncrowded beaches, considered one of the best places for SCUBA diving. The nearby Hajar Mountains Wadis offer scenic hiking. Sites to see include the Al-Bidyah Mosque, Fujairah Fort, Bithnah Fort and Sheikh Zayed Mosque.    [B/L/D]

Day 12:  December 06, 2024 - KHASAB, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: 7AM TILL 5PM
Known as the Norway of Arabia with its spectacular fjords, Khasab sits isolated on Oman’s northern coast. Exploring the impressive coast by boat may result in encounters with friendly bottlenose and humpback dolphins. Check out Khasab Castle, built in the 17th century with its museum of local life back through the ages. Not far away are Bedouin villages and the Khawr Najd viewpoint with sweeping views of the impressive fjords..   [B/L/D]

Day 13:  December 07, 2024 - ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: ARRIVE AT 8AM
The capital of the United Arab Emirates sits off the mainland on an island in the Persian Gulf and connects to the mainland by a short bridge. It is one of the nation’s two most prosperous emirates because of its rich oil fields, both onshore and in the Persian Gulf discovered in 1958, and one of the world’s highest per capita incomes. Among the many sites to see are Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center, Louvre Abu Dhabi Art Museum, Emirates Palace, The Corniche and Yaz Mall.     [B/L/D]

Day 14:  December 08, 2024 - ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: DEPART AT 2PM
Another morning to explore this amazing city and area. Sail away at 2pm for Doha, Qatar. [B/L/D]

Day 15:  December 09, 2024 - DOHA, QATAR: ARRIVE AT 8AM
The sparkling city of Doha boasts gleaming skyscrapers and mosques with intricate carvings, extravagant shopping malls and a 4-mile Corniche. Lose yourself in narrow alleyways of the oldest souk in Qatar amidst the raucous noise of bartering. Find the Museum of Islamic Art, resembling a giant sandcastle and appreciate the beauty of the sea and coastline. [B/L/D]

Day 16:  December 10, 2024 - DOHA, QATAR: DEPART AT 12NOON
Another morning to explore this amazing city and area. Sail away at 12noon for Sir Bani Yas, United Arab Emirates. [B/L/D]

Day 17:  December 11, 2024 - SIR BANI YAS, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: 8AM TILL 4PM
Sir Bani Yas Island is famous for its ancient archaeological sites, geological features and man-made attractions, dominated by the Arabian Wildlife Park, a savannah-like reserve for over 16,000 animals including roaming giraffes, cheetahs and gazelles. See flocks of flamingos on the white-sand beaches and the ruins of an ancient Christian monastery.  They operate the region’s first wind turbine and work to protect their delicate ecosystem. [B/L/D]

Day 18:  December 12, 2024 - END OF TOUR/CRUISE
Transfer to the airport for your flight back to North America.   [B/IFM]

Per Person, Double occupancy from - *$16,984.00 (AIrfare, tour & cruise)
including economy airfare from major north american gateways

*Based on category “S1-Oceanview Suite” aboard Windstar Cruise, Other categories available.
Plus Air/Government Taxes of $862.40 per person

Single Occupancy Add:  Call for pricing
Initial Deposit - $2,500.00 Per Person at time of booking
Second Deposit - $2,500.00 per person is due before April 15, 2024
Final Payment - per person is due before July 15, 2024

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