The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven prosperous, peaceful, and surprisingly modern states along the Arabian Gulf. Your explorations begin with your overnight flight to Dubai, where you’ll be greeted by a Vantage representative and transferred to your Deluxe hotel. You'll have the afternoon at leisure.

Dubai has mesmerized the world with its architectural marvels — from gravity-defying skyscrapers to islands formed with sand pumped from the sea floor. The morning of Day 3, marvel at the modern side of Dubai on your included city tour. Sights along the way include Palm Island — an artificial archipelago in the shape of a palm tree — the soaring towers of Sheikh Zayed Road, and the astounding Mall of the Emirates, the home of Ski Dubai, an indoor ski area! In the afternoon, by contrast, you have the option to visit a local home to experience traditional Arab hospitality and a light lunch with your hosts. This evening, gather for an informative Welcome Briefing and Welcome Dinner.
Your discoveries continue on Day 4, as you drive to Abu Dhabi, the globalized capital of the UAE. Begin with a glimpse into the past as you visit a traditional village where the old ways are preserved. Then, drive along the Corniche for skyline views, and continue on a city tour that includes views of Sheikh Khalifa’s Palace, where the head of the UAE resides. You’ll also see a boat yard where traditional dhows are built, visit Sports City, where athletes train, and tour the largest mosque in the UAE. Cultural Connection: Following lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, where noble birds of prey are bred and trained to hunt from the air. In Dubai, the evening is at leisure or join an optional dinner cruise aboard a traditional wooden dhow.
Day 5 provides another day of contrasts in Dubai city. First stop is a view of the soaring, sail-shaped Burj al Arab Hotel, followed by Jumeirah Mosque. You’ll also view Emirates Towers, the tallest building in Europe and the Gulf Area, then continue to Dubai Creek, the mystic waterway that winds through the city, where you’ll board a water taxi to visit an area of traditional markets. We’ll also visit the interesting Dubai Museum. Following an afternoon at leisure, we’ll set out on a magical desert safari, enjoying spectacular sunset views enroute to our five-star safari camp. As your Arabian barbecue is prepared under the stars, you can ride a camel, get a traditional henna design, or smoke a waterpipe. Then the music tempo picks up and a belly dancer appears — you’ll feel like you’re in a scene from 1001 Arabian Nights!

On Day 6 relax for the scenic transfer to Fujairah, greenest of the emirates of the UAE. Enroute, we’ll tour the university city of Sharjah, cultural capital of the United Arab Emirates. Cultural Connection: You’ll also visit a traditional market in Sharjah. You’ll enjoy a seaview room at your hotel in Fujairah. Dinner is included.
In contrast to ultra-modern Dubai, Fujairah is a much more traditional city, set among mountains facing the Gulf of Oman. On Day 7, enjoy a panoramic tour of the city and the surrounding region. You’ll stop at a heritage village where ancient ways of life are preserved and visit the oldest mosque in the UAE. Cultural Connection: We’ll stop at a fishing village on the coast, where we’ll visit the fish market. After a free afternoon, dinner is included.

The desert grandeur of the Arabian Peninsula’s scenery is the focus of Day 8, as we make our way to Muscat, capital of the Sultanate of Oman. Lunch is included enroute. Your accommodations for three nights are at a deluxe seaside resort, with a guaranteed sea-view room. On Day 9, enjoy a morning tour of this attractive seaside city of low white buildings surrounded by hills. You’ll visit the Grand Mosque and the Natural History Museum, as well as the waterfront and a colorful souk, then view the official palace of the Sultan of Oman. Cultural Connection: In the afternoon, we’ll hear a fascinating lecture by an Omani woman on the “The Role of Women in Oman, Past and Present.” Dinner is included tonight.
Day 10 features a full-day excursion up the scenic coast. Cultural Connection: On a morning visit to a fishing village, we’ll stroll through the market. You’ll visit restored Nakhl Fort, then enjoy lunch at a seaside resort. Continuing to Nakhl itself, we’ll relax in an oasis under date palms by the village’s famous warm springs.

The ancient trading city of Nizwa is our destination on Day 11. Cultural Connections: On the way, we’ll pass through a lush oasis village, then stop at a traditional village to see how life was once lived in this region. Arriving in Nizwa, enjoy a stroll through the New Souk, where vendors sell fish, produce and spices, as well as silver Bedouin jewelry and finely worked silver daggers. Dinner is included tonight.
On Day 12, explore Nizwa in greater depth. We’ll visit massive Nizwa Fort, and Jabreen Castle, a seat of Omani learning, where you’ll be able to admire gorgeous painted ceilings and intricate wood carving. On a mountainside overlooking Nizwa, you’ll visit Al Hamra, the oldest village in Oman, where time stands still among narrow lanes and 400-year-old adobe houses.

On Day 13 we motorcoach back to Muscat, then a short flight takes us to the Kingdom of Bahrain — the island nation connected to Saudi Arabia by a 15-mile causeway. This one-time British protectorate was the first place in the region to strike oil, though it now boasts a diversified economy and a substantial middle class.
On Day 14 a half-day tour introduces the culture and history of Bahrain, beginning with the vast Grand Mosque, the Bahrain National Museum, Muharaq Island, where the old capital was located, and the old residence of the ruling family. Cultural Connections: We’ll visit the Al Jasra village handicraft center and a village where pottery is made.
On Day 15, you’ll first visit the archeological site of Qal’at Al Burtughal where a Portuguese fort built in 1522 overlies an ancient town. Cultural Connections: Two fascinating glimpses into Bahraini culture are ahead, as we visit a farm to see the Arabian racing camels belonging to the king, then travel into the desert to visit the site of Bahrain’s first oil well and to learn about the country’s history of oil exploration. Our desert sojourn continues with a visit to the Tree of Life, whose roots find water deep under the sands. A Farewell Dinner is at the hotel, then rest in your room before departing later this evening for the airport for your early morning flight.

Transfer to the airport for your 3 am flight home, or begin optional 4-night Qatar post-extension.

NOTE: A visa is required for this extension at an additional charge upon entry at the airport in Doha.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The above day-by-day itineraries are preliminary and therefore subject to change. If any major changes occur in advance of your departure, you will be notified in writing by Vantage Deluxe World Travel. If changes occur during your tour, you will be notified by your Vantage Program Manager.