fbpx

From Oman to Dubai: The Arabian Gulf

Program Overview

Experience the architectural wonder and breathtaking scenery of the Arabian Gulf on an extraordinary, 5-star land and sea itinerary that includes 2 nights in Muscat and a 7-night cruise from Muscat to Dubai. Explore Oman’s majestic capital city of Muscat and enjoy a full-day excursion to the Jabreen Forts, two of the best preserved of their kind in Oman. Discover the royal private home of the Ruler of Sarjah, beautiful mosques, ancient sites, and world-class museums on your cruise with calls at United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar. Extend your journey with a 3-night Pre-Program Option in Dubai.

 

Program Details

November 13 to 23, 2024 (Le Bougainville)
From $7,195 plus air View Terms & Conditions
  • Two-nights in Muscat, the majestic capital city of Oman, where ancient cultural traditions and breathtaking natural beauty blend with 21st century modernity. 
  • Full-day excursion from Muscat to Nizwa and Jabreen Forts, two of the best-preserved forts in Oman. 
  • Seven-night cruise from Muscat, Oman, calling at Fujairah, UAE, with a visit to nearby Kalba and Bait Al Sheik Saeed—the private home belonging to the ruler of Sharjah—then on to the Fujairah Museum and the beautifully restored 350-year-old Old Fort of Fujairah.  
  • Explore the stunning fjords, canyons, and oases of Khasab, Oman, the “Norway of Arabia.” 
  • Transit the Strait of Hormuz, which divides the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. 
  • Visit Manama, Bahrain, known for its trade and financial centers, and enjoy an excursion that combines religion, culture, and history with visits to Al Fateh Mosque, the National Museum, and Bahrain Fort.  
  • Discover fascinating Doha, Qatar, a city blending tradition and modernity. Visit its superb Museum of Islamic Art (designed by Ming Pei, the architect of the Louvre Pyramid) and be enchanted by dazzling handicrafts and pungent spices at Waqif Souk, the marketplace situated in the old town. 
  • Conclude your journey at Abu Dhabi, the booming capital of the UAE, to visit the new Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque with its sumptuous décor of marble, gold, and glass. Also visit the Qasr Al-Watan, a grand Presidential Palace that serves as a testament to its people. 

Day 1 - Depart home city

Day 2 - Arrive Muscat, Sultanate of Oman

Day 3 - Muscat

Day 4 - Muscat/Embark Le Bougainville 

Day 5 - Fujairah, Fujairah Emirates 

Day 6 - Khasab, Sultanate of Oman

Day 7 - Cruising the Arabian Gulf

Day 8 - Manama, Bahrain 

Day 9 - Doha, Qatar 

Day 10 - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates 

Day 11 - Dubai/Disembark ship/Return to home city 

Le Bougainville

Exclusively Chartered, Five-Star Luxury Small Ship

Join us aboard the exclusively chartered, five-star Le Bougainville, where distinctive French sophistication meets innovative nautical design. All accommodations feature private balconies. The ship’s efficient electrical propulsion system and custom stabilizers provide an exceptionally smooth, quiet and comfortable  voyage. The small size of the ship allows for navigation into more remote locations than larger vessels.

Learn more about the Le Bougainville>

Dubai Pre-Program Option 

Bask in the glamour and rich heritage of dynamic Dubai on this wonderful, pre-cruise journey featuring three nights
at the deluxe Bab al Shams Desert Resort, your stylish oasis in the Arabian Desert. Enjoy guided tours of the atmospheric
Al Bastakiya Quarter, the Dubai Museum and the captivating Gold and Spice Souqs. Choose from two excursions to iconic cultural landmarks: Jumeriah Mosque or the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House. While in the desert, try your hand at falconry, a UAE tradition, and take an exhilarating drive across the pristine sand dunes in a 4x4 vehicle! You can also book an optional hot-air balloon ride over the desert at an additional cost. This tour includes a flight from Dubai, UAE, to Muscat, Oman.

The Pre-Program Option is available at additional cost. Details will be provided with your reservation confirmation. 

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

We'll contact you. No obligation.

Reserve My Spot

Program Itinerary

Day 1 Depart home city

Depart your home city for an overnight flight.

Day 2 Arrive in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman

Arrive and transfer to the deluxe Kempinski Hotel Muscat. Meet for a Welcome Reception, then make your own dinner plans. 

Day 3 Muscat

Travel inland this morning for a guided tour of the imposing Nakhal Fort. Built atop craggy rocks, it offers impressive views of the Hajar Mountains and the surrounding palm tree orchards. Pause for lunch nearby, then return to Muscat for a choice of afternoon excursions. The first takes you inside the magnificent Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the largest in Oman. The second features a pleasant, scenic stroll on the Corniche promenade beside the Gulf of Oman.

Day 4 Muscat/Embark the ship

On a guided tour, revel in the colorful, fragrant and bustling scene within Muscat’s bazaar, Mutrah Souq, and perhaps purchase some Omani frankincense. See the striking Al Alam Palace, the Sultan of Oman’s official residence, then savor lunch at a restaurant. Next, delve into Oman’s history and culture at the fascinating Bait Al Zubair Museum before embarking Le Bougainville. Tonight, enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Reception and a delectable dinner. 

Day 5 Fujairah, Fujairah Emirates

Appreciate the coastal scenery on your drive to picturesque Dibba Al-Fujairah, a favorite vacation getaway in the region. During free time, soak up its relaxed charm and explore the souq. Return to the ship for lunch. Then, select from three afternoon outings: a guided visit to the 15th-century Al Bidya Mosque, the oldest in the UAE; a tour of the Fujairah Museum, which houses archaeological artifacts and exhibits on Emirati history; or relaxation time at lovely
Al Aqah Beach.

Day 6 Khasab, Sultanate of Oman (Strait of Hormuz)

Set off on an exciting, guided drive up Jebel Al Harim, the Musandam Peninsula’s highest mountain. Along your route, admire spectacular, expansive vistas of the rugged mountains and sparkling water, and study fossilized rocks and ancient petroglyphs. Following lunch on the ship, choose from two afternoon excursions. Visit the 17th-century Khasab Fort, built by the Portuguese and now filled with Omani cultural exhibits, or sail through the Musandam’s tranquil, fjord-like splendor on a traditional wooden dhow.

Day 7 Cruising the Arabian Gulf

While at sea, attend lectures, unwind at the pool or relish quiet time in your luxurious cabin or a cozy lounge. 

Day 8 Manama, Bahrain

This morning, learn about Bahrain’s former pearl trade on the Pearling Path and tour its national museum. Afterward, visit the rig where oil was first discovered in Bahrain in 1932. Enjoy lunch on the ship, followed by a guided visit to the UNESCO-listed Bahrain Fort, the site of the capital of the Dilmun civilization, a Bronze Age trading power. In place of this excursion, you can opt to book a guided drive through Bahrain’s desert in a 4x4 vehicle at an additional cost. 

Day 9 Doha, Qatar

Get a delightful glimpse of Qatari life as you meander in the winding aisles of Doha’s Souq Waqif, brimming with aromatic spices, handicrafts, jewelry and textiles. Continue to the Museum of Islamic Art inside a stunning building by famed architect I.M. Pei, and marvel at extraordinary masterpieces of Islamic craftsmanship. Finish with a scenic waterfront drive to admire Doha’s modern wonders like West Bay’s futuristic towers and Pearl-Qatar,
a man-made island development. 

Day 10 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

On a guided tour, behold the gleaming Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the UAE’s largest mosque, which welcomes people of all faiths. Be awed by its decorative details, from the dazzling marble courtyard and serene reflective pools to the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet. After lunch on the ship, learn about Abu Dhabi’s roots at Heritage Village, which brings to life Bedouin traditions.
This evening, gather for the Captain’s Farewell Reception
and your final dinner.

Day 11 Dubai/Disembark ship/Return to home city

After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the Dubai airport for your return flight home.