Oman & UAE Round Trip

This tour gives travelers a chance to experience a wide variety of sceneries and activities which the Oman and the United Arab Emirates have to offer. The journey leads through steep wadis, little oasis sand the impressive dunes of the largest sand desert of the world.

Participants will cruise on a Dhow and snorkel in the fjords of Mussandam.

They will explore villages, hidden in the majestic mountains of Oman, experience breath-taking views, interact with local people and learn about the Arabic way of life. They will visit two of the most magnificent -but totally different -cities of the Arabian Peninsular, Dubai and Muscat.

This tour is ideal for active individuals who like to explore a country rather than just visit it. It is designed as a self-drive tour which combines cultural elements, nature and activities such as hiking or snorkeling.
Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Dubai, transfer to the hotel
Day 2: Briefing, allocation of cars, border crossing into Oman, drive to Khasab and camp in the mountains
Day 3: Dhow cruising, snorkeling, lunch on the Dhow, boarder crossing into the UAE, drive to Dibba
Day 4: Trekking to Jebel Quiwi and drive to Wadi Hatta
Day 5: Border crossing into Oman, off-roading through Wadi al-Satan, visit of the villages of Wijmah and Balat Sayt, Beduine dinner, camp in the mountains
Day 6: Swimming in the Snake Canyon, drive through ´Wadi Bani Awf to Rustaq and to Muscat
Day 7: Muscat city tour, free afternoon
Day 8: Drive on coastal road to Sur, Salmah plateau, Qalhat, camp at Sur beach, swim in the ocean, watch turtles
Day 9: Visit dhow building yards, drive to Wadi Bani Khalid, drive to Nizwa, stay at a hotel in Nizwa
Day 10: Visit Nizwa Fort, Hoota Cave, Misfatat Al Abriyyin, camp at Jebel Shams
Day 11: Visit Wadi Damm, hike and swim in rock pool, border crossing into UAE, stay at a hotel in Al Ain
Day 12: Drive to Rub al-Khali and camp in the desert
Day 13: Continue desert drive, lunch at Liwa Oasis, drive back to Dubai, check in hotel
Day 14: Dubai city tour, free afternoon, optional dune buggy adventure, fare-well dinner
Day 15: Transfer to the airport, departure

Day 1 in Detail

Travelers will be picked up from the airport and transferred to the hotel.

Participants can use the afternoon and evening as they like.

A contact person from Explorer Tours is available for advice regarding restaurants, sights, restaurants and bars.

Dubai: Dubai, the unique metropolis in the Middle East is, with a population of about 1.5 million, the largest city of the United Arab Emirates. Only 10 percent of the populations are Arabian nationals, whereas the majorities are expatriates who come mainly from the Asian subcontinent and Europe. Between modern high-rise buildings, luxurious hotels and gigantic shopping malls, visitors can find some lively parts of the city offering a variety of small shops, authentic restaurants and lovely side streets which invite to explore the more traditional Dubai.

Day 2 in Detail

The tour guides will meet the participants at the hotel for a briefing in the morning in order to go through the program and explain important safety measures. Allocating vehicles and equipment will be done at this point.

Around 9.30, the group will head towards Ras al-Khaimah and cross the border to Khasab in Oman. Lunch will take place at the Golden Tulip Hotel, before the group starts off-roading on a winding track to Jebel Hareem.

The first camp will be set up at a height of around 1800 meter. Afterwards travelers have the chance to explore the landscape of the Mussandam peninsular during a two hour hike before they return to the campsite and enjoy a BBQ dinner and campfire after sunset.

Khasab: Khasab is the local capital of an enclave of Oman, called Mussandam. The peninsular is dubbed the "Norway of Arabia “due to its fjord like landscape. Apart from the beauty that lies above the waters, it offers a rich and colorful underwater world, teeming with varied marine life, providing for some spectacular snorkeling. The breath-taking beauty of the mountains, the un-spoilt beaches and steep wadis are aplenty in Khasab.

Trekking: The group is lead by extremely experienced trekking guides who know and understand this fascinating landscape. They will ensure that you stay on track and will explain about the terrain and its local fauna and flora. On the way, travelers can see Bedouin villages, abandoned settlements and graveyards.

Day 3 in Detail

After a cooked breakfast, the group will leave the camp and head back to Khasab for a full day of Dhow cruising. A traditional Omani lunch with fresh fish and fruits will be served on the boat.

The group will return to Khasab port in the afternoon and start a 3 hour drive to Dibba. On arrival in Dibba, the group will check in at Dibba Hotel.

Dhow cruising: Dhow cruising is the best way to experience the idyllic beauty of Mussandam. The majestic fjords, dotted with islands, the crystal clear waters shimmering in the sun, a visit on Telegraph Island and underwater adventures account for a truly memorable day.

Many species of sea birds roam and nest around the cliffs at Khawr Ghubb Ali. Dolphins, swimming along the dhow, are very common during this trip. We will stop the Dhow at places of interest for snorkeling, swimming and lunch.

Day 4 in Detail

The group will leave the hotel after breakfast and head to the Northern Hajar Mountains.

The guide will lead participants on an off-road route through Wadi Khab al-Shams to the top of the mountain Jebel Quiwi, at the height of about 1000 meters. This is the starting point of a two-hour hike to a small village hidden in the mountain. A picnic lunch will be served on the way.

In the afternoon, the group will drive to Wadi Hatta, set up the camp, enjoy a BBQ dinner and relax at the camp fire.

Hajar Mountains: The Hajar Mountains form a large mountain range which plays a significant role in this journey, as most of the places of interest are within this range. The mountains begin in the north, forming the Mussandam Peninsular, run southeast and move gradually further to the east coast. The central section of the range is a mountain called Jebel Akhdar. This is the highest point and probably wildest terrain in eastern Arabia. Close to Muscat, the eastern Hajar starts and runs very close to the coast to the fishing town of Sur.

Day 5 in Detail

After breakfast, the group will cross the border into the Oman and head to the north face of the Western Hajar Mountains. On the way, the travelers can enjoy many breath-taking sceneries.

The group will drive through Wadi al-Satan, which is lined with plantations and settlements and visit Wijmah – a village under the cliff of Jebel Shams. After a picnic lunch, the drive will be continued through wadis and on mountain tracks to Balat Sayt - a terraced village in the heart of the mountain.

The camp will be set up close to the village. A Bedouin will keep the group company for the evening while sharing his stories and preparing some traditional snacks. After dinner, the group can sit together around the campfire and enjoy an aromatic Shisha.

Shisha: The traditional water pipe, stuffed with tobacco and fruit flavor, is an essential part of the Arabic culture and tradition. One can often see Arabs sitting in cafés and restaurants, enjoying a chat with their friends, exchanging news and smoking shisha.

Day 6 in Detail

The group will leave the campsite after a cooked breakfast and drive to the entrance of Snake Canyon. Here they will start a short hike which is rewarded with a refreshing swim in a natural water pool.

Afterwards, the group will continue the drive through Wadi Bani Awf to Rustaq and to Muscat. Lunch will be taken at a local restaurant on the way. In the afternoon the group will check in at a hotel in Muscat.

Snake Canyon: Wadi Bani Awf is remarkable as it cuts deeply into the mountainous terrain for about 26 kilometers. The gorge of the Snake Canyon is considerably narrower, with the canyon walls towering on both sides. It is here that one can get an insight into nature's raw power where, over millions of years, it has cut a deep swathe through rocky terrain to vent its fury eventually into the sea. The massive boulders and rocks strewn along the wadi bed hold evidence of furious floodwater action over the ages.

Day 7 in Detail

After breakfast at the hotel, the group will start a tour through the city. It will start at the beautiful embassy quarter of Muscat en route to the Sultan Qaboos Mosque. This mosque is a religious landmark of Muscat and a splendor of Islamic architecture (Islamic dress code is compulsory to enter the mosque).

Travelers will also visit the Bait al Zubeir Museum, Muttrah (a delightful quarter of Muscat) and a traditional souk and fish market. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. During the afternoon, participants are free to continue sight seeing and have dinner at night on their own.

Muscat: Muscat, the capital, is with its 750,000 inhabitants Oman‘s biggest city. People have been living in this city for almost 2000 years, which makes Muscat also one of the oldest cities in the entire Middle East. Today it is one of the busiest places in the country with lots of open space, green parts and just few modern high-rise buildings. The city keeps a relatively slow pace and the traditional Omani culture and Arabic customs are an important part of the cityscape and the peoples‘everyday lives.

Day 8 in Detail

The group will leave Muscat after a breakfast at the hotel and drive on the coastal road to Sur. At Fins, participants will leave the main road and head towards the Salmah plateau for another thrilling off-road drive. This route takes them swiftly from sea level to the cooler air up on the plateau at an elevation of about 1500 meters. A steep climb and an even steeper descent keep adrenaline levels high as travelers embark on this adventurous loop.

The group will have a picnic lunch on the way and continue the drive on the coastal road to Qalhat. After the group had the chance to explore Qalhat, they will drive back to Sur and set up the camp at the beach where travelers can also use the opportunity to swim in the ocean. After sunset, the group will walk on the beach and look out for turtles nesting.

Qalhat: For many centuries Qalhat was one of the most important ports at the Arabian Gulf, and a gateway to the Indian Ocean. It is featured in the stories of Pliny the Elder, Marco Polo, Ibn Battu’ta and Alfonso d’Alboquerque. The many fine pieces of broken pottery and glass littered all over the ruins suggest that it was once a thriving port town. Travelers can visit the tomb of the holy lady Bibi Maryam. It is one of the precious few structures which are still standing from the once bustling port of Qalhat.

Day 9 in Detail

The group will start the day by visiting the Dhow building yards in Sur which was once the ancient boat building centre of Oman, famous throughout Arabia in the 19th and early 20th century.

Later on, the group will leave the town and drive to Nizwa on the inland route.

On the way travelers will explore the famous Wadi Bani Khalid where they will walk though a short cave system and then go for a refreshing swim. Head torches and helmets will be provided for those exploratory individuals who are interested to do some caving. Others can just swim at the natural pool and relax.

A picnic lunch will be served at Wadi Bani Khalid after which the group will drive to Nizwa and check in at the hotel.

Nizwa: In the sixth and seventh centuries, Nizwa was the capital of Oman and the centre of trade between coastal and interior regions.

Day 10 in Detail

This day will be spent by visiting some very interesting places in and around Nizwa, such as the 17th century fort and the souk of this historical town. Later on the al-Hoota cave and the small but picturesque village of Misfatal-Abriyyin will be visited, before the group drives to Jebel Shams and sets up the camp.

Al-Hoota cave: The cave features several classic formations including stalactites, stalagmites and solid columns, which take thousands of years to form. Its underground lake is 800 meters long and the habitat of a rare and delicate species of blind fish.

Misfatal-Abriyyin: Misfatal-Abriyyin is a charming ancient village, located in a stunning landscape above terraced plantations of date palms. Travelers can visit the ancient houses and ruined watchtower perched on the mountain.

Day 11 in Detail

The group will leave Nizwa after breakfast and drive to Al Ain in the UAE. On the way they will stop at al-Ayn to visit ancient tombs and drive to Wadi Damm for a refreshing swim and hike.

A picnic lunch will be provided at Wadi Damm after which the drive to Al Ain will be continued. On arrival in Al Ain, the group will check in the hotel and, thereafter, have some free hours to explore the city.

Al Ain: Al Ain is the fourth largest city in the UAE and is often called the garden city because of its relatively green appearance. It is located in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, directly adjacent to the border with Oman. Al Ain has been inhabited for more than four thousand years and is therefore considered a culturally significant to the country. It is also the birthplace of Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan, the first president of the UAE.

Day 12 in Detail

The group will leave Al Ain in the morning and drive to Liwa, an Oasis located at the outskirts of the Rub al-Khali. On the way travelers have the chance to visit a car museum which features many extraordinary vehicles.

After lunch in Liwa and a short introduction to driving on sand, the group will enter the biggest sand desert of the world and drive throughout the afternoon until they reach the camp site.

Rub a-Khali: Rub al-Khali (Empty Quarter), is the biggest sand desert in the world. It stretches between Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman and the UAE for a hundred thousand square miles. Majestic red and gold dunes tower up to 400 meter high. The immense scale of this vast desert scenery needs to be experienced to be believed.

Dune driving: This fun but demanding drive up and down the towering dunes is truly unique because one can drive for as long as a week without seeing human habitations or any signs of men’s interference with nature. Travelers may, however, see herds of camels wandering in their natural domain. It is an experience unlike anything else.

Day 13 in Detail

Drivers will face extraordinary dunes on this day. The lead driver will find a way to the very top of a mega dune. Later on, each car needs to come down the very steep side. Afterwards, the convoy will head towards the Liwa Oasis, where they will have lunch at a local restaurant

Liwa: The Oasis stretches about 100 km east-west, along an arch curved to the north. The economic centre of the oasis is where the highway from Abu Dhabi enters the oasis. An important traditional branch of the 50 villages’ economy is date farming. The oasis is the place of birth of the ruling families of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Day 14 in Detail

Back in Dubai, travelers can participate in a private, guided city tour. Sights include the famous gold and spice souks, the busy Dubai creak, the Dubai museum, and gigantic shopping centers.

In the afternoon, participants can either continue exploring the city or take part in an optional dune buggy safari in the nearby desert.

In the evening, participants will meet one last time for a fare-well dinner in one of Dubai’s luxury hotels.

Day 15 in Detail

Travelers will be picked up from the hotel and transferred to the airport.

Departure from Dubai.

Food&Accommodation

During the trip, the group will stay eight nights in three-star hotels. On these nights, participants will eat at the hotels’ restaurants or in other restaurants in town. Breakfast will be eaten in the hotels as well.

For the other six nights, the group sets up a camp in the mountains, the desert or a beach. Participants sleep in an igloo tent. A little sitting area will be set up around a camp fire. Tents, sleeping bags with hygienic inlets, pillow with hygienic covers and mattresses will be provided, as well as one solar shower per car.

On camping nights, dinner will be prepared with fresh ingredients. A typical dinner would be some BBQ meats or fish, vegetables, fresh bread and salad. Breakfast after camping nights could be scrambled eggs, toast with butter and jam, juices and coffee or tea.

Depending on where the group is during lunch time, here are two options for lunch. Either the group eats in little local restaurants or they prepare a fresh picnic lunch such as cold sandwiches and fresh fruit. Throughout the trip, travelers are provided with bottled water and soft drinks.

The fare-well dinner on the last day in Dubai takes place in one of Dubai’s most popular five star hotels and consists of a buffet with unlimited drinks.

The Organizer

Explorer Tours was established in 2008 and already occupies a significant share of the local travel market. Managing director Saif Poovanchery has been a resident of the United Arab Emirates for 20 years and has been exploring the Arabian Peninsular with his 4x4 ever since. With the years he acquired broad knowledge of the desert and how to navigate in hardly accessible terrain, as well as the local flora and fauna.

The company‘s success is based on the extensive experience Mr. Poovanchery gained during 16 years of working in the travel industry. This experience is used in the planning and performance of all activities, especially of those which are unique to the region. High quality, in addition to that, is another important aspect. Team members such as drivers, marshals and mechanics are especially trained to work under the unique conditions of the desert and have plenty of experience.

Safety comes first at Explorer Tours. When driving in the desert one has to rely on vehicles and equipment, otherwise the risk of accidents and injuries is high. That is why Explorer Tours’ mechanics and team members check each vehicle and piece of equipment before each tour start. Also team members have an eye on travelers and make sure that they have sufficient protection from the sun and prevent dehydration. Food is always prepared freshly and emergency kits are always available on tour.

Included in the Price

• Eight night’s accommodation in a three-star hotel (on a twin sharing basis)
• Toyota Prado / Fortuner for thirteen days
• Cool box with soft drinks and water for each car
• Fuel, insurance and all other expenses for cars
• Entrance fee for museum in Oman
• Visa charges to Oman
• Entrance fee for Hoota cave
• Desert driving tuitions
• Qualified, experienced and knowledgeable tour guide for route planning and
leading the group
• Camp for six nights: Tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, pillows, solar shower
• Food and soft drinks during the trip
• Guide and coach for private city tour in Dubai
• Guide for city tour in Muscat
• Dhow cruise in Mussandam with lunch and snorkeling gear
• Fare well diner with unlimited alcoholic drinks on 14th night

Not included in the price:

• Air ticket
• Lunch and dinner on day 1 (if applicable. depending on the flight schedule)
• Dinner on day 7
• Lunch on day 14
• Lunch and dinner on day 15 (if applicable, depending on the flight schedule)
• Alcoholic beverages (except fare-well dinner)

Prices

Per person / two people share one car / hotel room on a twin sharing basis = 2,800.00 Euro
Per person / three people share one car / including single room fee for one person = 2,520.00 Euro
Per person / four people share one car / hotel room on a twin sharing basis = 2,350.00 Euro
Per person / traveling in the guide’s car / hotel room on a twin sharing basis = 1,950.00 Euro

Payment:

Full payment is due no later than 14 days in advance by cheque (payable to Explorer Tourism), cash or bank transfer:

Dubai Bank (WTC branch)
Account: Explorer Tourism LLC
Account no: 0101031079210
Swift code: DBXEAEADXXX

Insurance:

Explorer Tours have public liability insurance for all activities. Participants will be responsible for any additional insurance cover.

Breakdown and Recovery:

Explorer Tours will provide full recovery in case of a breakdown.

Terms and Conditions:

Explorer Tours and its employees shall not be held responsible for any loss or injury during the tour/package.

Booking Procedures:

Bookings and confirmation are only valid in written form.

Cancellation Policy:

No cancellation charges for a minimum of 14 days notice before the tour/package starts. 50% of the cost for less than 14 days, up to 7 days notice before departure. Full charges for less than 7 days notice or no show.

Dates

2009:
2 - 16 Nov 2009
30 Nov - 14 Dec 2009

2010:
4 - 18 Jan 2010
1 - 15 Feb 2010
1 - 15 Mar 2010

Contact

Saif Poovanchery (Managing Director)

Mob: 00971 50 6505360
Tel: 00971 4 2861991
Fax: 00971 4 2861994
Email: saif@explorertours.ae
Web: www.explorertours.ae