Portrait of Arabia: The Emirates, Qatar & Oman - Westbound 2024
Dates & Prices
Start Date | End Date | Offers | Brochure Land Price | Quote |
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Wednesday, Jan 17, 2024 | Sunday, Jan 28, 2024 | $11,390 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
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Tour Itinerary
Lose yourself in the immersive decorative art of the Qaboos Grand Mosque and the Qsar Al Watan Palace, in the view from the Sky deck of Dubai's tallest skyscraper, or in the eyes of a falcon. Cruise the desert fjords of Oman in a dhow, explore labyrinthine street bazaars, centuries-old castles, and a wildlife preserve on a desert island. Tour the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and Royal Opera House in Muscat. Spectacular wealth has transformed the Arabian Peninsula, creating new worlds to explore, and your small ship is made to go to out of the way places.Sail the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman to fascinating destinations in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Oman on this unforgettable 12-day trip, with a 7--day cruise, two hotel nights in Dubai, UAE, and one night in Muscat, Oman. Tour the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and Royal Opera House in Muscat… Discover Qatar's capital, Doha, with visits to a cultural village, the Qatar National Museum and a choice of more sightseeing… visit a Falcon Hospital in Abu Dhabi, the Presidential Palace, and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque… and on a 2-night stay in Dubai, get to know the UAE's largest city, famed for its iconic architecture, with a walking tour of Bastakia Quarter and a Q&A and private lunch at the Sheik Mohammed Cultural Center; an architectural lecture; a visit to the top of the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building; a Desert Heritage Safari, and more.
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Day 1
Arrive Muscat, Oman
Tour Begins: Muscat. Transfers are included from Muscat International Airport to the palatial Shangri-la Al Husn Resort and Spa or Jumeriah Muscat Bay. Join us this evening for a welcome reception and dinner.
Meals: Dinner -
Day 2
Muscat, a Mosque & an Opera House
The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is one of the few in the world that allow non-Muslim visitors, and it is worth the visit, grand in art and scale, big enough for 20,000 worshippers, with an ornate central dome 160 feet high; the stunning Persian carpet in the prayer hall is the largest in the world, and took four years to weave by hand (inside visits are not allowed on Fridays). Explore the indoor maze of streets, alleys and bazaars at the Muttrah Souk, where you can find anything from fruits and spices to frankincense and myrrh. Pause for a photo-op at Al Alam Palace in Muscat's historic Old Town. Visit the Royal Opera House, elegantly designed and equipped with cutting-edge technology, where many of the opera-world's great stars perform. Your evening is free.
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 3
A day of choice in OmanToday you'll have a choice of how you spend your day. First, travel along the Jabal Akhdar Trail; Al Jebel Al Akhdar is famed for its fruit orchards typically laid out terrace style along the slopes of mountains, which are endowed with natural springs and falaj. Visit the villages of Saiq & Al Ain; they overlook a spectacular landscape of dramatic peaks, gorges, and wadis. You'll then continue up the Al Hajjar Mountain ranges to Jebel Akhdar (2000 mts above sea level) by 4 x 4, the green jewel of the Al Hajjar mountain ranges – a truly unique spot in the Arabian Peninsula. Lunch will be on a date farm, followed by a visit to Nizwa Fort & Souk. Alternatively, spend the day in the town of Nizwa; visit the market and the Nizwa fort, including local artisans, entertainment and an exclusive lunch at the fort. Everyone boards our Ponant ship late afternoon, and your cruise begins.
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Day 4
Coastal delights & Fujairah Fort
Arrive in Fujairah on the east coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Disembark, and enjoy a drive along the scenic coast to Bidya for a visit to Bidya Mosque, the oldest and smallest mosque in the UAE. Visit iconic Fujairah Fort and Fujairah Mosque, then return to the ship for an afternoon of cruising. Dine aboard ship tonight.
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 5
Musandam Fjords Dhow Cruise or Oman Mountains by 4WD
Today you'll have a choice of shore excursion. In the 17th century, the Portuguese built a castle on the Musandam Peninsula to control the Strait of Hormuz; but the Omanis soon took the castle and used it to defend themselves from the Portuguese. First choice – take a private cruise by dhow on the captivating desert fjords of Musandam, often called the Norway of Arabia, where inland sea lanes wind among barren cliffs and mountains; the area is popular for swimming, snorkeling, and the dolphins that frequent there. Alternatively, explore the barren interior and mountains of Musandam, an area speckled with fossils dating back millions of years. Your journey begins with a stop at the Bedouin village of Savh. Situated at 3,600 ft. above sea level, you'll have an opportunity to admire the beauty of Musandam's inland valley before making your way to the summit of the Jebel Harim, the highest peak in Musandam, for an incredible bird's eye view of the entire peninsula. Enjoy a stop at Khawr Najd, a natural creek overlooking the Indian Ocean and the only fjord accessible by vehicle in Musandam, before returning to Khasab for a visit to the Khasab Fort, with its impressive towers and strongholds, exhibits of traditional boats, and outstanding views of the bay. Return to the ship late afternoon, and dine aboard ship as you sail for Qatar.
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 6
A day at sea
Spend the day enjoying the amenities aboard ship, which include a lecture on the culture and history of the region. On the way you're sure to notice the numerous old castles and forts that decorate Oman's cliffs and coasts, a fraction of the 1,000 of them found throughout the country.
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 7
Doha: Horses, Art & Avant-Garde Architecture
Arrive in Doha, a metropolis bristling with skyscrapers, and an exciting day ahead. Visit Al Shaqab, an equestrian center dedicated to the breeding and training of Arabian horses. At the fascinating Museum of Islamic Art, a masterpiece by renowned architect I.M. Pei, you'll view exhibits of Islamic art include metalwork, ceramics, jewelry, woodwork, textiles and glass collected from three continents and dating from the 7th to the 19th century.A panoramic drive through the Doha Corniche along Doha Bay reveals the region's natural beauty. You'll have an opportunity to visit and have lunch at the city's oldest souk, where you can find everything from diamonds to spices to falcons, then steep yourself in art, artifacts, and natural history at the Qatar National Museum. The museum is housed in a jaw-dropping complex designed by architect Jean Nouvel; its state-of-the-art exhibits walk you through Qatar's story from its earliest days to the discovery of oil and rapid modernization. Dine aboard ship this evening.
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 8
A day well spent in Abu Dhabi
Arrive in Abu Dhabi this morning, and visit the world's largest veterinary hospital for falcons; an appreciation for the magnificent birds runs deep in Arab culture, since the days when trained falcons were essential for hunting and survival. More than sporting birds, they are symbols of pride and cultural identity – today you'll learn about them, up close, and maybe take a turn at feeding them. Return to the ship for lunch, then you'll have a choice of sightseeing – visit Qasr Al Watan, the new presidential palace, stunning in scale and artistry, a white complex in classic Mughal style so light and airy it seems to float on a sea of polished marble. The palace is not only the headquarters of the President of the UAE and the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi but a cultural landmark. Inside, view the sumptuous Great Hall, the Presidential Banquet Hall, and the Library, showcasing artifacts, maps, books, and manuscripts from the Arab Golden Age. Alternatively, visit Louvre Abu Dhabi, a museum that explores cultural connections through the world's great art – in the words of Louvre Abu Dhabi, "bringing different cultures together to shine fresh light on these common stories of humanity, beyond individual civilizations, times or places." Everyone ends the afternoon ashore with a visit to Sheik Zayed Mosque, a modern masterpiece inspired by the great mosques of Egypt, reflecting the diversity of the Islamic world in its Persian, Moorish, and Mughal influences, big enough to house 41,000 worshippers. Return to the ship for dinner, and set sail for Dubai.
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 9
Dubai – Al Fahidi Walking Tour and more
Visit the Al Fahidi historic district for a walking tour of its centuries-old houses, streets, and winding alleys, preserved as a tribute to Dubai's old way of life; at the heart of the neighborhood, a visit to the Sheik Mohammed Bin Rashid Cultural Center offers more insights into Emerati traditions, religion, art and more. You'll also have an opportunity to visit the traditional bazaars, including the aromatic spice market and the dazzling Gold Souk, with over 350 dealers of gold, silver, platinum, diamonds, and designer jewelry. The remainder of your day is free.
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 10
Disembark in Dubai – an architectural perspective & desert safari
Dubai is an architect's dreamworld. A lecture on architecture and urban development in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Expo 2020 sets the stage for a tour of must-see sights this morning includes, with an architectural focus. Have lunch at the Dubai Marina. This afternoon, following some free time in Dubai, join us for a special Tauck experience – a desert heritage safari in vintage Land Rovers; at a Bedouin camp you'll ride a camel, learn how to make Arabian coffee and bread, and enjoy dinner with traditional music and performances. Return to Dubai this evening.
Meals: Breakfast Lunch -
Day 11
Burj Khalifa, and a special farewell evening
This morning is free to spend as you please in Dubai. Midday, join us for a visit to the Sky Observation Deck at the Burj Khalifa, Dubai's signature skyscraper, 2,717 feet high; an express elevator rockets you to the deck for breathtaking 360-degree views of the city. Your afternoon is free, then we invite you to join us this evening at your hotel for a farewell dinner.
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 12
Journey HomeTour Ends: Dubai. Fly home anytime. Transfers are included from the Palace Downtown, Dubai or Address Dubai Mall to Dubai International Airport; you should allow at least three hours for flight check-in.
Meals: Breakfast
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Lose yourself in the immersive decorative art of the Qaboos Grand Mosque and the Qsar Al Watan Palace, in the view from the Sky deck of Dubai's tallest skyscraper, or in the eyes of a falcon. Cruise the desert fjords of Oman in a dhow, explore labyrinthine street bazaars, centuries-old castles, and a wildlife preserve on a desert island. Tour the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and Royal Opera House in Muscat. Spectacular wealth has transformed the Arabian Peninsula, creating new worlds to explore, and your small ship is made to go to out of the way places.Sail the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman to fascinating destinations in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Oman on this unforgettable 12-day trip, with a 7--day cruise, two hotel nights in Dubai, UAE, and one night in Muscat, Oman. Tour the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and Royal Opera House in Muscat… Discover Qatar's capital, Doha, with visits to a cultural village, the Qatar National Museum and a choice of more sightseeing… visit a Falcon Hospital in Abu Dhabi, the Presidential Palace, and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque… and on a 2-night stay in Dubai, get to know the UAE's largest city, famed for its iconic architecture, with a walking tour of Bastakia Quarter and a Q&A and private lunch at the Sheik Mohammed Cultural Center; an architectural lecture; a visit to the top of the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building; a Desert Heritage Safari, and more.
- Experience Dubai's rich cultural traditions on a private Heritage Desert Safari aboard vintage 1950s Land Rovers, and dine at a Bedouin camp in the desert
- Sail the fjords of Khasab on a private dhow cruise in the "Norway of Arabia"
- Visit the world's largest falcon veterinary hospital where you will learn about the magnificent birds and their importance to Arab culture and have an opportunity to observe their care
- All gratuities to Tauck Directors, ship staff and local guides
- Tauck's private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at $5,177
- 7-night cruise, 2 night hotel stay in Muscat, Oman; 2 nights in Dubai, UAE
- Explore Qsar Al Watan, the new presidential palace in Abu Dhabi, stunning in scale and artistry, lavish with domes, Mughal arches, and steeped in decorative art, a cultural landmark
Health and Safety Protocols for Tauck Tours
Traveling with Peace of Mind
Our commitment never wavers – to earn your trust by always doing the right thing. As we explore the world together again, this will be more important than ever as we adapt to living and traveling in the presence of COVID-19.
Tauck is 97-years young this year, and our ability to weather many storms over the decades is a result of our values and beliefs – as a family and as a family-owned and led company. In addition to the guiding light of these values, our extensive experience, local knowledge and global support network help to ensure your safety on every Tauck journey. Building upon our bedrock of award-winning guest care, we have worked tirelessly to prepare for your return following the COVID-19 hiatus in travel. With guidance from leading experts, including the CDC and WHO, together with our internal Global Response Team and, most importantly, with feedback from thousands of our guests, we have redefined how we will conduct our experiences as we resume travel.
Tauck is Prepared for the Unexpected
For decades, Tauck has operated in over 70 countries in all 7 continents. Over this time, our staff and network of supplier partners have always been there to support our guests and team on the road. Our guests travel with a comprehensive, built-in support system that starts with the care and local knowledge of our Tauck Directors and extends to our network of partners around the world, including hoteliers and transportation companies.
At the core of our ability to quickly and effectively respond to the unexpected is our Global Response Team - a group of over 50 employees across all departments who stand ready to spring into action around the world. This team has plenty of experience, from weather events, high and low water on rivers, earthquakes, volcanic ash, civil unrest and work stoppages. They have also dealt with past virus outbreaks including the SARS and Zika viruses.
The Tauck Travel Well Pledge
Before we operate tours and cruises, all Tauck employees, our supplier partners and our guests will take Tauck’s Travel Well Pledge.
As a company, we will follow our enhanced protocols with diligence and rigor; review them frequently as the landscape changes and always make common-sense decisions grounded in purpose and pride. We embrace these new and necessary measures to combat COVID-19 and will do our very best to provide the Tauck care we have been honored to deliver for 97 years.
OUR NEW HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS
Consistent with our commitment to the well-being of our guests, we are implementing enhanced health and safety protocols. These protocols may vary by geographic regions and will certainly evolve over time, as science and society respond to new realities:
Tauck Staff
Prior to interacting with guests, each member of Tauck’s field staff is trained in enhanced protocols and participates in a personal health screening.
Once on tour, our Tauck Directors and supporting staff are responsible for maintaining these protocols with a special focus on cleanliness and physical distancing. They will relay critical information regarding requirements, advise when protocols are mandatory – such as wearing a face covering in group settings – and help facilitate guest care through communication with appropriate parties should a guest become ill on tour. All Tauck staff will adhere to the same requirements.
Guest Responsibility
When joining a Tauck journey, every guest is responsible for their own health and, in turn, the protection of their fellow travelers, the Tauck staff, our suppliers and the places we visit. Guests will pledge to follow the direction of the Tauck staff and adhere to health and safety protocols.
Guests are expected to wear face coverings in all group settings, to wash their hands frequently and to adhere to supplier and government regulations. While supplies of face coverings, gloves, and hand sanitizer will be available, guests are asked to bring such personal items for their own comfort.
Small is BIG
For many years, Tauck has emphasized and invested in more choices of activities, resulting in smaller groups for activities like sightseeing and events. This is consistent with our mantra that “Small is Big” – small groups and smaller ships with fewer guests.
We initially focused on these elements to improve the guest experience. Yet today they take on an additional dimension; small group experiences and more personal space are critical in providing the peace of mind our guests expect. Accordingly, we are offering even more small group experiences and limiting guest numbers across all of our journeys.
We have been working diligently with our partners to be prepared to welcome you back when the time is right.
Tauck has worked meticulously with our global supplier partners to plan for every itinerary following the hiatus in travel. All partners, whether they be a hotel, museum, small ship/riverboat, restaurant or other partner, have been thoughtful about how to provide a Tauck experience in this environment.
And while it's impossible to list all of the enhanced health and safety protocols for the hundreds of Tauck partners across the globe, we would like to share a representative sample of what you can expect:
Hotels
Our hotel partners all have world-class health and safety protocols. However, these guidelines may vary depending on local situations and regulations. Here are some typical examples:
- Upon-arrival, health questionnaires and temperature checks may be required. Some hotels may even require daily temperature scans.
- Social distancing may be required in public areas, bars and restaurants.
- High-touch areas such as railings, door handles and elevators will undergo enhanced cleaning.
- In-room measures may include removal of tent cards and magazines. Common use items, such as coffee makers and minibar amenities may be on demand.
- High-touch areas, such as light switches, thermostats, remote controls and door handles will be subject to enhanced and frequent cleaning.
- Guests will have the option to determine housekeeping frequency.
- All hotel staff will undergo daily health screenings.
Ships and Riverboats
We have worked closely with our cruise partners to ensure the best possible health and safety protocols and to ensure the care and service you expect from Tauck:
- Guests on cruises and river journeys will be required to complete a health questionnaire and will undergo a temperature check prior to boarding. In some instances, our ship partners will conduct daily temperature checks.
- Face coverings and physical distancing will be required in most public spaces for guests and crew alike.
- Meals may be offered at staggered times and self-serve buffets will be eliminated.
- In-cabin measures include removing common use items. Coffee makers, minibar amenities and housekeeping will be on demand at guest discretion.
- Ship staff will undergo daily health screenings.
- All vessels will have medical staff onboard.
Sightseeing and Local Activities
Many of our experiences are exclusive and/or private and that’s important in taking care of you. Whether it be a guided tour, a visit to an iconic museum or private home, a musical performance, or any other special Tauck activities, we are applying the same rigor to health and safety protocols:
- Tauck listening devices will be sanitized thoroughly and frequently.
- Sightseeing is being adjusted to ensure proper physical distancing.
- Admission times at venues may be altered to ensure no crowding.
- Paper tickets, handouts and the like may be eliminated.
Dining
Tauck has always been known for a la carte dining; having more freedom to decide when and with whom to dine now has more value than ever. Additionally, our partners whether they be hotels, ships, special venues or restaurants, are raising their already rigorous hygienic standards. Here are some examples:
- Waitstaff will likely be wearing face coverings and gloves.
- Seating will be adjusted to accommodate physical distancing.
- Self-serve buffets will be eliminated. Common use menus will no longer be used unless sanitized.
On-Tour Transportation
Keeping on-tour transportation safe is a major focus of our team who has worked with hundreds of partners to ensure continuity in health and safety protocols:
- On motorcoaches and other on-tour ground transportation, such as airport transfers, guest should expect physical distancing and will be required to wear face coverings.
- Prior to each trip, our motorcoaches, vans, airport transfer vehicles and on-tour aircraft will undergo a deep sanitizing process.
- Luggage may also be sanitized at each movement.
- Drivers will wear gloves and face coverings during all guest-facing interactions.
- Drivers will frequently clean handrails, door handles, arm rests, tables, seats, air conditioning/HVAC units, restrooms and overhead storage areas.
Our Supplier Partners are ready for you
Tauck is proud to have worked closely with our partners around the world, many of them for decades, to deliver the quality, comfort and safety you expect. Whether it be hotels and resorts, riverboats and small ships, restaurants, event venues or transportation companies, their meticulous health and safety protocols reflect their leadership and well-earned respect in the travel industry. The following are some select health and safety protocols. We will update these on a regular basis.
In addition to our supplier partners, we have also been actively engaged with global travel organizations to standardize health and safety protocols throughout the travel industry. TourCare is one example:
TourCare are health and sanitation guidelines developed by the tour industry's major global associations: the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), The Canadian Association of Tour Operators (CATO) and the European Tourism Association (ETOA). Tauck, and our supplier partners, meet and exceed these guidelines that require members to adhere to the highest standards in the industry.
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Jumeriah Muscat Bay
Address Dubai Mall
Le Bougainville
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Question: Which Ponant ship is used?
Question: How many suitcases can I take with me on my trip?
Question: Is Airfare Included in the Price?
Can't go wrong with Tauck...outstanding!
We were very impressed with Tauck Tours and would book with them through you again!
We spent more money on this Tauck tour than a Luxury Gold trip to Spain and Portugal (top of the line) which required international travel and was for a longer duration. Also, I've said this before about Tauck. Although a good company, there is too much food offered and too much time spent sitting down to a meal when we could be sightseeing.
Our goals were met and exceeded by Affordable Tours.
Wonderful Tauck Tours..we will travel with them again..thank you for the suggestion..
This is our 7th Tauck tour/river cruise and they have never disappointed.
Our trip was amazing and we had to he most amazing guide Leah she went above and beyond
Ms Lawren Farias was our agent. She went out of her way to make sure that everything went smoothly and it did I would defiitely use her again. She was outstanding.
Maya was absolutely wonderful! I only want to book with her for any future travel.
The Tauck tour exceeded our expectations.Our tour director was exceedingly well informed and organized.She was the best.
The tour was one of our best. Tauck's attention to detail and covering nearly 100% of our costs or fees and booking 5* hotels is why we liked the trip.
Fantastic vacation! Exceeded all our expectations! Trip of a Lifetime!!!
Tauck delivered as promised and more. The tour director was very helpful and knowledgeable. We wouldn't hesitate to book with them again.
Tauck provides great tours. This is our 4th with Tauck. They provided transport for us even when our itinerary was different than usual. The Tauck tour director was wonderful.
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