Portrait of Arabia: The Emirates, Qatar & Oman - Westbound 2024

12 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Additional images not provided by operator
Video not provided by operator
4.2/5 Great
100+ reviews  
77%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
none

USTOA

Small Ship Cruise
This remarkable 12-day trip features an 8-night small ship cruise on the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf to fascinating destinations of the Arab world – bookended by one hotel night in Muscat and two nights in Dubai.
From$11,390
See departure dates

Overview

Trip type
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • 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

What's this trip about?

    This remarkable 12-day trip features an 8-night small ship cruise on the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf to fascinating destinations of the Arab world – bookended by one hotel night in Muscat and two nights in Dubai.

Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start City Muscat, Oman
End CityDubai

Travel Themes

  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • Asia
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Oman

Attractions

  • Dubai
  • Muscat

Activities

  • Culture

Trip includes

    • 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

Itinerary

Travel Map

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 : D

LODGING : Shangri-La Al Husn

PORTOFCALL : Muscat, Oman

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 stunn...

Day 3 A day of choice in Oman

Today 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 nat...

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...

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 t...

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 fract...

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 masterpi...

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...

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 Bi...

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...

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 breath...

Day 12 Journey Home

Tour 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 : B

PORTOFCALL : Dubai, UAE

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $11,390
Price per day$949
Last Updated: 10/24/2023

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Tauck.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Tauck Reviews & Ratings

4.2/5  Great
Excellent
16
Great
4
Average
1
Disappointing
4
Terrible
1
Write a Review

Other Tauck Reviews

K

Kurlyk40

May 2024

Written on

Great Scenery but Accommodations Lacking for cost

My husband and I booked the Yellowstone tour with Tauck expecting so much more with the accommodations, food, and tour director based on the price point. We were sa...

S

Susan

Jun 2023

Written on

Nine Tours and Done

Sad to see a once good tour company stumble and fall into mediocrity. That’s Tauck post-Covid. My May 2023 tour of Normandy, Brittany and the Loire Valley was done o...

C

Cougess

Jan 2023

Written on

Skip this cruise - not worth it

My husband and I went on the Treasures of the Mediterranean Isles Trip jn October 2022. This was our third Tauck cruise with Ponnant but our first post covid and the...

Write a Review

Tour Operator

Tauck

none
View Profile

It's easy to see the world's sights. To stand in long lines, push through the crowds, and generally have the same standard-issue vacation as everyone else. But that's not good enough for us, and it's not good enough for you. We believe that travel should be easy. It should be fun. It should be worth your time and the price you paid. It should re-energize and transform. And above all else, it should be beyond the ordinary. Because how you see the world matters.

In 1882, Herman Tauck arrived in New York City from Germany in search of the American dream. His determination and values were passed on to his son, Arthur Tauck, who would realize that dream. With ingenuity and an innovative spirit, Arthur started Tauck Motor Tours, a travel company that would give birth to a new industry. The first tour, through the back roads of New England, was created by this 27-year-old in 1925. It embodied the same successful formula used by Tauck today: do the right thing. Craft a life-enriching travel experience; provide it at a single all-inclusive price; ensure there is great value for money; and rely on recommendations of satisfied customers to build a following and grow the business.

Two elements that did change over the next 90+ years – and three generations of Taucks – were the scope of destinations served and the variety of modes of travel used. Today Tauck delivers life-enriching travel experiences to every corner of the globe, incorporating small cruise ships, premium riverboats, trains, helicopters and more. What started as a New England motor coach tour company has truly evolved into an extraordinary global travel company. The fourth generation of Taucks is now involved in the company. While remarkable in any business, this seamless continuity across generations speaks to shared vision and values.

Throughout its history, the concept of “family” at Tauck has gone far beyond those sharing the surname to include hundreds of valued employees, and hundreds of thousands of loyal guests. The story of Tauck is the story of a unique American family company celebrating a passion for travel – a story that will continue to inspire generations to come.

youtube_video_1


twitter_1

What they’re known for
Fun group tours and cruises that are culturally-focused and great for families and seniors on vacation.

Associations

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
ALL_AGES
Additional Information
Trip ID
tauck-DBW2024

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >