Deluxe Kabine
19 m2
2
Auf dieser Kreuzfahrt ist die Bordsprache ausschließlich Englisch.
Diese Kreuzfahrt gehört zu einer besonderen Auswahl von PONANT Reisen, die speziell für englischsprachige Gäste konzipiert wurden. Neben den gewohnten Elementen einer PONANT Reise, umfassen die aufgeführten Preise für diese Kreuzfahrten Transfers zum und vom Schiff, Vorträge und Diskussionen an Bord mit Weltklasse-Experten, und einen Landausflug oder eine Aktivität in jedem Hafen, bei denen die Gäste die Sehenswürdigkeiten und vieles mehr entdecken und in die unbekannte Kultur eintauchen können.
Diese Entdeckungsreise durch den südlichen Persischen Golf und in die Städte, die seine Küsten säumen, beginnt in Dubai – vor weniger als 100 Jahren noch ein kleines Dorf an der Küste, heute ein Wirtschafts- und Finanzzentrum von Weltrang. Hier warten viele Sehenswürdigkeiten, wie beispielsweise der Burj Khalifa, das höchste Gebäude der Welt, eindrucksvolle Gewürz- und Goldmärkte und das wunderbare Dubai Museum.
Auf einen Tag auf der Insel Sir Bani Yas – einst eine karge Wüste, heute ein Naturschutzgebiet für Tiere, die in der Golfregion und in Ostafrika heimisch sind – folgt ein Besuch in Doha. In Doha, der Stolz Katars und Austragungsort der Fußballweltmeisterschaft 2022, können Sie die Einkaufsoase Souq Waqif entdecken, das Herz der Stadt, wo so gut wie alles feilgeboten wird, und das von Ioeh Ming Pei entworfene Museum für Islamische Kunst, das auf einer eigenen Insel errichtet wurde und die größte Sammlung islamischer Kunst der Welt beherbergt.
In Abu Dhabi, der Hauptstadt der Vereinigten Arabischen Emirate, können Sie zwei eindrucksvolle Symbole des arabischen und islamischen Stolzes entdecken: den Louvre Abu Dhabi mit einer jahrtausende umspannenden Kunstsammlung aus allen Ecken der Welt, und die Scheich-Zayid-Moschee, zweifellos der Höhepunkt der modernen islamischen Architektur.
Dann geht Ihr Schiff in dem verschlafenen Fischerdorf Khasab, Oman, auf der Halbinsel Musandam vor Anker, das für seine fjordähnlichen Meeresbuchten bekannt ist, die Sie an Bord von traditionellen Dhows erkunden können. Halten Sie Ausschau nach Delfinen, die in diesen Gewässern häufig anzutreffen sind, und bewundern Sie das majestätische Hadschar-Gebirge im Hintergrund.
Fujairah, Vereinigte Arabische Emirate, ist der letzte Anlaufhafen, bevor Ihre Reise in Maskat, Oman, zu Ende geht. Er liegt an der Küste des Golfes von Oman und ist Ihr Tor zum Fujairah Fort aus dem 16. Jahrhundert und dem zugehörigen Museum und der Al-Bidya-Moschee, der zweitältesten Moschee in den Vereinigten Arabischen Emiraten.
Ref : DM1845UB - EG060123
Eine reine englischsprachige Reise mit direktem Austausch mit den Experten an Bord, Transfers vor und nach der Kreuzfahrt und einem inbegriffenen Landausflug oder einer Aktivität an jedem Hafen. Diskussionen...
Kabinen
Reiseleistungen
In Ihrer Kreuzfahrt enthalten
Für mehr Sicherheit organisiert PONANT Ihre Reise vor oder nach der Kreuzfahrt. Dieses Paket ist im Preis Ihrer Kreuzfahrt enthalten.
Zusatzleistungen
Für mehr Sicherheit wählt PONANT Flüge aus und kümmert sich um Ihre Transfers für Ihre Reise sowie um Landbesuche vor und nach dem Ausschiffen.
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*Preis pro Person auf Basis einer Doppelkabine. Dieser Preis gilt vorbehaltlich Verfügbarkeit und basiert auf der Auslastung des jeweiligen Schiffes. Die Kabinenkategorie, für die dieser Preis gilt, ist möglichweise nicht mehr verfügbar
Serviceleistungen
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Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
For men:
Officer’s evening:
Depending on the itinerary and the program of your cruise, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
For men:
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
HEALTH CARE:
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT Aktivitäten
Smithsonian Journeys
Smithsonian Journeys ist das Reiseprogramm der Smithsonian Institution, eine bedeutende US-amerikanische Forschungs- und Bildungseinrichtung, das aus 21 Museen, dem National Zoological Park, Bildungszentren, Forschungseinrichtungen, Kulturzentren und Bibliotheken besteht. Die Kreuzfahrten in gemeinsamer Kooperation stützen sich auf die Ressourcen von Smithsonian, die auf eine 175-jährige Geschichte zurückblicken, und bieten bemerkenswerte Experten und Erfahrungen. Diese Reisen beziehen insbesonders die lokalen Kulturen mit ein und tauchen tiefer in die Geschichte, Küche, Sprache, Umwelt und Tierwelt eines Reiseziels ein. Seit mehr als 50 Jahren ist Smithsonian Journeys in der Kultur verwurzelt und konzentriert sich auf das Eintauchen und Entdecken von Kulturen - mit dem Ziel, Gäste zu inspirieren und zu einem tieferen Verständnis der Orte beizutragen.
Vorbehaltlich des Widerrufs im Falle von höherer Gewalt
Einschiffung 06.01.2023 von 22:00 bis 23:00
Abfahrt 07.01.2023 um 19:00
Schwindelerregend, überschwänglich, maßlos … Dubai, die größte Stadt in den Vereinigten Arabischen Emiraten, zeichnet sich durch architektonische Meisterwerke aus. Sie beherbergt den höchsten Wolkenkratzer der Welt, den Burj Kahlifa, der mit 828 Metern fast dreimal so hoch ist wie der Eiffelturm. Zudem ist die Stadt für die gigantischen palmenförmigen künstlichen Inseln Palm Islands bekannt. Nicht weit entfernt können Sie die Souks von Deira besuchen, darunter auch der berühmte Gold Souk, und traditionellere Stadtviertel entdecken. Auch ein Besuch im Museum von Dubai lohnt sich. Es ist in einer Festung aus dem 18. Jahrhundert untergebracht und bietet Einblicke in die Geschichte der Stadt von der Antike bis in die Neuzeit.
Ankunft 08.01.2023 amormittag
Abfahrt 08.01.2023 am späten Nachmittag
Sie machen Halt auf der Insel Sir Bani Yas, einer seit 1971 der Wahrung bedrohter Tierarten gewidmeten Naturoase. Über zwei Millionen Bäume wurden in diesem zauberhaften alten Reservat des Emirs von Abu Dhabi gepflanzt. Das „erste nachhaltige Tourismusziel der Welt‟ bietet einer der größten Populationen von Oryxantilopen Arabiens Lebensraum. Hier sind die Ruinen eines der ältesten christlichen Klöster der vorislamischen Zeit aus dem 7. Jahrhundert n. Chr. zu sehen.
Ankunft 09.01.2023 am frühen Vormittag
Abfahrt 09.01.2023 abends
An den Küsten des Persischen Golfs können Sie Doha entdecken, die Hauptstadt Qatars. Trotz der unerbittlich voranschreitenden Modernisierung hat sich die aus der Wüste entstandene Stadt ihre Traditionen bewahrt. Von der Küstenstraße an der Bucht von Doha bieten sich Ihnen wunderschöne Aussichten auf die gigantischen Bauwerke des Stadtzentrums. In der Nähe der Quais, wo die dhows (für die Region typische Segelboote) vertäut sind, zeichnet sich die Silhouette des Museums für Islamische Kunst ab. In dieser von dem Architekten Ming Pei entworfenen „Festung“, der auch die Pyramide des Louvre kreierte, werden die schönsten islamischen Kunstsammlungen der Welt konserviert. Ein Besuch des lebendigen Souq Waqif mit seinen bunten Verkaufsständen ist ebenfalls ein Muss.
Ankunft 10.01.2023 mittags
Abfahrt 11.01.2023 am frühen Nachmittag
Abu Dhabi, die politische Hauptstadt der Vereinigten Arabischen Emirate, zeichnet sich durch ein außergewöhnliches kulturelles Angebot aus. Im Viertel der Insel Sa‘adiyat lässt der von Jean Nouvel wie eine Museumsstadt konzipierte und von der traditionellen arabischen Architektur inspirierte Louvre Abu Dhabi die Objekte und Werke der größten Zivilisationen weltweit mit den großen universellen Fragen in einen Dialog treten. Etwas weiter können Sie den Prunk der großen Scheich-Zayid-Moschee entdecken, die üppig mit Marmor, Gold und Kristall dekoriert wurde. Abu Dhabi ist auch das Eintrittstor zu der Al Ain Oase mit 150.000 Dattelpalmen, die einen einzigartigen Einblick in das Leben der Einwohner der Region bietet, die vor 4.000 Jahren damit begannen, die Wüste zu „zähmen“. Die Oase Al Ain ist UNESCO-Weltkulturerbe.
Ankunft 12.01.2023 am frühen Vormittag
Abfahrt 12.01.2023 am späten Nachmittag
Khasab liegt im Norden des Sultanats Oman auf der Halbinsel Musandam. Der von einer felsigen Bergkette umgebene kleine Hafen am Eingang des Wadi Khasab wurde im 16. Jahrhundert von den Portugiesen gebaut. Er liegt an der Straße von Hormus, die den Persischen Golf mit dem Golf von Oman verbindet. Entdecken Sie die authentischen Landschaften und insbesondere die Fjorde, die das Relief auf spektakuläre Weise zerschneiden und ihm den Spitznamen „Norwegen Arabiens“ eingebracht haben. In der Stadt empfiehlt sich ein Besuch des Khasab Castle, um die Geschichte und die Kultur des Omans zu entdecken.
Ankunft 13.01.2023 am frühen Vormittag
Abfahrt 13.01.2023 am frühen Nachmittag
Das östlichste der Vereinigten Arabischen Emirate liegt am Golf von Oman. Die für die Region einzigartige Geografie von Fudschaira besteht aus grünen Hügeln und fruchtbaren Ebenen, die das Emirat mit seinen Nachbarn teilt. Das majestätische Gebirgsmassiv Hajar brachte dem Land Regen und schuf die für die Entwicklung der Landwirtschaft unentbehrlichen Oasen. Fudschaira bietet den Reisenden die Möglichkeit zum Besuch seiner historischen Schätze wie beispielsweise sein Fort aus dem 16. Jahrhundert oder die Al-Bidya-Moschee, die älteste der Vereinigten Arabischen Emirate, die 1446 gebaut wurde.
Ankunft 14.01.2023 am frühen Vormittag
Ausschiffung 14.01.2023 um 07:00
Im Gegensatz zu den benachbarten Metropolen hat sich die Hauptstadt des Sultanats Oman gegen Türme und Wolkenkratzer und für den traditionellen, raffinierten Architekturstil der Halbinsel entschieden: niedrige Häuser, Kuppeln, Maschrabiyya-Gitterfenster, Holzbalkone. Diese Authentizität macht den Charme der kleinen Fischerstadt Maskat aus, die von Bergen umgeben und von Festungen geschützt wird, die im 16. Jahrhundert von den Portugiesen errichtet wurden. Die Schätze des omanischen Kunsthandwerks werden Sie garantiert in ihren Bann ziehen: zum Beispiel der Souk im alten Stadtviertel Mutrah oder die Große Sultan-Qabus-Moschee.
From your ship, a short drive brings you to the neighborhood of Jumeirah, home to two of Dubai's architectural landmarks: the Jumeirah Mosque, dedicated by the Late Sheikh Rashid to build cross cultural understanding; and the emblematic Burj Al Arab, rising out of the surf and touted as 'the most luxurious hotel in the world'.
Further down the coast, visit Palm Jumeriah, a remarkable palm-tree-shaped archipelago of manmade islands boasting some of the most opulent residences in Dubai, before arriving at Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, where you will ascend to the observation deck on the 124th floor for incredible views over the city and the Persian Gulf.
Lunch will be served at the Sheikh Mohammed Center of Cultural Understanding, where you will enjoy authentic Emirati cuisine with your hosts and engage in a Q&A session covering everything you would like to know about Dubai and the UAE, their history, culture, and traditions.
Your afternoon begins with a stroll through the old part of Dubai, where traditional buildings line narrow lanes and where art and cultural exhibits abound. One of the most important of these is the recently renovated Dubai Museum, housed in the oldest existing building in the city and featuring an excellent introduction to the history of the region.
Take a water-taxi across Dubai Creek to spend the balance of the afternoon in the markets on the other side. The Spice Souq contains a myriad of fragrances and seasonings, and the air is filled with the aroma of cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, incense, and dried fruit. The Gold Souq, with its bustling atmosphere and traditional style of bargaining, makes for an exciting experience as you wander the narrow lanes of glittering displays. The sheer scale and variety offered will impress even the most jaded buyer.
Inbegriffen
A barren desert island in the middle of the 20th century, Sir Bani Yas was transformed by the investment and vision of the founder of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, into a wildlife reserve for animals indigenous to the Gulf region and to East Africa.
Your expertly guided tour will be via luxury air-conditioned Land Cruisers as you drive around the property, learning about the conservation work being carried out and looking for the oryxes, gazelles, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs, and other species that roam freely here in an eco-system specially designed for them. Hunting is prohibited on Sir Bani Yas, and any development that is proposed must be approved as consistent with the maintenance of the fragile ecosystem.
Numerous stops will be made along the way so that you have the opportunity to capture the experience in photographs. And your guide will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Inbegriffen
This excursion offers a panoramic tour of the interior of the Musandam Peninsula, a landscape of barren plateaus and mountain peaks with spectacular views across the peninsula and overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Board your four-wheel-drive vehicle and drive toward Jebel Harim ("the Mountain of Women"), Musandam's highest peak at 6,850 feet. Along the way, you will pass through the Bedouin village of Sayh (3,610 feet), a peaceful village that offers views of Musandam's inland valley. And when you reach Jebel Harim's summit, you will enjoy a bird's eye view of the entire peninsula.
Before returning to Khasab and the ship, stop at Khawr Najd, a natural lagoon at the head of a fjord with breathtaking views from your vantage on the road overlooking the lagoon and the ocean beyond.
Inbegriffen
The Musandam Peninsula, which is governed by Oman despite being separated from the rest of the country by about 60 miles of coastline, commands a strategic position on the Strait of Hormuz that controls passage between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. But it is also an area of exceptional natural beauty, and that aspect of the region is the focus of this excursion.
Your guide will meet you at the pier to escort you to a waiting dhow. The workhorse of choice throughout the Indian Ocean, dhows are used for virtually every sort of waterborne activity imaginable, from fishing and transport to sightseeing.
Your cruise will take you through some of Musandam's majestic fjords, which have earned the peninsula recognition as "the Norway of Arabia." Enjoy the contrast of turquoise waters with white limestone cliffs, as you pass by small fishing villages and perhaps even encounter some of the dolphins that populate the fjords.
Your dhow will anchor near Telegraph Island, so-named for the repeater station erected here by the British in 1864. You will be able to swim or snorkel off the boat's bow, or you may choose simply to sit back with a tea or soft drink while admiring the views of the Hajjar mountains rising in the distance to heights over 2,000 feet.
Inbegriffen
Fujairah, the easternmost of the seven United Arab Emirates, is important for its fishing and agricultural—and also because it provides the UAE with a bustling port on the Indian Ocean, allowing direct access to the world economy without the need to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Outside of the capital city, however, Fujairah is largely non-commercial, known for its beaches and for the lush green expanses of the farms and orchards on its fertile coastal plain. Your panoramic tour of the region begins with a brief stop at the 300-year-old Fujairah Castle, situated on a hill overlooking the entire city, before continuing into the countryside to visit the oasis at Bithna and the 18th-century stone and mud-brick Al-Bithna Fort that guards the nearby mountain pass. Enjoy spectacular views of the fort, the mountains in the background, and the lush palm orchards that surround it.
Returning to the city, spend some time in the Fujairah Museum, where exhibits display the results of recent excavations, including ancient weapons, traditional costumes, and other artifacts. Additional exhibits illustrate local customs, both past and present.
No visit to Fujairah is complete without experiencing the Friday Market, a colorful roadside market featuring an abundance of souvenirs, clay pots, and carpets for sale. Despite its name, the market is open seven days a week from morning to night. Soak in the local atmosphere and engage with the vendors by trying out your bargaining skills.
The final stop before returning to the ship is at Al Bidiyah Mosque, one of the oldest in the Emirates.
Inbegriffen
About 80 million years ago the desert that covers much of the interior of Fujairah and neighboring Sharjah was covered by ocean and supported a teeming marine life ranging from sea urchins to corals. Today, this area is a stunningly beautiful expanse of seemingly endless dunes of reddish sand.
Your excursion begins with a drive aboard 4X4 off-road vehicles into the heart of this desert. Here you will enjoy an exhilarating ride across the undulating dunes, falling and rising with the contours of the sand, each peak revealing a new landscape. You will encounter Fossil Rock, named for the profusion of marine fossils embedded in its ancient sediment that provide the evidence that this was once a tropical seabed. And you will see Camel Rock, a curious formation protruding from the sand and shaped by time and wind like the head of a camel.
You will stop for a snack of light refreshments before returning to the pier.
Inbegriffen
PONANT and Smithsonian Journeys have organised the following included programme for you, which starts the day of embarkation.
Included features:
Not included:
Notes:
Lektor
An Bord Ihres Schiffes bieten Ihnen ausgewählte Lektoren kulturelle und historische Einblicke, damit Sie noch mehr über Ihr Reiseziel erfahren können: den Ursprung der lokalen Traditionen, die Geschichte symbolischer Orte, berühmte Persönlichkeiten und historische Helden... Die Experten begleiten Sie während der gesamten Kreuzfahrt, an Bord und bei den Ausflügen an Land, um ihr Know-how und ihre Einsichten mit Ihnen zu teilen.
Unsere Zusatzleistungen
In 1998 UNESCO recognized Sharjah as "the Cultural Capital of the Arab World." This two-day program introduces you to the rich collections of art, architecture, and cultural heritage that this Emirate has made its mission to preserve and promote.
Day 1 – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Arrive at Dubai's International Airport, where you will be met and transferred to the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai. A local representative will be present at the hospitality desk to welcome you and to offer suggestions for dining and independent exploration. Join fellow travelers this evening for a welcome cocktail reception at the hotel. Dinner is on your own.
Day 2 – Dubai | Sharjah | Embarkation
After breakfast at the hotel, join a full day excursion to Sharjah, the most important port in the Persian Gulf during the first half of the 19th century and now a vibrant and colorful city
Depart the hotel for a drive along Sharjah's Corniche and a brief stop at the massive King Faisal Mosque before visiting the Maraya Art Center. A hub of artistic activity, the Maraya Art Center is an important part of the UAE's efforts to support and sustain the work of emerging artists, both local and international. Enjoy a curator-led tour of this fascinating collection of galleries before pausing for lunch at a local restaurant.
Your afternoon begins with a guided tour of the "Heart of Sharjah," a restoration project in the oldest part of the city, focused on recovering and celebrating Sharjah's heritage. You will also visit the Museum of Islamic Civilization, exhibiting over 5,000 artifacts collected from around the Islamic world and representing the development of Islam from the time of the Prophet to the 20th century. Transfer to the pier in Dubai to embark your ship.
Your hotel:
The JW Marriot Marquis Hotel Dubai is centrally located along the Dubai Creek. It is very near the Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping complexes in the world, and within easy reach of Burj Khalifa. There are a dozen restaurants on the property, representing cuisines from around the world. The hotel also features a spa and fitness center and an outdoor swimming pool.
Your program includes:
Your program does not include:
Please note:
Hotel Contact Information:
JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai
Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay
Dubai, 121000 United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 414 0000
Fax: +971 4 414 0001
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 710 €
From your ship, a short drive brings you to the neighborhood of Jumeirah, home to two of Dubai's architectural landmarks: the Jumeirah Mosque, dedicated by the Late Sheikh Rashid to build cross cultural understanding; and the emblematic Burj Al Arab, rising out of the surf and touted as 'the most luxurious hotel in the world'.
Further down the coast, visit Palm Jumeriah, a remarkable palm-tree-shaped archipelago of manmade islands boasting some of the most opulent residences in Dubai, before arriving at Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, where you will ascend to the observation deck on the 124th floor for incredible views over the city and the Persian Gulf.
Lunch will be served at the Sheikh Mohammed Center of Cultural Understanding, where you will enjoy authentic Emirati cuisine with your hosts and engage in a Q&A session covering everything you would like to know about Dubai and the UAE, their history, culture, and traditions.
Your afternoon begins with a stroll through the old part of Dubai, where traditional buildings line narrow lanes and where art and cultural exhibits abound. One of the most important of these is the recently renovated Dubai Museum, housed in the oldest existing building in the city and featuring an excellent introduction to the history of the region.
Take a water-taxi across Dubai Creek to spend the balance of the afternoon in the markets on the other side. The Spice Souq contains a myriad of fragrances and seasonings, and the air is filled with the aroma of cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, incense, and dried fruit. The Gold Souq, with its bustling atmosphere and traditional style of bargaining, makes for an exciting experience as you wander the narrow lanes of glittering displays. The sheer scale and variety offered will impress even the most jaded buyer.
Inbegriffen
A barren desert island in the middle of the 20th century, Sir Bani Yas was transformed by the investment and vision of the founder of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, into a wildlife reserve for animals indigenous to the Gulf region and to East Africa.
Your expertly guided tour will be via luxury air-conditioned Land Cruisers as you drive around the property, learning about the conservation work being carried out and looking for the oryxes, gazelles, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs, and other species that roam freely here in an eco-system specially designed for them. Hunting is prohibited on Sir Bani Yas, and any development that is proposed must be approved as consistent with the maintenance of the fragile ecosystem.
Numerous stops will be made along the way so that you have the opportunity to capture the experience in photographs. And your guide will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Inbegriffen
This excursion offers a panoramic tour of the interior of the Musandam Peninsula, a landscape of barren plateaus and mountain peaks with spectacular views across the peninsula and overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Board your four-wheel-drive vehicle and drive toward Jebel Harim ("the Mountain of Women"), Musandam's highest peak at 6,850 feet. Along the way, you will pass through the Bedouin village of Sayh (3,610 feet), a peaceful village that offers views of Musandam's inland valley. And when you reach Jebel Harim's summit, you will enjoy a bird's eye view of the entire peninsula.
Before returning to Khasab and the ship, stop at Khawr Najd, a natural lagoon at the head of a fjord with breathtaking views from your vantage on the road overlooking the lagoon and the ocean beyond.
Inbegriffen
The Musandam Peninsula, which is governed by Oman despite being separated from the rest of the country by about 60 miles of coastline, commands a strategic position on the Strait of Hormuz that controls passage between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. But it is also an area of exceptional natural beauty, and that aspect of the region is the focus of this excursion.
Your guide will meet you at the pier to escort you to a waiting dhow. The workhorse of choice throughout the Indian Ocean, dhows are used for virtually every sort of waterborne activity imaginable, from fishing and transport to sightseeing.
Your cruise will take you through some of Musandam's majestic fjords, which have earned the peninsula recognition as "the Norway of Arabia." Enjoy the contrast of turquoise waters with white limestone cliffs, as you pass by small fishing villages and perhaps even encounter some of the dolphins that populate the fjords.
Your dhow will anchor near Telegraph Island, so-named for the repeater station erected here by the British in 1864. You will be able to swim or snorkel off the boat's bow, or you may choose simply to sit back with a tea or soft drink while admiring the views of the Hajjar mountains rising in the distance to heights over 2,000 feet.
Inbegriffen
Fujairah, the easternmost of the seven United Arab Emirates, is important for its fishing and agricultural—and also because it provides the UAE with a bustling port on the Indian Ocean, allowing direct access to the world economy without the need to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Outside of the capital city, however, Fujairah is largely non-commercial, known for its beaches and for the lush green expanses of the farms and orchards on its fertile coastal plain. Your panoramic tour of the region begins with a brief stop at the 300-year-old Fujairah Castle, situated on a hill overlooking the entire city, before continuing into the countryside to visit the oasis at Bithna and the 18th-century stone and mud-brick Al-Bithna Fort that guards the nearby mountain pass. Enjoy spectacular views of the fort, the mountains in the background, and the lush palm orchards that surround it.
Returning to the city, spend some time in the Fujairah Museum, where exhibits display the results of recent excavations, including ancient weapons, traditional costumes, and other artifacts. Additional exhibits illustrate local customs, both past and present.
No visit to Fujairah is complete without experiencing the Friday Market, a colorful roadside market featuring an abundance of souvenirs, clay pots, and carpets for sale. Despite its name, the market is open seven days a week from morning to night. Soak in the local atmosphere and engage with the vendors by trying out your bargaining skills.
The final stop before returning to the ship is at Al Bidiyah Mosque, one of the oldest in the Emirates.
Inbegriffen
About 80 million years ago the desert that covers much of the interior of Fujairah and neighboring Sharjah was covered by ocean and supported a teeming marine life ranging from sea urchins to corals. Today, this area is a stunningly beautiful expanse of seemingly endless dunes of reddish sand.
Your excursion begins with a drive aboard 4X4 off-road vehicles into the heart of this desert. Here you will enjoy an exhilarating ride across the undulating dunes, falling and rising with the contours of the sand, each peak revealing a new landscape. You will encounter Fossil Rock, named for the profusion of marine fossils embedded in its ancient sediment that provide the evidence that this was once a tropical seabed. And you will see Camel Rock, a curious formation protruding from the sand and shaped by time and wind like the head of a camel.
You will stop for a snack of light refreshments before returning to the pier.
Inbegriffen
Enjoy three unforgettable days surrounded by breathtaking scenery, from the Nizwa mountains to the magical desert of Wahiba Sands. Through exploration of oases, fortresses, canyons, and dunes, this program puts you in touch with the nature, culture, and traditions of Oman.
Day 1 – Muscat | Jebel Akhdar
After breakfast aboard, disembark for a tour of Muscat. Your first visit is to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a magnificent piece of modern architecture that dominates the city's skyline. The ornately decorated mosque is large enough to accommodate as many as 20,000 worshipers and boasts the world's largest chandelier as well as the world's largest carpet. You will also discover the National Museum of Oman, dedicated to the history of the Sultanate, and the Royal Opera House.
After lunch at a local restaurant, begin your drive to Jebel Akhdar ("Green Mountain") about 60 miles inland, where you will check in to the Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort for the night. The mountain and its surrounding area are known for their pleasant climate year-round and for their stunning natural beauty. Dinner is at the hotel.
Day 2 – Jebel Akhdar | Nizwa | Wahiba Sands
After breakfast, your excursion into the desert begins with a drive to Nizwa, once the capital of Oman and today one of the country's most popular tourist attractions because of its historical architecture, especially its imposing fort. Built in the 17th century to defend the route to the interior, the fort and its enormous round tower dominate the entire area. From the fort, continue to the Nizwa Souq, renowned for its intricately hand-carved Khanjar (ceremonial daggers) and exquisitely designed silver jewelry.
Driving through the desert, stop for a brief respite at Wadi Bani Khalid, an oasis of clear green natural spring water pools. You are free to walk around the wadi, and if you wish, take a dip in one of the pools, before continuing your journey to the Wahiba Sands Desert Nights Camp.
After check-in and lunch, set off in late afternoon to explore Wahiba's "sand sea" of undulating orange dunes, some as high as 400 feet, and find the perfect perch from which to watch the sun set over the desert, before returning to camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 3 – Wahiba Sands | Muscat | Homeward
Depart camp early this morning for the journey back to Muscat. Stop along the way at the fascinating Binmah Sink Hole, before pausing for lunch at a local restaurant.
Arriving in Muscat in mid-afternoon, you will have time at leisure to wander through the Muttrah Souq, Oman's oldest market, where you will marvel at the vast variety of goods for sale in the stalls that line its narrow lanes. After your visit here, transfer to the Hormuz Grand Hotel (or similar) for dayrooms and dinner before your time in Oman comes to an end with transportation to Muscat airport for flights homeward.
Your hotels:
Overlooking the beautiful landscape of Jebel Akdhar's green mountains, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort is one of the world's most luxurious. Nestled in a breathtaking natural environment, the resort combines sophisticated design with local authenticity. Its spacious rooms offer amazing views and all the comfort of Anantara service. The canyon view platform, the infinity pool, the refinement of the restaurants, and the exceptional spa make it an unforgettable place to stay.
Desert Nights Camp is the perfect spot for an immersive desert experience and the only luxury desert camp in Oman. You will enjoy Bedouin hospitality while immersing yourself in the endless dunes of the Wahiba Sands. Relax in a Deluxe tent fully equipped with a large living room, a bedroom, a bathroom with shower, and a terrace with views. The restaurant will introduce you to the flavors of Omani cuisine.
Your program includes:
Your program does not include:
Please note:
It is imperative that your flight departure details are communicated at least 30 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the hotel to the airport.
Hotel contact information:
Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort
PO Box 110, Postal Code 621
Sultanate of Oman
Phone : +968 2521 8111
Desert Nights Camp
P.O. Box : 2031 P.C. 112
Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman
Phone : + 968 2558 6184
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : 1.450 €