Persian Gulf Cruise and Tour

We depart for Dubai on a direct non-stop flight from Toronto.

We arrive in Dubai and transfer to our hotel.

Our touring of Dubai begins with the twin minarets of the Jumeirah Mosque - a magnificent example of Islamic architecture and one of Dubai’s most famous sites. We drive around the Bastakiya area with its old merchant houses and wind towers, and then visit the Dubai Museum in the 180-year-old Al Fahidi Fort. An “Abra” (water taxi) will take us across the Dubai Creek to browse the spice and gold souk. Finally we ascend by high-speed elevator to the observation deck of Burj Khalifa - the tallest building in the world, for a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city, ocean and desert. Lunch is included on our tour. Afternoon at leisure. This evening we enjoy a “Dhow” Dinner Cruise along Dubai Creek with spectacular views of the city.

A full-day tour to the oasis city of Al Ain located in the Hajar Mountains. One of the oldest cities in the UAE, for thousands of years Al Ain was an important caravan stop on the ancient trade routes across Arabia. We visit the Camel Market, Jahili Fort (an excellent example of Islamic military architecture), and the National Museum of Al Ain. Lunch is included followed by a visit to Hilli Gardens - famous for its archaelogical excavations.

We first visit the Burj al Arab – the world-renowned 7-star luxury hotel. We then drive along Jumeirah Beach to see the incredible man-made island residence, “The Palm”. Then we visit the incredible Lost Chambers, where the legend of the lost mythical underwater city of Atlantis comes alive. After lunch we see the Dubai Marina and International City before visiting the Mall of the Emirates - home to the world’s largest indoor ski slope. Finally we see the popular floating water dance before transferring to the pier to board our cruise ship.

At leisure to enjoy the activities on board our ship as we sail toward Oman.

Relive the history of Oman’s capital by venturing among its ancient walls and lingering around the colourful stalls of its bustling souks. Explore on your own or choose an optional excursion to see the impressive Grand Mosque and the Bait Al Zubair Museum.

At leisure to enjoy all the ship has to offer.

Doha is a vibrant capital with a mix of modern skyscrapers and picturesque souks. The Mosque of Phanar is a newly built Mosque, and is a fine example of Islamic architecture, with the particular spiral minaret which is perfectly identical from every angle. At night the Mosque is enhanced by magnificent lighting effects. Today you can also visit the nearby souks, and immerse yourself in Middle Eastern flair.

Situated on a peninsula surrounded by a cluster of islands, Abu Dhabi is the ultra-modern capital of the United Arab Emirates, with wide avenues snaking between bold skyscrapers. This capital of luxury sparkles day and night. If you take the optional city tour you will see the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque - considered the foremost architectural treasure in the UAE. You will also see the ultra-modern glimmering skyscrapers, and visit Heritage Village - a reconstructed traditional oasis which will give you a glimpse of life here before oil revenues altered the landscape.

Another day to explore the amazing capital of the UAE. You may want to visit the recently completed Louvre Museum on Saadiyat Island (“Happiness Island”) - a major cultural project featuring 8 planned architecturally magnificent museums including a Guggenheim Museum. The Louvre here is the largest art museum in the Arabian peninsula and features artworks from around the world. You can also visit the Zayed Heritage Center, the Etihad Modern Art Gallery or the Folklore Gallery.

We disembark our ship and proceed on a tour of Sharjah, where we will discover a unique Arabian lifestyle and Islamic culture. We will visit Sharjah Fort, see the grandiose King Faisal Mosque and learn about local life through the ages at the Heritage Museum. After our tour we proceed to our hotel.

Morning at leisure. Our afternoon tour stops first at the Miracle Garden – the region’s biggest flower garden with more than 45 million blooming flowers, showcased alongside immense sculptures - a miracle in the desert! Then we visit Global Village, featuring 30 decorated pavilions and 26 international restaurants. We enjoy our Farewell Dinner, then board our direct flight to Toronto.

We arrive back in Canada.