Treasures of the Persian Gulf

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

Enjoy three unforgettable days surrounded by breathtaking scenery, from the Nizwa mountains region to the magic desert of Wahiba Sands desert. Between oases, fortresses, canyons and dunes, you will combine nature, culture and art of living. This program rich in experiences will be the perfect prelude to your boarding.

Day 1 - Muscat/Nizwa

Meet at Muscat Airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT.

You will be transferred to Nizwa at 1-half hour drive. After enjoying a lunch at Golden Tulip restaurant (or similar), you will discover Nizwa and its fortress.

Nizwa was once the capital in the 6^th and 7^th century AD. Today it remains the most popular tourist attraction, with its historical buildings and imposing fort. Nizwa Fort, with its enormous round tower, was built in the 17^th century to defend the route to the interior. The fort dominates the entire area, with the town having grown around the edifice. Access to the top is only given by means of a narrow, twisting staircase barred by heavy wooden doors, studded with metal. From the top of the tower, one can get a bird’s eye view of the city of Nizwa.

At the end of the visit, you will reach Jebel Akdhar mountain where is located the Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort 5 * (about 1 hour at drive).

Check-in followed by the end of the day at leisure.

Dinner at the hotel.

Day 2 – Nizwa/Wahiba Sands

You will depart the hotel in the morning to explore Wahiba Sands.

First, you will be taken to Sinaw Market. Then, you will continue until the Desert Nights Camp.

Check-in and lunch at the camp.

In the afternoon, you will board your 4WD vehicles and proceed with a drive over dunes

towards Wadi Bani Khalid, which stands out like an oasis in the desert, with clear green natural spring water pools. You can walk inside the Wadi and, if the water is clean, you can swim in this water oasis, the best place to enjoy a break.

After spending some time in Wadi, you will continue your drive to Wahiba Sands, which stands out in stark contrast to Wadi Bani Khalid. The 'Wahiba Sands', often described as a perfect example of a Sand Sea, consists of large ranges of dunes running from north to south, some attaining a height of about 100 m and orange in colour. You will drive along the undulating sand dunes and experience the thrills of dune driving.

Later, you will continue your drive to your camp, and you will enjoy sunset from top of the dunes.

Drive back to camp for dinner and to overnight.

Day 3 – Wahiba Sands/Muscat

You will depart the camp in the early morning to reach Muscat (2-half hour at drive), Oman’s capital.

First you will visit Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a magnificent piece of modern architectural of the Sultanate.

Then, you will visit the Muttrah Souq (market place), which is probably the oldest in Oman and replete with charm and choice. Here, you will be left on your own to wander around the narrow lanes, admire the goods on sale and enjoy the thrill of discovery.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

The afternoon will begin with discovering the National Museum of Oman dedicated to the history of the Sultanate. You will then board your vehicle to drive through the old city to Al Alam Palace where you will take a photo stop. This monument is an architectural marvel, for both the design and location between the twin forts of Jalali and Mirani.

You will then be transferred to the port, to embark on board your ship.

Your hotels:

Overlooking a beautiful landscape of Jebel Akdhar's green mountains, at 1 hour from Nizwa, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort is one of the world's highest luxury resorts. Settled into a breathtaking natural environment, the resort combines sophisticated design with local authenticity. Its spacious rooms (60 m²) offer an amazing view and all the comfort of the Anantara service. The canyon view platform, infinity pool, the refinement of its restaurants, and the exceptional spa make it an unforgettable place to escape.

Desert Nights Camp is the perfect address for an immersive desert experience and the only luxury desert camp in Oman. At two hours from Muscat, you will enjoy Bedouin hospitality while immersing yourself in the endless dunes of the Wahiba Sands. Surrounded by the desert, relax yourself into a Deluxe tent fully equipped with a large living room, a bedroom and a bathroom with shower and a terrace with views. The restaurant will introduce you to the flavours of Omani cuisine.

Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.

Your programme includes :

• 1-night accommodation in Canyon View room at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort 5*., local standards (or similar) including breakfast.
• 1-night accommodation in Deluxe tent at Desert Nights Camp 5*., local standards (or similar) including breakfast.
• Meals as mentioned in the programme.
• Beverages package during meals (mineral water + 1 local beer or 1 local glass of wine + 1 coffee or tea).
• Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
• The services of a local English-speaking guide.
• Tips for the driver and local guide.

Your programme does not include :

• Personal expenses.
• Other services not mentioned in the programme.
• Visa fees.

Please note :

• For visits, passengers are advised to wear appropriately discreet clothing, covering the upper body and legs below the knee. For the visit of Grand Mosque, women must cover hair and neck.
• Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is open from 8:30 until 11:00 am, except Friday.
• Only large hotels and large restaurants are licensed to allow their customers to consume wines, beers or spirits.

• The Nizwa fort visit is not suitable for passengers in wheelchairs or those with walking difficulties as there are many steps climbing.

Contact of your hotels :

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 25586184

Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed.
To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent ; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

Take advantage of three days between Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah to discover the Bedouins culture with its traditions and its natural landscapes. Take part to authentic experiences in the Al Marmoum Desert and in a pearl farm.

Day 1 – Dubai/Ras Al Khaimah

After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.

You will leave the pier to discover the traditional city of merchants and modern Dubai. You will be driven towards the beautiful Jumeirah Mosque and the old part of the city with impressive palaces of the ruling family of Dubai. Followed by the visit of Jumeirah Mosque drive towards the famous souks of Dubai. Firstly you will visit the Spice Market Finally, you will visit the huge gold souk, which offers exquisite gold jewellery at prices lower than anywhere else in the world.

Then you will discover and cross the Creek with a typical boat Abra and you will visit at the spice market. Finally, you will visit the huge gold souk, which offers exquisite gold jewellery at prices lower than anywhere else in the world.

After the city tour, you will visit Crossroads of Civilizations Museum. This private museum in the Shindagha Historic District provides a fascinating glimpse of Dubai's historic role as a trading link between East and West. On display are hundreds of artefacts from the Ubaids, Greeks, Romans, Babylonians and other civilizations that passed through the region. Highlights include a 7500-year-old bull-shaped vase and a 16th-century Kaaba curtain, as well as a first edition of the 1590 book that first mentions 'Dubai'. Other galleries display swords, daggers and other historical weaponry used across the region.                                                                                                                                                      

After the lunch served in a panoramic restaurant, you will then be transferred to your hotel. After about a 1-hour drive, you will reach The Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Desert - Ras Al Khaimah 5*.

Check-in in your room.

In the early evening, you will be transported via buggy to the stargazing platform in the centre of the nature reserve. Upon arrival you will enjoy refreshments followed by an introductory stargazing session. Following this, you will be lead safely to the sand dunes to discover the nocturnal creatures of the nature reserve before returning to the hotel.

Dinner will be served at the hotel.

Day 2 - Ras Al Khaimah/Al Marmoum Desert

You will depart the hotel in the morning to discover a pearl farm and its activities.

You will reach Al Rams, a sleepy village hamlet on the northern tip of Ras Al Khaimah. Nestled upon a small sliver of land, wedged between the sea and the mountains, Al Rams is renowned for its fishing activity. You will learn how some Emiratis dedicated their lives to collect thousands of seashells in the hopes of finding a pearl! You will discover why this thriving ecosystem is responsible for some of the world’s finest pearls.

Your “pearl experience” will begin on board an authentic “Dhow”. Followed by enjoying the tour of mangroves and surrounding you will arrive at Pontoon (Floating Pearls Farm house). You will visit the Pearl Farm, and you will attend an oyster opening demonstration and followed by this witness Pearl Diving Tool and Techniques. Followed by experience, Lunch will be at the Upper deck of the Pontoon prepared by Local Emirati from the village.

Followed by the Lunch, you will reach your hotel from where you will be transferred at Al Marmoom Desert. You will continue your exploration by visiting an authentic Bedouin village and learn more about its traditions.

First, you will cross the desert on a 25-minute camel caravan. Using the traditional carpet from your camel, you will set up a majlis to watch the falcon show. Next you will receive a traditional welcoming at an authentic Bedouin village settled in a desert oasis.

At the village, you will discover Bedouin tents, restored well, cooking stations, farm animals, an area for camels and more. You will spend time with local Bedouins, listening to their stories and taking part in a traditional performance. You will observe the stars during an astronomy session. Then visiting a small souk (traditional market), you will learn about Arabic spices and local handicrafts. After watching live cooking demonstrations of a traditional dinner, you will enjoy a series of local dishes.

Then, full of unique memories, you will return to your hotel.

Day 3 - Ras Al Khaimah/Dubai

After breakfast and check-out, you will be transferred to the airport in time for check-in of the PONANT selected flight.

Your hotel:

Located in the Ras Al Khaimah desert, about 1-hour drive from Dubai, the 5-star Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Desert is an oasis of luxury and serenity. Its architecture combines Bedouin style and modern elegance. Each pool villa features full modern equipment and deck overlooking the desert. To chill-out, you will enjoy the Spa experience, the Moorish lounge or open-sky Moon Bar. And many outdoor activities in Al Wadi Nature Reserve will offer a Bedouin adventure.

Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.

Your programme includes:

• 2-night accommodation in Al Rima Pool Villa at Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Desert - Ras Al Khaimah 5*, local standards (or similar) including continental breakfast.
• Meals as mentioned in the programme.
• Beverages package during meals (at Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Desert: mineral water + 1 local beer or 1 glass of wine + 1 coffee or tea; only soft drinks during other meals).
• Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
• The services of a local English-speaking guide.
• Tips for the driver and local guide.

Your programme does not include:

• Personal expenses.
• Other services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note:

• Official check-in time at the Hotel Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Desert - Ras Al Khaimah 5* is 3 pm.
• No alcohol available during lunch after the Pearl Farm Experience and during the Al Marmoom Desert Experience Diner.
• Only large hotels and large restaurants are licensed to allow their customers to consume wines, beers or spirits.

Contact of your hotel:

Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Desert - Ras Al Khaimah

Al Mazraa, Wadi Khadija

Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates

Telephone number: + 971 72067777

Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed.
To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.