Oman & Dubai

7 Dec –
17 Dec 2025
Immerse yourself in the majestic landscapes of Oman and the future-forward cities of the Persian Gulf, discovering timeless traditions, delicious cuisine and rich culture along the way.

What to expect

Itinerary

Day 1
Depart from Johannesburg

Meet the group at O.R. Tambo International and check in for your flight to Muscat, Oman.

Day 2
Oman: The Jewel of Arabia

Arrive in Muscat, Oman’s capital and most populated city. Start the day with a traditional breakfast and visit the Grand Mosque. Next, adventure into the country’s mountainous interior, stopping at the crumbling village of Birkat Al Mouz on the way. Later, arrive at Jabal Akhdar in the Hajar mountain range. Check into the hotel and take an easy mountain village walk, heading into a beautiful landscape of epic views and terraces laden with fruit trees. Tonight, gather for a welcome dinner at the hotel.

  • Traditional Breakfast
  • Grand Mosque
  • Birkat Al Mouz
  • Mountain Village Walk
  • Welcome Dinner

Day 3
Niswa & the Villages of the Hajar Mountains

After an early breakfast, drive through the mountain landscape to Nizwa. Take in the sights and sounds of the famous Friday Cattle Market, enjoy a food tour of the historic souk and see Niswa Fort. Travel to the mountain village of Misfat Al Abryieen for a traditional Omani lunch and then visit Bait Al Safah, an interesting historical house. Next, explore Jabreen Castle, a gorgeous landmark with latticed windows and ornately painted ceilings. This evening, return to Nizwa, stopping at the Bahla Fort for a photo opportunity. Check into the hotel and spend dinner at leisure.

  • Nizwa Friday Cattle Market, Souk Visit, Nizwa Fort
  • Misfat Al Abriyeen Village Visit with Omani Lunch
  • Bait Al Safah
  • Jabreen Castle
  • Bahla Fort Photo Stop

Day 4
Into the Desert

Today, leave the mountains behind and set course for the desert. On the way, stop at Wadi Bani Khalid, an oasis of crystal-clear pools surrounded by palm trees. Jump in for a swim, then have lunch as a group, with the option to participate in a cooking class. In the afternoon, arrive in Wahiba Sands. Visit a Bedouin House and get a glimpse into this centuries-old way of life. Check in at the desert camp and embark on a true Arabian adventure, a sunset drive through the dunes. Dine at the camp and fall asleep under a velvet sky studded with stars.

  • Wadi Bani Khalid
  • Lunch with Optional Cooking Class
  • Bedouin House Visit
  • Sunset Dune Drive

Day 5
The Glittering Omani Coast

Journey from the desert to Oman’s glittering coastline. Discover the country’s rich maritime history and tradition of shipbuilding with a visit to a dhow factory in Sur. Here, wooden boats, or ganja, are constructed by hand using centuries-old techniques. Our next stop is Bimmah Sinkhole. Time permitting, walk down to the water’s edge and dive into the turquoise water. In the afternoon, arrive in Muscat and check into the hotel. Later, take a private sunset cruise aboard a traditional dhow. Sail the Gulf of Oman while enjoying dinner on the boat and soaking up gorgeous views of the craggy Omani coastline and sapphire water.

  • Dhow Factory Visit
  • Bimmah Sinkhole
  • Private Sunset Dhow Cruise with Dinner

Day 6
Sights & Souks in Muscat

This morning, explore the city of Muscat with a half-day city tour. Established centuries ago around a pair of natural harbours, its name means “safe anchorage.” Start with a photo stop at the Royal Opera House Muscat, a sprawling venue that has hosted the likes of Andrea Bocelli. Continue to Muttrah Fish Market, the Muttrah Souk and the Bait Al Zubair Museum, which exhibits displays of Omani heritage in a beautifully restored house. Make a photo stop at the extravagant Al Alam Palace and then sit down to an authentic lunch prepared by local Omani women. Fly to Dubai and check into the hotel. This evening, the group enjoys dinner at a restaurant in Dubai Marina.

  • Half-Day City Tour of Muscat with Lunch
  • Dinner at a Local Restaurant

Day 7
Old Dubai

Awake in Dubai and discover the city’s humble origins with a tour of Old Dubai, a heritage district on the shores of Dubai Creek. Visit the Old Souk, Spice Souk and Gold Souk within its winding alleyways. Visit the Bastakiya Quarter, where beautiful Islamic architecture can be found around every turn. Then, hop aboard an abra, a traditional wooden ferry boat, for a ride on Dubai Creek and take in the views of the city. At the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding, enjoy an authentic meal in the company of an Emirati who shares fascinating details about local life. Return to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

  • Old Dubai City Tour
  • Abra Boat Ride
  • Cultural Lunch
  • Evening at Leisure

Day 8
Glitz & Glamour in Dubai

Today, set out to discover modern Dubai. Start with a visit to Souk Madinat Jumeirah, a contemporary take on a traditional Arab village with a maze-like bazaar. Next, make a photo stop at the Burj Al Arab, the famous sail-shaped hotel that sits on an artificial island in the bay. Onwards to The Pointe, a waterfront complex on the tip of the man-made Palm Jumeirah island with fantastic views. Dubai Mall is next on the list, followed by a visit to the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. Board the world’s fastest double-deck elevators and cruise to the At The Top observation decks to take in the view. End the tour with a relaxed lunch. The rest of the day is spent at leisure.

  • Modern Dubai City Tour
  • At The Top Burj Khalifa
  • Evening at Leisure

Day 9
Cultural Abu Dhabi

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Abu Dhabi, the Emirati capital. Tour the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. 100,000 tons of marble fashioned into 80 domes, 1000 pillars, and four 107m-high minarets complete this masterpiece of contemporary Islamic design. After lunch at a waterside seafood restaurant, visit the epic Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace. Completed in 2017, the palace is a tribute to Arabian heritage, artistry and knowledge. Next, go to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, an enormous space that houses priceless international works. In the evening, we return to the hotel in Dubai. Tonight, the group gathers for dinner at a local restaurant.

  • Abu Dhabi City Tour with Lunch
  • Dinner at a Local Restaurant

Day 10
A Day in Dubai

A full day at leisure awaits in Dubai. Go your own way or choose from a menu of optional activities available at an additional cost. The city is your playground! In the evening, the group gathers for a farewell dinner, enjoying the luxury of Dubai for the last time.

  • Day at Leisure
  • Farewell Dinner

Day 11
Farewell to the Emirates

After breakfast at the hotel, we are transferred to the airport for our return flight to Johannesburg.

Meet the group at O.R. Tambo International and check in for your flight to Muscat, Oman.

Arrive in Muscat, Oman’s capital and most populated city. Start the day with a traditional breakfast and visit the Grand Mosque. Next, adventure into the country’s mountainous interior, stopping at the crumbling village of Birkat Al Mouz on the way. Later, arrive at Jabal Akhdar in the Hajar mountain range. Check into the hotel and take an easy mountain village walk, heading into a beautiful landscape of epic views and terraces laden with fruit trees. Tonight, gather for a welcome dinner at the hotel.

  • Traditional Breakfast
  • Grand Mosque
  • Birkat Al Mouz
  • Mountain Village Walk
  • Welcome Dinner

After an early breakfast, drive through the mountain landscape to Nizwa. Take in the sights and sounds of the famous Friday Cattle Market, enjoy a food tour of the historic souk and see Niswa Fort. Travel to the mountain village of Misfat Al Abryieen for a traditional Omani lunch and then visit Bait Al Safah, an interesting historical house. Next, explore Jabreen Castle, a gorgeous landmark with latticed windows and ornately painted ceilings. This evening, return to Nizwa, stopping at the Bahla Fort for a photo opportunity. Check into the hotel and spend dinner at leisure.

  • Nizwa Friday Cattle Market, Souk Visit, Nizwa Fort
  • Misfat Al Abriyeen Village Visit with Omani Lunch
  • Bait Al Safah
  • Jabreen Castle
  • Bahla Fort Photo Stop

Today, leave the mountains behind and set course for the desert. On the way, stop at Wadi Bani Khalid, an oasis of crystal-clear pools surrounded by palm trees. Jump in for a swim, then have lunch as a group, with the option to participate in a cooking class. In the afternoon, arrive in Wahiba Sands. Visit a Bedouin House and get a glimpse into this centuries-old way of life. Check in at the desert camp and embark on a true Arabian adventure, a sunset drive through the dunes. Dine at the camp and fall asleep under a velvet sky studded with stars.

  • Wadi Bani Khalid
  • Lunch with Optional Cooking Class
  • Bedouin House Visit
  • Sunset Dune Drive

Journey from the desert to Oman’s glittering coastline. Discover the country’s rich maritime history and tradition of shipbuilding with a visit to a dhow factory in Sur. Here, wooden boats, or ganja, are constructed by hand using centuries-old techniques. Our next stop is Bimmah Sinkhole. Time permitting, walk down to the water’s edge and dive into the turquoise water. In the afternoon, arrive in Muscat and check into the hotel. Later, take a private sunset cruise aboard a traditional dhow. Sail the Gulf of Oman while enjoying dinner on the boat and soaking up gorgeous views of the craggy Omani coastline and sapphire water.

  • Dhow Factory Visit
  • Bimmah Sinkhole
  • Private Sunset Dhow Cruise with Dinner

This morning, explore the city of Muscat with a half-day city tour. Established centuries ago around a pair of natural harbours, its name means “safe anchorage.” Start with a photo stop at the Royal Opera House Muscat, a sprawling venue that has hosted the likes of Andrea Bocelli. Continue to Muttrah Fish Market, the Muttrah Souk and the Bait Al Zubair Museum, which exhibits displays of Omani heritage in a beautifully restored house. Make a photo stop at the extravagant Al Alam Palace and then sit down to an authentic lunch prepared by local Omani women. Fly to Dubai and check into the hotel. This evening, the group enjoys dinner at a restaurant in Dubai Marina.

  • Half-Day City Tour of Muscat with Lunch
  • Dinner at a Local Restaurant

Awake in Dubai and discover the city’s humble origins with a tour of Old Dubai, a heritage district on the shores of Dubai Creek. Visit the Old Souk, Spice Souk and Gold Souk within its winding alleyways. Visit the Bastakiya Quarter, where beautiful Islamic architecture can be found around every turn. Then, hop aboard an abra, a traditional wooden ferry boat, for a ride on Dubai Creek and take in the views of the city. At the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding, enjoy an authentic meal in the company of an Emirati who shares fascinating details about local life. Return to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

  • Old Dubai City Tour
  • Abra Boat Ride
  • Cultural Lunch
  • Evening at Leisure

Today, set out to discover modern Dubai. Start with a visit to Souk Madinat Jumeirah, a contemporary take on a traditional Arab village with a maze-like bazaar. Next, make a photo stop at the Burj Al Arab, the famous sail-shaped hotel that sits on an artificial island in the bay. Onwards to The Pointe, a waterfront complex on the tip of the man-made Palm Jumeirah island with fantastic views. Dubai Mall is next on the list, followed by a visit to the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. Board the world’s fastest double-deck elevators and cruise to the At The Top observation decks to take in the view. End the tour with a relaxed lunch. The rest of the day is spent at leisure.

  • Modern Dubai City Tour
  • At The Top Burj Khalifa
  • Evening at Leisure

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Abu Dhabi, the Emirati capital. Tour the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. 100,000 tons of marble fashioned into 80 domes, 1000 pillars, and four 107m-high minarets complete this masterpiece of contemporary Islamic design. After lunch at a waterside seafood restaurant, visit the epic Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace. Completed in 2017, the palace is a tribute to Arabian heritage, artistry and knowledge. Next, go to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, an enormous space that houses priceless international works. In the evening, we return to the hotel in Dubai. Tonight, the group gathers for dinner at a local restaurant.

  • Abu Dhabi City Tour with Lunch
  • Dinner at a Local Restaurant

A full day at leisure awaits in Dubai. Go your own way or choose from a menu of optional activities available at an additional cost. The city is your playground! In the evening, the group gathers for a farewell dinner, enjoying the luxury of Dubai for the last time.

  • Day at Leisure
  • Farewell Dinner

After breakfast at the hotel, we are transferred to the airport for our return flight to Johannesburg.

Experience the vibrance of Oman & Dubai

The Arabian Peninsula offers a captivating blend of myth, mystery and modernity. Shifting desert sands, incredible mountain ranges and lush oases exist side by side with ultra-modern metropolises.

Join Seagull Travel & Tours as we journey to Oman and Dubai to discover the gems of Arabia. Oman is a country of extreme natural beauty. We explore the rugged Hajar Mountains, the golden expanse of the Wahiba Sands and a glittering coastline. In Muscat, we find a city of contrasts where tradition and progress go hand in hand. Along the way, we eat local food, get lost in bustling souks and connect with welcoming locals.

Next, we travel to Dubai, a futuristic vision wrapped in the steadfast traditions of the Emirati. We uncover the city’s many sides with guided tours of Old and New Dubai. A day in Abu Dhabi reveals the sister city’s magnificent sights. Our trip ends with a full day at leisure in Dubai, a luxurious playground where anything is possible.

This small group journey is expertly planned and features hand-picked accommodations, knowledgeable guides, pre-arranged transfers and authentic local experiences. Come with us and soak up the rich natural and cultural highlights Arabia has to offer.

 

Our approach

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Seagull Travel & Tours crafts small group tours that offer luxury, convenience, and spontaneous moments of joy.

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FAQs

We are here to help

The tour leader collects a set amount from each member of a tour. This kitty is then used to tip the local tour guide and city guides, bus drivers, any other assistants, and restaurant staff. We believe in tipping for good service as a token of appreciation, especially as many workers in tourism rely on tips to supplement their income.

Although we cannot apply on your behalf, we are more than willing to give guidance and assistance with completing forms. We do this for many clients on a near-daily basis. It does, however, remain the responsibility of the client to ensure that they get the correct visa on time.

Remember that we limit the number of guests on our tours. This means more time at stops and sites. We definitely do not do groups of 30 pax, where guests are rushed from one site to the other. There is enough time to explore on your own.

We always suggest USD/Euro 50 to USD/Euro 100 per person per day. As we mostly include two meals per day on our tours, this will be enough for lunch/dinner, some snacks, and memento shopping. Should you want to buy larger items, we suggest taking along your credit card. Remember to advise the bank that you will be travelling.

You can contact us at info@seagulltours.co.za or +27 42 296 0475