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Day 01:-
03rd Feb’2007 - Saturday
Arrival Flight: Austrian Airlines/ETA 0150hrs.
Guests will be met upon arrival at Dubai International Airport prior to
immigration, guided through immigration, baggage & customs and then
transferred to the Traders hotel by private saloon car.
Check-in to the Traders Hotel (room booked from previous night to
guarantee immediate check-in).
1400hrs Pick-up from Traders hotel for a scheduled Dubai City tour
“City of Merchants” – Tour is conducted in English & German
‘City of Merchants’ Dubai City Tour
Fascinating
historical excursion. Our route takes us to the magnificent Jumeirah mosque;
past modern palaces sprawled along the coast.
In Bastakia we stop for a while to admire the old wind-tower houses
built by wealthy merchants. Close by, stands the 150-year old Al Fahidi Fort.
Here, the Dubai Museum records the city’s past as an important pearl diving and
trading centre. We continue our journey
by Abra - local water taxi. As we
cross the Creek we see the modern metropolis with its splendid architecture
dwarfing the bustling alleys of our next destination, the gold and spice souks.
Return to the Traders Hotel and
rest of the evening at Leisure.
Overnight – Superior Rooms,
Traders Hotel.
Day 02:-
04th Feb’2007 – Sunday
Breakfast at the Traders Hotel.
0730hrs Pick-up from the Traders hotel for a scheduled Abu Dhabi
City Tour “Capital Adventures” – Tour is conducted in English & German.
‘A Capital Adventure’ Abu Dhabi City Tour*
From Dubai, we
travel past the world’s largest man-made port at Jebel Ali and onward for a two-hour drive through coastal desert
scenery, studded with acacia trees. Abu
Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and many of its striking
examples of modern architecture show intriguing interpretations of Islamic
themes captured in today’s materials.
Shimmering skyscrapers, villas and palaces line our route along the
Riviera-style Corniche with its blue Gulf waters and enticing offshore islands. In this city of dramatic contrasts, we visit
the Heritage village and look at the ancient, renovated Al Husn Fort, before
visiting the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation.
We see the old dhow yard and charming Batinah harbour. On our return journey we drive past Sports
City, the biggest soccer stadium in the Middle East. An engrossing view of an
emirate that is so like Dubai and yet so different. Some of the attractions and
the order in which they are visited may change during the Holy Month of
Ramadan. *Lunch
not included in the tour price.
Return to the Traders Hotel and
rest of the evening at Leisure.
Overnight - Superior Rooms Traders
Hotel.
Day 03:-
05th Feb’2007 – Monday
Breakfast at the Traders Hotel.
0840hrs Pick-up from the Traders hotel for a scheduled East Coast Tour
“All Points East” – Tour is conducted in English & German.
‘All Points East’ East Coast Tour
Drive
by the mosque shaped Sharjah International Airport, designed by HH Sheikh Dr
Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, the ruler of Sharjah. Continue though
multi-hued desert landscape to the oasis of Dhaid, before journeying through
spectacular mountain scenery. Just before Masafi, you can shop at the local
crafts, pottery and carpet market. In the mountains we stop for a stunning view
of the canyon and the wadis showing tracks used by nomads in early days. Drive
past Dibba, a picturesque fishing village, to Bidiyah Mosque, the oldest and
smallest in United Arab Emirates, before following the coast through the lovely
green town of Khor Fakkan. Lunch is by
the Indian Ocean in Fujairah. Stop by the town’s 300-year-old fort before
exploring the village of Fujairah, abandoned when mountain dwellers moved away
from oil exploration to start a fishing village. Our last stop is Bithnah oasis
where you may photograph (from a distance) the impressive fort still guarding
the mountain pass, the only access to Fujairah earlier, before returning to
Dubai. *Lunch not included in the tour price.
Return to the Traders Hotel and
rest of the evening at Leisure.
Overnight - Superior Rooms Traders
Hotel.
Day 04:-
06th Feb’2007 – Tuesday
Breakfast at the Traders Hotel.
0830 hrs : Start on a Private tour of “ The tale of the Two Cities” with
an English speaking guide.
This fascinating tour takes you to
the two emirates of Sharjah and Ajman. Visit Ajman’s enchanting museum, housed
in an ancient fort which was once the residence and seat of government of the
ruler of Sharjah. This museum gives you intriguing insights into lifestyles
before the changes brought by oil. En route you pass the
King Faisal Mosque and the Al Ittihad monument. The King Faisal Mosque
is the biggest mosque in Sharjah, built to honour King Faisal of Saudi Arabia,
who was responsible for subsidising the development of Sharjah before the
discovery of oil. The return journey includes stops at the Creek to photograph
the dhows and the Al Majarrah Souk; the 150-year-old Al Naboodah House, vividly
recalling the way of life of a wealthy pearl trading family; Al Arsah Souk, one
of the few remaining traditional marketplaces; and the Blue Souk, where more
than 600 shops sell carpets, gold, silver, antiques, perfumes, clothes and many
other temptations. Return to Dubai in time for lunch.
1230hrs Check-out formalities.
1530 hrs Transfer in a saloon
car to the airport for departure flight to Bahrain.
Flight EK839/ETD 1800hrs
Arrival Flight ex Dubai: EK839/ETA 1815hrs (Bahrain Local Time)
Guests will be met outside the arrival hall of Bahrain Airport by a
representative holding a paging board and then transfer guests to “The
Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel” by private saloon car.
Check-in to “The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel”.
Spend the rest of the day at Leisure.
Overnight - The Ritz-Carlton
Bahrain Hotel.
Day 05:-
07th Feb’2007 – Wednesday
Breakfast at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel.
0900hrs Pick-up from The
Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel for a Regular City Tour of Bahrain with an English
speaking guide.
Wednesday
Morning Tour ( Starting at 09.00hrs – tour is 4 ˝ hrs)
a) Currency Museum - The museum has
a special stand covering the activities of the Bahrain Currency Board and
Bahrain Monetary Agency. The stand includes four display cabinets containing
samples of Indian and Gulf banknotes and coins, which were in circulation in
Bahrain. They also contain official documents issued by the Bahrain Monetary
Agency pertaining to the issue of Bahraini banknotes and coins, old and new
photographs, which demonstrate the role of the Agency in receiving and
delivering currency from and to commercial banks, and in arrangements for
clearing cheques. The first cabinet contains all the Indian and Gulf banknotes
and coins, which were in circulation in Bahrain between 1947 and 1965. The
second cabinet covers the establishment of the Bahrain Currency Board and the
copy of the Amiri Decree No. (9) of 1965 regarding the issuance of the Bahraini
Dinar. There are also historical photographs of the exchange of Gulf Rupee
currency for the new Bahraini Dinar at Eastern Bank Limited in 1965. The third
cabinet relates to the establishment of the Bahrain Monetary Agency in 1973. It
contains a copy of Amiri Decree No. (23) of 1973 relating to the formation of
the Bahrain Monetary Agency, a copy of the first Annual Report issued by the
Agency in 1974 in both Arabic and English, as well as some other official
documents issued by the Agency during its formative period. The fourth cabinet
displays recent photographs relating to some of the functions of the Agency.
There are, for instance, some photographs of currency issue staff, as well as
photos of the dealing room of the Investment Directorate where dealing in
foreign currency is carried out. There is also a view of the automatic clearing
system, which forms part of the tasks of the Banking Services Directorate.
Finally, there is a photograph of the Computer Services Directorate and its
employees carrying out their daily tasks.
b) Bait
Al-Qur’an – Located in the city of Manama, Bait Al-Qur’an, or “House of
Qur’an”, was inaugurated in March 1990.It is a typical specialized Museum
consisting of several floors and characterized by a most distinctive Islamic
design. The Bait Al-Qur’an houses ancient manuscripts of the Holy Qur’an that
have been collected from the Islamic World in general and from North Africa,
Iran, India and China in particular. It also displays rare great Islamic
artifacts, jewellery and
gold-ornamented glass utensils, indicating the great Islamic heritage arts that
have had an influence throughout the world. The building also includes a
lecture hall provided with sophisticated equipment, a library of scientific and
Islamic reference books, an Arabic calligraphy exhibitions and translations of
the Qur’an into several languages. It is definitely worth visiting as part of
Bahrain’s tourist landmarks. (Closed on all Fridays)
c) Al Fateh
Grand Mosque - Set against the backdrop of palm trees and the sea, the Grand
Mosque strikes a beautiful picture. With its exquisite Bahraini architecture,
crowned by the world’s largest fibreglass dome and blessed with a tranquillity
reserved for the holiest of holy places, The Grand Mosque truly lives up to its
name. Though non-Muslim visitors are welcome, it is important to dress
modestly, cover your heard (for women) and take your shoes off before entering.
(Closed on all Fridays)
d) Camel Farm – Our fourth stop
will be at the famous Camel Farm, owned by His Highness the Shaikh Mohammed Bin
Salman AlKhalifa, uncle of the current ruler. These camels are used for racing.
There are about 175 camels in this farm. You can see the baby and old camels
here, if they are not taken out for feeding.
e) King Fahad Causeway - Opened in
1986, this remarkable 25km feat of engineering links Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
It is one of the most expensive bridges in the world. The causeway traverses
Umm Nasan Island, which is a sanctuary for wildlife, and at halfway point there
is a facility area, including one tower restaurant, which you can visit even if
you don't travel the whole distance to Saudi Arabia.
Spend the rest of the day at Leisure.
Overnight – Deluxe Sea View Room,
The Ritz- Carlton Bahrain Hotel.
Day 06:-
08th Feb’2007 – Thursday
Breakfast at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel.
1115hrs Check-out
formalities followed by a transfer in a saloon car to the airport for departure
flight to Doha.
Flight QR163/ETD 1415hrs
Arrival Flight ex Bahrain: QR163/ETA 1500hrs (Doha Local Time)
Guests will be met outside the arrival hall of Doha Airport by a
representative holding a paging board and then transfer guests to “The
Ritz-Carlton Doha” in private saloon car.
Check-in to “The Ritz-Carlton Doha Hotel”. Alternatively guests could
decide if they would like to proceed on the Doha City Tour prior to check-in.
Doha City Tour
– Afternoon tour
Your visit to Qatar will
undoubtedly begin in Doha, the capital city and home to most of the country’s
population, also of its commerce and the heart and pulse of its culture. Our
guided city tour, in an air-conditioned bus, will take you to:
· Qatar
National Museum
· The
Sea-front Corniche
· Old
Souq (Market)
· The
Dhow Harbour
· Equestrian
Club
· Falcon
Market, Fruit & vegetable Market, Fish Market, Traditional Market
Spend the rest of the evening at Leisure.
Overnight – Deluxe Room, The Ritz-
Carlton Doha Hotel.
Day 07:-
09th Feb’2007 – Friday
Breakfast at The Ritz-Carlton Doha
0515hrs Check-out
formalities followed by a transfer in a saloon car to the airport for departure
flight to Oman.
Flight QR166/ETD 1000hrs
Arrival Flight ex Doha: QR166/ETA 1000hrs (Oman Local Time)
Guests will be met outside the arrival hall of Oman Airport by a
representative holding a paging board and then transfer guests to “Radisson
Sas” by private saloon car.
Check-in to “The Radisson Sas Hotel”.
Spend the rest of the evening at Leisure.
Overnight – City View Room, The
Radisson Sas Oman.
Day 08:-
10th Feb’2007 – Saturday
Breakfast at The Radisson Sas.
0800hrs Pick-up from the
Radisson Sas Hotel for a tour of “Fascinating Forts” with an Englisg speaking
guide
Fascinating
Forts – 10 Hours – 450 KM – Full Day Tour
Nizwa, capital
of the interior, is the birthplace of Islam in the Sultanate of Oman. Nizwa
boasts of the famous Round Tower Fort built in the 17th century, and its Souq
renowned for its Friday cattle auction, intricately hand-carved “Khanjars”
(daggers) & ornamental silver jewellery. Jabrin, the finest of Oman’s
castles built in the late 17th century, became a seat of Omani learning. The
castle displays the highest achievement in Omani ceiling painting &
beautifully executed woodcarvings. En-route to Muscat visit the pretty village
of Birkat Al Mauz situated at the foothills of Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountains).
Enjoy a walk through its oasis and dense date plantations.
Spend the rest of the evening at Leisure.
Spend the night at City View Room,
The Radisson Sas.
Day 09:-
11th Feb’2007 – Sunday.
Breakfast at The Radisson Sas.
0830hrs Check-out
formalities followed by a transfer by a saloon car to the airport for departure
flight to Dubai.
Flight GF465/ETD 1130hrs
Arrival Flight ex Oman: GF465/ETA 1220hrs(Dubai Local Time)
Guests will be met upon arrival at Dubai International Airport prior to
immigration, guided through immigration, baggage & customs and then
transferred to the Burj Al Arab in private saloon car.
Check-in to the Icon Hotel – Burj Al Arab.
Spend the rest of the day at Leisure.
Overnight – 01 Bedroom Deluxe
Suite, Burj Al Arab.
Day 10:-
12th Feb’2007 – Monday.
Breakfast at The Burj Al Arab.
1200hrs Transfer to
Traders hotel for check-in.
1500hrs Guests will be
met by our safari guide cum driver at the hotel and will be transferred in a
4x4wheel drive scheduled Dune Dinner Safari “Sundowner” – Each 4x4wheel drive
will accommodate 6passengers.
‘Sundowner’ Dune Dinner
The
mysterious desert beckons you for a magical evening out – an adventure you’ll
never forget. Leaving behind the bustle of the city in the afternoon, our
safari guides will transport you, by four-wheel drive vehicles, for a thrilling
journey over rolling dunes through the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, deep
into the heart of the desert. En route, you will stop to see camels resting at
their camp, and then, from the crest of a high dune, watch the sun cast its
orange glow over the vast expanse of rippling sand all round you as it sets.
Like a shimmering mirage in the distance you will see the flickering lights of
your camp where a traditional Arabian welcome awaits you. The encampment conjures up images of the
Arabian nights. Relax on comfortable low cushions in Bedu tents and quench your
thirst, have your hands painted with intricate henna designs, experience a
short camel ride, or just enjoy the aromatic shisha. A feast of grilled meats,
fresh salads and delectable Arab sweets is served and under a galaxy of stars,
you will be entertained by the bewitching belly dancer swaying to the haunting
strains of Arabian music. You won’t want this enchanting evening to end.
Return
to Traders Hotel
Overnight
– Superior Room, Traders Hotel
13th Feb’2007 – Tuesday.
Breakfast at The Traders Hote.
0830 hrs : Pick up from the hotel for Private
“‘A Wealth of History” tour
‘A Wealth of History
For a true experience of the
region, visit the heritage town of Ras Al Khaimah. Driving from Dubai we embark
on a journey of exploration of culture, ancient sites and past desert
landscape. Our first stop is at one of United Arab Emirates pre-Islamic
excavation sites of Ad Dur near Umm Al Quwain. En-route to Ras Al Khaimah we
make a stop at the Nader Shah Watch Tower. We continue with our tour into the
fertile plains of Khatt, via Al Kharran, where we take a ten-minute break
before visiting a date factory. We then visit the Ras Al Khaimah museum – which
is housed on the ground floor of the Ras Al Khaimah Ruler’s office. The museum
has three sections- an archaeological section, an ethnographic section dealing
with the day to day life, customs/dress, and a section dealing with the natural
history showing fossils and shells of the region. After lunch we drive through the
old town of Ras Al Khaimah, past the souk and vegetable market and make a photo
stop at the Shimal Hill. After a short visit to the Al Dhayah Fort, we make our
way back to Dubai. *Lunch not included in the tour
price
1630 hrs : Return back to the hotel.
1915hr Guests will be met at the hotel and
transferred for a Scheduled Dhow Cruise “Moonlight Light Sonata”
‘Moonlight Sonata’ Dhow Cruise with Dinner
What could be more
enchanting than dinner aboard a dhow as it slips silently along Dubai Creek
by moonlight?Your cruise aboard one of these traditional wooden vessels offers
an intriguingly-different view of this amazing city - a portrait of the true
character of Dubai, the intertwining of traditional and modern. You will see
old wooden dhows and luxury yachts, splendid examples of modern
architecture like the National Bank of Dubai and the spectacular Chamber of
Commerce building, whilst Sheikh Saeed’s House, the birthplace of Sheikh Rashid
and the Heritage Village are reminiscent of the days gone by. Dinner and fragrant Arabic coffee is included
– a delicious taste of true Arabian hospitality. (*Seating will be allocated upon boarding)
Return
to Traders hotel.
Overnight
– Superior Room, Traders hotel.
2330hrs Check-out formalities followed by a
transfer in a saloon car to the airport for departure flight.
14th Feb’2007 – Wednesday.
Departure
Flight; Austrian Airlines/ETD 0245hrs
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