Days 1-2: USA or Canada/Muscat, Oman

Board an overnight flight to Muscat, Oman, a country in which modern evolving life meets deeply rooted local traditions and authentic hospitality. You are transferred to your hotel, located on a sandy cove backed by the majestic Hajar Mountains.
Shangri La Al Husn

Days 3-4: Muscat

Like other great civilizations, Oman faded from prominence until the recent resurgence due to the discovery of oil. But all along, the country was active in many ways, and its history has left many tangible traces in prominent landmarks and a highly developed culture. You have two days to discover the heritage in Oman's enchanting port city of Muscat, where Islamic culture thrives. Explore the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a landmark of Muscat, to admire its splendid Islamic architecture. Visit an Omani art gallery and a private home that houses the museum of the Sultanate. After a traditional Arabic lunch, stroll through Muscat's Old Town. The next day, visit the Sultans' Armed Forces Museum. After lunch, visit the gourmet Bateel date store and Omani Heritage Shop. Later, join an expatriate for dinner in her home with invited Omani guests.
Shangri La Al Husn

Day 5: Muscat

This morning board a Turkish gulet (schooner) for lunch and a four-hour cruise on the Arabian Sea. Observe the Al Alam Palace and the 16th-century Portuguese forts of Jalali and Mirani that guard the harbor. The afternoon is at leisure.
Shangri La Al Husn B, L

Days 6-7: Muscat/Empty Quarter (ar Rub al Khali Desert)

Travel to the largest sand desert in the world, made famous by the writings of Winfred Thesiger, who crossed these sands many times with his Bedouin guides. En route, visit the Nahkl, the 17th-century fortress that commands a superb 360-degree view of the surrounding palm plantations and the Western Hajar Mountains. Drive along the wadis (river beds), passing small settlements and date palm oases and stop for a picnic lunch. Continue to your tented camp, set among the sand dunes. When you arrive, sample tea and cake in the Majalis tent, the traditional location for socializing. Later, pause for sundowners and canapés in the dunes and dinner under the stars. The next day you may take a nature walk to learn about the fragile desert ecosystem. Then travel by Land Cruiser through the dunes to a Bedouin encampment where you learn about the families who choose to live in this harsh environment with their goats and camels. After lunch, visit a lush wadi, replete with date gardens. Return to camp to relax or take a cooking lesson. After sundowners and canapés, join a nature walk at sunset, then pause for a memorable Valentine's Day dinner. Later, a desert guide shows you the many constellations in the night sky.
Desert Tented Camp B, L, D

Days 8-9: Empty Quarter/Jabreen/Al Hamra/Nizwa

En route to Nizwa stop at Jabin Castle, with ornate woodcarvings and painted ceilings that reflect a Persian influence, and Al Hamra, a traditional village. The next day, visit the 17th-century Nizwa Fort. Then witness the bustle of activity in the busy silver souk. Continue to Jebel Shams, the "mountain of the sun," and Wadi Ghul, known for its traditional weavers.
Golden Tulip Hotel B, L, D

Days 10-11: Nizwa/Muscat/USA or Canada

Drive through the Samail Gap to visit the House of Amouage, a perfumerie that blends oils for visiting dignitaries. Return to Muscat for a day of leisure until your departure flight.
Shangri La Al Husn B

Optional Extension to Dubai

Days 12-13: Muscat/Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Fly to Dubai, visiting its highlights on your second day with a first stop at its most famous landmark, the Burj Al Arab. Take a photograph there and then proceed to Jumeirah, home to the picturesque palace and the residential area of Dubai. See the famous Jumeirah Mosque before continuing to the museum at Al Fahidi Fort in Al Bastakiya. Board an abra (water taxi) to cross the creek to the spice souk and the famous gold souk, where you have time to shop before you stop at the fruit and vegetable market. Your next two days are at leisure.
The Palace Hotel Old Town

Day 14: Dubai/USA or Canada

Board your homebound flight.
B

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