Cruising the Arabian Coast

Aboard the 184-guest Le Bougainville

8 Days from $5,950* / Jan. 26–Feb. 2, 2024

Trace the northern coast of the Arabian Peninsula on a nine-day cruise, discovering world-class cities and ancient cultures, desert islands and dramatic fjords from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to Doha and Muscat.

Itinerary

Days 1 & 2 — Dubai, United Arab Emirates (U.A.E): Arrive in Dubai and embark the ship. Set out on a guided tour of this boundary-pushing city, from the traditional spice and gold souks to the iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Visit the Dubai Museum and delve into Emirati culture at the Sheikh Mohammed Center of Cultural Understanding, then enjoy an Emirati-style lunch. Days 3 & 4 — Doha, Qatar: Delve into dynamic Doha, a burgeoning center of culture and style filled with striking high-rises and age-old souks. Visit the Museum of Islamic Art, designed by IM Pei, and learn about Qatari history and culture at the new National Museum, another architectural marvel. Venture into the colorful Souk Waqif, built on the site of an ancient marketplace. You may also choose to embark on a thrilling drive into the desert in 4x4 vehicles, stopping at a traditional tent for refreshments. During a relaxing afternoon sailing the Persian Gulf toward Abu Dhabi, take advantage of the ship’s superb amenities. Days 5 — Abu Dhabi: In Abu Dhabi, the capital of the U.A.E, see the impressive exhibitions at the Louvre Abu Dhabi and admire the building’s stunning architecture. Stop in at the Emirates Palace for high tea and a private tour; and visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, home to 82 marble domes and more than a thousand columns inlaid with gemstones. Meander through Masdar City, a planned city that showcases clean-tech solutions and sustainable urban design. Day 6 — Khasab, Oman: Arrive in Khasab, and board a traditional sailing dhow to explore the dramatic fjords of Oman’s remote Musandam Peninsula. Watch for dolphins, and take in views of the spectacularly rugged coast. Days 7 — Fujairah, U.A.E: In the commercial hub of Fujairah, visit Fujairah Fort, the oldest and largest castle in all of the Emirates. Examine archaeological finds in the museum, and visit a mud-and-stone mosque in the oasis of Al Bithnah. Gather for a festive farewell reception and dinner this evening. Day 8 —Muscat, Oman: After breakfast, disembark in Muscat. Visit the immense Sultan Qaboos Mosque and the magnificent Royal Opera House with a local guide. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before an afternoon at leisure. After dinner, transfer to the airport. Add a one-night extension in Dubai and/or a two-night extension in Muscat. *Pricing reflects a savings bonus ranging from 5% to 30%, based on the number of staterooms available at the time of printing. See our website for current pricing. Book early for higher savings.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Our experts on this cruise include journalist and geopolitics professor Benjamin Sutherland. Visit our website for the additional expert.

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat

Highlights

• Encounter enthralling art, architecture, and design, from the Burj Khalifa and the Louvre Abu

Dhabi to IM Pei’s Museum of Islamic Art in Doha. • Venture into the souks of Dubai and Doha, and visit historic forts and mosques in Abu Dhabi and Fujairah. • Sit down to a Bedouin-style lunch and sail on a traditional dhow. • Explore the dramatic fjords of Oman’s

Musandam Peninsula by traditional sailing dhow.