From futuristic cities to golden desert sands, sail through worlds of dazzling contrast
Published Thursday, September 26th 2013
From 23 November 2013 until 29 March 2014, MSC Lirica is offering 18 8-day/7-night cruises from Dubai, calling in Abu Dhabi and Khor al Fakkan in the United Arab Emirates and Muscat and Khasab in Oman, with an overnight stay in glittering Dubai for a unique taste of nightlife in the desert.
With an exciting shore excursion programme designed to uncover the very best of this enigmatic region, MSC Lirica travellers will explore record-breaking worlds where the future is the present, the desert’s beauty is eternal, and rich traditions and vibrant modernity exist side-by-side.
Awe-inspiring architecture, desert dunes by jeep and high tea at Emirates Palace
Commonly referred to as the “Manhattan of Arabia,” Abu Dhabi is home to awe-inspiring architecture, futuristic skyscrapers and some of the best shopping on the planet. The leisurely excursion City Tour of Abu Dhabi takes in all of this and more, including a visit to the beautiful Sheikh Zayed Mosque, a masterpiece of neo-Islamic architecture and one of the world’s largest mosques.
Boasting a full 1.3km of private white sandy beaches and surrounded by artistic landscape gardens, the Emirates Palace Hotel is one of the city’s most enchanting landmarks of luxury, and travellers can venture inside with Vision of Abu Dhabi and High Tea at the Emirates Palace, for lavish service, sumptuous vistas of the city and traditional British afternoon tea.
Searching for a record-breaking adrenalin rush to a backdrop of golden dunes? Look no further than Desert Dune Adventure, an exciting jeep ride over golden sands to the highest dunes, Fun at the Ferrari Theme Park, a trip to a theme-park boasting 20 state-of-the-art rides and the world’s fastest roller coaster, and Backstage at the Yas F1 Circuit, one of the world’s most advanced F1 circuits.
Rugged mountains, unspoilt beaches, and the oldest mosque in the UAE
Situated on the Gulf of Oman, the historical city of Khor al Fakkan is the perfect gateway from which to discover desert dunes, typical wadis and spectacular oases, as well as the rugged Masafi and Hajar Mountains and the stunning beaches and warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Highlights of the shore excursion programme include Discover the Desert in a 4X4, taking travellers through golden desert sands to discover wadi watercourses, a beautiful oasis and the famous Camel Rock, and Fujairah East Coast Tour, a trip back in time to the Fujairah Heritage Village, a local folk show, the fish and vegetable market, and the oldest mosque in the UAE.
Wild dolphins, fragrant aromas and bustling souks in mystical Muscat
Travellers in mystical Muscat have a whole host of impressive landmarks to behold, from the Al Alam Palace, flanked by the breath-taking Al Jalali and Al Mirani forts, the captivating Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque with its five impressive minarets, the old town’s bustling souk, the Bait Al Zubair archaeological museum and the exclusive Amouage perfumery with its timeless natural fragrances. For comprehensive tours of the city’s most famous sights, Mystical Muscat or the Panoramic Tour of Muscat and Nakhl are the perfect formula, while nature lovers will be in heaven with Dolphin Watch, a dolphin and whale spotting tour along Muscat’s rugged shoreline.
Crystalline fjords, pretty villages and the “mountain of women”
Known as the “Norway of Arabia” thanks to its sinuous coastline, a relaxing Dhow Cruise to the Fjords is the perfect way to discover Khasab and its pretty fishing villages and limestone cliffs, taking a dip in its fjord-like waters and spotting a dolphin or two along the way. Other highlights include a Safari Drive to Jebel Harem, literally translated as “the mountain of women,” and the City Tour of Khasab and Bukha, taking in the spectacular scenery of the surrounding area, visiting picturesque 17th century Fort Khasab and enjoying amazing views at the fort at Bukha.
Man-made wonders, retail therapy and romantic sunsets in Dubai
For instant immersion in the glitz and glamour of modern Dubai, the New Wonders of Dubai tour explores the sumptuous Burj Al Arab Hotel, the only 7-star hotel in the world, swanky neighbourhoods Emirate Hills and The Springs, beautiful Dubai marina, and the impressive Souk Al Bahar.
Travellers can also appreciate the extreme contrast between old and new with Discover Dubai and Lunch at the Burj Al Arab, encompassing visits to the old quarter and its beautiful houses, an aromatic spice market, Dubai Museum located at an 18th century fort, the magnificent Palm Jumeirah, the largest man-made archipelago of islands in the shape of a palm tree, and Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping centre.
For shopaholics, Retail therapy, Dubai Style is a riot of fun, and if the romance of the desert is more tempting than the glittering heights of the city, Dinner in the Dunes is just the ticket, with a delicious BBQ dinner, belly dancing and a romantic sunset over the sands to soothe the soul.
Families are also well catered for, with tours including Swimming with Dolphins and Aquaventure Water Park, the largest water park in the region.
In the city of extremes, MSC Cruises of course offers plenty of excursions with a difference, including Exclusive Dubai by Hydroplane, an exceptional opportunity to enjoy a bird’s eye view of some of the city’s iconic sights.
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