Mahe to Dubai

Few places on Earth are as richly blessed by nature as Mahé. Located in the remote Seychelles archipelago, more than 1,500 kilometers east of Mombasa, Mahé is the largest of the 115 islands and offers countless stunning attractions. For many travelers, the Seychelles represent a once-in-a-lifetime destination. Picture cerulean seas, endless stretches of beach, lush tropical jungle, and surreal natural beauty at every turn.

Mahé features 68 pristine beaches and is crowned by the dramatic peaks of Morne Seychellois National Park, which covers more than 20% of the island. The park shelters remarkable biodiversity, including the ultra-rare Seychelles Scops-owl. The surrounding crystal-clear waters create a diver’s paradise, teeming with vibrant marine life for beginners and experts alike.

Although first visited by the British in 1609, Mahé did not appear on maps until 1742, when French explorer Lazare Picault charted the islands. Fourteen years later, France laid claim to the archipelago with the arrival of the naval ship Le Cerf, captained by Corneille Morphey, who named the islands after Vicomte Moreau de Séchelles. A “Stone of Possession,” placed during this claim, can still be seen at the National Museum.

The first settlers arrived in 1770, and by 1785 the population had grown to 130—seven Europeans and 123 enslaved people. Today, the islands are home to around 80,000 Seychellois.

Few places on Earth are as richly blessed by nature as Mahé. Set in the remote Seychelles archipelago, more than 1,500 kilometers east of Mombasa, Mahé is the largest of the 115 islands and brims with remarkable attractions. For many, the Seychelles are a dream destination—a place of cerulean seas, endless stretches of beach, lush tropical jungle, and surreal beauty as far as the eye can see.

Mahé is home to 68 pristine beaches and is dominated by the soaring peaks of Morne Seychellois National Park. Covering more than 20% of the island, this protected reserve shelters an incredible range of endemic flora and fauna, including the ultra-rare Seychelles Scops-owl. Surrounding the island, crystal-clear waters create a diver’s paradise, alive with colorful marine life suited to both beginners and experts.

Although the British first visited in 1609, Mahé did not appear on maps until 1742, when French explorer Lazare Picault charted the islands. Fourteen years later, France claimed the archipelago with the arrival of the naval ship Le Cerf, captained by Corneille Morphey. He named the islands after Vicomte Moreau de Séchelles, leaving behind a “Stone of Possession” that is now displayed in the National Museum.

The first settlers arrived in 1770, and by 1785 the population had grown to 130—seven Europeans and 123 enslaved people. Today, more than 80,000 Seychellois call the islands home.

3 Included Shore Excursions
A Moment in Time

• Activity Level - Moderate
• Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking and some driving on winding roads. It is not suitable for guests who utilise a wheelchair or those with limited mobility. Guests are advised to wear lightweight clothing and comfortable shoes.

Northern Highlights

• Activity Level - Moderate
• Please Note: This tour requires a minimal to moderate amount of walking for approximately 900 meters (2952 feet) over sometimes uneven ground, exposed roots, and sand on the beach with approximately 10 steps at the Botanical Gardens. This tour is not suitable for guests who are confined to a wheelchair as the venues are not wheelchair accessible, however guests with limited mobility may participate with the assistance of their travelling companion. It is recommended that guests wear light, comfortable cotton clothing, comfortable walking shoes, swimsuit, sunscreen, a hat and bring a towel from the ship. Souvenir shops accept Euro and USD cash and credit cards. One refreshment is included in the cost of the tour, however additional beverages can be purchased at the resort at guests own expense.

Jardin Du Roi & South Coast of Mahe

• Activity Level - Moderate
• Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of driving and walking, at times over uneven, sandy, bumpy, and natural ground and exposed roots, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the vehicle and 25 steps at the Jardin Du Roi. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear a swimsuit under a cover-up with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, a towel and change of clothing from the ship. The tour sequence may vary. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions, and may be cancelled on short notice.

Loved by those who like their paradise just as nature intended, Praslin is one of the Seychelles’ most beautiful islands. And why? Anse Lazio - the island's beach is a repeated winner of world's best, making the island a pull for travelers who want to go the extra mile to find an unblemished island nirvana. Praslin might be the second largest of the Seychelles islands but at just 11 kilometers long and 4 kilometers wide, it is still very small. The difficulty in getting to it (other than arrival by sea there is a small airport that only flies to and from Mahe) means there are no modern attractions - on the contrary, entertainment comes very much in the flora and fauna of the land and surrounding sea. The island's original name is Isle de Palmes and it's not hard to see why. The lush jungle that makes up the island's interior has it all; bubbling brooks, winding paths, and towering trees that provide welcome respite from the sun. This is the true heart of the island; not only is the jungle home to the endemic Black Parrot (fewer than 1,000 of these birds are in existence) but also the famous Coco de Mer, the world's heaviest nut, grows abundantly in the wild. The nut is the stuff of legends. Early beliefs were that the palm grew under the Indian Ocean and that its fruit held healing powers. Even when it emerged that the tree did in fact grow on dry land, it still held mystique; the new folklore was that in order for the 25 kilo nut to grow, male and female trees had to embrace on a stormy night.

2 Included Shore Excursions
Vallée de Mai

• Activity Level - Moderate
• Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking at Vallée de Mai, partly on uneven ground and with some steep inclines. This tour is recommended for guests who are in good physical condition. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear Lightweight, comfortable clothing, a swimsuit under a cover-up with beach or water shoes, and bring sun protection and a towel from the ship. Guests must be at least 2 years old to participate on this tour. The tour sequence may vary. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. Space on this tour is extremely limited; it is suggested you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Scenic Drive & Anse Lazio Beach

• Activity Level - Minimal
• Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking, at times over uneven, sandy, and natural ground and exposed roots, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear a swimsuit under a cover-up with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, a towel, change of clothing and bottled water from the ship. The tour sequence may vary.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and catch up with what you've been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale-watching, catching up on your reading, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shoreside.

Oman’s capital rests overlooking the coast of the Gulf of Oman, tucked away among the country’s mountains. Discover a city surrounded by neat gardens - with streets lined by palm trees and crumbling Portuguese forts providing a tangible link to the past. Explore an elegant array of domes, minarets, and marbled Arabic archways, as you’re immersed in a city where a traditional conservative outlook mingles with a pragmatic modern approach. Despite a relative boom in recent years, Muscat has clung to its old-world Arabian charm. Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is the main mosque and an iconic landmark of Muscat. No fewer than 20,000 people cram inside below its towering minaret, which soars upwards for a stunning 90 meters. In the evening, lights shine on the exterior, and the dome glows like a mirage floating above the city’s rooftops. White and grey marble gleams inside, and you won’t miss the showpiece chandelier - which weighs in at a staggering eight tons. The handwoven carpet is no less impressive, created using 1.7 million knots. The Mutrah area is rich in local culture. Wander among the groaning tables of the lively fish market and busy Mutrah souk. Mutrah Fort was constructed during the Portuguese occupation of the 16th century and offers views back down over the harbor. Things can get a little sticky in this humid climate, so head to the beach to enjoy a gentle breeze and unwind. Nearby, you’ll find plenty of indulgent stretches of soft sand, met by pristine water. Swim with fish and turtles or relax below the palm trees. Or take a cruise to spot spinner dolphins playing in the waters offshore.

4 Included Shore Excursions
Splendors of Muscat

• Activity Level - Moderate
• Please note:  This tour requires a moderate amount of walking for approximately 546 Yards (500 metres) in the old town and approximately 15 steps at the Grand Mosque, museum and souq.  It is not suitable for guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests with limited mobility may need the assistance of their travel partner. The visit to the mosque requires both ladies and gentlemen to have their legs and ankles totally covered and wear long sleeve shirts/blouses. Tattoos on the body to be covered totally. Ladies also need to bring a scarf to cover their head. Shoes must be removed at the entrance to the mosque; bring socks for comfort. Any food, drinks, and smoking are strictly prohibited at the Grand Mosque. Entrance to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is not possible during Muslim Holiday observance, Fridays and daily in the afternoon. An outside stop is substituted at these times. Photography is not permitted inside National Museum. The tour sequence may vary. Bring local currency for any purchases.

Traditional Dhow Cruise

• Activity Level - Minimal
• Please note: This tour requires a minimal amount of walking for approximately 273 yards (250 meters), with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and 5-6 steps throughout the tour.  Care must be taken on the narrow wooden stairs to board the dhow and when embarking/disembarking the boats; guests must be agile and have good balance to participate. This tour is not suitable for guests who utilize a wheelchair. While the coaches are air-conditioned, there is no artificial cooling on the boats. The operation of this tour is subject to weather and sea conditions. Those who suffer from motion sickness should take precautions in advance. The dhow operates under power; sail may be utilized. There are facilities on board the dhow. It is recommended you wear sun protection. Do not take photographs of individuals without their permission. Women do not like being photographed. It is forbidden to take pictures of military facilities, borders, and airports. Please observe 'NO PHOTOGRAPHY' signs. Guests may ccess the water directly from the Dhow through a 5 steps ladder.

National Museum & Muttrah Souq

• Activity Level - Minimal
• Please note: This tour requires a minimal to moderate amount of walking for approximately 437 yards (400 meters), with about a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and about 10 steps throughout the tour. Walking in the old town is at guest's discretion. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility and who utilize a wheelchair. However guests must be able to negotiate a few steps to get on/off the coach. Please observe 'NO PHOTOGRAPHY' signs. This tour is not available on Fridays in the morning due to the closure of the National Museum. Space is limited; it is suggested you pre-reserve to avoid any disappointment.

Muscat Architecture Walking Tour (not included in day 10)

• Activity Level - Moderate
• Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.6 miles (about one kilometres), at times over uneven and cobblestone surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and many steps at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Royal Opera House, and a few shops in the Muttrah Souq. Walking at the Muttrah Souq is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes. Proper attire is required to enter the mosques; guests must wear modest clothing that covers arms and legs; women guests should cover also the head, including the hair. Tattoos must be completely covered before entering the mosques. Food, drinks, and smoking are strictly prohibited inside the mosques. Slip-on shoes are recommended, as guests are required to remove their shoes before entering the mosques; it is suggested to bring along a pair of socks for comfort. Entrance to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is not possible during Muslim Holiday observance, on Fridays, and daily in the afternoon; an outside stop be substituted at these times. The tour sequence may vary.

It may be known as the "Norway of Arabia" - in reference to the spectacular fjords that cut and shape the Musandam Peninsula - but Khasab's scorching sun and desert landscape is a constant reminder that you're a long way from Europe. Sitting isolated on Oman’s Northern coast - cut off by a slice of the United Arab Emirates' territory - this small city has a dreamy, introverted atmosphere - until you head out in a 4X4, to slip and slide across its rip-roaring mountain scenery that is. Explore the incredible desert fjords and folding sandy mountains by boat, and be on the lookout for the rubbery noses of bottlenose and humpback dolphins poking through the water. Legendarily friendly and curious, don’t be surprised to see them swimming through the blue waters with you, displaying all of their aquatic athletic prowess as you sail by traditional wooden dhow. Cruise up along the Strait of Hormuz, between Oman and Iran, and marvel at the long stretches of dramatic golden fjord scenery. Back on land, learn of local history at Khasab Castle, which was originally built in the 17th century by the Portuguese, to defend the narrowing of the Persian Gulf at this highly strategic point. It's accompanied by a museum, which depicts local life here back through the ages. Or drive out to Bedouin villages and hold on tight during the white-knuckle drive up to the viewpoint at Khawr Najd - where sweeping views of the flayed fjords unveil themselves.

2 Included Shore Excursions
Khasab & Bukha Forts

• Activity Level - Moderate
• Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking for approximately 500 metres (1640 feet) at times over uneven surface with approxinmately 50 steps to negotiate at the forts and a few to get on/off the coach. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Transportation and guides are the best available. Proper attire is required to visit the city. Shorts, short skirts, beachwear and sleeveless outfits are not allowed. Photo and video are prohibited at Khasab Fort. Please ask locals for permission to take their photographs. Transportation and guides are the best available in the region although they may not be up to the usual standard. The tour sequence may vary. For calls falling within the months of Ramadan, lunch is served at the restaurant however the curtains remain closed.

Fjord Dhow Cruise

• Activity Leve - Minimal
• Please note: This tour requires a minimal amount of walking for approximately 500 metres (1640 feet); however, guests must be able to manoeuvre in and out of the boat via a 6 step ladder while exercising some caution. This tour is not suitable for guests who utilise a wheelchair. The dhows are covered, providing shady seating and motorised, but are very basic. Guests are sitting on the cushions in the Dhow.

Emerging from the desert’s sands like a mirage, Abu Dhabi's bold, brash, and brilliant skyline continues to reach new heights. The extravagance on show can be dizzying at times, but it’s counterpointed by authentic history and culture, and majestic religious statements. You’ll shrink before the scale of the 50 exquisite, pearl-white domes of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, which is the UAE's largest and most revered religious space. A healthy pearl trade, and strategic location, brought prosperity in the 19th century, before the discovery of rich oil reserves propelled the city giddily skywards in the latter half of the 20th century. Nowadays, palatial hotels tower above dazzling ocean and white sands, while ever-reliable weather and remarkable extravagances, make Abu Dhabi a location of unbridled opulence and intrigue. The city's cultural scene is also burgeoning, with a stunning Louvre outpost recently opening for business. Find your bearings by ascending 300 meters to the heights of the Etihad Towers' viewing platform - where you can butter scones while enjoying a "high tea" in every sense. The relentlessly glorious weather makes the coral-blue sea's sparkle ever-tempting, and at Saadiyat Public Beach you’ll find clear blue waves lapping soft, sugar-white sand. Wade out to enjoy bath-like temperatures of 30 degrees. The Corniche, meanwhile, is a sweeping coastal walkway, stretching for eight kilometers and offering rich views of the coral-blue ocean back-dropped by jagged skyscrapers.

2 Included Shore Excursions
Abu Dhabi Orientation

• Activity Level - Minimal
• Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque follows a very strict dress code policy - no shorts or skirts, no sleeveless shirts, no T-shirts, no clothing with profanity, no tight clothing and no transparent clothing. It is kindly discourage guests from wearing white colored clothes as they might appear see-through when exposed to sunlight as per the mosque security. It is mandatory to follow the dress code of the Grand Mosque otherwise the access my be denied. The tour sequence may vary.

Qasr Al Watan & Wahat Al Karama

• Activity Level - Minimal
• Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking and is suitable for guests with limited mobility and those who utilize a wheelchair able to negotiate a few steps to embark and dissembark the coach. Guests are requested to dress in smart-casual attire for this tour: long sleeved, long length dresses/skirt for women and long trousers and smart shirt for men. A minimum number of participants is required for this excursion to operate. The tour sequence may vary. Please be advised that Qasr Al Watan is a Governative Palace still in operation therefore it can be closed without any prior notice for Presidential meetings, Gulf Council meetings and other matters of the Royal Family. In this event, the visit of Qasr Al Watan Palace is replaced with Qasr Al Hosn.

Extravagant shopping malls, gleaming skyscrapers, and mosques studded with intricate carvings all contribute to the Pearl of Qatar's flourishing skyline. A futuristic vision kept grounded by its heritage, this sprawling metropolis's ambitious structures echo the ancient Arabic art that long preceded its rise. Explore the luxurious and fascinating tapestry of interwoven extravagance and tradition that is Doha's trademark, as you soak up the sun, sea, and skyline of this ever-sparkling city. Founded in the 1820s, Doha has grown apace from its pearl-farming village origins. A well of oil riches helped to propel the city on its upward trajectory, fueling a cityscape of twisted metal and glass that shimmers amid the peninsula's desert blaze. Despite the vertical ambitions, you can quickly lose yourself in Doha's tight web of alleyways, as you delve into the oldest souk in Qatar - which swallows visitors up in a cacophony of bartering and bantering. Goods have traded hands here for over a hundred years, and it's still, the place to pick out handfuls of fresh dates and nuts, or perch at restaurants serving up saloona - a heavily spiced and perfumed broth of lamb and soft eggplant. Wander the Corniche's four-mile parade, which unspools at the feet of skyscrapers that glow, jewel-like with multicolored allure as night descends. You'll walk with the vibrant colors of the Persian Bay stretching out next to you. The palm-tree-lined boulevard culminates in the spectacular Museum of Islamic Art, which stands proudly like a giant, glinting sandcastle. Doha may have blossomed rapidly, but it's clear that the ambition doesn't stop here – and the bloom continues in the afterglow of hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Think dreamy Arabian landscapes juxtaposed with uber-modern buildings reaching up to the sky and you have probably pictured Al Manama. The capital of Bahrain, Al Manama, is as old as it is new – vestiges of the 16th-century trade route port remain, while the steel and glass skyscrapers line the streets of the busy financial district. The most notable of these is undoubtedly the 2008 World Trade Centre, a 240-meter, 50-floor twin tower complex housing a five-star hotel and a luxury shopping mall, amongst others. Al Manama was first mentioned in Islamic chronicles in 1345, so expect eons of culture here. The city is still relatively unknown on the tourist trail, which is good news for you. Locals are warm and welcoming and above all, completely genuine. Expect invitations to taste homemade delicacies, and bowls laden with Muslim hospitality and tradition. This is most apparent in the enormous Bab el-Bahrain Souq, which aside from restoration delivers everything from jewelry to carpets. Culture vultures are not to be disappointed. The famous Al Fateh Mosque gives weary travelers a welcome respite. Al Fateh is also known as the Great Mosque, due to its immense size, 6,500 meters squared, and ability to accommodate 7,000 worshipers at a time. The Mosque itself is beautiful with marble floors and glass chandeliers, but visitors should note that it is a Muslim place of worship and traditions must be respected; shoes should be removed, and ladies must cover their heads at all times. The Bahrain National Museum is just a stone’s throw from the Mosque and houses an impressive collection of culture, customs, and history.

3 Included Shore Excursions
Al Manamah City Orientation

• Activity Level - Minimal
• Please note: This tour involves a minimal to moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.3 miles (0.5 km) in total the majority of which at guest's discretion, at times over uneven surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility but not for guests who utilize a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes. Proper attire is required to enter the mosque; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. A head covering is required for women entering the Grand Mosque, and is provided for female guests. Shoes must be removed when entering religious sites; bring an extra pair of socks for comfort. Photography/videography with a personal camera or cell phone is permitted; however, guests must receive permission to conduct professional camera photo shoots in all areas of Bahrain. The tour sequence may vary.

Cultural Bahrain

• Activity Level - Moderate
• Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking and standing for approximately 0.6 miles (about 1 km) in total, at times over uneven surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and 25-30 steps at the National Museum. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and for guests who utilize a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes. Proper attire is required to enter the Grand Mosque; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. A head covering is required for women entering the Grand Mosque, and is provided for female guests. Shoes must be removed when entering religious sites; bring an extra pair of heavy socks for comfort, as the pavement may be hot. Guests must be at least four years old to participate on this tour; minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Photography/videography with a personal camera or cell phone is permitted; however, guests must receive permission to conduct professional camera photo shoots in all areas of Bahrain. The tour sequence may vary.

Desert Delights

• Activity Level - Minimal
• Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking for approximately 219 yards (about 200 metres), at times over uneven and sandy surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and 10-15 steps at the Riffa Fort. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, but is not wheelchair-accessible. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes. Photography/videography with a personal camera or cell phone is permitted; however, guests must receive permission to conduct professional camera photo shoots in all areas of Bahrain. The tour sequence may vary.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and catch up with what you've been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale-watching, catching up on your reading, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shoreside.

Bold, brash, and brilliant, Dubai’s explosion of wealth and wonder has created a dizzying, logic-defying desert wonderland. Boundary-pushing architecture, which gently nods to the region’s past - and a relentlessly futuristic vision - makes Dubai one of the most dynamic destinations on the planet. The hyper-speed transformation, from fishing village to glitzy mega-city, has been truly astounding, and it’s hard to avoid feeling humbled, as you stand dwarfed by cloud-scraping architecture, and some of the most elaborate, audacious engineering projects ever conceived. Fueled by abundant oil reserves, it’s an understatement to say that there is cash to splash here. Whether it’s the gleaming sports cars that purr along the streets, or the luxury shopping malls that are decked out with colossal aquariums and amusement parks, credit cards are flexed with abandon here. The sheer scale of Dubai is stupefying, and the sight of the iconic Burj Khalifa towering over its not-inconsiderable neighbors is surreally spectacular. Rocketing up a staggering 830 meters, the world’s tallest building is an elegant affair, tapering up into the ever-blue sky, and headlining this record-breaking city’s list of architectural wonders. The Dubai Fountain performs here each evening - a blur of color and haze, its waters dance before the almighty tower behind. Dubai isn’t all about the skyward scramble, however, and the Miracle Garden is a vibrant, violent explosion of multicolored flowery landscaping. Elsewhere, white-sand beaches like Sunset Beach grant sanctuary to take it easy, and enjoy splendid views of instantly recognizable buildings like the Burj Al Arab, and the reclaimed islands that fan out across Dubai’s warm sea waters. Desert landscapes of rolling sand dunes raise the pulses of the adventurous while fine-dining and lively nightlife make Dubai a luxury destination that truly has it all.

1 Included Shore Excursion
Dubai City Orientation

• Activity Level - Moderate
• Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking and is not suitable for guests with limited mobility. Not all areas are wheelchair-accessible. An inside visit to the Burj Al Arab is not included. The tour sequence may vary. This tour must be reserved or cancelled 7 days prior to arrival in Dubai.

After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travelers as you disembark today. Then, head to the airport for your flight home.