Desert Days - Celestyal Journey

Day 1: Larnaca - Doha

Fly from Larnaca to Doha and overnight in Doha. 

Day at your leisure in Doha.

The vibrant capital and most populous city of Qatar awaits us with a mix of modern skyscrapers and picturesque souks. 
Doha is located on the central eastern coast of the peninsula of Qatar, only 500 kilometres from the most famous cities of the neighbouring United Arab Emirates: Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Unlike the latter, Doha is not a famous tourist destination but offers some interesting attractions and a glittering skyline that is constantly changing. 

The Mosque of Phanar and the large souks are located in the heart of the Doha's centre. The newly built Mosque is a fine example of Islamic architecture, with the particular spiral minaret, which is perfectly equal from whatever angle you look at it. See it at night too, when it is enhanced by magnificent lighting effects. In the nearby souks, immerse yourself in Middle Eastern flair: colours, scents, typical small shops run by men only, fabrics and traditional dresses. The most valuable part is hidden in the Gold Souk, where gold is sold by weight and is of good quality.

Not to be missed: Mosque of Fanar, Souk, La Corniche promenade

Day 2: Celestyal Journey

Embarkation on Celestyal Journey from Doha. The ship departs at 16.30

Day 3: Bahrain

The ship arrives at Bahrain port at 08.30 and departs at 17.00

Linking east and west, Bahrain – which means “Two Seas” in Arabic – is set among several islands in the Gulf. Bahrain is a small country with a wide range of things to do. Popular pastimes include shopping -either at the country’s large air-conditioned malls or in the colourful souks (markets) – or soaking up the sun on one of Bahrain’s beautiful beaches. The Bahrain F1 Grand Prix held at the Bahrain International Circuit is also religiously followed by residents. Bahrain also has a number of important archaeological sites which are open to tourists, such as The A’ali Burial Mounds thought to be the largest prehistoric cemetery in the world.

Day 4: Dubai

The ship arrives at Dubai port at 10.00 and overnights. 

Day at your leisure to explore Dubai and discover Bur Dubai on the south side of the breezy Creek. It’s the oldest part of Dubai and it offers a fascinating insight into the city’s traditional roots. This is where you’ll find many of the place’s most interesting Arabian heritage houses, clustered in the beautiful old Iranian quarter of Bastakiya and the waterfront Shindagha district, as well as the excellent Dubai Museum and the atmospheric Textile Souk.

The centre of Dubai’s traditional commercial activity, much of it still conducted in the area’s vibrant array of old-fashioned souks, including the famous gold and spice markets. A few kilometres south of the old city centre, modern Dubai begins in spectacular style with Sheikh Zayed Road, home to a neck-cricking array of skyscrapers including the glittering Emirates Towers.

West of the Sheikh Zayed Road, the sprawling beachside suburb of Jumeirah is the traditional address-of-choice for Dubai’s European expats, its endless swathes of walled villas dotted with half a dozen shopping malls and a smattering of low-key sights. At the southern end of Jumeirah, there are more iconic sights in the sleepy suburb of Umm Suqeim, including the wave-shaped Jumeirah Beach Hotel, the extraordinary mock-Arabian Madinat Jumeirah complex and the unforgettable Burj al Arab hotel.

Day 5: Dubai

The ship departs from Dubai port at 10.00

Day 6: Khasab, Oman

The ship arrives at Khasab port at 08.00 and departs at 20.00

Discover the beauty of the fjord-like waters of Musandam - also known as the "Norway of Arabia" - plus pretty fishing villages and Telegraph Island on this relaxing cruise aboard an engine-powered dhow, a traditional Arabian vessel made of wood. As the dhow makes its way through these beautifully calm, turquoise waters surrounded by pure white cliffs, you can take a refreshing dip when the boast anchors in the vicinity of Telegraph Island. And if you are lucky, a friendly dolphin may even stop by to keep you company. And if not, there are always the breathtaking views of mountains rising in the distance to keep you entertained.

Day 7: Sir Bani Yas Island, UAE

The ship arrives at Sir Bani Yas Island port at 09.30 and departs at 20.00

The visit to Sir Bani Yas means relax. It includes a delicious barbecue lunch of succulent burgers and other grilled delights, fresh salads and vegetables, pastries and fruit. And you can enjoy cocktails, ice-cold beers and soft drinks from the island’s six bars.

Entertainment options range from beach tennis and volleyball to paddle boarding and snorkelling, not forgetting gym and dance activities and fun beach parties. Meanwhile, the inflatable water park and kids’ play area will keep children happy all day.

On Sir Bani Yas, just like on the islands of Dalma and the six nearby Discovery Islands, an enormous nature reserve has been designated to species in danger of extinction, be they from the Arabic peninsula or from Africa. 

You can explore a one-of-a-kind island destination. Go horse riding or jeep riding; take your time at wildlife watching hides, then settle down on a traditional dhow for a mini cruise.

On Sir Bani Yas, everyone can enjoy the beach experience of their dreams or experience a safari like no other between the mangroves, the desert and the protected bay areas.

Day 8: Abu Dhabi

The ship arrives at Abu Dhabi port at 08.00 and departs at 19.00

The blockbuster attraction at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island is a dream excursion for any F1 fans. The “world’s biggest indoor theme park”, it offers a wide range of Ferrari-themed rides and displays which will appeal both to kids and grown-ups, including the chance to drive an F1 simulator or to ride the Formula Rossa roller coaster (the world’s fastest) or to experience race-day acceleration in the G Force “tower of speed” – as well as numerous gentler family-oriented rides. 

Dedicated motorsports enthusiasts will also enjoy the big display of classic and contemporary Ferraris, and the virtual tour of the firm’s famous Maranello factory. Some 15km from central Abu Dhabi, the mighty Sheikh Zayed Mosque dominates all landward approaches to the city, its snowy-white mass of domes and minarets visible for miles around and providing a spectacular symbol of Islamic pride at the entrance to the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

Completed in 2007, the mosque was commissioned by and named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan, who lies buried in a modest white marble mausoleum close to the entrance. The mosque is one of the world’s biggest and certainly the most expensive, having taken twelve years to build at a cost of around US$500 million. It’s also unusual in being one of only two mosques in the UAE open to non-Muslims.

Day 9: Doha

The shp arrives at Doha port at 08.00

Day at your leisure and overnight. 

Day 10: Doha - Larnaca

Flight Doha to Larnaca.