UAE Cruise from Abu Dhabi - Costa Smeralda

Day 1: Larnaca - Abu Dhabi

Fly to Abu Dhabi and overnight in hotel in Abu Dhabi.

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 2: Abu Dhabi

Embarkation on Costa Smeralda the ship departs at 23.00.

Day 3 - 5: Dubai

The ship arrives at Dubai port at 08.00 and departs at 13.00 two days later.

Visit 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.

Even these, however, are outshone by the massive Downtown Dubai development at the southern end of the strip, centred on the stupendous new Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, flanked by further record-breaking attractions including the gargantuan Dubai Mall and spectacular Dubai Fountain.

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.

The forest in Dubai it is made of glass: the tallest skyscrapers in the world are found right here. It feels like you’re living in another world.
Care for an aperitif at 650 feet high with an endless landscape in front of you or shopping in the souks with stalls of spices and colorful fabrics.

Day 6: Muscat, Oman

The ship arrives at Muscat port at 08:30 and departs at 19:00.

The Gulf of Oman is beautiful, the port and the city of Muscat reflect the economic power of the Sultanate.
Take advantage of this stop at the port of Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, to discover the capital, which gives off an irresistible charm thanks to its historical and cultural heritage. During your stay, you can visit the majestic and glittering Royal Opera of Muscat, appreciate the modern architecture of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, discover Omani traditions in the beautiful Museum Bait Al Zubair and explore the old town, the historic heart of Muscat.

Not to be missed: Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Royal Opera of Muscat, The old city of Muscat 

Day 7: At sea

Day at your leisure to explore and enjoy Costa Smeralda.

Day 8: Doha, Qatar

The ship arrives at Doha at 07:00 and departs at 17:00

The Aspire Tower in Doha (300 meters) dominates the skylines. It is the highest building of the country, whose shape is akin to a torch. This building is located near the city of sport, which has already hosted events such as the XII Pan Arab games and which will have a central role during the World Cup. Much of Doha, including places of worship such as the new mosque in the Qatar Faculty of Islamic studies, seems to be already in the future. Don't miss a visit to the Pearl, a futuristic artificial circular port which is being developed to the north of the city centre and yet the ancient heart of the city still beats strong. 

In the historical centre of Doha you will find a Suq where everything – from camels to gold – can be exchanged, and the Al Khoot fortress, dating back to the end of the nineteenth century and now converted into a museum. During your cruise to Doha , some excursions will lead you on the discovery of the north of the country and the history of this fascinating Emirate. In Ash Shamal the Al-Zubara fortress rises up from the middle of the desert and dates back to the thirties. The building, which at first sight seems an enormous sand castle, has been completely restored and transformed into a museum. Near the fortress you can also visit the archaeological remains of another, even older, defensive structure, Qal’ at Murair. Also you will find Zubara, a village of traders and pearl divers, a settlement which dates back to the nineteenth century, and later abandoned.

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 9 : Abu Dhabi

Disembarkation on Costa Smeralda at 07.00 and overnaight in Abu Dhabi. 

Day at your leisure at Abu Dhabi.

Day 10: Abu Dhabi - Larnaca

Return flight back to Larnaka.