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| Explore — Worldwide 2008/09 |
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Page Text Content
EGYPT & MIDDLE EAST
OMAN
Exploring Omans rugged interior
NEW! Heights of Oman
OMAN " UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Glistening domes of Muscat
Ref
OJ
Sultanate of Oman
15 DAYS HOTELS/DESERT CAMPS/DHOW AN UNKNOWN CORNER OF ARABIA
TREKKING GRADE B/C
JFMAMJJASOND JFMA
Ref OMM
9 DAYS HOTELS/GUEST HOUSE/PERMANENT CAMP/WILD CAMP EXPLORING OMAN'S
JFMAMJJASOND JFMA
SECRETS AND DESERT
Sultanate of Oman Ref OMM Arabian Seatrek Ref MS Arabian Sands Kumzar Ref OM HIYUT BEACH
cruise Dibba
AM
f Hormuz I R A N it o 3-day tra dhow SKHASAB
Sharjah
KHASAB
AQQA
Snorkelling
ND
LIMAH
medieval falaj irrigation systems are still in use. A culture steeped in tradition, livestock auctions are likely to be as animated today as they were in the heyday of the nearby 17thcentury Jabrin fort. Next we traverse the Akhdar (green) Mountains for stunning views of Arabia's own Grand Canyon and return to Muscat. Arabian Seatrek Completely seperated from the main body of Oman by a stretch of land belonging to the United Arab Emirates, Musandam has developed distinct language dialects and cultural mores. We spend this week sailing around the coast and islands off the Strait of Hormuz. We visit many of the local villages and have plenty of chances to swim and snorkel in the warm Arabian waters before returning to Dubai.
The journey takes us to the land of traditional villages, ancient traders and dramatic scenery. Trekking across plateau's, landscapes and visiting remote mountain villages, the tour is a great way to experience Oman's tranquillity and rich culture much of which is still relatively undiscovered.
Desert Landscapes Departing from the village of Birkat Al Mauz, we trek in the spectacular and rugged interior of Oman's landscape and experience the isolation and peacefulness of its terrain. Overnight in camps beneath the desert sky giving the opportunity to reflect on the days events spent amongst captivating landscapes. We travel by 4WD to the green mountains of the Jebel Akhdar with its villages scattered on the mountainside with terraced fields of fruit, cherry blossom and saffron all creating a palette of colours and scents. We then cross the Sayq Plateau which is famed for its abundance of roses and its spectacular views into Wadi Mistall and then head for the lush landscapes of the Al Hamra area. Muscat & Oman Gulf We return to the Gulf of Oman coast where you can spend some time relaxing or trying Driving in the Jebel Akhdar
Heights of Oman Ref OJ
GULF OF OMAN
Beach resort, Watersports & swimming Mosque, Forts & Royal Palace
AL SAWADI
MUSCAT
Muttrah
OMAN
MU
DUBAI
Walking tour Abra trip
ul f m an
U A E
H A Souq G A R M O U N T Jeb Rustaq A I N el S Ak SHARAF hd SAYQ PLATEAU ar AL ALAMYN Walk & wild camp Wild camp
AL HAMRA
Tented camp Misfah via Tanuf Nizwa Souq & fort 2493m
SA
Dibba
G O of
UAE
Holy city
Royal capital
OMAN
Birkat Al Mauz Village walk km
0 60
NIZWA
Jabrin Fort Sinaw
MUSCAT FINNS BEACH
Wadi Shab Khalid Dhow building Sur
OMAN
W A H I B A CAMP S A N D S
Naidah
QAHID BEACH
SAUDI ARABIA km 0 250
FACTFILE
Itinerary Day 1 Fly London/Muscat. 2 Arrive Muscat; tour of the capital. 3 Drive via Wadi Shab to Finns Beach. 4 Drive via Sur's dhow shipyards to Qahid; beach camp. 5 Drive through the desert; camp in the Wahiba Sands. 6 Continue to Nizwa. 7 In Nizwa; full day excursion to Tanuf and Jabrin fort. 8 Visit Nizwa goat auction; drive via Jebel Shams (Grand Canyon) to Muscat. 9 Free in Muscat; PM drive to Aqqa. 10 Drive Dibba & board dhow. 11 Cruise Khor Habliyan into fjord for swim and on to Musandam Island. 12 Through Strait of Hormuz to Kumzar for village visit and on to Nadifi and Qanaha villages; overnight Khasab. 13 Visit goat market then 4WD excursion into Musandam interior; continue to Dubai. 14 Walking tour of Dubai; free for optionals (balloon flight, camel riding, skiing). 15 Fly London. Accommodation & Meals: 9nts hotel, 3nts camping, 2nts dhow; 14 breakfasts, 7 lunches & 5 dinners included. See insert p2. Mode of Travel: 4WD Vehicle/Bus/Dhow. Comment: An action-packed adventure, exploring the wilds of Oman, with time to relax on board the dhow. Be prepared for camping wild on the beaches and dunes. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Leader plus driver(s), captain, cooks & crew on dhow. Group Size: Approx. 12 to 15.
WAHIBA SANDS
Beach camp
Oman is one of the friendliest and scenically beautiful countries in Arabia. We discover the surprising variety of its texture, which ranges from dramatic sand-dunes and wadis, to fertile highland villages. These lands also boast a breathtaking coastline, which we explore by traditional dhow.
Muscat & the Coast After discovering Muscat Omans progressive capital we load up for a 4WD adventure along the coast. We visit the dhowbuilders of Sur before immersing ourselves deep into the natural beauty of this amazing country, as we enjoy the pleasure of swimming in freshwater pools at Wadi Shab and wild camping on deserted beaches. Wilderness & Wahiba Sands Journeying inland into the ethereal stillness of the Wahiba Sands an awe-inspiring sea of dunes up to 200m in height we camp under the stars in this vast isolated wilderness, distant from modern civilisation hoping to meet bedouin families as we go. Coast to Coast In and around the holy city of Nizwa we gain an insight into yet another side of Oman. We discover a country where water is perhaps more precious still than oil; where hillside villages are painstakingly terraced and
out a variety of watersports at one of the resorts tranquil private beaches which overlooks the Islands of Al Sawadi. We have the opportunity to discover more about the heritage and history of the country when we explore the bustling souks and imposing forts of Omans cultural capital, as well as seeing the spectacular Grand Mosque, the Royal Palace and historical Forts. Mountain Villages Visiting isolated communities like Misfah and Balad Sayt gives a great opportunity to meet the local population who normally have little interaction with western cultures. There are a number of occasions to sample the traditional cuisine and delicacies including lunch being served in an Omani home as well as observing the features of mountain villages including the architecture, farming procedures and traditional irrigation systems.
Request a tour dossier for comprehensive tour information
ARABIAN SEA
FACTFILE
Itinerary Day 1 Fly London/Muscat. 2 & 3 Walk in desert area and mountain villages. 4 Visit Niza fort and souq; PM walk. 5 Full day walk to Sharaf Al Alamyn. 6 AM walk and swim stop. Transfer to Al Sawadi Beach resort. 7 Rest day by beach (optional watersports). 8 Sightseeing tour of Muscat. 9 Fly London. Accommodation & Meals: 2nts Hotel, 2nts Guest house, 1nt Permanent Camp, 3nts Wild Camp; 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 4 dinners included. See insert p2. Mode of Travel: Charter bus/On foot /4WD vehicle. Comment: Contrasting landscapes through a wide variety of terrain, we walk for a number of days with Day 6 being the most strenuous (optional) although there is a great chance to rest in comfortable surroundings by the beach after the time in the mountains and desert. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader plus driver, some local guides. Group Size: Approx. 12 to 15.
On the Dhow/Chris Bradley
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