OMAN & THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Oman – the very name conjures up visions of Arabian nights, fortress-castles, camel trains through barren desert, and bustling ports where prized goods of copper, pearls, silks, and frankincense are being traded. The Sultanate of Oman is perhaps the best kept secret of the Gulf region. Located on the Arabian Peninsula with the Arabian Sea on the east, the Gulf of Hormuz on the north, and Yemen on the south, it is a beautiful and peaceful mountainous country with an unspoiled coastline, spectacular scenery and friendly people. Oman has only recently opened its doors to tourism and in doing so has revealed an ancient way of life that has been unchanged for centuries. In a ranking of 121 countries compiled by the Economist Intelligence Unit of the UK, the Sultanate of Oman was listed as 22nd from the top for its high level of safety and respect for human rights. The United States ranked 96th.

Oman's 12,000 years of civilization is still visible throughout the diverse geography of the country, and a plethora of ancient sites and settlements bear proud witness to a celebrated past. There are four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in this country with four other properties submitted on the Tentative List. During the trip we will visit all eight sites.

The United Arab Emirates, a federation of seven tribally organized sheikhdoms, has a history that goes back 7,000 years. Hundreds of stone cairns dating to 3000 BC have been found at Al Ain that firmly establishes the Bronze Age in the U.A.E.

Join Far Horizons for a 16-day trip through these two fascinating countries. View magnificent mountains and lush green wadis, miles of untouched coastline with glorious sand beaches, and fortified castles and adobe villages. A highlight will be a day trip to Ubar, ancient Shisr, the legendary frankincense trade city that had disappeared under desert sands and was recently found by using NASA satellite photography.

ITINERARY: (B) breakfast, (L) lunch, (D) dinner

Day 1: Depart JFK.

Day 2: Arrive Muscat, the capital city of Oman, stretching for almost thirty miles along the coast of the Gulf of Oman. Muscat’s port has been functioning since the 6th century BC, when the area was ruled by the Persians. Under Portuguese control as a trading post and naval base from 1502 to 1650, Muscat became the capital of an independent Oman when the present dynasty assumed power in 1741. Dinner is on our own this evening. Overnight for three nights at the four-star SAS Radisson Hotel.

Day 3: The Arabian Sea is rich in wildlife and close encounters with whales and dolphins are not unusual. This is the home of schools of spinner, bottlenose, and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, along with sperm and killer whales. This morning we board a boat to motor off the coast in search of these magnificent creatures. Upon returning to shore, our exploration of the old town will begin. With its medieval gates and walls, spectacular harbor, and old forts, Old Muscat offers us an insight into the ancient ways of life. From the sixteenth century until as recently as 1970, this was a walled city where the gates were locked at sunset, and travelers failing to carry a lantern illuminating their faces were arrested. Muscat's charming old buildings co-exist with modern new commercial and residential quarters giving the city a charming ambience. We will see the outside of the Qasr Al Alam Royal Palace, the office of Sultan Qaboos, ruler of Oman. This beautiful building stands on the head of a natural deep water harbor and is guarded on either side by the twin forts of al-Mirani and al-Jelali. These forts in conjunction with the Fort of Muttrah and a host of fortified structures and watchtowers along the rocky ridges of the bay, made Muscat of yore virtually impenetrable. They supplemented the old city's natural defenses offered by the massed rows of rocky hills fringing the bay. Bait Al Zubair Museum is a showcase for traditional Omani crafts and culture including Oman's finest and most comprehensive collections of artifacts from all over the Sultanate. The displays here include traditional Omani weaponry, jewelry, and costumes. We’ll end the day in Muttrah Souk, the market place where those who are interested can be measured for dishdashas, the traditional costume still worn today by Omanis. Dinner this evening will be in a local restaurant serving traditional food. (B/L/D)

Day 4: Today’s adventure will have us traveling by 4-wheel drive along the dazzling coast south of Muscat through sleepy, quaint settlements perched on headlands or nestled among date palm groves at the entrances to wadis bounded on either side by steep cliffs and guarded from above by ancient watchtowers and fortifications. Our final destination is the coastal trade center of Qalhat, one of the oldest towns and seaports in Oman. The city originally stood on a cliff overlooking the sea, but today only remnants of the city walls remain. In the 13th century, it was the main port of trade with the interior and was famous for its export of horses to, and import of spices from India. In the 14th century, the town was destroyed by a major earthquake. An important woman in the community, Bibi Mariam, created the city’s finest mosque. We will visit the ruined city and examine what is thought to be her tomb. The city was described by Marco Polo and visited by the great Moroccan traveler Ibn Battuta in the 14th century. Our lunch will be a picnic. Return to Muscat with dinner on our own this evening. (B/L)

Day 5: Our drive west of Muscat takes us into the hills of the Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountain) where we will view several important sites. Like Yemen, Oman is filled with picturesque fortified adobe villages built around verdant oases. Izki is the only town in Oman which is mentioned in sources of the neo-Assyrian period and has been continuously settled from the third millennium BC until today. In the desert regions, where there are no natural rivers, the impressive aflaj, the system of underground and surface canals, has supplied the water necessary to support Oman’s agriculture for millennia. The ancient falaj, Falaj al-Malaki, still supplies Izki with water. Tanuf is another desert town that was the capital of the warlord Suleiman bin Himyar. In the late 1950s at the request of the sultan, the town was destroyed by British bombers because of its support of the Imamate revolution. In the afternoon, view three of the country’s many diverse fortress-palaces. Bahla, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was begun in the 12th century on pre-Islamic foundations and is the oldest remaining stronghold in the country. Rising above the surrounding plain, Jabrin was created in the 17th century as a summer palace and is the finest example of residential architecture in Oman. The interior still retains exquisite painted ceilings. Nizwa was strategically located at the crossroads of vital caravan routes and was the capital of Oman in the 6th and 7th centuries. Dominating this oasis city, the fort is a powerful reminder of Oman’s turbulent past. The massive central tower soars above the castle and is embellished with parapets, turrets, and secret doorways. Overnight for two nights in the 4-star Golden Tulip Hotel in Nizwa. (B/L/D)

Day 6: Today we travel by 4-wheel drive vehicles. Our first stop is Misfah, a charming medieval village perched on the side of a mountain with lush gardens supplied by the aflaj. As we stroll through the town we will always be accompanied with the sound of rushing water. Moving further southwest, we will begin to see ancient beehive-style tombs and circular towers dotting the nearby hills. Although found in other parts of the world, the earliest domed tombs which can be called "beehive" are in Oman. They were built of stacked flat stones in a rounded shape and created by communities engaged in the valuable copper trade. According to UNESCO's World Heritage List, the Bat Tombs constitute, "... along with neighboring sites, the most complete collection of settlements and necropolises of the 3rd millennium BC." (B/L/D)

Day 7: After visiting Nizwa’s morning cattle market, we drive back to Muscat in time for our afternoon flight to Salalah, located in the Dhofar province of the southern part of the country. We will check into the Hilton Hotel, with lunch on our own. In the afternoon, visit Sumhumram on the banks of the Khor Rori, dating back 3000 years. This was the ancient port where ships were loaded with frankincense to carry to trading centers as far away as Egypt, Greece and Rome, and the strong fortifications built to withstand attack from land or sea display the importance of this precious product. Our home for the next two nights is the 5-star Hilton Hotel built along a stunning stretch of beach overlooking the sea. (B/D)

Day 8: Today we will again travel by 4-wheel drive deep into the remote desert – the Empty Quarter bordering Saudi Arabia. According to legends, Ubar, or ancient Shisr, was a city of immeasurable wealth that flourished due to the lucrative trade in frankincense. One of the world's most valued commodities, frankincense was so prized as a perfume, medicine, and religious incense that it once commanded its weight in gold. Called "the Atlantis of the Sands" by Lawrence of Arabia, this trading outpost was located at the junction of numerous caravan routes. Sometime around 300 AD, Ubar vanished beneath the desert. In 1992, using NASA satellite imagery archaeologists followed ancient tracks that were buried in the sand, some under dunes as high as 30 feet. These trails converged at what is believed to be the remains of the city. Finding Ubar was named one of the ten most important discoveries of the year by Discover, Time, and Newsweek magazines. Ubar, its port of Sumhumram, along with al-Balid and the Frankincense park of Wadi Dawkah were designated by UNESCO World Heritage as ‘The Land of Frankincense’. After visiting Ubar, we will drive to Hanun, a small temple dedicated to the moon god Sin, and through the Frankincense park of Wadi Dawkah. We return to Salalah with dinner on our own. (B/L)

Day 9: Al Balid, or ancient Zafar, was the port from which the famous Omani frankincense and Arabian horses were exported two thousand years ago. Today it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Land of Frankincense, and the site of the first archaeological park in the country. Excavation and conservation has been carried out in conjunction with a German team. Opened in July 2007 at the Park, the Frankincense Land Museum is the latest addition to Oman's heritage and cultural scene. It houses two main halls - the History Hall, depicting the geography and background of the Sultanate through a number of archaeological findings, and the Marine Hall, featuring displays about the development of Oman's rich marine history. A mid-day flight returns us to Muscat. We will have a late lunch at the Bait Adam Museum, with time to view the unique private collection of Omani artifacts. Then it’s on to Bait Al Baranda Museum for an overview of Omani history. Dinner is on our own. Overnight in the SAS Radisson in Muscat. (B/L)

Day 10: Begin today in the magnificent Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. Covering the floor of this immense mosque is the world’s largest hand-woven carpet. Weighing 8-1/2 tons, and created from Swarovski crystal and gold-plated metalwork, the immense chandelier hanging in the central prayer hall is the largest in the world. After walking through this splendid edifice, including its impressive library, we depart Muscat and drive along the Batinah Coast with stops to view five spectacular fortified castles. Imposing Barka with its four soaring towers was the site of the battle to remove the Persians in 1747. Bait Na'man is a charming one-family home, albeit with a daunting wall around it. Nakhl Fort is a breathtaking tribute to the skills of the ancient Omani craftsmen. Built on pre-Islamic foundations, the building soars to almost 100 feet and was self-contained with enclosed wells and rooms to store supplies in the event of a siege. The harem displays period furniture and hand-woven carpets decorate the floors. The fort at Rustaq has stood for more than 1000 years and is, after Bahla, the biggest fortification in Oman. The four huge towers typify Omani defensive architecture. Al Hazm Fort is not open to the public, but if onsite, the restorer will give us a private tour of the building. Continue to Sohar and overnight for two nights in the 4-star Sohar Beach Resort. (B/L/D)

Day 11: Sohar was the main city of trade centuries ago. The city is renowned for its copper deposits, and archaeological evidence points to copper extraction being carried out 5,000 years ago. Begin in Sohar Fort and Museum, where a secret tunnel was dug from inside the Fort to the Wilayat of Buraimi, six miles to the west. It was used as a route to obtain reinforcements and supplies during sieges. This area west of Sohar was mined for copper in ancient times, and we will see a plethora of distinctive beehive tombs from this time period topping the hillsides. Continue to Wadi Jizzi and Arja, where what may be a ziggurat was built that may be the only one on the Arabian Peninsula. As we drive through this copper smelting area we will search for Lusail (al Asayl) copper mine where signs of ancient mining can still be seen. We return to the Sohar Beach Resort with dinner on our own. (B/L)

Day 12: Cross the border into the United Arab Emirates. The United Arab Emirates became independent since its formation in 1971 from seven emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaima, Umm Al Quwain, Ajman and Fujairah). Travel on to the oasis city of Al Ain, the capital of the Eastern Region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Its location between the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, made it a caravan post link for at least five thousands years. Several archaeological sites dating from the Stone Age, the Bronze Age and the Iron Age have been discovered, and the finds are displayed in the Al Ain National Museum. Al Ain has been submitted to the Tentative List of the UNESCO World Heritage. Located a few miles from Al Ain is Hili, an oval-shaped moated Bronze Age settlement with tombs decorated with human and animal reliefs. Continue to the sprawling former palace of the father of today’s president of the UAE. It is now a beautifully restored museum with rooms decorated in traditional furnishing including original pieces from Sheikh Zayed’s personal collection. Dinner is on our own. Overnight in the Grand Mercure Jebel Hafeet Hotel. (B/L)

Day 13: On our drive to Ras al Khaimah, stop to see the old fort of Umm al Quwain. Then drive along the coast with beautiful, ever-changing scenery of sand dunes and the sea beyond. Stop to see Jazirat Al Hamra, the last authentic traditional town still standing in the UAE. Once a small island, its inhabitants subsisted on maritime and pearl trading before they abandoned their houses of traditional coral stone architecture in the middle of the 20th century. View the displays within Ras Al Khaimah National Museum, formerly a fort and the residence of one of the Emirate’s rulers. At Shimal see a number of proto-historic settlement remains, a very extensive contemporaneous cemetery and a medieval fortress locally known as the Palace of the Queen of Sheba. Dinner is on our own. Overnight at Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort in Fujairah. (B/L)

Day 14: Drive to the village and port of Dibba, located at the base of the magnificent Hajar Mountains. To view the fascinating cliffs and deep canyons the drive crosses the Musandam Peninsula on off-road tracks through winding gorges up to a height of nearly 4000 feet. A picnic lunch is served en route. Continue through Wadi Bih with its steep walls of rock and pass through Milayha Hellenistic site at Sharjah on the way back. Dinner is on our own. Overnight for two nights at The Metropolitan Palace Hotel in Dubai. (B/L)

Day 15: The morning is free to relax or explore the city, with lunch on our own. In the afternoon, view the historic sites and vibrant cosmopolitan life of Dubai. We begin with a photo-stop at the famous landmark of Dubai, the Burj Al Arab Hotel, designed to depict a billowing sail. Proceed to Jumeirah, the picturesque palace and residential area of Dubai, also home to the famous Jumeirah Mosque. Continue to Al Bastakiya, the old part of Dubai, to visit the museum located in Al Fahidi Fort. Dubai Creek is the natural seawater inlet that divides the city into two parts. We will cross the creek by Abra (water taxi) to reach the spice souk. As we cross, we will be captivated by the color and bustle of the loading and unloading of dhows which still ply ancient trade routes to places as distant as India and East Africa. There will be time to shop in the most famous landmark of Dubai – the gold souk. Gather for our festive final dinner party at a local restaurant. (B/D)

Day 16: Transfer to the airport for our return flight to the USA.

STUDY LEADER: Derek Kennet received his BA in archaeology from the University of London, Institute of Archaeology and his PhD from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, on his work in the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.). For four years he was the Resident Archaeologist at the National Museum, Ras al-Khaimah, and since 2004 is a Lecturer in the Department of Archaeology, University of Durham. He excavated at Kush in the U.A.E. for five seasons and is an advisor to the Department of Antiquities and Museums of Ras al-Khaimah. Dr. Kennet is the author of numerous publications and four books including The Towers of Ras al-Khaimah, and has been a speaker at conferences in several countries in Europe and the U.A.E. He speaks five languages and is conversant in Arabic. His knowledge of the Arabian Gulf region makes him an especially suitable scholar to lead this trip.

TRIP DATES: December 26, 2009 – January 10, 2010

TRIP COST: $9,895.00 (per person, double occupancy) includes the Oman internal flights; all hotels; most meals (as listed in the itinerary); ground transportation; and entry fees. Please note that the cost of this trip is based on the UAE dirham not going over 0.28AED=$1US. If the fluctuation raises the dirham, our price may go up.

COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: International flights to Muscat and out of Dubai; a donation as outlined below; passport or visa fees; airport taxes; beverages or food not included on regular menus; laundry; excess baggage charges; personal tips; alcoholic drinks; telephone and fax charges; or other items of a personal nature.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $1,795.00. Should a roommate be requested and one not be available, the single supplement must be charged.

FUEL SURCHARGES: Far Horizons must pass on price increases for uncontrollable charges such as flights and other services due to additional fuel charges.

NOTE ON DONATION: As a tour company that benefits from the cultural and natural riches of our destinations, we have a policy of donating to the scientific and cultural projects and museums we visit. This has created a bond between Far Horizons and the academic and local communities that has helped us establish an extensive list of lecturers and contacts in each of our destinations. We ask that each participant write a check to the noteworthy project we designate. The donation amount is $150.00 per person and is made by check directly to the donation project. Note that the donation is required as part of your registration for the trip and that it is non-refundable. We will be designating a donation project for this trip shortly.

NOTE ABOUT MEALS: As we will be visiting several out-of-the-way sites, some of our lunches will be picnics.

PRIVATE TOURS OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES: The private tours of archaeological sites and talks by specialists are scheduled in advance and include a donation to each. Specialists working at these sites are excited about showing their work to interested enthusiasts. However, please be aware that there may be times when the director or a member of the staff may not be onsite when our groups arrive due to other commitments.

REGISTRATION: a deposit of $500.00 is required along with the separate check made out to the donation project and your completed and signed registration form. Final payment is due 75 days before departure. Upon receipt of your deposit and completed registration form, you will be sent a reading list and a clothing and equipment list. An information book designed for this trip, including maps of archaeological sites and articles of pertinent interest, will be sent upon receipt of final payment.

CANCELLATION AND REFUNDS: Cancellations received in writing at least 75 days before departure will result in an administrative fee of $250.00. Cancellations received less than 75 days before departure will not receive a refund. If for any reason you are unable to complete the tour, we will not reimburse any fees. If for any reason you are unable to complete the trip, FAR HORIZONS will not reimburse any fees. It is strongly advised that you purchase travel protection that includes trip cancellation upon registering for the trip.

LIMITED TO 18 PARTICIPANTS