Nestled in the southeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula is the Sultanate of Oman, the legendary land of frankincense. Only recently has archaeological research begun shedding light on Oman's distant past—from the first arrival of humans some 125,000 years ago to the development of a flourishing trading culture during medieval times. Today, oil-rich Oman has a stable government and economy, and its capital, Muscat, has been transformed into a thriving modern city. Yet, in the Omani countryside, the past is never far away.

In this extraordinary archaeological and historical tour, we explore Iron Age tombs, ancient frankincense trading centers, medieval fortified castles, and beautiful mosques. It's a once-in-a-lifetime journey that combines deep history, timeless beauty, and the traditional hospitality of the Arab people.

Appreciate the full sweep of Omani history as you visit archaeological and historical sites dating from the Bronze Age through the modern era

Explore the Rub al-Khali (or Empty Quarter), where archaeologists have discovered the "lost" city of Ubar buried beneath the desert sands

Discuss themes in Arabic and Islamic art, culture, and civilization, and learn about the importance of frankincense in Omani history

Enjoy traditional Bedouin hospitality during a visit to a private home in the Wahiba Sands

Experience modern Oman, with its intriguing blend of old and new—from traditional souks (markets) and camel auctions to exquisite mosques and bustling capital city

 

Scholar

Dr. Jeffrey Rose is a Research Fellow at the Institute of Archaeology and Antiquity, University of Birmingham, UK. Since 2000, Dr. Rose has directed an archaeological project in Oman, which was featured in the BBC documentary "The Incredible Human Journey." Although his research focuses primarily on human origins, his other professional interests include rock art, underwater archaeology, and mythology.

Also joining us at various times throughout the tour will be several Omani scholars.

Summary Itinerary

A detailed itinerary is available in the program brochure (PDF). Itinerary subject to change.

Sunday, November 6
Arrival in the capital, Muscat; transfer to hotel (no meals)

Monday, November 7
Introduction and program overview; Muscat city tour, Grand Mosque, Old Muttrah Souq (traditional market), Bait Al Zubair Museum, Al Alam Palace, Iron Age site of Bausher; lodging in Muscat (B, L, D)

Tuesday, November 8
Muscat to Nizwa: En route, tour Nakhi and Rustaq forts, Al Ayn and the World Heritage site of Bat; lodging in Nizwa (B, L)

Wednesday, November 9
Nizwa and vicinity: Nizwa Fort, Jabrin Fort, Al Hamra, Hasat bin Sult (rock art), Misfah, Wadi Ghul, Wadi Nakher, and Wadi Tanuf; lodging in Nizwa (B, L)

Thursday, November 10
Nizwa and vicinity: Sinaw market and camel auction, Samad A'Shan oasis (meet traditional weavers), Samail, Manal; lodging in Nizwa (B, L, D)

Friday, November 11
Nizwa to Wahiba Sands: Nizwa Souq and cattle auction, Al Mudayrib, Ibra market, visit traditional Bedouin home; lodging at 1000 Nights Camp in the Wahiba Sands (B, L, D)

Saturday, November 12
Wahiba Sands to Sur: Eastern Hajar Mountains, Wadi Bani Khalid, Jaalan Bani Bu Ali Mosque, Ras al-Jinz Scientific Center (green turtle sanctuary); lodging in Sur (B, L, D)

Sunday, November 13
Sur to Muscat: Sur shipbuilding yards, Qalhat (Bibi Mariam's Tomb), Bimmah Sinkhole, Dibab, Wadi Arbaeen; lodging in Muscat (B, L)

Monday, November 14
Muscat to Salalah: morning at leisure; afternoon flight over the Wahiba Sands to Salalah; lodging in Salalah (B, D)

Tuesday, November 15
Salalah and vicinity: Taqa, Khor Rori Creek and the World Heritage site of Sumhuram, Wadi Darbat nature park, Mirbat, Bin Ali's Tomb; lodging in Salalah (B, L, D)

Wednesday, November 16
Rub al-Khali (the Empty Quarter): Hanun, "lost" city of Ubar; lodging in Salalah (B, L)

Thursday, November 17
Salalah and vicinity: Al Balid (part of the World Heritage Land of Frankincense), Job's tomb, Mughsail Beach, farewell dinner and closing program; lodging in Salalah (B, L, D)

Friday, November 18
Departure: Morning flight from Salalah to Muscat for connections home (B)

 

Optional Post-Trip Extension to the United Arab Emirates:

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven states, or emirates—Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain, and Fujairah—formed in 1971. Its recent history has been shaped by the oil boom of the 1970s and 1980s, but the region was once home to largely maritime peoples with ancient roots.

Friday, November 18
Muscat to Al Ain (Abu Dhabi); lodging in Al Ain (B)

Saturday, November 19
Al Ain: Al Ain National Museum and fortress, Bronze Age city of Hili, Palace Museum, camel market, Jebel Hafeet; lodging in Al Ain (B, L, D)

Sunday, November 20
Dubai: Royal palaces, Jumeirah Mosque, the Bastakia, Al Fahidi Fort (Dubai Museum), water-taxi ride to souk; lodging in Dubai (B, L)

Monday, November 21
Ras Al Khaimah: pre-Islamic sites of Ad Dur and Nader Shah Watch Tower, National Museum, local souq, camel racetrack, ostrich farm, Dhayah Fort; return to Dubai for farewell dinner; lodging in Dubai (B, L, D)

Tuesday, November 22
Departure from Dubai (B)

B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner