Oman: Arabia s Ancient Emporium 5 NOV 20 NOV 2014

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1 Oman: Arabia s Ancient Emporium 5 NOV 20 NOV 2014 Tour Leaders Code: Dr Erica Hunter Physical Ratings A tour of Oman incl. the Musandam Peninsula combining dramatic landscapes with visits to fascinating museums, mosques, crenellated forts, medieval ports, Bronze Age sites and turtle-watching.

2 Overview Tour Highlights Dr Erica C. D. Hunter, Senior Lecturer in Eastern Christianity, Department for the Study of Religions, School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, leads this 16-day tour of little known, extraordinarily diverse Oman. Muscat, with its lively Muttrah Souq, fascinating museums and the fantastic Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque showcasing the best of Islamic art Impressive crenellated medieval fort at Nizwa and its souq, famous for silver jewellery The extraordinary tombs of Bat, a UNESCO heritage site, the best preserved Bronze Age settlement in the Middle East Dramatic landscapes, ranging from the spectacular 'Grand Canyon' to the monumental desert dunes at Wahiba Sands where we camp under the stars The medieval port of Sur with its ship-building yard where skilled craftsmen continue to build the traditional dhows and fishing boats Salalah with its frankincense trees, and Sumharam, the 'frankincense port', on the southern coast of Oman Turtle-watching at the Green Turtle Sanctuary, located at Ras al Jinz, the easternmost tip of the Arabian Peninsula Musandam Peninsula with its majestic mountains that plunge into spectacular fjords The Sultanate of Oman is one of Arabia's best kept secrets, an idyllic land where majestic mountains dramatically descend towards deserts and large oases surround medieval fortified towns and castles. The colourful and immaculately dressed people are immensely courteous in welcoming visitors to their seafaring nation, the legendary home of Sinbad. Overview Come and join renowned scholar Dr Erica C. D. Hunter, Senior Lecturer in Eastern Christianity, Department for the Study of Religions, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London on an exploration of an extraordinary land. A bountiful heritage created Oman's distinct culture - a world harking back as far as 5,000 BC, when this region influenced the development of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. Luxuriant oases, Bedouin camps, sumptuous palaces, pre-islamic, Islamic and Portuguese forts, tribal fortified houses and villages with colourful souqs, all reveal themselves in this under-visited land. We'll journey to walled desert towns, ancient and medieval cities, including the extraordinary tombs at Bat a UNESCO World Heritage Site and possibly the best preserved Bronze Age urban settlement in the Middle East and fairy-tale forts including Nizwa, famed for her silver jewellery souk. Medieval ports are orientated towards Asia and East Africa, including the atmospheric medieval city of Sur where we'll view skilled craftsmen who still produce dhows and fishing boats by traditional techniques. Holy shrines and mosques are set against a superbly diverse environment of rugged mountains, vast sandy deserts, palm groves, and stunning white beaches on the Gulf of Oman. Desert landscapes are relieved by brilliantly green wadis, majestic mountain ranges, plantations of dates and bananas, and the frankincense tree, still harvested today at Salalah and Sumharam, a frankincense trading entrepôt on Oman's southern coast. We'll spend an evening watching nesting turtles at the Green Turtle Sanctuary at Ras al Jinz, where the Gulf of Oman meets the Indian Ocean at the easternmost tip of the Arabian peninsula. We'll visit wonderful museums and mosques, including the remarkable Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat showcasing the best of Islamic arts, Omani arts and crafts. An ASA exclusive is our journey to remote Al Khasab on the on the Strait of Hormuz, where we'll make a full-day excursion by 4WD to Jebel Harim (2087m) the highest mountain in the region, then cruise through the spectacular fjords of the Musandam Peninsula. The Sultanate of Oman is one of the Middle East's best-kept secrets: an idyllic land where majestic mountains and deserts frame cities populated by colourfully dressed and immensely courteous people, eagerly welcoming visitors to their seafaring nation, homeland of the legendary Sinbad. Page 2

3 Leaders Dr Erica Hunter Senior Lecturer at London s School of Oriental & African Studies & world authority on Mesopotamian Christianity & its spread to the Gulf, Iran, Central Asia & China, Erica leads ASA s Oman tour. Dr. Erica CD Hunter BA, MA, DPhil, PhD (Melbourne) SOAS University of London Department of the Study of Religions Senior Lecturer in Eastern Christianity Dr. Erica C D Hunter is Senior Lecturer in Eastern Christianity, and Head of the Department for the Study of Religions, at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. From an old Queensland family, she was born in Melbourne, and gained her PhD from the Dept. of Middle Eastern Studies, University of Melbourne in She continued her work in Aramaic and other Semitic languages, including Ancient South Arabian, at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, before going to England in 1984 to the erstwhile Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Cambridge where she was Affiliated Lecturer in Hebrew and Aramaic between In 1987, her researches took her to the Iraq Museum, Baghdad where she continued her work on the collections until mid Between she was the Gertrude Bell Fellow of the British School of Archaeology in Iraq (now the British Institute for the Study of Iraq). Major publications include: Catalogue of Aramaic and Mandaic Incantation Bowls in the British Museum (British Museum Press: London, 2000) [with J.B. Segal], The Christian Heritage of Iraq: Collected Papers from the Christianity in Iraq I-V Seminar Days (Piscataway, N.J.: Gorgias Press, 2009) and Catalogue of Syriac Texts from Turfan (Stuttgart: Steiner Verlag, 2014). She is currently editing a book, Non-Muslim Communities of the Contemporary Middle East commissioned by I.B. Tauris, London. She is an international authority on Mesopotamian Christianity and its spread through the Gulf (including Oman), Iran, Central Asia and China. Her particular interest in Oman stems from when she stayed at the British Residence in Muscat, whilst en route to Australia, affording her opportunities to travel extensively. Apart from her experience as a lecturer in Oman, she has led numerous tours in diverse places: Ethiopia, north-west China, Central Asia, Armenia and Georgia, as well as in both the eastern and western regions of Turkey. Page 3

4 Itinerary The following is a draft itinerary. The daily activities described in this itinerary may change or be rotated and/or modified in order to accommodate alterations in opening hours, flight and ferry schedules. Participants will receive a final itinerary together with their tour documents prior to departure. Meals included in the tour price and are indicated in the itinerary where: B=breakfast, L=Lunch and D =evening meal. Al Khasab, Musandam - 2 nights Day 1: Wednesday 5 November, Dubai Al Khasab Check-in and Welcome Meeting Dhow cruise to the fjords of Musandam We arrive at Dubai Airport with Emirate Airlines in the early morning. After clearing Passport Control and Customs we shall then make the two-hour journey to the northern tip of the Arabian Peninsula to Al Khasab on the Strait of Hormuz, just opposite Iran, and surrounded by the United Arab Emirates.Our journey takes us along the coast through Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Ajman. Following hotel check-in and some time at leisure, our program commences with an introductory/welcome meeting. We shall then transfer to Al Khasab harbour where we board a dhow for a cruise through the western inlet, Khaw ash Shamm, to view the spectacular fjords of Musandam, with its villages clinging to the side of the majestic Hajar Mountains, and the famous telegraphic island. Until recently the Musandam Peninsula was largely cut off from the rest of Arabia; apart from the remains of a small Sassanian settlement on an island just to its north and of a Portuguese fort at Al Khasab, few traces of foreign contact remain from earlier times. It wasn t until the British explorer Bertram Thomas described Musandam after a brief visit in the 1920s that it became known to the outside world. During the cruise there will be an option to swim and snorkel. Lunch will be provided on board. This evening we dine together at the hotel. (Overnight Al Khasab) LD Day 2: Thursday 6 November, Musandam Peninsula Al Khasab Fort Page 4

5 Qayadh Pre-historic Rock Art, Wadi Tawi 4WD drive to Jebel Harim, Khawr Najid & Birkhat Khalididya Park This morning we depart by 4WD to visit the Al Khasab fort, built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, as well as the pre-historic rock engravings (depicting, amongst other animals, several fine camels) at Wadi Tawi. Next we drive to Jebel Harim, the highest mountain in Musandam (2087m) which has an unsurpassed panorama of the landscape. Note: The upper area of this mountain is a Military Camp and not accessible to visitors. Later we drive to Khawr Najid with its equally stunning sea views and then to Birkhat Khalididya Park, a natural park with a multitude of acacia trees and (as the name implies) an ancient water catchment system still in use. (Overnight Al Khasab) BLD Muscat - 2 nights Day 3: Friday 7 November, Al Khasab Muscat Fly from Al Khasab to Muscat Tour of Muttraq and Muttraq Souq Following some time at leisure this morning, we take a flight from Al Khasab to Muscat. In the early evening we visit the Muttrah souq, one of the most popular souqs in the Middle East. We shall walk through its labyrinthine alleyways, which display a bewildering array of merchandise, from imported fabrics to exotic Oriental spices, perfumes, wooden carvings and richly handcrafted jewellery. In this regard it is worth recalling that the Omanis were considered amongst the finest silversmiths within the Arab world. A visit to this frenetic, pulsating hub of Muscat s old quarter is a must, giving a real sense of the vitality of trade that has always sustained Oman s economy. (Overnight Muscat) BLD Day 4: Saturday 8 November, Muscat Bait Al Zubair Museum Zawawi Mosque Forts of Miran and Jali Grand Mosque We commence early this morning on a tour of Muscat by coach. Although Muscat was in use for anchorage from at least the 1st century AD, the city did not develop into an important trading port until the medieval period and by the 15th century had become one of the busiest harbours in the East, an economic entrepôt that traded with Asia and East Africa. The natural harbour is enclosed within a volcanic bowl and is framed by the great forts of Miran and Jalali that were constructed by the Portuguese during the sixteenth century to guard the entrance which, by this time, had become Portugal s main naval base in the region. Until recently, these forts served as prisons, whose shackled inmates could still be seen climbing the steep stairs! Our first visit will be to the Bait Al Zubair, a private museum that houses traditional Omani items and is owned by His Excellency Mohammad Al Zubair, Advisor to His Majesty, The Sultan for Economic Planning Affairs. Its exquisitely displayed exhibits include collections of Omani weaponry, jewellery, clothing, household objects, books, photographs, paintings, maps, and other items which demonstrate the richness of Omani heritage and culture. A fine collection of photographs, prints, and maps details the changing face of Muscat, the capital of Oman, as well as examples of both rural and urban traditional Omani architecture. Next, we drive through Oman s exclusive residential area of Shati Al Qurum with its elegant villas to stop outside the Zawawi Mosque which, with its ribbed golden dome, is arguably the most exquisite mosque in Oman. We then stop for a short time outside the magnificent Al Alam Palace, the official residence of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, the ruler of Oman. The palace (constructed in 1972) is an architectural masterpiece and sits in an historic location, framed by the great forts of Mirani and Jalali. Our first visit will be to the Grand Mosque, the major place of worship in the Sultanate that is distinguished by lavish and opulent architecture reflecting the rich artistic heritage of Islam. This extraordinarily beautiful modern mosque was gifted by Sultan Qaboos to the Omani people. (Men: shorts and sleeveless shirts should not be worn in the mosque. Women: must cover their body so that only face, hands and feet are visible please bring a headscarf; abayas can be provided). We also drive through Oman s exclusive residential area of Shati Al Qurum with its elegant villas and embassies. (Overnight Muscat) BLD Jebel Akhdar - 2 nights Day 5: Sunday 9 November, Muscat Wadi Beni Auf Jebel Akhdar Seeb Fish Market Nakhal Fort Page 5

6 Wadi Beni Auf, and picnic lunch Balad Sayt Village At 0800am we depart by 4WD, first stopping at the Seeb Fish Souq, then continuing our drive inland through plantations of date palms to the village of Nakhal where we shall visit the Nakhal Fort, perched on the foothills of the Western Hajar Mountains. This fort once served the Imams of Bani Kharous and the Ya arubah dynasty although its earliest remains are thought to pre-date the Islamic period. During recent restoration the fort has been refurbished with traditional furniture, handicrafts and historic relics. The ceilings, doors and windows are enlivened with beautiful carvings. The roof-top offers a fantastic panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. The old village of Nakhal that nestles below the fort leads to the famous warm springs of Nakhal shallow spring waters surrounded by lush green date plantations and steep mountain peaks-situated at the end of an attractive oasis. From Nakhal we continue our journey through one of the most impressive wadis, Wadi Bani Awf, with mountains rising on either side, waterfalls, crop terraces, date palm oases and houses built into a steep hill. Here we shall enjoy a picnic lunch. In the afternoon we continue our journey across to the village of Balad Sayt and hence to the spectacular Jebel Akhdar. This area encompasses the great Saiq Plateau, at 2000m above sea level. It consists of a labyrinth of wadis and terraces where the cooler mountain air and greater rainfall supports the region s famed market gardens and orchards of pomegranates, apricots and other fruit. (Overnight Jebel Akhdar) BLD Day 6: Monday 10 November, Al-Dakhiliyah Region Al Hamra Wadi Ghul and village of Nakhar Jebel Shams Today we commence our exploration of the Al-Dakhiliyah Region. This dramatic, mountainous area has spectacular scenery, including Jebel Shams (Oman s highest mountain), Wadi Ghul (the Grand Canyon of Arabia) and Jebel Akhdar or Green Mountain, so-named because it is the fruit bowl of Oman. In addition, some of the country s best inland forts are located in this governorate, including those at Nizwa and Bahla, both of which we shall see. Tucked away within this breathtaking landscape lies Wadi Nakhar, the Grand Canyon of Oman, a spectacular gorge that cuts into the southern flanks of the al-hajar mountains. Created by the earth s movement in which the Eurasian plate moved over the Arabian tectonic plate, it is estimated that the mountain range was heaved in to the mountain range nearly 100 million years ago. The rock formations of the landscape now contain elements that originally occupied the earth s bedrock such as oceanic limestone making the venue an elemental melting pot worthy of exploration. Another attraction is the rich birdlife that is found in the region. A track at the end of the Grand Canyon leads us to the nearby village of Nakhar, which affords spectacular views of the gorge s waters. At the village, visitors can purchase hand-woven carpets and rugs directly from the weavers. These stunning creations, dyed in shades of black, bright red and brown, represent the best of traditional textiles. (Overnight Jebel Akhdar) BLD Nizwa - 2 nights Day 7: Tuesday 11 November, Al-Dakhiliyah Region Bahla Fort Village of Al Ayn (including 1km walk) Picnic lunch near Beehive tombs Beehive tombs of Bat Evening visit to Souq We depart early by 4WD for Bahla village, which is surrounded by a twelve-kilometre adobe wall, originally punctured by seven grand gates. Bahla was once known as a centre for magic and sorcerers; today it is well known for its skilled potters. Just to the south of the village and rising above the vast sea of palm groves is the Bahla fort; largely rebuilt in the early seventeenth century and today a World Heritage site. The Qalat Bahla (Bahla Citadel) is one of four historic fortresses situated at the foot of the Jebel Akdar highlands. It was built in the 13th and 14th centuries, when the oasis of Bahla prospered under the control of the Banu Nebhan tribe. The fort s ruined adobe walls and towers rise some 165 feet above its sandstone foundations. Nearby to the southwest is the Friday Mosque with a 14th-century sculpted mihrab. Closed for many years, the fort underwent extensive renovations and was re-opened in Page 6

7 Our next stop is the village of Al Ayn; in the distance rises Jebal Misht (Comb Mountain) one of Oman s most majestic landmarks with its south-west wall rising over 1000 metres and presenting rock-climbing challenges. On a ridge with Jebal Misht as its dramatic backdrop, are a series of beautifully preserved stone beehive tombs which are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The settlement and necropolises of Bat form the most complete and best-known site of the 3rd millennium BC and reflect the increasing sophistication of settled life, which took place during the Bronze Age when copper mining in Magan (the ancient name for Oman) was an important source of revenue. In the evening there will be an optional visit to Nizwa s souq, followed by a group evening meal at the hotel. (Overnight Nizwa) BLD Day 8: Wednesday 12 November, Al-Dakhiliyah Region Nizwa Fort & Souq Lunch in a Mountain Home & walk through terraced fields We start the day by visiting Nizwa s great fort, the oldest and most impressive in all of Oman. This seventeenth-century round tower fort was built to guard the strategic Sumail Gap which leads from the interior to the Omani coast. Constructed on a solid base of rock, the huge crenellated tower was designed to withstand the vibrations of its twenty-four cannons; it remained the seat of government for Oman for some three hundred years. The Nizwa Fort was designed with various ingenious methods of repelling marauding invaders. Among these were murder holes, slots through which defenders could pour boiling date syrup on the heads of attackers as they entered the stairs. From the top of the tower there is a superb panoramic view of the city and the surrounding plains with large stands of deep green palm date trees. Nizwa is still an important centre for Omani date farming some 40 varieties of dates are cultivated. Dates are the dried fruit is a staple in Oman. Mid-morning, we have some time to explore the Nizwa souq, which is renowned for its intricately hand-carved Khanjars (Omani silver daggers) and ornately designed silver jewellery. After lunch in the picturesque mountain village of Saiq, we will then spend the afternoon on a pleasant walk through the terraces and villages of the plateau, following the track from al-aqr, which is famous for its roses to al-ayn and al-shurayjah perched on the cliffs and affording spectacular views of the wadi below. As we walk we will see the falaj or traditional open-channel irrigation systems that bring the luxuriant fertility to these villages. We will spend the night in Nizwa where we will have a group meal. (Overnight Nizwa) BLD Wahiba Sands 1000 Nights Camp - 1 night Day 9: Thursday 13 November, Nizwa Sinaw Ibra Wahiba Sands Sinaw Village Market Ibra Lunch a Al Sharqiya Sands Hotel 4WD across to Wahiba Sands in time for Sunset view After an early buffet breakfast we continue our journey by 4WD to Sinaw s Thursday market, one of the oldest Bedouin markets in Oman. Filled with local people in their colourful costumes, the souq is divided into various sections including a bazaar for household goods and textiles, a section for fresh fish and meat, and an area where domestic animals like camels, cows, goats and sheep are displayed for auction. Further east, we also visit Ibra, the second largest city in the Ash Sharqiyah Region of Oman. Ibra is one of the oldest cities in Oman and was once a centre of trade, religion, education and art. The city acquired its importance as an important meeting point at the base of the Ash Sharqiya. After lunch at the Al Sharqiya Sands Hotel we continue our journey to the beautiful Wahiba Sands, traversed by the great British explorer Wilfred Thesiger in The Sands, a vast sea of undulating red and white sand with dunes rising up to two hundred metres, support a wide variety of flora and fauna. The ever-changing patterns of the dunes are a photographer s delight. The Wahiba Sands are also home to the powerful Wahiba Bedu tribe (regarded by Thesiger as aristocratic ) who are known for their hospitality and their knowledge of the desert. The drive to our campsite is like a roller coaster ride. Upon our arrival the staff will serve us welcome drinks (tea / coffee / soft drinks) and then we shall have a BBQ evening meal. (Overnight Campsite in Wahiba Sands) BLD Sur - 2 nights Day 10: Friday 14 November, Wahiba Sands Sur Wadi Bani Khalid Private fort of Al Kamil Sur Souq We rise early, departing at 8.00am and travel by 4WD passing through the Eastern al- Hajar mountains with their striking rock formations and offering panoramic vistas of the landscape far below. En route, we will see many traditional mudbrick villages nestling deep in the mountains. The road finally winds down to Wadi Bani Khalid (Valley of the sons of Khalid), considered to be one of the Page 7

8 most beautiful wadis in all of Oman and forming an emerald splash in an otherwise stark landscape. We park our vehicles and continue on a short trek to the deep blue pools of the wadi, that is fringed with lush vegetation, where, if you wish, you may enjoy a swim in the extremely clear water. After our refreshing swim at Wadi Bani Khalid, we continue through the Sharqiyah region to the family fort of the Hshami Sheikhs of Al Kamil. Here we shall have lunch and view the interior of the fort which contains a private collection built up by a family member who has retired, at an early age, from the service of Sultan Qaboos. This rather eclectic collection includes ceramics, coins and various documents. Mid-afternoon we continue to our destination, the port of Sur that is situated on the Omani coast. At this regional capital we will stay two nights, giving us time to explore its medieval alleys and visit its boatyards, whose ships sailed to distant ports in Asia and East Africa and where skilled craftsmen still make these craft. One of the greatest medieval ports in the Middle East, the strategic location of Sur enabled ships to make use of the north-east monsoon to reach East Africa. Ships would leave Sur and other Omani ports in November and reach Zanzibar, the main port-of-call around mid-february. The return voyage, before the south-west monsoon, would see them back in Oman by early May. Until the nineteenth century, Sur remained an extremely important shipyard, responsible for the manufacture of the great wooden ghanjahs and baghalas which plied the oceans from Arabia to India and back. The Belitung ship (carrying porcelain from China, on the sea-route to Arabia) now on display at Sentosa island, Singapore is thought to have been built at Sur. The late afternoon is at leisure, giving time for exploration of the old parts of Sur and foraging in the Sur Souq. (Overnight Sur) BLD Day 11: Saturday 15 November, Sur Ras Al Jinz Sur Visit Dhow Building Yard Maritime Museum (subject to opening in 2014) Harbour Cruise Ras Al-Jinz, a Sanctuary for Green Turtles This morning we visit the ship-building yard at Sur where skilled craftsmen continue to build the traditional dhows and fishing boats, as they have done for centuries. After this practical demonstration, we will visit the Maritime Museum, that gives a comprehensive coverage of the distinctive ship-building techniques of the Omani master boat-builders. Please note that the Maritime Museum is currently under construction and may not yet be open. We shall also board a dhow, as countless travellers have done over the centuries, and take a short tour of Sur s harbour from which we may view the Sur Fort and Ayja Peninsula village with its old merchants houses. In the late afternoon we drive to Ras al Jinz, to see the green turtles which nest on this magnificent beach, which is the eastern-most point on the Arabian peninsula. Here excavations by the British Museum uncovered a sherd with Harappan writing, linking Oman with the Indus Valley in Pakistan giving real evidence of contacts with Asia more than five millennia ago. After our early evening barbecue dinner, we will watch the green turtles, which come ashore on the beach to nest, returning to our hotel in Sur by road at approximately midnight. (Overnight Sur) BLD Muscat - 1 night Day 12: Sunday 16 November, Sur Qalhat Wadi Tiwi Wadi Shab Muscat Qalhat & Bibi Miriam Wadi Tiwi Bimmah Sinkhole This morning we rise early and at 0800hrs board our 4WD vehicles to drive along the rugged and scenic coastal route back to Muscat. The journey along the coastline offers breathtaking glimpses of the blue waters of the Gulf of Oman offset by pristine white beaches. On clear, sunny days, while driving along the coast, one may see sharks in the deep blue water. You may also see elegant gazelles sprinting across the landscape. As we continue south the road hugs the coast, passing many gravel beaches and tidal pools. Our first stop, Qalhat, was described by Marco Polo as possessing a very good port, much visited by merchant ships from India. Although it has lost its former glory, the remains of its houses, streets, and cisterns as well as an abundance of pottery sherds, are scattered over a wide area. Nearby we view the enigmatic mausoleum built by Bibi Miriam in memory of her husband. Its powerful form and robust structure were much admired by the 14th century Moroccan traveller Ibn Battuta. Today it stands out as a sign of vanished glory overlooking the sea and the now silted up creek once cluttered with moored vessels from the Indian Ocean. We continue our journey along the coastal highway to Wadi Tiwi, a spectacularly deep and narrow gorge carved out of the mountains, running between towering cliffs right down to the sea. Its traditional villages are surrounded by lush plantations of date and banana, Page 8

9 criss-crossed with a network of gurgling aflaj. We shall walk though the date trees and dense banana plantations and enjoy a picnic lunch. Our last stop will be at the picturesque Bimmah Sinkhole, set on the first of several wave-cut terraces, created by changes in sea level at the base of the mountain. If you wish you may take a dip in the vibrant emerald-tinted waters of its 20m-deep pool. The ground beneath sinkholes normally consists of easily dissolved rocks such as limestone, carbonates and salt beds. When groundwater flows through these rocks, it eats away at them, leaving behind subterranean holes and caverns. When the roof of one of these caverns collapses, the land above it falls in too, leaving giant holes such as this impressive one. (Overnight Muscat) BLD Salalah, Dhofar - 3 nights Day 13: Monday 17 November, Muscat - Salalah Morning flight to Salalah Frankincense Land Museum Haffah Souq, Salalah s Traditional Market & waterfront, Dhofar Following an early breakfast we proceed to Seeb International airport for our flight to Salalah. Late morning we arrive in Salalah (Al Balid of the Middle Ages), a tropical paradise, justifiably considered the garden city of the south; and transfer to our hotel for lunch. This afternoon is devoted to visiting the Frankincese Land Museum. Opened in July 2007 at Al Balid Archaeological Park, a UNESCO heritage site located in Salalah, the Frankincense Land Museum is the latest addition to Oman s heritage and cultural scene. It houses two main halls, namely the History Hall, depicting the geography, history of the ancient Frankincense trail and the historical 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 complete history of the Maritime trade & ship building industry of Oman could be experienced here, with meticulously carved replicas of the ancient boats & ships of the Omani Maritime trade. The afternoon program ends with a visit to the Haffah Souq, Salalah s traditional market famous for the sale of high quality Frankincense & numerous other Dhofari traditional souvenirs. We shall also walk along Dhofar s corniche, where single-storied houses are dwarfed by tall swaying palms and see the Al Husn Palace, summer residence of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, which stands at one end of the promenade. (Overnight Salalah) BLD Day 14: Tuesday 18 November, Salalah Taqah Sumhuram Mirbat Salalah Taqah Fort & Fishing Village Ruined city of Sumhuram Mirbat, ancient capital of Dhofar Tomb of Mohammad Bin Ali This morning we depart by private coach to begin our tour by visiting the fishing village of Taqah, an old town with a white-washed castle surrounded by watchtowers and stone houses. It is well known as the source of much of the stone utilized in buildings in Salalah and even Muscat. We then drive to the ruins at Khor Rawri. Formerly known as Sumhuram, it was one of the great entrepôts of the trade in frankincense, spices, textiles, and other precious items, which flourished between India, Arabia Felix and the Mediterranean some two thousand years ago. Excavations, most recently by an Italian team, have produced evidence of an ancient city with trade links as far afield as India and further east and Spain in the west. Mirbat, the ancient capital of Dhofar and of the Minjawis (a community of Persian merchants), was an important town as early as the ninth century. It was known for its trade in frankincense, horses and slaves. We shall see some of its old houses, famous for their beautifully carved wooden doors and windows. If we are fortunate we shall also witness boatloads of fish arriving into the harbor. We shall also visit one of Dhofar s best-known historic monuments, the tomb of Mohammad bin Ali al Alawi, who died in 1135 AD. This twin-domed mosque and tomb complex is a fine example of the region s medieval architecture and recalls similar tombs in the great Wadi Hadramat, further south in Yemen. We shall also visit one of Dhofar s best-known historic monuments, the tomb of Mohammad bin Ali al Alawi, who died in 1135 AD. This twin-domed mosque and tomb complex is a fine example of the region s medieval architecture and recalls similar tombs in the great Wadi Hadramat, further south in Yemen. (Overnight Salalah) BLD Day 15: Wednesday 19 November, Salalah Nabi Ayoub Mughsail Beach Salalah Nabi Ayoub Frankincense Plantations Continue along coast to Wadi Ashawq Mughsail Beach Page 9

10 This morning we depart Salalah to visit the tomb of the Biblical Prophet Job ( Nabi Ayoub ), perched high up in the mountains. From here, we continue our journey south along the coastline towards Wadi Ashawq. En route are spectacular views of the plains, mountain landscape and emerald green pastureland. As we progress further south, the views towards the Yemen border become more and more breathtaking. Everywhere the stark shapes of leafless frankincense trees (Boswellia Sacra) dot the landscape. Once traded as a commodity more precious than gold, and purchased in prodigious quantities by the Romans and others for their sacrificial rites, frankincense harvested in Dhofar is rated the best in the world. Next, it s on to Mughsail with its high cliffs and unspoilt beaches, some with blowholes through which seawater gushes at high tide. (Overnight Salalah) BLD Day 16: Thursday 20 November, Salalah Dubai Day at leisure Evening departure for Dubai Today is at leisure in Salalah, affording well-deseerved opportunities to relax and rest by the splendid beach. Alternatively one might indulge in some last-minute shopping in Salalah or simply spend time in one of the hotel s sumptuous lounges. In the early evening, participants departing on the ASA designated flight with Emirates will be transferred to the airport for their flight back to Australia (via Dubai). B Page 10

11 Accommodation 16 Days in Oman Accommodation will be provided in twin-share rooms with private facilities in locally rated 3-5 star hotels. In the Wahiba Sands we spend one night at the 1000 Nights Camp which is of basic standard - camp in tents with shared facilities. All hotels provide rooms with private facilities. A hotel list will be given to all participants prior to departure. Al Khasab, Musandam (2 nights): 4-star Atana Khasab (formerly the Gold Tulip) - a resort hotel located in Khasab, on the Musandam Peninsula. The hotel offers 60 air-conditioned rooms with either sea or mountain views. Barr Al Jissah, Muscat (2 nights): 5-star Shangri-la Al Waha - a luxury resort hotel designed in traditional Dhofari style, located at Barr Al Jissah, 17kms from Muscat. Jebel Akhdar (2 nights): 3-star Sahab Hotel - a unique boutique hotel situated the Saiq plateau at 2004m above sea level, on Jebal Al Akhdar mountain. It offers breathtaking views of sunrise and sunset. Nizwa (2 nights): 3-star Falaj Daris Hotel - a comfortable, modern hotel located 4kms from the town of Nizwa. Wahiba Sands (1 night): 1000 Nights Camp - basic standard, camp in tents with shared facilities. The Bedouin camp is made up of black Bedouin wool sleeping tents and bathroom/toilet cabins (WC and shower) and a large Bedouin tent which acts as a reception area and restaurant. The sleeping tents have traditional Bedouin mattresses, a customary wooden box (used for storage and as a table), and authentic textile decorations. Sur (2 nights): 3-star Sur Plaza Hotel - a modern hotel located in the picturesque city of Sur. Muscat (1 night): 5-star Shangri-la Al Waha - a luxury resort hotel designed in traditional Dhofari style, located at Barr Al Jissah, 17kms from Muscat. Salalah (3 nights): 5-star Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah - set amongst 42 acres of lush, landscaped gardens which lead to the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Note: hotels are subject to change, in which case a hotel of similar standard will be provided. Page 11

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13 Tour Price & Inclusions AUD $ Land Content Only - Early-Bird Special: book before 31 Mar 2014 AUD $ Land Content Only AUD $ Single Supplement For competitive Economy, Business or First Class airfares and/or group airfares please contact ASA for further information. Tour Price (Land Content Only) includes: Accommodation in twin-share rooms with private facilities in locally rated 3-5 star hotels. In the Wahiba Sands we spend one night at the 1000 Nights Camp which is of basic standard - camp in tents with shared facilities. Meals, indicated in the itinerary, where: B=breakfast, L=lunch & D=evening meal Transportation by air-conditioned coach and 4WD vehicles Airport-hotel transfers if travelling on the ASA 'designated' flights Porterage of one piece of luggage per person at hotels (not at airports or at the 1000 Nights Camp) Lecture and site-visit program Tour Reference Book Entrance fees to forts and museums Domestic flights: Al Khasab Muscat (Day 3) & Muscat/Salalah (Day 13) Bottled water during all excursions Tips for the coach driver, Omani guide and restaurants for included meals. Tour Price (Land Content Only) does not include Airfare: Australia - Dubai, Salalah - Australia Personal spending money Airport-hotel transfers if not travelling on the ASA 'designated' flights Luggage in excess of 20 kg (44 lbs) Travel insurance Visa for Oman. Page 13

14 Physical Endurance & Practical Information Physical Ratings The number of flags is a guide to the degree of difficulty of ASA tours relative to each other (not to those of other tour companies). It is neither absolute nor literal. One flag is given to the least taxing tours, six to the most. Flags are allocated, above all, according to the amount of walking and standing each tour involves. Nevertheless all ASA tours require that participants have a good degree of fitness enabling 2-3 hours walking or hours standing still on any given site visit or excursion. Many sites are accessed by climbing slopes or steps and have uneven terrain. This 16-day tour involves: Visiting sites where you will encounter steps (eg Forts), cobbled streets (mountain villages), rocky and uneven ground, slopes and steep walks Excursions undertaken in a convoy of 4-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles. They include a number of long-distance journeys along winding coastal and mountain roads. Participants will be divided into vehicles taking between 3 5 passengers, in seating configurations that ensure that everyone enjoys a window seat. Meals include a number of picnic lunches. Other considerations: 2 internal flights: Al Khasab to Muscat (Day 3) & Muscat to Salalah (Day 13) Dhow cruise to the fjords of Musandam (Day 1) Visitors are only allowed to drink alcohol in licensed restaurants and hotels. Alcohol is strictly prohibited at the 1000 Nights Camp You must be able to carry your own hand-luggage. Hotel porterage only includes 1 piece of luggage per person. Porterage is not available at the 1000 Nights Camp. It is important to remember that ASA programs are group tours, and slow walkers affect everyone in the group. As the group must move at the speed of the slowest member, the amount of time spent at a site may be reduced if group members cannot maintain a moderate walking pace. ASA tours should not present any problem for active people who can manage day-to-day walking and stairclimbing. However, if you have any doubts about your ability to manage on a program, please ask your ASA travel consultant whether this is a suitable tour for you. Page 14

15 Please note: it is a condition of travel that all participants agree to accept ASA s directions in relation to their suitability to participate in activities undertaken on the tour, and that ASA retains the sole discretion to direct a tour participant to refrain from a particular activity on part of the tour. For further information please refer to the Terms and Conditions section. Practical Information Prior to departure, tour members will receive practical notes which include information on visa requirements, health, photography, weather, clothing and what to pack, custom regulations, bank hours, currency regulations, electrical appliances and food. The Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade website has advice for travellers see: Visa Requirements A visa is required for most foreign nationals. ASA will assist tour participants in obtaining their visa. The current charge is approx $30.00 US, which is not included in the price of the tour as charges are subject to change at short notice. Note: passports must be valid for at least six months after departure from Oman. To process your visa application ASA will require a photocopy of the front page of your passport together with your completed visa forms no later than 60 days prior to your departure. Clothing It is important that women dress modestly, for example long skirts or dresses (below the knee) with long sleeves. Tight fitting clothes must be avoided and although this is not strictly followed by Westerners, it is far better to adopt this practice and avoid causing offence. Shorts should never be worn in public and beachwear is prohibited for anywhere except the beach and hotel facilities (note: please do remember to bring your swimsuits as there will be a number of occasions where you will have the opportunity to swim). During visits to mosques women will also be required to wear a head-scarf. Luggage This tour requires that you take a minimum of luggage and that your suitcase is suitable for rough conditions. Please consider: The majority of excursions are undertaken using 4WD vehicles where your luggage will be carried in racks on top of the vehicle. Strict luggage allowance applies to the domestic flight between Muscat and Salalah. Alcohol Visitors are only allowed to drink alcohol in licensed restaurants and hotels. Note: not all hotels included in this program are permitted to serve alcohol. The consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited in the desert (eg during our stay at the 1000 Nights Camp). Booking Conditions Make a Reservation ASA RESERVATION APPLICATION FORM Please complete the ASA RESERVATION APPLICATION and send it to Australians Studying Abroad together with your deposit of $ per person in cash or cheque (payable to Australians Studying Abroad). It is important that you read the Terms and Conditions at this stage, and that you sign the reservation form. If you are booking within 75 days of the tour full payment is required. Refund of Page 15

16 Powered by TCPDF ( deposit, less $ service fee ($ $35.00 GST) per person, will be given when cancellation is made before Friday 30 May Your deposit is non-refundable after this date. For further cancellation conditions please refer to the section entitled 'TERMS & CONDITIONS. Travel Insurance It is a condition of travel that you are covered by some form of international travel insurance. Note, travel insurance may not cover costs incurred due to a pre-existing illness or other conditions. Your insurance can be arranged through ASA. All participants must provide no later than 75 days prior to the commencement of the program: a copy of your travel insurance certificate the emergency telephone no. of your insurance company Passport Details All participants must provide no later than 75 days prior to the commencement of the program a photocopy of the front page of their current passport. Single Supplement Payment of the single supplement will ensure accommodation in a single room throughout the tour. The number of single rooms available is extremely limited. People wishing to take this supplement are therefore advised to book well in advance. Page 16

17 ASA Reservation Form Please complete one form in block letters and sign, for each participant. Additional copies may be requested from ASA or this form may be photocopied (both sides please). Parental signature is required for participants under 18 years of age. Please mail this form with the appropriate deposit (cheques should be made payable to Australians Studying Abroad P/L) to: P.O. Box 8285, ARMADALE, VICTORIA, On receipt of this reservation form and deposit, ASA will process your booking and send you tour confirmation. Tour Name Air Arrangements Please circle your preference: A. I wish ASA to book my airfare using the designated flight from Australia to connect with the arrival group transfer. B. I wish ASA to book my airfare, however they will be independent of the group travel arrangements. I wish to depart from (city in Australia) on (date) The following is an indication of the itinerary I wish to follow (eg-melbourne to Amsterdam for 5 days then to Paris for 4 days, then to join the tour starting in Rome). Your ASA travel consultant will be in contact with you to discuss your options. C. I will be arranging my air fare independently and taking the Land Content Only option. Tour Accommodation Please book the following accommodation: (Circle your preference) A. As included in the basic tour price. Please indicate your preference: [ ] Twin-bedded room or [ ] Double room** ** Many hotels do not provide double-bedded rooms, in this case you will be confirmed in a twin-bedded room. I wish to share with: Note: Twin-share accommodation for participants travelling without a companion can usually be arranged provided adequate notice is given to ASA. In the event that this is not possible, payment of the single supplement will be required. B. In single room accommodation. (Supp. $ ) ADDITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS Should you require additional travel arrangements, such as rail, accommodation, hire car or tours, please contact your ASA consultant. Correspondence The fastest way for ASA to correspond with you about your travel plans is by . Please indicate your preferred method of receiving correspondence from ASA [ ] Postal Mail [ ] Address (please print clearly): HOW DID YOU FIND OUT ABOUT ASA? Would you kindly circle from where you first heard about ASA and the tour you are booking on: ASA Mailing List Friend/word of mouth Kenneth W. Park Susannah Fullerton Sabrina Hahn John Patrick Richard Heathcote/Carrick Hill Other Stephen Crafti Look Magazine NGV Magazine Gardening Australia Magazine Open Gardening Scheme ABC Radio Friends of the Royal Botanic Gardens, UWA Extension University Department National Trust Magazine La Trobe University Alumni. Member No. Melbourne

18 ASA Reservation Form APPLICANT DETAILS ** WARNING: All travel documents must be issued with your correct passport name!** TITLE Mr Mrs Ms Miss Dr Other FIRST NAME (as in passport) Preferred FIRST NAME MIDDLE NAME (as in passport) SURNAME (as in passport) POSTAL ADDRESS STATE POSTCODE TEL. (AH) ( ) TEL. (BH) ( ) Mobile Tel: Date of birth: FAX ( ) address GENDER Male Female Smoker Non-Smoker It is important that all information regarding dietary requests is correct. Please complete the following carefully: Airline meals: Standard Vegetarian (incl. eggs & dairy) Vegetarian (no eggs or dairy) Other (specify) Meals during the tour: Please tick ( ) if you require a standard meal on tour - no special dietary requirements: Please tick ( ) if you CAN NOT eat any of the following: fish Standard tour meals poultry red meat dairy product s eggs pork Please specify if you have any further dietary requirements or food allergies: Frequent Flyer Membership # (if taking group airfare): Name of Airline Airline Seat preference (please note request only): PASSPORT DETAILS Increased world security requires that your travel documents and all in-country local reservations exactly match your passport name. It is therefore essential that if you have a current passport with at least 6 months validity from date of return into Australia a photocopy of the first page is sent to ASA with this reservation form. Please tick the applicable box below: I have enclosed a copy of my current valid passport please tick ( ) I have travelled with ASA since January 2008 and ASA should have a copy of my current passport on file please tick ( ) My passport is not current or does not have at least 6 months validity from date of return into Australia please tick ( ) ** I am applying for a new passport and will forward a copy to ASA as soon as I have received my new passport please tick ( ) ** ** If a copy of your passport is not enclosed, please advise your Nationality: MEDICAL CONDITIONS ASA s tours require, on occasion, a substantial amount of physical exertion. The purpose of seeking this information is to assist ASA in determining the suitability of a tour participant for a particular tour, and to address how ASA may be able to make reasonable accommodation to cater for those tour participants, where only a minor modification may be needed. The information will be treated in the strictest confidence. If ASA has any concerns based on the information provided by you, it will contact you to discuss those concerns and may request further information or clarification of the information previously provided. Please outline whether you suffer from any medical conditions in any of the following areas: Respiratory Spinal Cardiac, including Blood Pressure Allergies Sight/Sound Mobility Any other condition which may affect your ability to participate on this tour? Person to notify in case of emergency Name Relationship to Traveller Address Telephone If any details requested on this form are not yet available, please still forward your form and communicate these details at a later date. I have enclosed a deposit of $ for this tour. I understand that this deposit is subject to the cancellation fees as outlined in the BOOKING CONDITIONS section of the tour itinerary. LIABILITY RELEASE: Please read carefully and sign the following: I have read the itinerary and related information pertaining to this tour of which I am a participant that has been designed and conducted by Australians Studying Abroad Pty Ltd. I am aware of the terms and conditions of the tour relating to refunds and cancellations, responsibility and liability. I understand that there are inherent dangers and risks that may occur with this tour, known or unknown, relating to but not limited to air, coach, car and ship travel, walks, camera equipment, accidents and/or illnesses and acts of nature, man or God. I also understand that the itinerary, accommodation and guest lecturers scheduled for this tour may change due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness, political considerations or personal emergencies. In consideration of the right to participate in this tour, I hereby release Australians Studying Abroad Pty Ltd and its agents, associates or related parties from all responsibility for damages, injuries, losses or delays due to any reason whatsoever and hereby assume all risks and dangers in connection with the tour. Date Signature(s)