Max group size: 110

Itinerary

Thursday, February 17

Depart USA

Depart USA in the evening on your independent flight to Dubai.

Friday, February 18

Arrive Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Arrive in Dubai late this evening, transfer to our hotel for overnight.

Saturday, February 19

Dubai / Embark Clipper Odyssey

Dubai rises from the desert like a mirage. A gleaming 40-year-old, modern city steeped in 5,000 years worth of tribal heritage, Dubai is a veritable crossroads of past and future. In the morning we visit several must-see sites including the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, followed by lunch and a dhow cruise across Dubai Creek with a stopover at Sheikh Saeed’s house. This afternoon we visit the Dubai Museum before concluding our tour with photo stops at the iconic Burj Al Arab and the Jumeirah Mosque. Embark the Clipper Odyssey this evening and be on deck for magnificent views of the illuminated skyline as the sun sets behind the city.

Sunday, February 20

Abu Dhabi

Oil revenues make Abu Dhabi, the capital of the seven sheikdoms comprising the UAE, the richest of them all. Our full-day visit includes a drive through this “Manhattan of the Gulf,” passing by the Grand Mosque, the palace and ruler’s office, and spotless city parks. Admire the intricate construction of a traditional sailing dhow as we pass the fishing harbor. We return to the Clipper Odyssey for lunch via the picturesque Corniche Road. Spend the afternoon at leisure with the opportunity to dine on your own at one of Abu Dhabi’s fine restaurants.

Monday, February 21

Sir Bani Yas Island

A fine example of proactive conservation and re-foresting, this once-barren and desolate island has been transformed into a lush land-scape populated by gazelles, Arabian oryx (once on the brink of extinction), and more than 80 species of birds, including greater flamingos. After breakfast onboard, we go ashore (permission pending) by Zodiac to take nature walks and appreciate the visionary largesse of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who made this transformation a reality.

Tuesday, February 22

Manama, Bahrain

The Kingdom of Bahrain—a name that translates as “Two Seas”—is the only Arabian island-nation in the world. This morning we visit the Grand Mosque and National Museum for an introduction to Bahrain’s historic and cultural legacies. We then move from the ancient to the modern, visiting prehistoric royal burial mounds, a 17th-century Portuguese fort later used by the Omanis to invade Bahrain in 1800, and the former palace of Sheikh Isa Bin Ali, whose lengthy rule extended from 1869 to 1932. From the causeway leading to the mainland, we are treated to a panoramic view of the island.

Wednesday, February 23

Doha, Qatar

Qatar is the world’s smallest Arab community by population; only 400,000 Qataris inhabit this angular peninsula. We visit the National Stables to learn about the famed Arabian horses, the oldest known breed of riding horse. The busy camel and sheep markets present exceptional photographic opportunities, while the produce markets and main souqs offer a mélange of goods from dates to spices to gold. View the city from the attractive Corniche Road, which overlooks the picturesque dhow harbor. Or, board 4x4 vehicles to travel inland for an adventurous off-road safari into the desert’s golden sand dunes.

Thursday, February 24

Sharjah, UAE

Today we visit Sharjah, the UAE’s major heritage center known for its meticulous preservation of a unique Arabian lifestyle and Islamic culture. Sharjah’s culture is showcased in the former homes of wealthy inhabitants, now converted into museums. The Al Naboodah House illustrates the life of a well-to-do pearl-trading family. We also plan to visit the American University of Sharjah founded in 1997 by Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the UAE and Ruler of Sharjah. Or, browse in the Al Markazi souq to view the UAE’s largest selection of carpets and handicrafts.

Friday, February 25

Al Khasab / Musandam Peninsula, Oman

We anchor in the busy port town of Al Khasab to visit the 16th-century Portuguese fort and Old Town. Board local dhows adorned with colorful Oriental carpets and cushions to explore the rugged fjords of the Musandam Peninsula. These winding waterways reveal towering limestone cliffs which drop vertically into the turquoise sea. We make a stop at Telegraph Island, the site of the Gulf’s first telegraphic station installed by the British in 1864, where we have the opportunity to swim and snorkel off the side of the dhow. Keep an eye out for schools of leaping dolphins as we make our way back to the Clipper Odyssey.

Saturday, February 26

Fujairah, UAE

An enclave of the UAE, Fujairah separates two sections of Oman, and is the only emirate located outside the Arabian Gulf. After a photo stop at the dramatic fortress that presides majestically over the town, we explore Fujairah Museum’s excellent ethnographic displays. Then continue inland to Bithna Oasis, with its impressive fort guarding the Hajar Mountains, and Bidiya Mosque, the oldest mosque in the UAE, before descending to the coastal town of Dibba, a charming Mediterranean-flavored fishing village where life slows to a leisurely pace. We also visit the town of Masafi, where fresh water springs provide the UAE with an abundant supply of drinking water, and peruse the colorful roadside market filled with an array of souvenirs, clay pots, and artifacts.

Sunday, February 27

Muscat, Oman

Closed to outsiders until recent years, Oman is one of the world’s only two sultanates—the other being Brunei. Today, we explore the capital city of Muscat, a fascinating blend of traditional architecture, elegant 18th-century colonial mansions, and modern, aesthetically-pleasing buildings. We drive past elegant villas to photograph Zawawi Mosque, an exquisite example of Islamic architecture. View the magnificent Al Alam Palace of Sultan Qaboos, which is set between the twin 400-year-old turreted Portuguese forts of Jalalai and Mirani. We then explore Bait al Zubair, a private museum housing traditional Omani items—weaponry, jewelry, and paintings. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure and explore the souq, one of the finest in Arabia, followed by dinner on your own in town or aboard the Clipper Odyssey.

Monday, February 28

Nizwa / Muscat

In the enchanting ancient capital of Nizwa, a historic seat of Islamic learning, we explore the 17th-century round Tower Fort, highlighted by a climb up the impregnable tower for panoramic views. We visit the beautiful oasis of Bahla and its sprawling fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose walls and towers were constructed of unbaked brick. Nearby is Jabrin Castle, an exquisite example of 17th-century Omani architecture, its ceilings adorned in Islamic inscriptions and astrological designs. After lunch we stop at the lush green oasis of Birkat-Al-Mauz to view its two-tiered falaj—a traditional irrigation system. If desired, enjoy dinner in town before embarking the Clipper Odyssey for an evening departure.

Tuesday, March 1

Sur

Known as a major dhow-building hub, Sur is a combination of seafaring town, fishing village, and trading port. After a photo stop at the captivating three-story domed lighthouse we immerse ourselves in modern-day local culture with a visit to the bustling seaside fish market to watch the fishermen bring in their morning catch. Later we comb the stalls of the Sur souq searching (and bargaining) for unique treasures to remind us of our journey. At the dhow yard, admire the handiwork of the skilled craftsman who still hand-plane every plank of wood that goes into these lovely Arabian sailing ships; the very same vessels that have been used for trade for over two centuries. We make a stop at the Sanseela Fort before returning to the Clipper Odyssey for lunch and to set sail for Salalah.

Wednesday, March 2

At Sea

As we cruise along the southern coast of Oman, we spend the day learning more about local culture and customs from our lecture team and recap our journey through the Arabian Sea.

Thursday, March 3

Salalah / Disembark Clipper Odyssey

Described as “a flavor of Zanzibar in the heart of the Arabian desert,” Salalah is a colorful subtropical oasis comprised of palm-fringed beaches and verdant pastures, with a rich ethnic diversity. Our busy day commences with a tour of Taqah, a quaint fishing village, and a visit to the recently-excavated city of Samhram, believed to be Arabia’s ancient frankincense capital. Immerse your senses in the Al Husn Souq—Salalah’s lively market where stalls are piled high with myrrh, incense, frankincense, and colorful bottles of perfume. We also have photo opportunities at the Sultan of Oman’s stately palace and the Shanfari Mosque. After lunch aboard the Clipper Odyssey and our final disembarkation, we make an important stop at Job’s Tomb, a must-see historical monument set amongst the Qara Mountains and overlooking the Jubriah plain. Continue on to the Salalah airport for your independent evening flight homeward.

Friday, March 4

Arrive USA

Flights arrive home today.

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