Middle East Explorer

Fly to Amman, with a change of planes in Dubai

Arrive in Amman and take time to settle into your hotel before a delicious Welcome Dinner.

Travel along the 5000-yearold King’s Highway, starting in Madaba, “the City of Mosaics,” to see the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George. Visit Mount Nebo, believed to be Moses’ burial site, with its early Byzantine church. Later, explore Shobak Castle before proceeding to Petra.

Explore Petra by passing through a narrow sandstone canyon leading to the elaborate Khazneh (treasury). Discover Petra’s many niches, temples, tombs, and Roman theatre.

Visit Siq Al-Barid, or ‘Little Petra’, featuring tombs, temples, and frescoes carved into rock. Then, journey to Wadi Rum, a moon-like desert landscape with towering sandstone pillars emerging from the red desert floor.

This morning, long-skirted legionnaires greet you with cardamom-spiced coffee at the Beau Geste Outpost. A Bedouin guide will lead a jeep tour, sharing tales of Lawrence of Arabia. After, head to your hotel on the Dead Sea, with the remainder of the day at leisure.

Fly to the breathtaking coastal city of Muscat, Oman, nestled on the Arabian Peninsula. This enchanting destination seamlessly combines old-world charm with modern sophistication, featuring spectacular coastal vistas, grand mosques, and vibrant souqs, all framed by the dramatic backdrop of the rugged Hajar Mountains.

Start your tour at Oman’s opulent Grand Mosque, witnessing lavish handmade carpets, chandeliers, and marvellous architecture. Next, visit the National Museum showcasing Oman’s old Islamic architecture and culture. Finally, we continue to the traditional Muttrah Souq, and the Royal Opera House.

Drive through the scenic Hajar Mountains to picturesque Wadi Bani Khalid. Enjoy a short trek to the blue pools, with an option to swim. In Wahiba, witness the impressive Wahiba Sands dunes stretching as far as the eye can see. Drive over the dunes for a special desert dining experience.

Visit a Bedouin house in the wilderness, followed by the 17th-century Jabreen Castle, known for its lavishly decorated architecture. Explore Al Hamra Village, a 400-year-old town featuring remarkably preserved Yemeni-style mud-brick houses, showcasing unique architectural heritage. Next, stroll through the oasis and date plantations of Birkat Al Mauz, and see the ancient Falaj irrigation system, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend the night in Nizwa.

This morning, we explore 19th-century Nizwa Fort, the former seat of Imams (rulers) built over an underground stream. We then drive to Al Ain for our overnight.

Visit Al Ain, the “Garden City, known for its camel souq, thousands of date palms, and 5000-year-old archaeological ruins. Explore the Al Ain National Museum to learn about the country’s culture. Overnight in Abu Dhabi.

Visit Abu Dhabi, where the ancient and modern are artfully blended. Explore one of the world’s largest and most stunning mosques and the mesmerizing waterfront Corniche. We will also see the Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi.

In Dubai, explore the city’s mazes, narrow lanes, and lively souqs. In Bastakiya, see the old Fort Al Fahidi and Dubai Museum, then cross Dubai Creek by Abra boat and see Jumeirah Mosque, an architectural landmark, then go to the Dubai mall and ascend to the observation deck at the Burj Khalifa, the world’stallest building. Later, cruise along the Dubai Marina with traditional Arabic music, a belly dancing show, and a lavish dinner.

Today we enjoy a tour encompassing both Old Dubai and Modern Dubai. Explore iconic sights like the Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah and the Dubai Mall. Tonight we have our farewell dinner overlooking the iconic Dubai Fountain.

After breakfast, we fly home