b'THE OMAN EXPERIENCE Scan here for the full THE JEWEL OF THE ARABIAN PENINSULA itineraryWinter 2027 Historical Background10 days In recent years, Oman has seldom been in the public eye but the country Expert Historian: has played an important part in world history for many centuries occupying as it does a crucial strategic and geographical corner to Arabia and the TBCIndian Ocean. Between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries, Oman Activity Level: 2 built one of the most notable non-European empires, spanning both the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean. The southern coast was famous in the ancient world as the source of frankincense. The northern coast was one of The 15th Century navigator, Ahmad Ibn al- the most celebrated seafaring areas of the ancient and medieval world. Its Najdi described the populace of Oman ascontacts with the Middle East, east hospitable and sociable people who loveAfrica, the Indian Ocean islands, strangers. His portrayal of Omans citizens isIndia and Sri Lanka, even South-as accurate today as it was 500 years ago.East Asia and China, provides a While neighbouring oil-rich countries on thekey to an understanding of Asian Arabian Peninsula are building skyscrapers,and African history far beyond its shopping malls and huge convention centres,borders.Oman, the oldest independent state in the Arab world, remains firmly attached to its vivid culture and rich heritage. This 11-day tour begins in Muscat, centre for trade on the historic maritime Silk Roads since the 2nd Century AD. From here we travel by 4x4 inland, traversing the Al Hajar mountain range, gateway to Omans interior. These isolated mountains and wadis are home to wolves, foxes, jerboas and gazelle. We explore the huge forts of the Jebel Akhdar and the communities built around Omans ancient falaj system. We then fly to the southern city of Salalah, where coconut and banana palms replace the ubiquitous date trees of the north. Before flying back to Muscat we will be able to dip our toes in the great sand sea, the Rub al Khali, otherwise known as the Empty Quarter, where there are vast reddish-brown sandDay 1Fly overnight from London to Muscatdunes up to 250 metres (820 ft) in height. Day 2 Arrive Muscat early morning and transfer to hotel Visit National Museum or Muttrah Souq Hotel in Muscat1 night (B,D)Day 3Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Nakal Fort, Al Hamrah Bait SafahMuseum Hotel TBC1 night (B,L,D)Day 4 Wadi An Nakhur, Bahla Fort, Jabreen Fort Tanuf, Nizwa Hotel in Nizwa 2 nights (B,L,D)Day 5 Nizwa Goat Market, Birkat al Mouz, Jabal al Akhdar, Dianas Point,Manah - Oman Through The Ages Museum, Nizwa (B,L,D)Day 6Salut archaeological site and visitor centre Drive to Muscat airportfor flight to Salalah Hotel in Salalah2 nights (B,L,D)Day 7A day exploring the Salalah area Could include Tarqah, Tawi Atair,Wadi Darbat and Sumharam (B,L,D)ESSENTIALS Day 8Al Baleed Archaeological Park, Museum of Frankincense Drive to4-star hotels, meals as indicated,Empty Quarter Overnight in luxury tented camp (B,L,D)drinks with dinner, all entrance fees,Day 9Morning at desert camp Drive to Salalah airportfly to Muscattour manager and expert historianHotel in Muscat1 night (B)throughout, all internal travel, optionalDay 10Fly Muscat to London travel from UK.725926 TCE BROCHURE 2025-26_Aug25.indd 72 22/08/2025 13:35'