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THE
FRANKINCENSE TRAIL: MUSCAT, UBAR & SANA'A
World
Heritage Tour of Oman & Yemen |
 |
This
tour takes us back to catch a glimpse of some of the most
well known events that have shaped the history of mankind.
We explore 1500 years of history that surround the famed "Frankincense Trail";
the Hadhramut Kingdom of the Queen of Sheba and her husband
King Solomon, the trail of Magi
and the Three Wise Men who traveled on this route to pay
homage to the infant born in Bethlehem over 2000 years
ago, the long surviving desert culture, and a lot more.
An artistically tailored itinerary, this is a journey
of reminiscence through two of history's most intriguing
countries.
|
Tour
Summary
|
Map |
Day
|
Place
|
|
01
|
Muscat |
|
02
|
Muscat / Nizwa |
| 03 |
Muscat
/ Salalah |
|
04
|
Salalah
/ Dhofar |
|
05
|
Salalah |
|
06
|
Salalah
/ Ubar |
|
07
|
Ubar
/ Al-Ghaydah |
|
08
|
Al-Ghaydah
/ Mukalla |
|
09
|
Mukalla
/ Wadi Hadramaut / Al-Hajarain/Seyun |
|
10
|
Seyun
|
|
11
|
Seyun
/ Shabwa / Marib |
|
12
|
Marib
/ Sana'a |
|
13
|
Sana'a |
| 14 |
Sana'a
|
|
|
 |
UNESCO
World Heritage Sites Visited
This tour has been tailored to include the following World
Heritage Sites |
|
World
Heritage Sites in Oman covered on this tour |
|
Bahla Fort (1987) |
The
Oasis of Bahla owes its prosperity to the
Banu Nebhan which dominated other tribes in
the area from the 12th to the end of the 15th
century. The ruins of the immense fort, with
walls and towers of earthern brick and foundations
of stone, provides a remarkable example of
this type of fortification and attests to
the power of the Banu Nebhan. |
| The
Frankincense Trail (2000) |
The
frankincense trees of Wadi Dawkah and the
remains of the caravan oasis of Shisr and
the ports of Khor Rori and al-Balid vividly
illustrate the trade in frankincense that
flourished in this region for many centuries,
as one of the most important trading activities
of the ancient and medieval world. |
| World
Heritage Sites in Yemen covered on this tour |
| Old
Walled City of Shibam (1982) |
Surrounded
by a fortified wall, the 16th-century city
of Shibam is one of the oldest and best examples
of urban planning based on the principle of
vertical construction. Its impressive tower-like
structures rise out of the cliff and have
given the city the nickname of "the Manhattan
of the desert". |
| Old
City of Sana'a (1986) |
Located
in a mountain valley at an altitude of 2200
m, Sana'a has been inhabited for more than
2500 years. In the 7th and 8th centuries the
town became a major centre for the spread
of Islam. This religious and political heritage
can be seen in its 106 mosques, 12 hammams
and 6500 houses, all built before the 11th
century. Sana'a's many-storeyed tower or pis�
houses add to the beauty of the site. |
|
|
| Detailed
Itinerary |
Day
01: Arrive Muscat
We arrive at Seeb International Airport and all we hear is Merhaba! We are warmly
welcomed and driven through the capital city to our hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Crowne Plaza, Muscat (2 nights)
Day 02: Muscat & Nizwa
Following the trail we start with a day trip to Nizwa which was built by the
great Imam Sultan Bin Seif. In the 17th Century Nizwa with its strategic location
and construction was chosen as the capital and even today it remains as Oman's
most impressive towns. We explore the massive circular fort, the Jabrin Castle
and the World Heritage Site of Bahla Fort. The ruins of the immense fort, with
walls and towers of earthen brick and foundations of stone, provide a remarkable
example of this type of fortification. Jabrin Castle, built in 1675 AD is an
edifice surpassing any other fort in Oman, both in size and magnificence. One
cannot help but admire the extraordinary carved wood paneling and friezes painted
on the walls. Verses from the Koran and poems engraved in the walls celebrate
the beauty of this grand castle. Next we experience the Nizwa Souq where a unique
goat and cattle auction is held followed by a visit to the aromatic Amouage perfume
factory. (B, L)
Day
03: Muscat / Salalah (Flight)
Founded in the 1st century, Muscat rose to prominence in the 14th and 15th centuries
when the Portuguese, who developed Muscat as their main naval base, built the
twin forts of Mirani and Jalali that stand guard over Muscat's harbour. Muscat
is a modern, spectacularly clean city that has retained traditional Omani character.
Our tour takes us through the beautiful seaside residential area to the Natural
History museum. We then get a unique opportunity to experience life in Old Muscat
especially around the famous Zawawi Mosque and the Muttrah Souq. Made up of a
maze of narrow lanes lined with stalls offering a huge variety of goods, the
smell of frankincense and sandalwood is always lingering in the air. The souq
is designed in authentic Arabic style and is divided into sectors, each specializing
in a particular product: gold, silver, textiles, spices, etc. and interspersed
with many teahouses and moneychangers. This evening we take a short flight to
Salalah.
Overnight: Hotel Hamilton Plaza, Salalah (3 nights) (B, D)
Day
04: Salalah & Dhofar
Today we spend a full day touring the Dhofar region, the focal point of the frankincense
trade which flourished for several centuries. Frankincense trees originated in
the Dhofar valley and were of great economic and religious importance to figures
like the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon. Driving past the Royal Farm and the
Mamura Palace, we arrive at Taqa. This village is famed for its sardines, fertilizers
and traditional homes, elegant in appearance and heat-resistant in construction.
We visit Taqa Castle, the remains of Queen Sheba's Palace, before proceeding
to Samhuram with its famed port and the hub of the ancient frankincense trade,
Khor Rawri. Our scenic drive along the coastal road takes us to the old city
of Mirbat where Arabian horse and slave trades took place in bygone days. We
also see the Mirbat Castle with its extraordinary view overlooking the sea and
enjoy a walk into town to see some old and beautiful merchant houses with their
exquisite carved doors and windows. (B, D)
Day 05: Salalah
Today we tour west Salalah visiting Job's tomb. The mosque and tomb shrine of "Nabi-Ayuob" mark
the place where lie the remains of a Moslem Prophet, possibly Job from the Old
Testament. Next we drive on to the Mughsail beach to see the magnificent blowholes
that burst dramatically during high tide. Khor mughsail is home to an abundance
of bird life such as flamingos, pelicans and storks. Our tour ends with a visit
to see the frankincense trees known as the "Holy Incense" that grow mainly on
the desert plateau away from the damp monsoon mists. Our tour culminates with
a visit to the exotic Frankincense Souq in the old part of Salalah town. (B,
D)
Day
06: Salalah / Ubar
One of the most famous Frankincense trading centers was the lost city of Ubar
that lay below the sands to the north of the frankincense producing area. For
almost 5000 years, Ubar was the flourishing frankincense trade centre and was
the nexus of routes bringing the incense from Dhofar, and then into three directions
across the vast Empty Quarter. We drive north to the Qara Mountains, the town
of Tumrait and the area of Nejd, and home of the best frankincense. After visiting
the lost city of Ubar, we proceed to the Empty Quarter returning via a natural
track that leads to the beautiful Wadi Hanoon where, in ancient times, the valuable
frankincense was stored before being exported by camel caravans. Today we enjoy
a night under the clear desert sky, traditional in style, and very comfortable.
Overnight: Tents, Ubar (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 07: Ubar / Al-Ghaydah (Drive)
After an enjoyable night under the stars in the historical center of Ubar, we
depart for Al Mayzonah and another intriguing country. Whilst the frankincense
trade did not require border formalities, the modern world demands them. As we
bid farewell to the ancient land of Oman, we are warmly welcomed by our friends
from the ancient land of Yemen. Our first destination in Yemen is the border
town of Al-Ghaydah for our overnight halt.
Overnight: Al-Taher Hotel, Al-Ghaydah (1 night) (B, D)
Day 08: Al-Ghaydah / Mukalla (Flight)
This morning we explore this small and traditional town before we take a short
flight to the coastal fishing town of Mukalla. Founded in 1035 A.D. as a fishing
village, it remains a seaport and a traditional fishing center to this day. Located
at the edge of the Gulf of Aden, Mukalla offers an interesting experience of
a way of life that has thrived for almost 1000 years. Evening is free to explore
the fishermen's wharf along the Gulf of Aden.
Overnight: Holiday Inn Hotel, Mukalla (1 night) (B, D)
Day 09: Mukalla / Wadi Hadramaut / Al-Hajarain / Seyun (Drive)
Today activities provide us with a remarkable desert experience straight out
of Lawrence of Arabia. We start the day as we head northwards to the interior
for Seyun, visiting Wadi Douan and the world famous Wadi Hadramaut. We also stop
at Al-Hajarain, a remarkable stone village atop a rocky slope of the valley over-looking
groves of palm trees shifting lightly in the breeze. Here we get a photogenic
view of this most ancient and beautiful village. Following our visit of the wadi,
we continue for Seyun.
Overnight: Hawta Hotel, Seyun (2 nights) (B, D)
Day
10: Seyun
Seyun is the former capital of the Kathiri Sultanate. Our tour includes the beautiful
Palace of Sultan Al-Kathiri. Built of clay and brick and decorated with gypsum,
this palace has retained its majesty and originality. We stroll through the traditional
souq full of handicrafts, homegrown produce and exotic aromas. We then drive
to Tarim, capital of Kinda Kings, where we visit the Al-Kaff Palace (Tarim Museum),
the Al-Muhdar Mosque and the magnificent Bin Yahya Palace. Leaving the best for
the last, we visit Shibam, an awe-inspiring town of ancient sky-scrapers soaring
out of the desert. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Shibam is commonly
referred to as the "desert Manhattan". A stroll through the maze-like lanes provides
us an interesting experience of the day-to-day life of people still living their
traditional ways and values. We are welcomed to various homes not only to see
the interior, but to meet the family. Our Shibam visit ends with an opportunity
to photograph the desert and the exceptional skyline of Shibam at sunset. (B,
D)
Day 11: Seyun / Shabwa / Marib (Drive)
One of the most exciting days of this journey begins today as we depart for Marib,
crossing the undulating desert. With its stark and uncluttered beauty, our trip
through the desert makes for an appealing and exciting experience. En route we
stop to visit Shabwa, the ancient capital of the Hadhramut Kingdom and then continue
to Marib. Through part of the desert journey, over sand dunes and desert tracks,
we are guided by local desert guides. Evening is free to stroll this ancient
capital of the Queen of Sheba.
Overnight: Bilquis Hotel, Marib (1 night) (B, D)
Day
12: Marib / Sana'a (Drive)
Today we explore Marib and discover the remains of the Temple of the Moon God
(Awam Temple) and the Throne of Bilquis (Bar'an Temple). We also see the surviving
stonework of the famous dam on which the prosperity of the Kingdom of Sheba depended
for more than a thousand years, as well as the ancient city of Marib. Marib is
still a traditional desert outpost, very tribal in nature and style. After our
visit, we travel to the capital of Yemen, Sana'a. Sana'a is one of the oldest
cities in the world and was founded by Shem, the son of Prophet Noah. Sana'a
literally means fortified place, and even today the city depicts that. The inner
city still retains its originality and carries on in the old and antique ways
of trading goods and offering ancient traditions of hospitality. Here, time is
of no essence.
Overnight: Taj Sheba Hotel, Sana'a (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 13: Sana'a
We spend our day exploring Sana'a starting with a visit to the National Museum
and Haddah (Beit Bows) followed by the ancient quarter of this fascinating Arabian
city with its intricately decorated mosques, 1000-year old city walls, hidden
gardens, unique multiple-storied houses and old souqs. The souq takes us back
to the times of the Arabian Nights and is an experience never ever to be forgotten.
Our last evening on the Frankincense Trail is made even more interesting as we
are treated to a farewell dinner at a typical Yemeni restaurant. (B, D)
Day 14: Depart Sana'a
All good things come to an end and we have to bid farewell to the ancient lands
of the Frankincense Trail. We are transferred to the airport for our departure
flight.
(B) |
|
B
= Breakfast
|
L
= Lunch
|
D
= Dinner
|
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Departure Dates |
|
2010
English Speaking Departures
Jan
19, Feb 09, Mar 02, Apr
06, May 18, Oct 26,
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| Prices |
| Minimum
Participants |
Tour
Price US$ |
Single
Sup US$ |
|
2010
|
| 04-10 |
5390 |
1390 |
| 02-03 |
6880 |
1390 |
| Tour
Price Includes |
Tour
Price Does Not Include: |
•
Hotels as mentioned (or similar)
• Meal plan as mentioned (B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner)
• All sightseeing and transfers
• Entrance Fees to Museums and Sites
• Local English speaking guides
• Visa Support as required |
•
International Airfare / Departure Taxes
• Travel Insurances
• Visa Fees
• Drinks / Beverages with meals
• Tips / Gratuities to Drivers & Guides |
| Domestic
/ Regional Airfare INCLUDED in Tour Price |
| Muscat
/ Salalah and Al-Ghaydah / Mukalla |
| Estimated
International Airfare(not
included in tour price) |
| East
Coast |
US
$ 1400 |
| West
Coast |
US
$ 1600 |
| Please
note:
This tour operates with a minimum of 02
and a maximum of 16
participants. |
| Other
Dates / Customized Itinerary / Languages |
In addition to our set programs we are also pleased
to offer customized tours.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your
individual needs.
Customized tours can be conducted in English, French,
German, Spanish or Italian. Each departure is conducted
in the designated language only. |
| Contact
Information |
|
|
Fax:
+1-604-264-7774
|
| 206–8678
Greenall Ave |
Phone:
+1-604-264-7378 |
| Burnaby
B.C., Canada |
Toll
Free (US & Canada): 1-800-663-0844 |
| V5J
3M6 |
Email:
bestway@bestway.com |
|
30
years in small group journeys
|
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Site
updated Jun 01, 2009
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