Jordan, Oman and the United Arab Emirates
Active pace with longer touring days. Expect intermittent walking at a moderate pace for 2–3 hours over a variety of terrain, including cobblestones, hills and uneven pavements. Must be able to negotiate stairs of varying heights, sometimes without handrails. Can tolerate periods of standing during guided tours and be able to climb in/out of various modes of transportation. Some days may include 5–7 km of walking over the course of the day.
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.
We fly home.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (90 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
