Wilderness Travel 2017 Catalog of Adventures

ALDO PAVAN JUAN CARLOS MUÑOZ

Our magnificent journey brings you into Oman’s varied landscapes, from rugged deserts to beautiful coastlines, and introduces you to its rich cultural heritage. WALTER BIBIKOW JUAN CARLOS MUÑOZ REN MATTES

Desert Kingdom of Oman ADVENTURES IN THE LAND OF FRANKINCENSE AND MYRRH

With its jagged peaks, dazzling mosques, mystical ruins, and lively souks laden with incense and fragrant oils, it’s easy to fall under the spell of Oman. We’ve designed a captivating expedition that immerses you in this enchanting realm, from opulent sultan’s

Days 1-5 Muscat / Western Hajar Mountains After exploring Muscat, head to the rugged Western Hajar, where traditional cliff-hugging villages sit amid gardens and date palm forests. Here we meet a traditional beekeeper, explore historic forts, see vast Wadi Nakhr, Oman’s “Grand Canyon,” and hike to isolated villages. Days 6-8 Wahiba Sands / Desert-to-Sea Crossing At Wahiba Sands, we’ll experience the life of a nomad—in WT style!—with camel rides amid the golden sand dunes, visits to Bedouin tribes, and an unforgettable evening under the stars, with the hypnotic sounds of Bedouin musicians transporting you back in time. A 4WD expedition carries us across the desert to the edge of the Arabian Sea, where we visit a turtle reserve and enjoy a cruise aboard a classic dhow , the vessels that once carried frankincense as far as India and Africa. join an archaeologist in Salalah for in-depth discoveries of the nearby mythical ruins of Al Baleed, explore Nabi Ayub, storied resting place of the prophet Job, and visit the blowholes at Mugshail Beach, known to spout sea water as high as 100 feet during high tide. Depart on Day 12 via Muscat. Days 9-12 Salalah and the Frankincense Trail Along Oman’s Frankincense Trail, we’ll

HIGHLIGHTS • Visit colorful fishing harbors and ancient trading ports, meet a local archaeologist • Encounter Bedouin tribes, explore golden dunes by camel and 4WD vehicle • Roam the narrow alleys of Oman’s traditional markets, enjoy a private dhow cruise • Explore the cliff-hugging villages, lushly terraced gardens, and historic forts of the Hajar Mountains DETAILS • 12-day trip begins and ends in Muscat • 9 nights hotels, 1 night deluxe desert camp, 1 night comfortable ecolodge • All meals included

palaces and historic Islamic forts to the towering Hajar Mountains, where mudbrick villages are nestled amid emerald palm forests and ancient irrigation channels spiral magically through the arid landscape. You’ll mingle with village traders at a spirited goat auction, stay at a remote

“I was thrilled to have the opportunity to visit such a hidden gem of a country.”

Vivian L. Georgetown TX

DATES Jan 23-Feb 3, 2017 Oct 30-Nov 10

desert camp for unforgettable visits to Bedouin camps and optional camel rides, ply the Arabian coast aboard a traditional dhow , watch tiny sea turtles hatch by moonlight, and savor a rich cuisine of succulent kebabs, saffron-infused rice, and cardamom coffee served with sweet dates—this is a true adventure into the heart of a mesmerizing land!

TRIP COST $7495 (11-15 members) $7995 (6-10 members) Single supplement: $1650 Internal airfare: $240 (subject to change) TRIP LEVEL 1 2 + 3 4 5 6 7 Cultural adventures with walking tours, light hiking, rugged off-road travel, and optional swimming and camel riding

FOR MORE DETAILS ON OUR AFRICA TRIPS, VISIT WWW.WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM/TRIPS/AFRICA 80