Oman & Dubai: Arabia through the Looking Glass
January 10 – 23
For thousands of years, since civilizations were first recorded, the countries around the Arabian Sea have given birth to great cultures, and on their shores disparate flowerings of civilizations have met and mingled. Join the Alumnae & Alumni of Vassar College (AAVC) and Bryn Mawr Alumni Association, as we discover bustling, ancient bazaars, exquisite art and architecture and a magnificent landscape of deserts and clay-baked forts. Accompanying us will be Bryn Mawr Associate Professor of Archaeology Peter Magee who, for the last 14 years, has directed an archeological site a short drive from Dubai. Dr. Magee has been instrumental in designing this specialized itinerary and looks forward to sharing with you his deep knowledge of this part of the world.
Our journey begins in Oman where evidence of the region’s long and dramatic history is still present in the people, their architecture and their way of life. Begin in Muscat, where the magnificent Grand Mosque hovers over those in prayer. Continue into the interior and discover Nizwa’s restored fort and the village of Al Hamra where little has changed over the years. Be one of the few travelers to stay in Ras al-Jinz, home to one of the largest nesting areas for Green Turtles in the Indian Ocean. Enjoy an evening guided walk to view the turtles as they painstakingly dig the holes in which they lay their eggs.
Head north along the beautiful coast to the United Arab Emirates and Dubai, one of the seven emirates that make up the country. Spectacular skyscrapers tower above the wooden abras (boats) that still ply the waters of the Dubai Creek. Meet with developers working on the artificial Palm Islands and visit Sharjah that has been designated by UNESCO as a capital of Arab culture. End your adventure with a farewell dinner at the marvelous Burj Al Arab seven-star hotel.
Trip Details:
Duration: 14 days
Activity Level: Moderately active
Price: $6,790 per person, double occupancy (airfare is additional)
Single Supplement: $1,980
Deposit: $500 per person, payable to Distant Horizons
Trip Partners: Bryn Mawr Alumnae Association