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ABU DHABI, & ARABIAN MYSTIQUE DECEMBER 4 TO 16, 2021

Discover the multi-faceted jewel that is the Arabian way of life on this escape to the UAE and Oman. From the sparkling cityscapes and ultra-modern amenities of Dubai, to the historical preservation T: 800-942-5004 and timeless beauty in , where awe-inspiring give way to modern art, only a E: [email protected] W www.wacphila.org/travel stone’s toss from the authentic charm of traditional Bedouin camps and erstwhile fishing . Wander through souks draped in glinting fabrics and spellbinding artisan crafts. Wind through Oman’s myriad vistas, from ancient , to golden , to lush oases. This is the Arabian world from every vantage point.

DAYS 1/2/3 DAY 6 NEWARK/DUBAI/ABU DHABI NEW DUBAI Board your overnight flight, upon arrival you will be Begin your day with a drive to the Palm Islands, three greeted by your Classic Escapes guide and driven to Abu artificial islands created in 2001 that are continuing to be Dhabi. Start sightseeing the next morning with a special developed. Next, enjoy a visit to the iconic – visit to the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital. Here, you will get the tallest building in the world. Here you will have the a deep insight in the tradition of falconry, with a visit to opportunity to participate in the “At the Top” experience on the examination room where you will see the precious the 124th floor. Board the 65-meter-long elevator for a trip falcons undergoing feather repair, followed by a trip to the that transports you through time, from the earliest days of large aviary. In the afternoon enjoy a tour of Abu Dhabi, Dubai to the present. At the top, floor-to-ceiling glass walls including the Zayed Grand , the Heritage provide a breathtaking unobstructed 360-degree view , and the newly opened Abu Dhabi – the first of the , the desert, and the ocean. HYATT REGENCY museum of its kind in the . This evening, board CREEK HEIGHTS. (B) a traditional double-decker boat that takes you on a cruise around the city; enjoy breathtaking views, traditional DAY 7 music, and a lavish buffet dinner. MARRIOTT ABU DUBAI ~ DESERT SAFARI / BEDOUIN DHABI DOWNTOWN. (B, L, D) CAMP EXPERIENCE The morning is at leisure. In the afternoon, your desert safari DAY 4 begins as you venture to the Dubai Desert Conservation ABU DHABI//QASR-AL-AIN/ Reserve in search of exotic wildlife. Your Bedouin camp DUBAI lit with the gentle flames of traditional lamps is nestled Set off for Dubai with a stop along the way to explore the Al inside a private Royal desert retreat. Enjoy demonstrations Ain , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Qasr al-Ain of traditional cultural activities such as or “Al Ain Palace”, which is one of the best-reinstated forts henna tattoos, music, dance, and in the Abu Dhabi emirate. Continue to the central market Arabic making before dinner where locals sell fruits, vegetables, and other commodities under the stars. HYATT REGENCY before stopping for lunch at a local restaurant. Your final CREEK HEIGHTS. (B, stop is the last remaining market in the United Arab D) . HYATT REGENCY CREEK HEIGHTS. (B, L)

DAY 5 OLD DUBAI Explore the sights, the sounds and the scents of Old Dubai. Your tour begins with a drive through the city’s new Marina projects, Internet City, and Media City to give you a glimpse of the up and coming area surrounding the Dubai Marina. Drive past the Mosque, one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in Dubai. Transfer to a water taxi in the for stunning views of the city. Visit the souk where any kind of goods are brought or exchanged. A traditional Emiratati lunch will be enjoyed at the Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU). The rest of the day is at leisure. HYATT REGENCY CREEK HEIGHTS. (B, L) walk in its labyrinthine alleyways beckoning with a myriad DAYS 12/13 of merchandise. Continue your tour with a visit to Bait Al WAHIBA SANDS/ BANI KHALID/ Zubair Museum, and enjoy the remainder of your day at /DUBAI/NEWARK leisure. RADISSON BLU HOTEL MUSCAT. (B) Leave the stark beauty of the Wahiba Sands and drive to the clear flowing waters of the Wadi Bani DAY 10 Khalid. Here, the constancy of the river supports many MUSCAT/ WADI BANI AUF plantations and villages nearby. Drive back to Muscat Climb into your 4x4 vehicle and head out to the of where a dayroom will be provided. Tonight, enjoy Nakhl where you will find the Ain A’Thawwarah springs dinner before transferring to the for your flight and the imposing fortress that bears the town’s name. home, via Dubai. (B, D, Meals Aloft) Along the route you will stop at the Qaboos Grand Mosque in Wilayat, the main mosque in Oman. Enter the YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES: Western Hajar Mountains and drive through the ruggedly • Superior accommodations throughout as spectacular Wadi Bani Auf. This trip will require stamina as indicated, or similar, except while camping in the decent into the wadi is full of hairpin curves and uneven Oman. surfaces. Your reward is the postcard perfect Bilad Sayt, a relic of the past with astounding panoramic views of the • Flights between Dubai and Muscat. surrounding mountain scape. Tonight, camp under the • Professional, English-speaking guides throughout; stars in an Omani style tent. VIEW CAMP. (B,D) one in Abu Dhabi/Dubai and a different one in Oman. DAY 11 WADI BANI AUF//WADI AL • A representative from the World Affairs Council will DAYS 8/9 MADEEN/WAHIBA SANDS escort the group with a minimum of 10 travelers. DUBAI/MUSCAT Explore Nizwa, the ancient capital of Oman where you • Mineral water on board the vehicles always. Your flight this morning takes you to Muscat, the desert will find one of the country’s oldest mosques. Enter the jewel of Oman, the which lies between the • All entrance fees to the sites mentioned in the forbidding walls of Nizwa Fort. Within the shadow of shadows of the Al Hajjar Mountains and the glimmering itinerary. the fort lies the Nuzwa souq which is housed within a . Start your touring with an aromatic coffee reproduction of a traditional arcade. Continue into the • All breakfasts daily, other meals as specified in the at the elegant Kargeen Caffe then proceed to the stately cooler climes of higher elevations as you pass through itinerary. Al Alam Palace, where His Majesty Sultan Qaboos the Wadi Al Madeen on your way to , conducts official functions. Next, visit the private Bait al • Sightseeing and transfers by air-conditioned motor the highest peak in Oman. Stop in Jebel Al Akdhar Zabair, a museum housing a substantial collection of coach. 4x4 vehicles will be used during desert known for its productive fruit orchards, which skirt the Omani artifacts. Walk the that runs along the safari experience and in some parts in Oman. mountain slopes in vibrant green terraces. Finish this water to () and to the bustling souk full day of sightseeing in the undulating expanses of the • Gratuities for porters, drivers, and guides. featuring such wares as rich imported textiles, spices, and Wahiba Sands. 1000 NIGHTS CAMP. (B,D) • Complimentary baggage tags, water bottles and handicrafts. Next day, drive along to Muttrah (Old Muscat), travel wallet. to one of the most popular souks in the . Take a • Complimentary emergency evacuation insurance.

Costs: Based on Double Occupancy Main Program Land Cost Only $7,895 per person

Single Room Supplement $1,995 per person, additional Estimated international economy air from Newark, roundtrip, $1,590 per person, additional including departure taxes and fuel surcharges. (Currently, subject to change)

FOR MORE INFORMATION Visit www.wacphila.org/travel; call at 215-561-4700 x 209 or x 217; 800-942-5004 or email at [email protected]

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