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Home , Land of Frankincense, Muscat

TRAVEL WITH FRIENDS IN 2014 Qaboos Grand Mosque, Mosque, Grand Qaboos Sultan

The Route: &

FROM THE TO THE RED SEA

with John Tidmarsh Oman: 19 March–02 April 2014 (15 days) Jordan: 02–12 April 2014 (11 days) Tour The Frankincense leader Route: Oman & Jordan

These two tours combine to create a grand Arabian adventure of 25 days, but are perfected designed as individual ‘stand-alone’ tours of 15 or 11 days respectively. In contrast to some of their neighbours, Oman and Jordan stand out in the for their political stability, safety and security, tolerance and well developed tourism infrastructure. You will be pleasantly surprised by the friendliness and warmth of the local people and the prevalence and fluency of English throughout. From the Musandam Peninsula in the north to the sub-tropical Dhofar region in the south, Oman offers an extraordinary variety of experiences: pristine coastal, desert and mountain landscapes; historic forts, ports and souqs; unique flora and fauna; traditional arts and crafts; arresting contemporary architecture and a modern, tolerant lifestyle. Thanks to its strategic location at the crossroads of the ancient world, Jordan is truly part of Dr John Tidmarsh the ‘cradle of civilisation’. From powerful biblical sites and well-preserved ancient Roman cities Currently President of the to desert citadels and Crusader castles, Jordan is also rich in geographical contrasts. For Near Eastern Archaeology many, of course, the highlight will be the magical, ancient rock-cut city. Foundation of Sydney University Dr John Tidmarsh is Co-Director of the university’s At a glance excavations at Pella in Jordan and is also Co-Director of the • Stay in luxurious hotels and unique resorts throughout ANU/University of Melbourne • Enjoy a full day cruise of Oman’s Musandam Peninsula excavations at Jebel Khalid • Go ‘off-road’ in a 6-day tour by 4-WD to Sur, Wahibah Sands, and in in . He has previously Oman excavated in Greece and • Marvel at magnificent contemporary Arabic architecture in Muscat including the Sultan . His main areas of Qaboos Grand Mosque, Royal Opera House and the new interest are the archaeology of Alexander the Great’s • Discover the exotic ports, forts and souqs of Muscat and conquests, the Hellenistic • Enjoy three days at the Dead Sea in Jordan, visiting Jerash, the excavations at Pella Period in the Near East and and Ajloun , and the Islamic world. • Travel down the King’s Highway to the rose-red city of Petra John has led many successful • Relax at the Red Sea resort city of Aqaba tours to the Middle East.

Khasab

Dubai Coach Map is a guide only Muscat Dead Sea Nizwa Sur

SAUDI Wahiba Sands ARABIA

OMAN JORDAN

Petra Fly Salalah Coach Map is a guide only YEMMEN Wadi Rum Aqaba Itinerary: Oman 19 March–02 April 2014 (15 days)

Tue 18 Mar 2014 Depart Sat 22 Mar – Muscat Suggested evening departure from Australia on Etihad. Overnight Transfer to the for a short flight to Muscat (1 hr 15 min). On in flight arrival in Muscat, transfer to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure.

Wed 19 Mar Arrive This evening, enjoy a sunset dhow cruise along the coast of Muscat from Bandar al Rowdah. The cruise offers an intriguingly different Early morning arrival in Abu Dhabi and transfer to your hotel in the view of the city and its coast, with the beautifully lit city as a Dubai Marina area. Your room has been booked for early check-in. backdrop. B D This afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the resort facilities of your hotel or explore The Walk, a 7 km long pedestrian walkway lined with Sun 23 Mar Muscat hotels, shops, cafés and restaurants along the waterfront. Enjoy a full day orientation tour of Muscat. Start with a visit to and its bustling early morning fish market. Continue to the This evening, join John Tidmarsh and fellow travellers for a welcome Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, one of the most impressive in briefing and dinner. D the world. Visit the Museum, a private museum set Thu 20 Mar Dubai – Khasab within the old city itself and displaying a wonderful collection of objects recalling Muscat’s glorious past. Then visit Muscat Harbour Morning departure from Dubai for the drive along the to view Al Alam Palace, home to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin coast to Khasab, the capital of the Musandam region of Oman (213 Said, the ruler of Oman. km, approx. 3-4 hrs including border formalities). In the afternoon visit Mutrah, the port of Muscat. See the Fort Musandam, separated from the rest of Oman by the east cost (1580s) and visit the lively Mutrah Souq. B L of the , is the northernmost part of the Sultanate of Oman. Due to its geographical position and Mon 24 Mar Muscat – Sur mountainous terrain it was isolated from the rest of Oman and the Departing Muscat, spend a leisurely day travelling along the region has developed at its own pace. spectacular rugged coastline (200 km) to Sur, one of the most After lunch, visit the Khasab Fort, built by the Portuguese in the important Arabian ports of the Middle Ages. 17th century around a much older circular tower. Continue to the On the way stop to visit the Bimah Sinkhole, Quruyat, Wadi well-preserved prehistoric rock engravings of Wadi Tawi and travel Shab, Wadi Tiwi and the port of , visited often by Marco by 4-wheel drive vehicle to Jebel Harim, the highest mountains of Polo and merchant ships from . Among the scattered ruins is the peninsula (2,087 metres). Overnight in Khasab. B L D the Mausoleum of Bibi Miriam, with its beautifully proportioned Fri 21 Mar Khasab exterior and fine interior stucco work much admired by the 14th-century Moroccan traveller . B L D Enjoy a full day excursion by dhow (traditional wooden vessel) of the fjords of the Musandam Peninsula, the northernmost part Tue 25 Mar Sur of Oman which juts out into the strategically important Strait of Because of its important maritime location between the Gulf of Hormuz at the entrance to the . These spectacular Oman and the , Sur has a long history of ship building. fjords have given the area the title of ‘The Norway of Arabia’. This morning visit the Sur shipbuilding yards where traditional During the day visit tiny villages, many accessible only by boat, and are still being made, followed by a boat trip across the lagoon explore sheltered fjords (khors), some only connected to the to the pretty white-washed village of Ayja where many of the old mainland by narrow cliffs. Late afternoon return to Khasab. B L D merchant houses are still in fine condition.

Mosaic inside of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat, Oman Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat Afternoon at leisure to explore the local forts, walk along the Sun 30 Mar Jebel Akhdar – Muscat – Salalah cornice or enjoy the beach. B L This morning begins with a delightful short walk between the picturesque villages of Al Aqur and Al Ayn. Descend from Wed 26 Mar Sur – Wahiba Sands Jebel Akhdar through the Wadi Bani Habib and visit the largely Depart Sur for a morning visit to the Al Khamil Souq, one of the abandoned but very picturesque village of Birkat al Mauz. most authentic Bedouin markets in Oman. Continue inland to the beautiful whose translucent blue waters are Return to Muscat in time for an afternoon flight to Salalah (90 min). fringed with date palms and ideal for a swim. B L D Later, travel into the Wahiba Sands, some 10,000 sq. km of desert. Mon 31 Mar Salalah Enjoy the remarkable experience of a night in the desert, which With its lush tropical vegetation and pristine beaches Salalah starts with a golden sunset, continues with a densely-starred sky provides a strong contrast to the desert landscapes. Explore Al and concludes with the soft light of a desert dawn. B L D Husn souq and the historic port of Al Balid with its superb Museum of the Frankincense Land. Thu 27 Mar Wahiba Sands – Nizwa Rise early for a morning walk in the desert Wahiba Sands. The In the afternoon visit the newly excavated ruins of Khor Rawri, desert has been of scientific interest since a 1986 expedition by the formerly known as Sumhuram and one of the main centres for Royal Geographical Society documented the diversity of the terrain, the trade in frankincense, spices and precious stones, and Mirbat, the flora and fauna. The geography ranges from smaller dunes and ancient capital of Dhofar. The Tomb of Mohamed bin Ali al Alawi is wide flat areas to dunes of up to 100 metres. an example of the region’s medieval architecture. B L D Depart Wahiba Sands for Nizwa. This oasis city, the largest in Tue 01 Apr Salalah th th the interior province, was the capital of Oman in the 16 and 17 Drive west along the spectacular coastline to Mughsail and through centuries and was once a centre of trade, religion, education and dramatic mountain ranges towards the Yemeni border to the area th art. Today Nizwa is renowned for its superbly restored 17 -century once called the ‘’, and where frankincense fort, the old village packed tightly around the fortress walls and its plantations can still be found. souq famous for superb silver work. The town’s immense palm oasis stretches for eight kilometres along the course of two wadis. B D This evening, celebrate the conclusion of the tour with a special farewell dinner. B L D Fri 28 Mar Nizwa Wed 02 Apr Depart Salalah Spend a full day exploring the surrounds of Nizwa. Visit Al Hoota Caves, one of the greatest underground cave complexes in Arabia; Transfer to Salalah Airport for a flight to Abu Dhabi, connecting Jabrin Castle with its superb wood carving, stucco and painted with Etihad flights to Australia. (or flights to Amman, if joining Jordan decoration betraying Moghul influence; and the village of Al Ain tour). B renowned for its well-preserved 4000 year-old beehive tombs. If extending to Jordan, you will fly Salalah – Muscat – Amman (approx. B L AUD500 one-way). Transfers will be provided in Salalah and Amman.

Sat 29 Mar Nizwa – Jebel Akhdar Thu 03 Apr Arrive Australia Depart Nizwa for a morning visit to the old ruins of Wadi Late evening arrival in Australia (or early morning arrival on the Tanuf, and the lovely village of Misfat, with stone houses clinging following day, depending on destination). precariously to a huge mountain cliff. Stopping for a view of Oman’s ‘Grand Canyon’ continue through the Jebel Akhdar Mountains, one of Oman’s most spectacular areas, to its highest peak, Jabal Shams (‘the mountain of the sun’). At around 3,000 metres Jabal Shams is the highest point in Oman and the whole of eastern Arabia. B L D

Crystal clear waters at Wadi Shab Mosque built by Bibi Miriam, Qalhat Itinerary: Jordan 02–12 April 2014 (11 days)

Tue 01 April 2014 Depart Australia Sat 05 Apr Um Qais – Pella – Dead Sea Suggested departure from Australia on Etihad flights via Abu Dhabi Early morning departure for the drive to Um Qais; the ancient to Amman. Greco-Roman city of Gadara, it offers splendid panoramic views over the lake of Tiberias, the Jordan Valley and the Golan Heights. Wed 02 Apr Arrive Amman Um Qais was the home of several classic poets and philosophers Morning arrival in Amman and transfer to your hotel in central including Theodorus and boasts the remains of two Roman theatres Amman. This afternoon is at your leisure before joining John as well as an impressive colonnaded terrace. Tidmarsh and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner. D After lunch, continue your drive through the Jordan Valley to Pella, Thu 03 Apr Amman – Dead Sea the site of the University of Sydney’s archaeological excavations and fascinating ruins of the Greco-Roman period. The site at Pella Begin your day with a visit to the Citadel, situated on one of the has been continuously occupied since 8000 BC, and excavations by city’s highest hills and offering a splendid view of the old city. See the University of Sydney over the past 29 years have uncovered the Roman Theatre on your way out of the centre of the city as many important discoveries from Neolithis housing (circa 6000 BC) you drive to the nearby site of Al Amir. Here you will enjoy to and early Islamic city destroyed by an earthquake which hit the a traditional lunch prepared by the local women of the Iraq Al region in 750 AD. B L Amir Women’s Cooperative. Founded by the Noor Al Hussein Foundation in 1994 with the support of the Swiss government, this Sun 06 Apr Mt Nebo – Madaba – Dead Sea project employs 41 women in the production of hand-made paper, After a late breakfast today, enjoy a short excursion to Mt Nebo hand woven-fabric, ceramics and food. and Madaba; first, a short stop at the site from which Moses was After lunch, continue through a secluded and lush valley to Qasr Al shown the Promised Land, and where is it believed he was buried. Abed (Palace of the Slave), a striking Hellenistic monument dating to A short drive later, visit a local ‘mosaic factory’, another initiative the 2nd century BC. of the Noor Al Hussein Foundation, which employs local women to create beautiful replicas of the mosaics seen at Mt Nebo and Later this afternoon, drive to the Dead Sea where you will be Madaba. Descend the heights to Madaba the ‘city of mosaics’ and staying for the next three nights. B L D visit the Greek Orthodox Church of St George to view the 6th Fri 04 Apr Jerash – Ajloun – Dead Sea century mosaic map of the Levant. Depart early this morning for the drive to Jerash, which remains Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant and you will also have one of the most beautiful and best-preserved Greco-Roman cities some free time for shopping if desired. in the world. Spend time exploring this unique site which boasts a Return to the hotel at the Dead Sea for the remainder of your history of human occupation dating back more than 6,500 years. afternoon and evening at leisure. This is your opportunity to enjoy a Lunch will be at a local restaurant close to the archaeological site. Dead Sea mud treatment, a swim or a spa experience. B L This afternoon, continue to Ajloun situated in the northern region of Jordan where you will visit Ajloun Castle, a fine example of the Mon 07 Apr Dead Sea – Petra genius of medieval Arab military and Islamic architecture built to This morning you will have an early departure from your hotel protect the region from invading Crusader forces. Continue back to for your fist destination of Um Al Rasas. Driving along the Kings your hotel at the Dead Sea for an evening at leisure. B L Highway, the ancient road mentioned in the Bible, and which

Petra, Jordan Camel in Petra linked prehistoric villages from the Stone Age, you will reach the rectangular walled city, which today lies in ruins. Some of the finest Byzantine church mosaics in the Middle East will be viewed here. Continuing along the Kings Highway to Shobak Castle, you will stop for a picnic lunch at the castle prior to visiting the site. Perched on the side of a mountain, with a grand sweep of fruit tress below, this Crusader castle dates to the 12th century AD. Late afternoon arrival in Petra. B L D

Tue 08 Apr Petra This will be the highlight for many as you spend the day in the ancient site of Petra; a short walk from the hotel will bring you to the entrance to the site, but from here it is a gentle descent to the Siq or canyon entrance to the archaeological site (this may also be done on horseback if you wish). A further walk will bring you to the greatest monument ‘Al Khazneh’ or the Treasury building. Dead Sea coast at Jordan Your guide and Tour Leader will spend the day showing you the spectacular sights of the ancient rock city, with free time for lunch (at your own expense), as well as the option to climb the 800 steps Islamic Mosque in Madaba, Jordan to the Monastery and the viewing point. You will be able to return to the hotel at your leisure at any time this afternoon. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the facilities at the hotel or explore the modern town of Petra. This evening, return to Petra for a magical candlelit experience by night. B

Wed 09 Apr Petra – Wadi Rum – Aqaba Enjoy a late breakfast this morning before your short drive to Beidah ‘Little Petra’. A similar entrance to Petra’s Siq, Beidah’s Siq al Barid ‘Cold Siq’ is much shorter, and the site itself is a Pre- Pottery Neolithic village dating from the 7th millennium BC. From here, you will drive to the iconic landscape of Wadi Rum, a desert valley frequented by Lawrence of Arabia and later made famous by David Lean’s film. Following a brief orientation at the Visitors Centre, 4WD jeeps will take you to explore the hidden valleys, red dunes, and petroglyphs which are scattered throughout the desert, finishing up at a Bedouin camp where you will be treated to a Bedouin feast for your dinner. After dinner drive to Aqaba on the Red Sea. B L D

Thu 10 Apr Aqaba Full day at leisure to relax at your Red Sea resort. Jordan’s window to the sea, Aqaba’s sandy beaches and coral reefs are a delight to explore. An optional boat trip offering snorkelling or diving is available, as well as shopping in the city of Aqaba, Jordan’s only Economic Free Zone. B

Fri 11 Apr Aqaba - Amman After a leisurely breakfast, drive back to Amman (approximately 4 hours). This afternoon is at leisure to visit Rainbow Street where you can indulge in some last-minute shopping or immerse yourself in the local culture in a coffee shop. This evening, celebrate the conclusion of the tour with a special farewell dinner. B L D

Sat 12 Apr Depart Amman Morning is at leisure until your afternoon transfer to the airport for departure on Etihad flights via Abu Dhabi. B

Sun 13 April 2014 Arrive Australia Late evening arrival in Australia.

Ancient Jerash. Ruins of the Greco-Roman city of Gera at Jordan Oman Tour Prices Jordan Tour Prices

Per person twin-share AUD 7,500 Per person twin-share AUD 4,950 Single supplement* AUD 1,800 Single supplement* AUD 1,350 Deposit per person AUD 500 Deposit per person AUD 500 Final payment due 18 January 2014 Final payment due 02 February 2014

*Single travellers may request to share. Please advise at time of booking. *Single travellers may request to share. Please advise at time of booking.

Tour Code AG1404 Tour Code AG1405

Fitness level Above average Fitness level Above average Please see booking conditions for fitness level definitions. Please see booking conditions for fitness level definitions.

Suggested Airline Etihad Suggested Airline Etihad Please contact Renaissance Tours for current fares and bookings. Please contact Renaissance Tours for current fares and bookings. Tour price includes Tour price includes • Fourteen (14) nights’ accommodation with daily breakfast B • Ten (10) nights’ accommodation with daily breakfast B • Meals as per itinerary ( L =Lunch, D =Dinner). Wines with • Meals as per itinerary ( L =lunch, D = dinner) Wines welcome and farewell dinners. with welcome and farewell dinners. Picnic lunches on • Transfers on arrival and departure if travelling on certain days suggested group flights • Transfers on arrival and departure if travelling on • Economy class flights Khasab – Muscat and Muscat – Salalah suggested flights (or connecting with Oman tour) • Comprehensive sightseeing, including entrance fees as • Bottled water, soft drinks and fruit juice, as well as tea or per itinerary, in comfortable air-conditioned coaches or coffee with included meals 4-wheel drive vehicles • Comprehensive sightseeing, visits to museums and • Visa for Oman attractions including entrance fees as per itinerary • Lectures and talks with John Tidmarsh throughout the tour • Lectures and talks with John Tidmarsh throughout the tour • Gratuities for local guides and drivers • Gratuities for local guides and drivers • Hotel porterage (one piece per person) • Hotel porterage (one piece per person) Tour price does not include Tour price does not include • International airfares • International airfares • Transfers on arrival and departure if not travelling on • Visa for Jordan (obtained on arrival, approx USD30 pp) suggested group flights • Transfers on arrival if not travelling on suggested flights or • Alcoholic drinks with meals (not always available) connecting with Oman tour • Items of a personal nature, including telephone, laundry, • Items of a personal nature, including telephone, laundry, room service etc. room service etc. • Airport porterage • Alcoholic beverages (except welcome and farewell dinners – wines included) • Travel insurance • Airport porterage Your hotels • Travel insurance Dubai – The Address Dubai Marina Khasab – Golden Tulip Your hotels Muscat – Shangri-La Amman – Intercontinental Jordan Sur – Sur Plaza+ Dead Sea – Mövenpick Dead Sea Resort Wahiba Sands – 1000 Nights Camp Petra – Mövenpick Petra+ Nizwa – Falaj Daris Hotel+ Aqaba – Radisson Blu Resort Tala Bay+ Jebel Akhdar – Jabel Akhtar Hotel Salalah – Crowne Plaza + Terms & Conditions

How to Book minimum tour participant numbers). Except for MODERATE Complete, sign and return the Booking Form available force majeure, we will not cancel a tour less than 60 for the overall benefit of the group, all tour members from Renaissance Tours with your deposit and page days before departure. No further compensation must possess a moderate level of mobility, including one of your passport. will be paid in the event of cancellation by the ability to: Renaissance Tours. A full refund of monies paid for • negotiate and railway stations without Deposit / Final Payments tour costs will be the full extent of our liability. Your deposit is due at the time of booking and is wheelchair assistance used to pay hotel, airline, performance tickets and/ Cancellation and/or amendment fees may apply • use combined shower/bath facilities (it is or other deposits. It is non-refundable in the event for additional travel arrangements booked by impossible to guarantee walk-in shower facilities) of your cancellation. Renaissance Tours. • undertake walking tour of 1-2 hours duration, Final payment is due 60 days before departure. Passports, Visas and Vaccinations including using stairs, walking over cobblestones Failure to make the final payment by the due date All travellers must be in a possession of a valid and other uneven surfaces may result in cancellation of your booking and loss passport – most countries require a 6-month • stand for long periods in museums and other of deposit. validity from your date of entry or exit. For some sites countries (e.g. , , India, Russia), visas Payments are accepted in cash and by cheque, • e mbark / disembark coaches, trains and other are included in the tour cost and will be arranged methods of transportation without assistance bank transfer, American Express, Diners Club, by Renaissance Tours prior to travel. For other MasterCard and Visa. A 3% service charge applies countries, it is your responsibility to ensure you have • h andle your own luggage for payment by American Express and Diners Club. the appropriate visa(s). ABOVE AVERAGE Cancellation & Refunds In addition to the above, tour members must also You are also responsible for obtaining all necessary be able to: a) Cancellation by You - Cancellation charges will inoculations and preventative medicines as may be be applied as shown below, calculated from the required for the duration of the tour. • Undertake walking tours of 2 – 3 hours day written notification is received by Renaissance • climb staircases of 100 or more steps Tours. In addition to cancellation fees for tours Travel Insurance operated by Renaissance Tours as shown below, It is a condition of travel that you are covered by CHALLENGING airlines, hotels and other third parties may impose comprehensive travel insurance for international In addition to the above, tour members must also up to 100% cancellation charges. tours. Your travel insurance can be arranged by be able to: Renaissance Tours. • H andle extremes of temperature (e.g. below 0 60 days or more Forfeit of deposit or above 35 degrees) 59 – 45 days 25% of tour cost Fitness and Participation Most of our tours require a MODERATE level of • h andle extremes of altitudes (e.g. 4000 metres 44 – 31 days 50% of tour cost fitness. and above). 30 – 15 days 75% of tour cost However, in certain destinations (e.g. Silk Less than 15 days 100% of tour cost Road, Central Asia, Outback Australia, tropical You can find the full terms & conditions on the The above cancellation charges include applicable destinations) or in certain seasons (eg. mid-winter, Renaissance Tours booking form. GST. mid-summer) or because of the nature of travel (eg. They can also be found at remote rail), certain tours will require an ABOVE www.renaissancetours.com.au/booking-conditions/ In addition to the above, cancellation charges AVERAGE or CHALLENGING level of fitness. or we would be happy to post you a copy on may apply for additional arrangements booked request. by Renaissance Tours, such as air tickets, hotels If you (or we) have any doubts about your level and travel insurance premium. If the reason for of fitness, you may be required to have a doctor’s cancellation is covered by the insurance policy, you appraisal. This would require your doctor to read may be able to reclaim these charges. the itinerary of your chosen tour, including the fitness level, and provide you (and us) with a written b) Cancellation by Us - We reserve the right to confirmation of your ability to participate. cancel a tour for any reason (such as failure to reach

Your travel agent is toll free 1300 727 095 (AU) toll free 0800 403 621 (NZ) call (02) 9299 5801 fax (02) 9299 5805 email [email protected] visit www.renaissancetours.com.au Level 4, 47 York Street, Sydney NSW 2000 GPO Box 5068, Sydney NSW 2001 ABN 14 069 591 448 Lic. 2TA4526