This 19-day tour through the fascinating cultures and beautiful countryside of the Persian Gulf region begins in Kuwait City, which, after an extensive restoration and rebuilding effort, bears little resemblance to the war-devastated area left behind after the Iraqi invasion. We visit the famous landmarks, perhaps even take a high-speed elevator up the Kuwait Towers, and tour the remarkable museums, where we can appreciate ancient Islamic art, calligraphy, pottery, embroideries and jewelery. From here, we head to Bahrain, an archipelago located in the heart of the Gulf that boasts a unique blend of ancient and modern; a destination where glistening skyscrapers share the skyline with majestic, centuries-old mosques.
After exploring the traditional markets and abundant attractions of the tiny island state, we set off for Qatar, where we saunter around the Old Souk (market), through the maze of alleyways and down to the nearby Dhow Harbor to see some of the Gulf's traditional and distinctive trading vessels. The UAE is next on our destination list and here we have the chance to check out Abu Dhabi's unique architecture, which is an intriguing interpretation of Islamic designs crafted in modern materials, as well as one of the most futuristic cities in the world, Dubai. From here, our journey takes us into Oman and through a multitude of landscapes: flat deserts with beautiful oases, dry, jagged mountains, plains dotted with hills and acacia trees and narrow river valleys. Along the way, we get a real feel for the area and its tribal past with visits to traditional towns, where we mingle with the friendly locals and learn about the fascinating lifestyles in this unique part of the world.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Breakfast and dinner daily
- All transport, accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary
- Gratuities for drivers, restaurant staff, porters, local guides
- Airport transfers for land / air customers arriving / departing on tour dates.
Price Excludes:
- Tour Leader gratuities, lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), international (if applicable) and domestic air taxes, and any excursions referenced as 'optional'
- Airport transfers for early / late arrivals / departures or Land Only customers
- Optional trip cancellation insurance
- Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on shopping, not included meals, visas, and locally-paid departure taxes.
Also see tour packages in:
Middle East
Kuwait
Bahrain
United Arab Emirates
Cultural Journey
Archeology/History
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