THE FRANKINCENSE TRAIL: MUSCAT, UBAR & SANA'A
A cultural tour of Oman & Yemen

This tour takes us back to catch a glimpse of some of the most well known events that have shaped the history of mankind. We explore 1500 years of history that surround the famed "Frankincense Trail"; the Hadhramut Kingdom of the Queen of Sheba and her husband King Solomon, the trail of Magi and the Three Wise Men who traveled on this route to pay homage to the infant born in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago, the long surviving desert culture, and a lot more. An artistically tailored itinerary, this is a journey of reminiscence through two of history's most intriguing countries.

Day 01: Arrive Muscat
We arrive at Seeb International Airport and all we hear is Merhaba! We are warmly welcomed and driven through the capital city to our hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Crowne Plaza, Muscat (2 nights)

Day 02: Muscat & Nizwa
Following the trail we start with a day trip to Nizwa which was built by the great Imam Sultan Bin Seif. In the 17th Century Nizwa with its strategic location and construction was chosen as the capital and even today it remains as Oman’s most impressive towns. We explore the massive circular fort, the Jabrin Castle and the World Heritage Site of Bahla Fort. The ruins of the immense fort, with walls and towers of earthen brick and foundations of stone, provide a remarkable example of this type of fortification. Jabrin Castle, built in 1675 AD is an edifice surpassing any other fort in Oman, both in size and magnificence. One cannot help but admire the extraordinary carved wood paneling and friezes painted on the walls. Verses from the Koran and poems engraved in the walls celebrate the beauty of this grand castle. Next we experience the Nizwa Souq where a unique goat and cattle auction is held followed by a visit to the aromatic Amouage perfume factory. (B, L)

Day 03: Muscat/Salalah (Flight)
Founded in the 1st century, Muscat rose to prominence in the 14th and 15th centuries when the Portuguese, who developed Muscat as their main naval base, built the twin forts of Mirani and Jalali that stand guard over Muscat’s harbour. Muscat is a modern, spectacularly clean city that has retained traditional Omani character. Our tour takes us through the beautiful seaside residential area to the Natural History museum. We then get a unique opportunity to experience life in Old Muscat especially around the famous Zawawi Mosque and the Muttrah Souq. Made up of a maze of narrow lanes lined with stalls offering a huge variety of goods, the smell of frankincense and sandalwood is always lingering in the air. The souq is designed in authentic Arabic style and is divided into sectors, each specializing in a particular product: gold, silver, textiles, spices, etc. and interspersed with many teahouses and moneychangers. This evening we take a short flight to Salalah.
Overnight: Hotel Hamilton Plaza, Salalah (3 nights) (B, D)

Day 04: Salalah & Dhofar
Today we spend a full day touring the Dhofar region, the focal point of the frankincense trade which flourished for several centuries. Frankincense trees originated in the Dhofar valley and were of great economic and religious importance to figures like the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon. Driving past the Royal Farm and the Mamura Palace, we arrive at Taqa. This village is famed for its sardines, fertilizers and traditional homes, elegant in appearance and heat-resistant in construction. We visit Taqa Castle, the remains of Queen Sheba's Palace, before proceeding to Samhuram with its famed port and the hub of the ancient frankincense trade, Khor Rawri. Our scenic drive along the coastal road takes us to the old city of Mirbat where Arabian horse and slave trades took place in bygone days. We also see the Mirbat Castle with its extraordinary view overlooking the sea and enjoy a walk into town to see some old and beautiful merchant houses with their exquisite carved doors and windows. (B, D)

Day 05: Salalah
Today we tour west Salalah visiting Job's tomb. The mosque and tomb shrine of "Nabi-Ayuob" mark the place where lie the remains of a Moslem Prophet, possibly Job from the Old Testament. Next we drive on to the Mughsail beach to see the magnificent blowholes that burst dramatically during high tide. Khor mughsail is home to an abundance of bird life such as flamingos, pelicans and storks. Our tour ends with a visit to see the frankincense trees known as the "Holy Incense" that grow mainly on the desert plateau away from the damp monsoon mists. Our tour culminates with a visit to the exotic Frankincense Souq in the old part of Salalah town. (B, D)

Day 06: Salalah/Ubar
One of the most famous Frankincense trading centers was the lost city of Ubar that lay below the sands to the north of the frankincense producing area. For almost 5000 years, Ubar was the flourishing frankincense trade centre and was the nexus of routes bringing the incense from Dhofar, and then into three directions across the vast Empty Quarter. We drive north to the Qara Mountains, the town of Tumrait and the area of Nejd, and home of the best frankincense. After visiting the lost city of Ubar, we proceed to the Empty Quarter returning via a natural track that leads to the beautiful Wadi Hanoon where, in ancient times, the valuable frankincense was stored before being exported by camel caravans. Today we enjoy a night under the clear desert sky, traditional in style, and very comfortable.
Overnight: Tents, Ubar (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 07: Ubar/Al-Ghaydah (Drive)
After an enjoyable night under the stars in the historical center of Ubar, we depart for Al Mayzonah and another intriguing country. Whilst the frankincense trade did not require border formalities, the modern world demands them. As we bid farewell to the ancient land of Oman, we are warmly welcomed by our friends from the ancient land of Yemen. Our first destination in Yemen is the border town of Al-Ghaydah for our overnight halt.
Overnight: Al-Taher Hotel, Al-Ghaydah (1 night) (B, D)

Day 08: Al-Ghaydah/Mukalla (Flight)
This morning we explore this small and traditional town before we take a short flight to the coastal fishing town of Mukalla. Founded in 1035 A.D. as a fishing village, it remains a seaport and a traditional fishing center to this day. Located at the edge of the Gulf of Aden, Mukalla offers an interesting experience of a way of life that has thrived for almost 1000 years. Evening is free to explore the fishermen’s wharf along the Gulf of Aden.
Overnight: Holiday Inn Hotel, Mukalla (1 night) (B, D)

Day 09: Mukalla/Wadi Hadramaut/Al-Hajarain/Seyun (Drive)
Today activities provide us with a remarkable desert experience straight out of Lawrence of Arabia. We start the day as we head northwards to the interior for Seyun, visiting Wadi Douan and the world famous Wadi Hadramaut. We also stop at Al-Hajarain, a remarkable stone village atop a rocky slope of the valley over-looking groves of palm trees shifting lightly in the breeze. Here we get a photogenic view of this most ancient and beautiful village. Following our visit of the wadi, we continue for Seyun.
Overnight: Hawta Hotel, Seyun (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 10: Seyun
Seyun is the former capital of the Kathiri Sultanate. Our tour includes the beautiful Palace of Sultan Al-Kathiri. Built of clay and brick and decorated with gypsum,
this palace has retained its majesty and originality. We stroll through the traditional souq full of handicrafts, homegrown produce and exotic aromas. We then drive to Tarim, capital of Kinda Kings, where we visit the Al-Kaff Palace (Tarim Museum), the Al-Muhdar Mosque and the magnificent Bin Yahya Palace. Leaving the best for the last, we visit Shibam, an awe-inspiring town of ancient sky-scrapers soaring out of the desert. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Shibam is commonly referred to as the "desert Manhattan". A stroll through the maze-like lanes provides us an interesting experience of the day-to-day life of people still living their traditional ways and values. We are welcomed to various homes not only to see the interior, but to meet the family. Our Shibam visit ends with an opportunity to photograph the desert and the exceptional skyline of Shibam at sunset. (B, D)

Day 11: Seyun/Shabwa/Marib (Drive)
One of the most exciting days of this journey begins today as we depart for Marib, crossing the undulating desert. With its stark and uncluttered beauty, our trip through the desert makes for an appealing and exciting experience. En route we stop to visit Shabwa, the ancient capital of the Hadhramut Kingdom and then continue to Marib. Through part of the desert journey, over sand dunes and desert tracks, we are guided by local desert guides. Evening is free to stroll this ancient capital of the Queen of Sheba.
Overnight: Bilquis Hotel, Marib (1 night) (B, D)

Day 12: Marib/Sana'a (Drive)
Today we explore Marib and discover the remains of the Temple of the Moon God (Awam Temple) and the Throne of Bilquis (Bar'an Temple). We also see the surviving stonework of the famous dam on which the prosperity of the Kingdom of Sheba depended for more than a thousand years, as well as the ancient city of Marib. Marib is still a traditional desert outpost, very tribal in nature and style. After our visit, we travel to the capital of Yemen, Sana'a. Sana’a is one of the oldest cities in the world and was founded by Shem, the son of Prophet Noah. Sana’a literally means fortified place, and even today the city depicts that. The inner city still retains its originality and carries on in the old and antique ways of trading goods and offering ancient traditions of hospitality. Here, time is of no essence.
Overnight: Taj Sheba Hotel, Sana’a (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 13: Sana'a
We spend our day exploring Sana'a starting with a visit to the National Museum and Haddah (Beit Bows) followed by the ancient quarter of this fascinating Arabian city with its intricately decorated mosques, 1000-year old city walls, hidden gardens, unique multiple-storied houses and old souqs. The souq takes us back to the times of the Arabian Nights and is an experience never ever to be forgotten. Our last evening on the Frankincense Trail is made even more interesting as we are treated to a farewell dinner at a typical Yemeni restaurant. (B, D)

Day 14: Depart Sana’a
All good things come to an end and we have to bid farewell to the ancient lands of the Frankincense Trail. We are transferred to the airport for our departure flight. (B)

Departure Dates
2010 English Speaking Departures Jan 19, Feb 09, Mar 02, Apr 06, May 18, Oct 26, Dec 14
Inclusions
Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include Hotels as mentioned (or similar) International Airfare Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner) Departure Taxes All sightseeing and transfers Insurances / Visas Entrance fees Drinks/Beverages with meals Services of local English speaking guides Tips/Gratuities to Drivers & Guides Economy airfares Muscat/Salalah and Al-Ghaydah/Mukalla
Tour Price
We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America). Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat.
Departures Minimum Participants Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement 2010 04-10 US $ 5390 US $ 1390 02-03 US $ 6880 US $ 1390
Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour
Canada - West Coast N/A USA - West Coast US $ 1600 Canada - East Coast N/A USA - East Coast US $ 1400
Participants
This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 16 participants.
Notes
Customised Itinerary If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you. Foreign Language Departures Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures. You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.