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 that 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, yet 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/Sana’a (Flight)
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". Transfer to the airport for a flight to Sana’a.
Overnight: Taj Sheba Hotel, Sana’a (1 night) (B, D)

Day 11: Sana'a/Hadibo (Flight)
Today we take a flight (subject to weather) over the Gulf of Aden to the Island of Socotra. Considered the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean, Socotra is alive with endemic animal and plant species. Little is known about the history of Socotra other than that the Greeks used to trade with the people there. This afternoon, we enjoy an excursion of Dehadhafig to explore the unique flora and wander around a natural cascade.
Overnight: Al Jazerra Hotel, Hadibo (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 12: Hadibo/Roqab/Descome/Nowgad
We journey to Decsome and the southern part of Socotra Island, where we explore the Dragon’s Blood Trees area. Dragon’s Blood trees are endemic to Socotra Island and have a rich and interesting history. Roman Soldiers used the blood red sap as an ointment to disinfect wounds, giving them a gory, war torn appearance. This area of the island is filled with unique flora and fauna and is a good spot for bird watching. Most of the people living in this area are Bedouins, nomads whose families have lived on the island for generations. We continue to Nowgad with its high mountains, fascinating beaches and wonderful valleys filled with palm trees.
Overnight: Tents, Nowgad (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 13: Nowgad/Wadi Shifa
A picturesque drive takes us to Wadi Shifa, with its unique flora, birds and beautiful waterfalls. Tonight we sleep under the clear sky and stars surrounded in pristine beauty.
Overnight: Tents, Wadi Shifa (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 14: Wadi Shifa/Ras Momi/Ras Dehemri/Hadibo
Today we head eastward and visit Ras Momi, famous for its many valleys and exquisite scenery. Ras Dehemri is located on one of the highest points of Socotra and is another area of the Dragon’s Blood trees. Later we drive down toward the coast to magnificent Dehimri Beach, where we can snorkel or explore the valley. This area is so beautiful one cannot help but expect Aphrodite to emerge from the sea foam out of an oyster shell.
Overnight: Al Jazerra Hotel, Hadibo (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 15: Hadibo/Qalansiya
In the morning we tour the capital of Socotra Island, Hadibo where we visit the seaport and the Portuguese Church. Socotra was colonized by the Portuguese and the British; signs of this are evident both in the culture and the architecture of the island. Our drive westwards for about 95km /59 miles gets us to Qalansiya, a city well known for its spectacular clear-water beach, wonderful valleys with their palm trees and unique birds. The people of this area work mostly in fishing and related products.
Overnight: Tents, Qalansiya (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 16: Qalansiya
Today we take an interesting boat ride to Shoab, to visit a seal colony.

Day 17: Qalansiya/Wadi Ayhaft/Hadibo
We depart south for a day-visit to Wadi Ayhaft, enjoying the sight of wonderful valleys populated by Incense trees and unique bird life. The Wadis on Socotra are verdant as they are fed with a continuous supply of fresh water from the mountains, making them an ideal home for a multitude of plant and animal life.
Overnight: Al Jazerra Hotel, Hadibo (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 18: Hadibo/Sana’a (Flight)
After breakfast we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Sana'a where we are met and transferred to our hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore the souqs and soak up the local culture in Sana’a.
Overnight: Taj Sheba, Sana’a (3 nights) (B, D)

Day 19: Sana’a
Another exciting day exploring the Yemeni countryside, where people live in buildings carved from the rocks at stone villages in Hababh, Shibam, Kawkaban and Thula. Depicting a blend of Yemeni and Islamic architecture, these buildings have a unique design, which is still practical for people to live in, even today. (B, D)

Day 20: Sana’a
Day excursion to visit 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. (B, D)

Day 21: Depart Sana’a
This morning we transfer to Sana'a airport for our flight home filled with unique memories of an ancient land filled astonishing beauty. (B)