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Middle East – Oman and UAE
Treasures of the Arabian Gulf
Aboard the Island Sky
Overview
Dates Nov 14 — Nov 25, 2008
Activity Level Moderately active
Ultramodern skyscrapers are as much a part of 21st-century Arabia as are windswept sand dunes and camel caravans. Aboard the spacious Island Sky, cruise the spectacular Arabian Gulf coast to explore the overlap of past, present, and future in Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE. In Oman’s capital, Muscat, view a 16th-century fort and a sultan’s palace. Board traditional wooden dhows to sail the coast of the remote and beautiful Musandam Peninsula. Encounter the ancient Dilmun civilization at an archaeological site in Bahrain, and tour a wildlife park in Sharjah. In Dubai, learn about henna and the fragrant shisha (water pipe), browse through souks filled with sparkling jewelry, and enjoy frank discussions with women students at Dubai’s Zayed University about their role in society and the future of their country.
To download a full brochure for this program, click the PDF button at the top right side of this page.
Map
Itinerary
- Days 1 & 2 – U.S. / Muscat, Oman
- Day 3 – Muscat
- Day 4 – Muscat / Embark
- Day 5 – Musandam Peninsula
- Day 6 – At Sea
- Day 7 – Manama, Bahrain
- Day 8 – Doha, Qatar
- Day 9 – At Sea
- Day 10 – Abu Dhabi / Dubai
- Day 11 – Dubai
- Day 12 – Dubai / Disembark / U.S.
Highlights
- View the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture.
- Board a traditional wooden dhow to explore the scenic inlets of the Musandam Peninsula.
- Enjoy traditional Arabic cuisine and hospitality in a tented setting in Doha, Qatar.
- Try local customs such as decorating hands and feet with henna, and relaxing with the shisha (water pipe).
- Cross famous Dubai Creek by abra (water taxi) and stroll through the legendary gold souk, filled with dazzling displays.
- Talk one on one with women students at Zayed University about their role in society and in the future of their country.
Pre-Tour Extension
Omani Villages and Oases
November 11-15, 2008
In the charming oasis village of Nizwa, center of Oman's jewelry and craft industry's, attend the lively animal market, where cows, goats, and sheep are auctioned much as they were during Biblical times. Explore Nizwa's fascinating 17th-century fort and its souk, where local handicrafts and jewelry are displayed, and imposing Jabrin Castle, constructed as a combination fort/retreat for 17th-century imams and Oman's finest example of residential architecture. Visit the ancient mud-brick village of Al Hamrah and enjoy a photo stop at Bahla, Oman's 15th-century capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the oasis and dense date plantations in the pretty village of Birkat Al Mauz, situated in the foothills of Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountain).
Program Leaders
Frank Griffel
Frank Griffel is associate professor of Islamic studies at the Yale’s Department of Religious Studies. A graduate of Berlin’s Free University, he has studied at several German universities as well as in places of the Arab world like Damascus and Alexandria. He has been awarded several prestigious fellowships and is a Carnegie Scholar for 2007. A successful lecturer who fills large classrooms, Professor Griffel enjoys teaching Islamic Studies at a time of increasing demand for the subject. He has a wide-ranging interest in Islamic literature and also in Islamic art and has published three books and numerous articles in scholarly journals and encyclopedias.
John Swanson
John Swanson is associate provost and director of the core curriculum for special academic programs at the American University in Cairo. He earned his PhD in African history from Indiana University and went on to lecture on Egyptian history, culture, and society at AUC for more than 25 years, as well as to direct the university’s Arabic language programs. He has served as a study leader in Egypt and other areas of the Middle East since 1988.
Sponsors
National Trust for Historic Preservation
Smithsonian Journeys
Yale Educational Travel
Accommodations
Cruise Ship
The Island Sky
The recently renovated, all-suite Island Sky offers exceptionally spacious and well-designed cabins. Wood paneling and brass predominate throughout the vessel, conveying the atmosphere of a private yacht. All suites, which range in size from 216 to 306 square feet, have outside views, with either portholes, large picture windows, or patio doors leading to a private balcony. Each suite has a sitting area, luxurious en suite bathroom, large wardrobe, mini-refrigerator, individual temperature controls, and telephone. The airy and finely decorated public areas include a lounge, elegant bar, library, spa with Jacuzzi, and a dining room that accommodates all guests at a single seating for meals that feature delicious international cuisine. The ship’s sun deck invites strolling, and refreshments are available in the outdoor café and bar area. The ship is air-conditioned throughout and there is an elevator between decks. The Island Sky offers its 116 passengers a personal level of service and attention not found aboard larger cruise vessels.
Program Rates
Airfare
U.S. domestic and international airfare is not included in the program rates. We are happy to assist you in making all of your air travel arrangements for this tour.
Program Rates
From $7,990 per person, double occupancy; $11,590 single.