oman & jordan - apex-expeditions.com · sheer and impossibly steep slope toward wadi bani awf....

Oman & JordanNovember 4 – 19, 2020

W W W . A P E X - E X P E D I T I O N S . C O M 8 0 0 . 8 6 1 . 6 4 2 5 / 2 0 6 . 6 6 9 . 9 2 7 2

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Photos: Desert Nights Camp (cover), Nizwa Fort, Petra

Mystery shrouds Oman, tucked quietly as it is beside nations that

make far more headlines, and are far less amenable to travel.

Oman packs a rich variety of destinations in its narrow borders,

from sparkling cities to ancient villages; red dunes to lush, cliffside

orchards. Join Apex Expeditions on this Middle Eastern journey,

brimming in history, architectural marvels, and the wafting scent of

perfume. See Green Turtles at one of the largest nesting sites on

the Indian Ocean, Bonelli’s and Verreaux Eagles in subtropical

Dhofar Province, and ancient Frankincense trees in their natural

habitat. In Jordan, another friendly haven, visit the awe-inspiring

ruins at Petra and float in the fabled Dead Sea. Step back in history

on this expedition through the many layers and landscapes of the

Arabian Peninsula.

Expedition Over view


Wednesday, November 4: Arrive Muscat, Oman Arrive this evening in Oman’s charming capital city, wedged between mountains and sea, and transfer to the lush Chedi Muscat Hotel for your overnight.

Thursday, November 5: Muscat Rise early for an optional birding excursion to the impressive Al Ansab Lagoons and Wetlands, covering seven square miles within the city. Birds here include Striated, Gray and Purple Herons; Terek and Wood Sandpipers; Kentish, Lesser and Greater Sandplovers; and Bluethroats. Afterwards, join up with the rest of the group at Muscat’s exquisite Grand Mosque. Modest from the outside, the main prayer hall is lavish, with a 200-foot-long Persian carpet, purported to be the second largest in the world—it took 600 women four years to weave it. Next, enjoy a stroll through Bait al Baranda, housed in a 1930s residence, with well-crafted exhibits highlighting the cultural history of Oman. After lunch, visit Bait Adam, a privately-owned museum with an impressive collection of traditional Omani weapons, jewelry and costumes. Return to Chedi Muscat Hotel for an official welcome dinner and overnight.

Friday, November 6: Muscat This morning, head to the colorful Old Muscat Harbor to board your vessel for a cetacean cruise along the edge of the continental shelf, which happens to lie just offshore. The waters here are extremely productive, and both Humpback and Sperm Whales are commonly seen. Bottle-nosed, Risso’s and Spinner Dolphins are also plentiful, often in pods of many hundreds. Birds here include Arabian Shearwater, Jouanin’s Petrel, Greater Crested and Bridled Terns, plus Swinhoe’s and Wilson’s Storm-petrels. Spend time off the islet of Al Fahal, whose rugged cliffs are home to Sooty Falcons, Ospreys, Red-billed Tropicbirds and Masked Boobies. After lunch at the harbor, visit the imposing Sultan’s Palace, then walk the bustling aisles

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Photos: Jebel Shams, Grand Mosque,Risso’s Dolphin


of the Old Muscat Souq, and enjoy the magnificent wafting scents of coffee and frankincense. Return to Chedi Muscat Hotel for dinner and overnight.

Saturday, November 7: Muscat / Ras al Jinz After breakfast, embark by 4x4 on a sweeping five-day overland safari. Head south along the coast, stopping en route for photography and birding. Sightings may include Egyptian Vultures, Steppe and Eastern Imperial Eagles, Green Bee-eaters and Indian Rollers. Enjoy lunch at a seaside restaurant, followed by a visit to the picturesque town of Sur. Visit the craftsmen at the last surviving dhow-building yard in the Sultanate, and observe the artistry that goes into building these beautiful, hulking boats. Late this afternoon, arrive in Ras al Jinz, the easternmost point of the Arabian Peninsula. Between 20,000 and 30,000 Green Turtles return annually to lay their eggs on the white sand beaches here. With luck, witness both egg-laying females and hatchlings, as they scurry to the sanctuary of the nearby ocean. Dinner and overnight in the Carapace Rooms, Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve.

Sunday, November 8: Ras al Jinz / Wahiba Sands You may choose to rise before dawn for more turtle watching. After breakfast, board your 4x4s and head south through coastal desert. Camels are commonplace here, as well as Peregrine Falcons, Menetries’s Warblers and Desert Whitethroats. Further south, the landscape begins to change to a washboard of rippling red dunes, some hundreds of feet high, dotted with the vibrant greens of date palm oases. This is home of the Bedu, people of the camel. Today, you have the opportunity to visit a Bedu family and learn of their culture and traditions, and the ever-popular Omani pastime—camel racing. This time of year marks the start of the sport’s season, and, if fortunate, you may see a race. Afterwards, follow guides in an exciting, and somewhat hair-raising, 4x4 convoy across the dunes to your secluded camp. Dinner and overnight at Desert Nights Camp.

Monday, November 9: Wahiba Sands / Bahla / Misfat al Abriyyin / Al Hamra Rise early to photograph the crisp dawn shadows on the dunes, then enjoy an open-air breakfast. Head north in your 4x4s to the breathtaking World Heritage site at Bahla, one of the oldest villages in Oman. Take in the miles-long walls which create an irregular skyline of medieval towers, bastions and ramparts. Afterwards, head into the mountains for a visit to Misfat al Abriyyin, a beautiful jumble of earth-colored stone buildings clinging to the mountainside, gardens overflowing with bright clumps of fruit trees and bougainvillea. This is traditional Oman at its most magical. After lunch, see the abandoned Persian ruins at Ghul, then hang on for the series of hairpin switchbacks that lead up to the summit of Jebel Shams, Oman’s highest point. The final few miles are especially spectacular, with breathtaking views into the 3,000-foot-deep Wadi Nakhr, “the Grand Canyon of Arabia.” Dinner and overnight at The View Oman in Al Hamra.

Tuesday, November 10: Al Hamra / Nizwa / Saiq Plateau After breakfast, begin the 4x4 trek down the mountain, southeast to the beautiful town of Nizwa, the “Pearl of Islam,” located on a broad plain surrounded by a thick palm oasis. Nizwa’s 17th-century fort is perhaps the most visited site in Oman, and the views from its 130-foot-high tower are stunning. Tour the nearby souq, famed for its silversmiths, then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. This afternoon settle in for a memorable ride up to the Saiq Plateau, the green jewel of the Al Hajar mountain range, standing some 8,000 feet above sea level. Here, fruit orchards cling

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Photos: Oman Coast, Green Turtle, Misfat al Abriyyin, Nizwa Fort


to the mountain slopes, watered by plentiful natural springs and aflaj irrigation systems. Small villages dot the terrain, overlooking spectacularly dramatic gorges and wadis. Dinner and overnight at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort.

Wednesday, November 11: Saiq Plateau / Muscat / Salalah After breakfast, climb into your 4x4s and begin a spectacular descent down a sheer and impossibly steep slope toward Wadi Bani Awf. This mountain track is considered by many to be one of the most memorable and challenging off-road drives on earth. Arrive at the airport in Muscat for an afternoon flight south to Salalah in colorful, subtropical Dhofar Province. On arrival, transfer to Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara for dinner and overnight.

Thursday, November 12: Salalah This morning, you may join an early birding outing to East Khawr, a lagoon with large numbers of waders such as Little and Temminck’s Stints; Kentish Plovers; White-winged Black Terns; and Curlew, Marsh, and Broad-billed Sandpipers. After breakfast, visit the magnificent ruins of Khor Rori, once the easternmost outpost on the ancient Frankincense route. This afternoon, see one of the world’s largest sinkholes at Tawi Atair, roughly translated to “well of birds,” and for good reason: Tristram’s Starling, Cinnamon-breasted Bunting, Abyssinian White-eye and Bonelli’s Eagles are all common. A few miles further east is the Jabal Samhan Reserve, one of the last known homes of the Arabian Leopard, as well as the Arabian Gazelle, Cape Hare, Arabian Wolf and Verreaux’s Eagle. On the way back to Salalah, stop at Wadi Darbat, a lush lake that hosts an impressive variety of birds. Enjoy dinner in town, and overnight at Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara.

Friday, November 13: Salalah After breakfast, head west to visit the Raysut rubbish dump. Here, hundreds of Steppe Eagles spend the winter feeding, along with smaller numbers of Imperial Eagles, Abdim’s Stork and Pintail Snipe. Continue along the winding road west, past herds of camels and cattle on the high plains overlooking Salalah, and stop at the Tomb of Job, which claims to hold the remains of the venerated prophet. See the massive blowholes at the white sand beach in Mughsail, then continue towards Oman’s border with Yemen, with its breathtaking cliffs and valleys. Here, see Frankincense trees in their natural habitat. Hike into one of the valleys to take in the sights and smells of the ‘holy incense’ growing amid the dry and craggy terrain. Return to Salalah’s port for lunch, then explore the Hafa Souq before returning to Al Baleed Resort for dinner and overnight.

Saturday, November 14: Salalah / Amman, Jordan This morning, head to the Museum of the Land of Frankincense, located within the UNESCO World Heritage site of Al Balid in Salalah. Learn of the geography and history of the ancient Frankincense trail, and Oman’s rich maritime trade. Next, transfer to the airport for a flight to Amman, Jordan’s capital city, via Muscat or Doha (depending on flight schedules). Dinner and overnight at Fairmont Amman.

Sunday, November 15: Amman / Wadi Rum After breakfast, set out southward toward Wadi Rum. Stop at Mt. Nebo, where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land. The Moses Memorial Church, perched on the summit, commands spectacular views of the Dead Sea, Israel and the Palestinian Territories beyond. Continue a few miles further to Madaba, best

Photos: Saiq Plateau, Tawi Atair Sinkhole, Verreaux’s Eagle, Mughsail Blowhole

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known for its Byzantine-era mosaics. Walk the friendly streets and see the most famous of these mosaics—the map on the floor of St. George’s Church. Enjoy a traditional regional lunch at the unique Hikayet Sitti restaurant in town, before continuing on to Wadi Rum. Toast to the extreme desert sunset with cocktails, then enjoy dinner and overnight at the extraordinary SunCity Camp.

Monday, November 16: Wadi Rum / Petra Awaken early to watch the sun rise from atop a camel, as you ride some of the path that Bedouins have been traversing for millennia. After breakfast, take some more time to explore the area, then transfer by vehicle north to Wadi Musa, the small town that stands beside Petra. Enjoy lunch at your hotel, followed by a visit to Siq al Barid, colloquially known as Little Petra. The Nabataean ruins here are thought to be remains of a trading suburb and resupply post for camel caravans visiting Petra. Many of the intricate cisterns used for water collection remain intact. Return to Wadi Musa, taking in the breathtaking views of Petra from afar, and enjoy a cooking demonstration and dinner at Petra Kitchen in town. Overnight at Movenpick Resort Petra.

Tuesday, November 17: Petra Spend the day experiencing Petra, the great Nabataean city built in the 3rd century BC. Here, palaces, temples and tombs were carved directly into the sandstone cliffs. Despite a series of earthquakes that led to the city’s demise, most of its structures remain remarkably intact. Hike in along the high-walled Siq, coming out at the iron-laden tomb known as the Treasury. Explore the more than 40 tombs that line the Street of Facades, then head to the 7000-seat Theatre. Climb a stairway to the cliffs above to see the Royal Tombs, with some of the best carving in Petra. Visit the Great Temple, and the imposing Qasr al Bint, the only freestanding structure in the Ancient City. Enjoy lunch at Basin Restaurant, then take an optional hike up to the Monastery, with its staggering views over Petra’s rock formations. Hike back out and return to the Movenpick Resort for dinner and overnight.

Wednesday, November 18: Petra / Dead Sea After breakfast, drive north to the lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea, located 1,410 feet below sea level. Enjoy lunch at your hotel, perched on the beach, then take the afternoon at leisure. Head to the spa for a treatment using Dead Sea minerals, or float in the sea itself. This evening, share a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers and expedition team. Overnight at Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea.

Thursday, November 19: Dead Sea / Amman Depart very early this morning to transfer to the Amman airport for your international flights home.

Photos: Moses Memorial Church, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea, Petra

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A – Muscat

B – Ras al J inz

C – Wahiba Sands

D – Al Hamra

E – Saiq Plateau

F – Salalah

G – Amman

H – Wadi Rum

I – Petra

J – Dead Sea

By Road By Air

Expedition Map – Oman & Jordan


Peter HarrisonPeter Harrison has led expeditions throughout the world, from the Arctic to the Antarctic and everywhere in between. Peter has written and illustrated over a dozen books, of which Seabirds: An Identification Guide, is considered the bible of seabird identification. In addition to being a professional birder, entrepreneur, artist, author and screenwriter, Peter has devoted much of his time to conservation efforts. In recognition of his outstanding work in natural history, Peter was honored with the title, Member of the British Empire by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. More recently, Peter received the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds’ prestigious Conservation Gold Medal Award. This honor is bestowed upon one individual each year in recognition of their support and dedication to wild bird protection and global habitat conservation. Past recipients have included Prince Charles and Sir David Attenborough. Exploration and discovery remain a driving force for Peter and it is safe to say that with Peter leading the charge, adventure always abounds.

Shirley MetzShirley Metz’s careers and accomplishments have spanned the globe. Shirley became a certified diver at age 16 and while at the University of Hawaii did shark research earning her degrees in Marine Biology and Communications. She met her first husband in Hawaii with whom she founded Hobie Sports. She also developed several active clothing lines and consulted to companies such as The North Face. In 1988 Shirley visited Antarctica and became inspired to work in Antarctic conservation. To raise awareness, she became a member of an international expedition that would attempt to ski 800 miles from the edge of Antarctica to the South Pole. On January 17, 1989, the nine-member expedition arrived at world’s end; Shirley made history and her way into the Guinness Book of Records as the first woman to ski overland to the South Pole. A member of the Explorers Club and The Society of Woman Geographers, Shirley continues to raise awareness and support for environmental and cultural projects. ““Our lives have been enriched

by the 17 journeys we have

undertaken with the Apex team

leaders. Simply put, no one

does expedition travel better.”

– Jim M., California

Your Expedition Leaders


Oman & Jordan November 4 – 19, 2020$18,980 Per Person Rate

$23,160 Solo Rate

16 Days Trip Length

13 Guests Group Size

Muscat / Amman Start/End

Expedition Details

IncludedApex Expeditions’ rates include all accommodations; all meals, activities and excursions as described in the itinerary;

air from Muscat to Salalah and Salalah to Amman, as noted in the itinerary; services of two Apex Expeditions leaders

and local guides throughout the itinerary; local beer & wines at lunch & dinner, when available; all gratuities; airport

transfers; permits and entrance fees; all taxes.

Not IncludedCosts not included in the price of your Apex expedition include travel to and from the start and end point of trip;

premium brand drinks and liquor; travel insurance (Trip Cancellation and Interruption, as well as Emergency Medical

and Evacuation insurance, are highly recommended); airport departure taxes; equipment rental; excess baggage fees;

passport and/or visa fees; items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry, souvenirs, etc.); and independent travel

arrangements pre- or post-trip.

Payments & Terms20% of the trip cost will confirm your place on the expedition. The final balance is due 150 days prior to departure.

All prices are quoted in U.S. dollars and must be paid in U.S. dollars. Per person pricing is based on double occupancy.

The solo rate is paid by participants who specifically request single accommodations and is subject to availability.

If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, we will try to match you with a roommate of the same

gender. However, if a roommate is not available, the published solo rate will be charged. Upon confirming your

reservation you will be required to pay the published Solo Rate, if we are able to pair you with a roommate, the

applicable difference will be refunded at the time that the final trip payment is due for all participants. Please note that

solo accommodations are limited and cannot always be guaranteed throughout. For our full set of Terms & Conditions,

please visit our web site at www.apex-expeditions.com/about/terms-conditions/

One-of-a-kind adventures to the world’s most fascinating places. Join us.

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Oman & Jordan November 4 – 19, 2020

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oman & jordan - apex-expeditions.com · sheer and impossibly steep slope toward wadi bani awf....

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