Travel to the birthplace of Islam on our fascinating small-group tour of Oman and Saudi Arabia.

Oman is an independent sultanate on the Arabian Peninsula. Covering a strategic location on the Arabian Sea, Oman was coveted by the great powers that came and went. In the late 1400’s, the Portuguese occupied much of the territory, including the capital, Muscat. Almost 100 years later, the Ottomans drove them out and occupied the region for some 100 years. The Persians also came and went briefly. Since 1741, it has been self-governing. The country occupies just over 300,000 square km and has a population of over 4 million, with the overwhelming majority being Muslim. Oman is famous for breeding its Arabian horses. Muscat, Oman’s port capital, sits on the Gulf of Oman, which is surrounded by mountains and desert. With a history dating back to antiquity, it blends high-rises and upscale shopping malls with clifftop landmarks such as the 16th-century Portuguese forts, Al Jalali and Mirani, which loom over Muscat Harbour. Its modern, marble-clad Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, with a 50m dome and prodigious Persian carpet, can accommodate 20,000 people.

Saudi Arabia is a culturally rich destination, but it remains off the tourist trail. It encompasses a vast expanse of arid desert and mountains. The second largest country in the Arab world (after Algeria), it is an enormous 2,150,000 square kilometres and the only nation with coastlines on the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. Home to Mecca and Medina, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the spiritual caretaker of the two holiest shrines in the Islamic world, a role it takes seriously. Staunchly traditional, the country’s citizens are required by law to be Muslims. Saudi Arabia is also a land with a vibrant cultural pedigree. Away from the glitz and glamour of its oil-rich, ostentatiously wealthy modern cities, the country is laden with World Heritage sites and remote mountain villages. Amongst the rock-hewn splendours of Madain Saleh, you can find Nabatean treasures on par with those at Petra. At the same time, the mud-brick ruins of Diriyah provide a fascinating insight into the origins of the Saud Dynasty. The mountains of the southwest are home to a surprising collection of traditional villages that still echo the past, whilst the haunting ruins of Al Ula offer a chance to explore one of the most impressive ghost towns in the Middle East.

INCLUDED

• All transportation as per itinerary
• Twin-share accommodation
• All tipping including drivers and guides
• Meals as listed on the itinerary
• Entry fees to places of interest as per itinerary
• Transfers to and from airport if travelling on our group flights
• Experienced English speaking local tour guide/driver
• Escorted by an Australian host (subject to minimum number of 10 clients)

NOT INCLUDED

• International flights
• Electronic travel authorisation or tourist visa
• Travel insurance
• Any meals not indicated on the itinerary
• Optional excursions
• Items of a personal nature e.g. drinks, laundry, hotel charges
• Airport transfers if you not travelling on our group flights

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Blue Dot will book your international flights, or you can manage this independently
• No more than 16 clients on any trip
• Tours depart with a minimum of 4 clients
• Business or premium economy flights can be arranged at an additional cost if available
• Tour extensions – before or after extensions can be arranged on your behalf
• To book and reserve your place on a tour, a deposit of $500 and a completed booking form is required

ITINERARY

TOUR MAP