In 2009, Adventures Abroad acquired Roseway Travel to expand the range of destinations and travel styles that we are able to offer. Founded 36 years ago, Roseway Travel, now a division within Adventures Abroad, specializes in premium ocean and river cruises to destinations worldwide. Adventures Abroad's decades long expertise of travel in Europe, South America and the Middle East is now combined with 'Voyages of Discovery' cruise itineraries to give you a choice of unmatched Adventures Abroad 'Cruise & Tour' programs.
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Day 1 Arrival in Tel Aviv
Today we arrive in Tel Aviv and transfer to our hotel.*
Stretched along the beautiful beach strip of the Mediterranean, Tel Aviv is Israel's largest city and main commercial center. It is a busy metropolis that inspires visitors with a unique energetic atmosphere. Tel Aviv presents a lively combination of entertainment venues, shopping malls, exotic markets, and golden beaches. It is also the country's greatest cultural center, home of a variety of museums, galleries, theatres and concert halls.
* BE CERTAIN to have immigration officials stamp a separate, removable piece of paper rather than your passport upon arrival. An Israeli stamp in your passport could present problems later on the trip.
Overnight in Tel Aviv.
Included Meal(s): Dinner
Day 2 Tel Aviv - Caesarea - Akko - Haifa
After the morning drive tour of Tel Aviv, we head north along the scenic Mediterranean coast road, we will cross Netanya and visit the impressive ruins of Caesarea, once Roman capital of the Holy Land. Caesarea, whose construction began in 22 BC was dedicated by Herod to his patron Augustus Caesar. When it was completed 12 years later, only Jerusalem outshone it in its grandeur. The Roman theatre here once seated 3,600 people. By the main gate to the theatre is proof that Pontius Pilate, governor of Judea during the time of Jesus, actually lived in this area. At various times in its history, this beautiful coastal town has been a Roman Capital, a port and a major conquest for the Crusaders.
We continue through this historic and dramatic landscape to Haifa via Megiddo, named in the Book of Revelations as the place of Armageddon, the place where the forces of good and evil will meet in the final battle for mankind. Of particular interest are the outlines of 5,000 year old early Bronze Age temples.
After visiting Acre (Akko), with its underground Crusader city and the crypt of St John, we arrive at the beautiful city of Haifa.
Overnight in Haifa.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 3 Haifa - Nazareth - Tiberius
We begin our day with a visit to the summit of Mount Carmel with its breathtakingly panoramic view of the town, the bay, and a considerable part of western Galilee. Later we will tour the Persian Gardens and the Bahai Shrine.
We travel onwards to Nazareth where we visit the largest Basilica in the Middle East -- the Church of Annunciation. According to one of the ancient traditions, it was here that the archangel Gabriel foretold the coming of Jesus to the Virgin Mary. The interior of the present church has a most beautiful design, incorporating fragments of much older buildings.
We continue to Tiberias on the shore of the Sea of Galilee (Yam Kinerett).
Overnight in Tiberias.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 4 Tiberius - Dead Sea - Masada - Jerusalem
This morning we travel south through the Jordan Valley to Masada stopping at the Dead Sea on the way.
Masada is great flat-topped mountain and natural fortress was once held by a small band of Jewish zealots for three years despite the force of Roman armies. On this site 1,000 people committed mass suicide rather than be enslaved. Flavirus Josephus said, "Who decided a long time ago, brave soldiers that we are, not to be slaves of the Romans or of any person other than God; for he alone is the true and just master of men."
From Masada we travel back northward to the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve. After a short walk we reach Wadi David (David's Spring), a waterfall hidden in an oasis of luxuriant green vegetation that hangs clustered in a canyon wall.
On the northwest shore of the Dead Sea we encounter the settlement of Qumran. In 1947 it was here that two shepherd boys made one of the most significant discovery in religious history, the Dead Sea Scrolls (written texts of the Old Testament) hidden in the caves. The people who wrote them are believed to have been the Essenes who lived here until AD 68.
Later in the day we arrive in Jerusalem, the City of David.
Overnight in Jerusalem.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5 Jerusalem & Bethlehem
Old and new merge seamlessly in Jerusalem. You may hear the Muslim call to prayer competing with the clanging of bells from Christian churches and the prayers of Jews praying before the Western Wall. Everywhere you turn you'll see reminders of the three religions -- Islam, Judaism and Christianity -- that have shaped this part of the world.
We have a morning visit to the Temple Mount, one of the glories of Islamic Jerusalem, where you will view the Dome of the Rock. We then enter through the Jewish Quarter to witness the Herodian Mansions, a lavish palace in antiquity and built formerly of white marble, followed by a visit to the most important site in Judaism, the Western Wall.
Today we will see the Old City from the vantage point of the Mount of Olives. We enter the old city and visit the Christian sites. Following the last steps of Christ along Via Dolorosa, we approach Calvary and the most sacred site in Christendom, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Most Christians venerate this site as the location of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.
We stop at Mount Zion to see St Peter in Galicantu and the Upper room. From Jerusalem we continue to Bethlehem.* We visit the Church of the Nativity, the birthplace of Jesus. Built like a citadel over the cave where it is believed Jesus was born, the original 4th century church commissioned by Constantine was altered in AD 530 by Emperor Justinian. It was later captured by the Crusaders and then came under the jurisdiction of Saladin and then the Mamluks.
*NOTE: Due to security concerns / procedures that change frequently, Bethlehem exists in our programme on a provisional and tentative basis only. In the event that a visit to the West Bank is not appropriate by departure time, we may remain in Jerusalem and expand our sightseeing there with a visit to the Israel Museum to see the Dead Sea scrolls and a model of the second temple.
Overnight in Jerusalem.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 6 Jerusalem, Israel - Amman, Jordan
Today we travel to Amman, Jordan via the Sheikh Hussain border.
Amman, the modern and ancient capital of Jordan, is one of the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in the world, where the city's modern buildings blend with the remnants of ancient civilizations.
Overnight in Amman.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7 Amman & Jerash
This morning we leave Amman by bus for a tour of the extensive Roman site of Jerash. In the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, Jerash was a wealthy city and is today considered one of the most important and best preserved of all Roman sites. We visit the famous elliptical forum, the beautiful amphitheatre with its superb natural acoustics, and the site of the huge Temple of Artemis.
This afternoon we tour Amman, visiting the Roman Amphitheatre, Archaeological Museum, and the ruins of the Temple of Hercules.
Overnight in Amman.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 8 Amman - Madaba & Mount Nebo - Petra
This morning we travel to Madaba, a small town famous for its magnificent mosaic floors. A unique mosaic covers the floor of St. George's church and consists of a huge map of the Holy Land as it appeared in the 6th century AD.
Driving to the edge of the Jordan Valley we reach Mount Nebo from where Moses and the Children of Israel first saw the Promised Land. On a clear day you can look down to see the Dead Sea and the River Jordan. On the other side of the valley is the city of Jerusalem. Here we see a huge mosaic of hunting scenes covers the floor of a ruined Byzantine church.
We leave Mt Nebo and travel south via the Dead Sea Highway. Along this route, castles and towns were positioned a day's travel distance apart. En route we explore Kerak Castle, a 12th century Crusaders fortress. The castle's huge water cisterns and commanding position on a hilltop allowed it to hold out against many sieges.
Overnight in Petra.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 9 Petra: Site Tour
Petra was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom from the fourth century BC to the 2nd century AD. From the 12th century until its rediscovery in 1812, Petra was lost to the world -- a closely guarded secret of the local tribes. Today the 'rose red city half as old as time' is probably the most impressive archaeological site in the Middle East, rivaling the temples and pyramids of Egypt in grandeur.
This morning, on our way into the hidden valley of Petra, we will see the Obelisk Tomb and the irrigation system that carried water from a dam throughout the desert city. Access to the monuments of Petra is through a narrow gorge in the towering rocks called the 'Siq'. As we emerge from the 'Siq' you stand in awe in front of the 'Treasury' (El Kazneh), a graceful structure carved from the living rock. After pausing to admire the elegant columns and carvings we carry on into the valley where elaborate tombs are carved into the multi-coloured walls. Everywhere the sandstone swirls and twists in shades of red, orange, yellow, pink and white. Next we will see the Roman amphitheatre, carved directly out of the mountain, with space for over 3,000 spectators.
Further on in the main valley of Petra, are the Royal Tombs including the Palace Tomb and the Silk Tomb. We visit the temple of the Nabataeans' main god, Dushara, and we also see the 'Temple of the Winged Lion'. Our formal guided tour of the site terminates with a visit to the Petra Nabataean Museum.
At this point, you may explore further on your own, or return to our hotel to relax and / or shop. You may also take a strenuous walk up a narrow pass to see the magnificent 'Monastery' building, El Deir. The views of Petra and the surrounding area are expansive. The walk is steep, mostly on steps carved into the rock, and will take APPROXIMATELY one hour up (30 minutes down).
NOTE: Access to Petra is by means of footpath only. The main sites occur near ground that is level and well-worn, though the overall site is huge. Our pace is leisurely with frequent breaks; however, to fully experience Petra you must be prepared for a considerable amount of walking and little shade.
Overnight at Petra.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 10 Petra - Wadi Rum - Aqaba
Leaving Petra we stop briefly at 'the Spring of Moses', supposed to have magical properties. We also visit Shobak Castle, built by the Crusaders in 1115 and sacked by Moslem forces under Saladin in 1189, before continuing to Aqaba.
En route we make an excursion to Wadi Rum where Lawrence of Arabia conducted many of his campaigns during the First World War. While at Wadi Rum we take four wheel drive vehicles out into the desert where the sand is red and the rocks look like gigantic multi-layered chocolate cakes melting in the setting sun. We may be invited into a goat-hair tent to share a glass of tea with some Bedouin tribesmen -- the nomadic herdsmen of the desert who made up Lawrence's army. Running along the floor of the valley is the Hejaz Railway that Lawrence blew up repeatedly.
We overnight at Jordan's only port, Aqaba, located on the Red Sea.
Overnight in Aqaba.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 11 Aqaba - Dead Sea - Amman
Today we travel along the Dead Sea Highway to the Dead Sea. En route we make a stop at Lot's Cave & Museum. Located 1,329 feet below sea level, the aptly-named Museum at the Lowest Place on Earth features important archaeological finds recovered from the Ghor es-Safi region of Jordan (ancient Zoar/Zoora), including artifacts from Lot's cave.
King David, King Herod, Jesus, and John the Baptist were closely linked with the Dead Sea and its surroundings. During the Egyptian conquest it is said that Queen Cleopatra obtained exclusive rights to build cosmetic and pharmaceutical factories in the area. Later the Nabataeans discovered the value of bitumen extracted from the Dead Sea used by the Egyptians.
You will have the chance to swim and experience your amazing buoyancy in the ultra-salty waters (beach access fee applicable - approximately JD15-20 per person, payable directly).
Later today we transfer back to Amman.
Overnight in Amman.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 12 Amman, Jordan - Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt - Cruise Embarkation
Today we say farewell to our Adventures Abroad Tour Leader who will not be continuing with you to Sharm El Sheikh and the cruise poriton of the tour.
Transfer to Amman airport and, around midday, fly to the port of Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. Both a summer and winter resort, Sharm el Sheikh has pleasant shops and a holiday village, Naama Bay, by the sea. The waters of the Red Sea are celebrated for their fascinating corals and marine life and resort town is a world-renowned diving centre.
Upon arrival, we will board our ship, the award-winning MV Voyager. Small enough to reach out-of-the-way ports, yet large enough to make light work of crossing the great oceans, Voyager avoids the excesses of today's mega-liners. During the voyage you will hear talks given by historians, explorers, naturalists and diplomats who will preview the destinations ahead, and share their expertise, anecdotes and interests with you.
Recently, Voyages of Discovery is proud to have been awarded Best Niche Cruise Line at the British Travel Awards in 2013 -- their 4th consecutive victory in this category. Other awards include Best for Lectures at sea by Cruise Critic for 2010.
Please note that tour pricing INCLUDES all shore excursions described for the following days (if you happen to visit the cruise website, you will note that their "lead-in" price does NOT included these excursions which are sold as optional) www.voyagesofdiscovery.com
Overnight on board the Voyager.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 13 Sharm El Sheikh
We have a day to unwind after our travels and experience both the facilities and comforts of the Voyager ship as you prepare for this highly interesting cruise.
Today we will visit a modern Bedouin village, just part of a 4-wheel drive jeep adventure that takes you deep into the heart of Wadi Mandar. Along the way admire unusual, towering rock formations and look out for wild camels roaming free. Sheep and goats graze on the sparse desert vegetation trying to survive in this harsh, arid environment. The occasional acacia tree has its roots embedded deep in the sand in search of moisture. In the middle of this desolate expanse of land, Bedouin and their camels wait to take you on an unforgettable caravan experience in the Sinai Desert.
Since ancient times smugglers, merchants, pirates and pilgrims crossed the northern end of the Great Rift Valley -- a vast crack in the earth where Africa and Asia are slowly drifting apart! The Voyager cruise follows in their wake seeing how throughout the centuries events have shaped the identity of different cultures along the Red Sea shores. We will set foot in Djibouti, a former French colony on the Horn of East Africa, and Oman -- a country whose history goes back to the dawn of civilisation. Though both are rich in tradition, contrasting Fujairah and Dubai illustrate each of the seven emirates is unique.
Overnight on board the Voyager.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 14 Safaga: Luxor & Karnak Temples & the Valley of the Kings
Port Safaga also known as Safaga is primarily a commercial port for shipping out phosphates and importing grain as well as an important ferry port for Moslem pilgrims to and from Saudi Arabia. It lies on the Red Sea coast 53 kilometres south of the resort town of Hurghada. It is the 'Gateway to Upper Egypt', an excellent road now replacing the old caravan trail through the mountains leading to Qena in the Nile Valley.
Today we have a day tour to visit the famous Luxor and Karnak Temples, as well as the Valley of the Kings. Karnak Temple is one of the most fantastic archaeological sites in the world and was built, added to, dismantled, restored, enlarged and decorated during its colourful history of over 1,500 years. At certain points in Egyptian history, this temple was the most important in all of Egypt. When you arrive at the temple you will be awed by the grandeur of the tremendous pylon gateway and the Avenue of 1,000 Sphinxes that originally ran all the way to the Nile and Luxor Temple!
The Luxor Temple was dedicated to the Theban Triad of Amun, Mut, and Chons and was built during the New Kingdom, the focus of the annual Opet Festival, in which a cult statue of Amun was paraded down the Nile from nearby Karnak Temple to stay there for a while, with his consort Mut, in a celebration of fertility. Luxor temple is considered one of the largest ancient Egyptian temple complexes situated on the eastern bank of the river Nile. At the entrance is a huge tower built by King Ramses II.
Next, you visit the famous Valley of the Kings. Once in the isolated valley, dominated by large pyramid-shaped mountains, you will have a guided tour of some of the many tombs that are here. The valley was the burial ground for kings throughout the New Kingdom. Note that some of the tombs have steep stairways and all are quite dark inside (you might find a pocket flashlight useful).
Overnight on board the Voyager.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 15 Safaga: Dendara & Abydos
The drive from Safaga to Hurghada takes approximately one hour on a paved road you veer off into the desert for 15 km until you reach a tiny Bedouin camp. The drive through the Eastern (Arabian) desert could be easily compared to scenes from a moon landing. An expanse of desolate, rough terrain, dry river beds and stark, rocky outcrops form three-dimensional vistas of lifeless mountain ranges shrouded in a haze of heat mixed with pale yellow sand dust. Great photo opportunities abound and stops will be made along the way to photograph those special sites. Arriving at the camp you will be welcomed by the very hospitable Bedouins into their tent where you can rest a while, then stroll through the site familiarizing yourselves with their living conditions. Observe how Bedouin women knead the unleavened dough and spread it over open fire making their flat, traditional daily sustenance. Return to your ship in Safaga by 3.00pm.
Overnight on board the Voyager.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 16 At Sea
A day of rest, reading and onboard lectures aboard the Voyager.
Overnight on board the Voyager.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 17 At Sea
A day of rest, reading and onboard lectures aboard the Voyager.
Overnight on board the Voyager.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 18 Arrival in Djibouti
We arrive in Djibouti this evening. Upon arrival in Djibouti (either today or tomorrow), you will need to pay directly a $90 US entry visa fee and present your passport.
Overnight on board the Voyager.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 19 Djibouti
Today we visit Lake Assal, a crater lake in central-western Djibouti at the top of the Great Rift Valley, some 120 km west of Djibouti city. En route to Lake Assal, we will have a panoramic look at Djibouti town.
Lake Assal is a saline lake which lies 155 m (509 ft) below sea level in the Afar Triangle, making it the lowest point on land in Africa and the third lowest land depression on Earth after the Dead Sea and Sea of Galilee. There is no outflow from the lake and, due to high evaporation, the salinity level of its waters is ten times that of the sea, making it the second most saline in the world. Todays visit is a wonderful experience as you first spy Lake Assal shimmering in the distance. As you get closer still the colours of the lake are simply stunning. Salt creates an illusion of white sand that could easily be mistaken for a Caribbean beach -- minus the palm trees. Stop by the edge of the lake on a long stretch of shore completely covered in salt. There are no houses, no trees and no facilities for miles -- just a vast salt plain.
Overnight on board the Voyager.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 20 At Sea
A day of rest, reading, and onboard lectures aboard the Voyager.
Overnight on board the Voyager.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 21 At Sea
A day of rest, reading, and onboard lectures aboard the Voyager.
Overnight on board the Voyager.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 22 Salalah, Oman
Lush landscapes drenched by the annual Khareef monsoon and summer temperatures that rarely rise above 30 centigrade distinguish the cooler southern province of Dhofar from the capital, Muscat. Frankincense has been Salalah’s trademark for centuries. Its fragrance finds its way into all manner of scents and incense.
Today we enjoy spectacular views of the Salalah plains dotted with thick shrub and woodland, and stop for photos in Frankincense Valley. Known as the 'empty quarter', Rub-Al Khali -- the largest sand desert in the world, is perfect for an exciting drive in the sand dunes. The lost city of Ubar, buried for centuries under undulating waves of sand, was spotted by satellite. In 1982 a team of archaeologists led by Sir Ranulph Fiennes unearthed the ruins of the fabled city chronicled in classical works as the 'Atlantis of the Sands'. A series of exciting archaeological excavations brought to life interesting artefacts, some of which are displayed in the site's small museum. A simple but tasty picnic lunch taken at a campsite near Ubar concludes todays tour.
Overnight on board the Voyager.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 23 At Sea
A day of rest, reading and onboard lectures aboard the Voyager.
Overnight on board the Voyager.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 24 Muscat, Oman
The capital of Oman, Muscat, dovetails the old with the new. Between the blue waters of the Arabian Sea and a barren sandstone mountain backcloth, parks, palaces and mosques share a dramatic setting. The twin forts of Jalali and Mirani hark back to the 16th century, while in the suburb of Muttrah dhows doze at anchor and a fish market does brisk business. The souk here is an Aladdin’s cave of brassware, stalls peddling silver and spice, tailors cutting silks between sips of mint tea.
Since 1970 His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has presided over an unprecedented period of modernisation and national renaissance, whilst retaining a strong sense of heritage and culture. Nowhere in Oman is this better illustrated than the capital Muscat. Drive on the palm-lined beachfront promenade to the capital famous for its cleanliness, spacious parks and roadways lined with green lawns and flowers. Stop for photos of the Sultan's Al Alam Palace flanked by the Portuguese forts of Jalali and Mirani constructed in 1552.Visit Bait Al Zubair Museum. This once historic residence now displays many fine exhibits of Omani history and culture. True to its name the Grand Mosque is the grandest of monuments in the region and one of the finest in the world. Visit the mosque and marvel at the exquisite interior with a stunning 20-tonne Swarowski chandelier decorating the centreof the room. From this magnificent building you'll continue to Muttrah famous for its Souk. The unique Khanjar, traditional pottery, ethnic silver jewellery, paintings, perfumed oils, bronze coffee pots, frankincense and traditional incense burners on display make wonderful souvenirs.
Overnight on board the Voyager.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 25 Muscat, Oman
A full-drive tour today to visit Nizwa, a small town in the hinterland of Oman. Upon arrival you will visit Nizwa Fort, built in the mid 17th century. For 300 years this was the seat of conservative Islamic rule by the Imam who was both the head of state and religious leader. You will explore the Nizwa souk (market), where you may be able see jewellery being made. Oman has always had a strong tradition of intricate silverwork, especially in the making of 'khanjar' daggers. This curved dagger is worn on a man's belt, and is an important symbol of manhood and wealth. Still today the Omani men proudly wear the intricately worked 'khanjar' over their traditional robes.
At some point during your time in Nizwa, you will visit the central market. Nizwa is the economic and commercial centre of the province and famous for its gold and silver handicrafts.
Overnight on board the Voyager.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 26 Fujeirah, UAE
This morning, you arrive in Fujairah, the only one of the United Arab Emirates not located on the Arabian Gulf. The original town of Fujairah was abandoned early in the 20th century and has since been restored.
Today we explore the heritage and culture of the United Arab Emirates on this tour that starts with a visit to Fujairah Museum. The museum boasts archaeological exhibits discovered during numerous excavations all over the emirate, with most finds in the last 15 years. Here you’ll see artefacts dating from the 6th millennium BC through to the end of the Islamic rule and beyond. Other exhibits showcase the traditional and cultural heritage of the local inhabitants of the East Coast over the last century. The museum also has a unique collection of Fujairah’s coins used before the UAE was formed in 1971.
Perched on a hill Fujairah Fort is a popular landmark in the eastern emirate. Considered
the earliest fort in the UAE it was built in 1670 but was badly damaged by British bombardment in the early 20th century. The mud brick structure with three main sections, several halls, one square and two round towers, which has served as a defensive building and a home for the ruling family, is currently preparing to become the Fujairah National Museum. Stop for photos here before continuing to Fujairah Heritage Village, which lies near the ruler's palace. Here you step back in time and discover how village people lived, worked, farmed and played. Displays include a majlis, raised sleeping platform with cradles for children, centrally located traditional water well and farming utensils. Markets of all kindsc abound in Fujairah. Stop at a market selling fish, fruit and vegetables for some colourful photographs of today's local life.
Overnight on board the Voyager.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 27 Dubai, UAE
Dubai is one of the most futuristic cities in the world, and a dynamic city-state at the heart of the UAE. Although it is not the largest of the emirates, Dubai is one of the wealthiest and most varied. World famous as a duty free shopping centre, it is on the basis of trade (not just oil) that Dubai has built its wealth.
This city has many futuristic skyscrapers as well as fine mosques, and today you will have the possibility of seeing elegant Jumeirah Mosque, a landmark of Dubai. This beautiful mosque is a spectacular example of modern Islamic architecture. The tallest tower in the world, Burj Khalifa is Dubai’s crowning glory. No building in modern history has aroused so much curiosity. Our visit ‘At The Top’ will answer all your questions. Your journey starts at the Dubai Mall where a 65-metre long walkway transports you through time, from the earliest days of Dubai to the present. A multi-media presentation chronicles the city-state’s colourful history and is interspersed with the fascinating story of Burj Khalifa itself. Then you’ll take the high-speed elevator, which ascends at 10 metres per second to the observation deck on Level 124. As the doors open floor to ceiling glass walls provide breathtaking 360º views of the city, desert and ocean sprawled beneath. If you wish you can step out onto the open-air terrace to enjoy a unique perspective of the sweeping vistas around.
This afternoon, we will sample the historic sites and vibrant, cosmopolitan life of Dubai on a tour that starts with a photo stop by the iconic Burj Al Arab Hotel. Your tour then continues to Jumeirah, the picturesque palace and residential area of Dubai that is home to the famous Jumeirah Mosque. Visit Al Bastakiya -- the old part of Dubai, before continuing to the renowned Dubai Museum located in Al Fahidi Fort. Built in 1787, it is the oldest existing building in Dubai. Opened by the ruler of Dubai in 1971, the museum’s exhibits illustrate the traditional way of life in the Emirate of Dubai. Here you can see local antiquities, as well as artefacts from African and Asian countries that traded with Dubai. It also includes several dioramas showing life in the Emirate before the advent of oil. Drive under the creek to the atmospheric Spice Souk and then take time to explore and maybe make a purchase in the Gold Souk.
A visit to this district is a step back in time to the days before electricity and air-conditioning, where wind towers cooled traditional courtyard houses. Many of the old wind tower houses were built by the wealthy merchants of the past, and Old Dubai was famous for these towers lining the Creek on both sides.
You may choose to end your day with a journey across the Creek by water taxi, known as an "abra". The abra is a wonderful vantage point from which to see the modern and old buildings sitting along the Creekside. On the other side of the Creek you can set out on foot to navigate through the bustling alleys towards the spice and gold souks.
NOTE: The order of Dubai area sightseeing may vary at the discretion of the local touring operator depending on logistical considerations.
Overnight on board the Voyager.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 28 Disembarkation & Departure
Disembarkation no later than 09:30. Departure from Dubai.
NOTE: Most flights depart Dubai late at night. If you book your air with us, the price will include access to a hotel day room.
BON VOYAGE!
Included Meal(s): Breakfast
Inclusions
$1000 per person deposit to reserve; balance owing at 125 days before trip start date (18 June 2014)
LAND TOUR: Tour Leader services & local guides at some locations. Breakfast and dinner daily (hotels and local restaurants). All transport, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary. Gratuities for local guides, drivers, restaurant staff, hotel porters (if available).
CRUISE: All sightseeing a shore excursions as described in our tour itinerary (the "lead-in" price on the cruise operator's website does NOT include these excursion and are sold as "optional"). All meals. Please refer to the Voyages of Discovery website for privileges specific to each cabin type (pricing is based on a DB Livingstone OUTSIDE cabin); early booking is essential to avoid forced upgrade or downgrade if our preferred cabin type is no longer available. Tour price includes ship's crew gratuity.
www.voyagesofdiscovery.com
Single supplement rates indicated on this page are for the LAND portion only; additional supplement for single cabin will vary depending on cabin type selected.
Exclusions
International airfare to/from the tour. LAND TOUR: International airfare, Tour Leader gratuity (on land tour portion), lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), departure taxes (if applicable), visa / locally-paid entry fees (approx $175 total). Optional trip cancellation insurance. Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on not included meal costs, shopping, and locally-paid departure taxes.
CRUISE: Tour Leader / local guide gratuities. Please refer to www.voyagesofdiscovery.com website for privileges specific to each cabin type. Please note that the Tour Leader for the land tour will NOT accompany the group on the cruise portion.
Single supplement rates indicated on this page are for the LAND portion only. Additional supplement for our standard cabin type adds USD$1425. If you are a single and book on a share basis and we are unable to pair you, there is a mandatory single supplement for the cruise portion of US$1425.
This land / cruise package is governed by Terms & Conditions that vary slightly from our usual terms for land tours only. Contact us for details.
Seasonality and Weather
We have one date for this trip, which coincides with one of the most comfortable times to visit the region, with moderate temperatures overall.
Transport and Travel Conditions
LAND TOUR PORTION: Road transport by private air-conditioned motor coach, 12-30 seats depending on ultimate group size (see 'group size'). The countries' roads are generally good though we do have some long (though scenic) road journeys. Numerous nature walks and walking tours of towns and cities on uneven / cobbled surfaces.
CRUISE: For details on the Oceania cruise vessel "MV Voyager," go to
www.voyagesofdiscovery.com
Am I suitable for this tour? Please refer to our self-assessment form.
Accommodation
LAND PORTION: Well-located, heated / air-conditioned, mid-range (3-star) hotels with en suite toilet and bath throughout (probably shower only). Single rooms are limited and likely smaller than doubles. Hotel porter service is sometimes available (see 'Inclusions') though you should be independent with your luggage. Some hotels have outdoor swimming pools.
CRUISE: For details on the cruise vessel "MV Voyager," go to
www.voyagesofdiscovery.com
Staff and Support
The land tour portion of this package will be led by an Adventures Abroad Tour Leader (he / she will not accompany for the cruise portion). The cruise-based sightseeing / shore excursions will be led / managed by the ship's guide or local guide assigned to your cruise.
Group Size
12-18 (plus Tour Leader on land portion)
Regions visited: Middle East and East Africa
Countries visited: Israel; Jordan; Egypt; Djibouti; Oman and United Arab Emirates
*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.
The following is a list of sample hotels at some locations included on this tour. The hotels shown here are meant to provide a general sense of the standard of hotel we usually aim for; they are not necessarily confirmed for your chosen departure.
Our luxurious 5-star hotel specializes in organizing outstanding business events in the city of history and ancient Egyptian temples. We feature one-of-a-kind Royal Rooms with breathtaking views of the Nile, spacious suites, versatile meeting spaces, and state-of-the-art technology.
The Hotel Muscat ... is very conveniently situated near famous sights and sounds of Muscat – Like the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and The Royal Opera House, and the picturesque beaches of Muscat.
With spacious rooms, free high-speed Wi-Fi, an excellent all-day dining restaurant, a dual functionality specialty restaurant/lobby lounge café, well-equipped gym facilities, an exceptional spa, and a rooftop pool with spectacular views, your every need will be taken care of at Al Khoory Atrium Hotel.
