Travel to the Middle East

Sleek, shiny and modern is the best way to describe the United Arab Emirates' capital city. Abu Dhabi is quickly emerging as a city of cultural and sporting importance. Stopping in this metropolis is an ideal way to begin a memorable experience of the Middle East or to simply break your journey. From golden beaches to traditional Arabic souvenir shopping, there are activities to suit all.

The beautiful city of Muscat is set on the glistening Gulf of Oman. Made up of a series of villages, it is hard to pinpoint Muscat's heart. Old Muscat and Muttrah are located in the east of the city. Here you will find the Al Alam Palace - the opulent palace of Oman's Sultan - and the 16th century forts of Jalai, Mirani and Muttrah.

The souk at Muttrah is considered by some to be the finest in the Arabian Gulf, offering gold and silver finery as well as traditional Arabian carpets and handicrafts.

7 days - Lebanon is a jewel of the Levant; a captivating mix of coastal and mountain scenery, dotted with important and impressive historic remains. This journey takes in the highlights, visiting the Phoenician ports of Byblos and Sidon, the bustling cosmopolitan capital of Beirut and the spectacular Roman remains of Baalbeck.

DAY 1 - MUSCAT: On arrival you will be met and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel. Close by is the bustling Al Khwair strip and restaurants providing an authentic Omani dining experience. Overnight: Radisson Blu Hotel.

DAY 2 - BATINAH & WAKKAN: After breakfast commence your full day tour with driver/guide in 4X4 vehicle travelling along the fertile Batinah coast dotted with beautiful beaches, forts and fishing villages. Visit the town of Nakhl located below the lofty Jebel Nakhl, with its 350 year old fort.

Travel inland to mineralladen hot springs and enjoy a picnic lunch in the shade. This afternoon ascend to the beautiful village of Wakkan, lush in its plantations and fruit and vegetable farming. Return to Muscat this evening for dinner. Overnight: Radisson Blu Hotel.

DAY 3 - MAJESTIC FORTS, CAVES & MOUNTAINS: Forts and castles are Oman's most striking cultural landmarks with an estimated 500 forts, castles and towers in the region. With your driver/guide and 4x4 vehicle visit the 17th century Nizwa Fort and Souq famous for its silverware.

The next stop is at one of the largest caves in the region - Al Hoota Cave, a magnificent underground cavern and lake system running through the Hajjar Mountains. Here you will be guided by an expert through the tunnels for an unforgettable experience. Lunch will be taken at a local restaurant before travelling up towards Jebel Shams (Mountain of the Sun), the tallest peak in Oman at a height of 3010 metres. Overnight: Radisson Blu Hotel.

DAY 4 - MUSCAT: This morning take in the sights of Muscat, a blend of the ancient and modern. Start with a visit to the Grand Mosque, an architectural marvel and a must for all tourists (open Sat to Thu 08h00 - 11h00 only and a strict dress code applies).

A drive along the corniche to Old Muscat will take in the "Sidab Women's Sewing Group", a non-profit community organisation inspired and run by local women to help develop skills and create handicrafts that reflect Omani culture and earn an income for the local community. Take a special tour of the Muttrah souq with its narrow, winding alleys where exotic aromas and perfumes fill the air.

Visit the museums and finally a photo stop at the Al Aalam Palace, official residence of the Sultan, and flanked by the 16th century twin Portuguese forts of Jalali and Mirani. Later today transfer to the airport for departing flight.

Amman, the capital of Jordan, is a fascinating city of contrasts - dating back to the Stone Age, with a unique blend of old and new. Petra is often described as the eighth wonder of the ancient world and is without doubt Jordan's most valuable treasure and greatest tourist attraction.

This vast, unique city was carved into the sheer rock face by the people who settled here more than 2,000 years ago. Jerash, the ancient city dating back more than 6,500 years and hidden for centuries in sand, is a close second to Petra on the list of favourite destinations in Jordan.

The site is generally acknowledged to be one of the best preserved Roman provincial towns in the world. Wadi Rum, a timeless place also known as 'Valley of the Moon', is virtually untouched by humanity. Here the weather and winds have carved an imposing maze of monolithic rockscapes.

The Dead Sea is without doubt, one of the world's most amazing places with a dramatic, beautiful landscape. The rich mineral waters with curative properties make this region popular with excellent hotels and spas, together with archaeological and spiritual discoveries.

For full itinerary, please contact your Travel Associates Consultant for more details.

Journey through the ancient kingdom of Jordan to the magnificent Greco-Roman ruins at Jerash, the mosaics of Madaba and the fortified Kerak Castle. Walk through the narrow Siq to discover the ancient rock-hewn city of Petra, and float on the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea.

For full itinerary, please contact your Travel Associates Consultant for more details.

8 days - This tour highlights the rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes of Jordan, The journey takes in the fantastically preserved classical city of Jerash, the Biblical site of Mount Nebo, and Petra, the rock city lost to the world for a millennium and recently classified as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The shifting sands of Wadi Rum and the curative waters of the Dead Sea complete your exploration of this country.

7 days - Combining breathtaking natural beauty with a well-preserved cultural heritage, the Sultanate of Oman is one of the least known, yet most exciting, tourist destinations in the Middle East. Taking in the magnificent forts and palaces, the rolling dunes of the Wahiba Sands and the stunning Al Hoota cave complex, this tour discovers one of the region's best-kept secrets

Arrive in absolute awe, stay individually inspired. In its relatively short tenure on the Dubai coastline this legendary and symbolic hotel has attracted international attention and awe, ensuring its place as one of the most photographed structures in the world, and consistently voted the worlds most luxurious hotel.

Designed to resemble a billowing sail, Burj Al Arab soars to a height of 321 metres, dominating the Dubai skyline. illuminated at night by choreographed lighting representing water and fire - Burj Al Arab is simply individual, inspired, impressive.

This all-suite luxury hotel in Dubai reflects the very finest that the world has to offer. With a discreet in-suite check-in, private reception desk on every floor and a brigade of highly trained butlers, you can be assured of the ultimate in personal service throughout your stay.

8 days - This comprehensive tour contrasts the modern city of Tel Aviv with the fascinating holy city of Jerusalem and the biblical and historic sites that lie around the Sea of Galilee. Experience life on a traditional kibbutz and end your stay in Jerusalem's landmark hotel The King David.

9 days - The fantastically rich and varied history of Iran has left a dramatic cultural heritage. This tour reveals the best of that legacy, including the supreme Islamic architecture of Isfahan and Shiraz, the ancient Achaemanid capital of Pasargadae and the splendid bas-reliefs of the Palace of Persepolis.

Jordan is one of the oldest and friendliest countries to visit. With fascinating archaeological sites and natural beauty, Jordan is a place that you will remember forever. Explore the amazing red city of Petra, the famous Dead Sea and tour the desert of Wadi Rum. All this and more awaits.

For full itinerary, please contact your Travel Associates Consultant for more details.

Designed to resemble a billowing sail, the hotel soars to a height of 321 metres, dominating the Dubai coastline. At night, it offers an unforgettable sight, surrounded by choreographed colour sculptures of water and fire. This all-suite hotel reflects the finest that the world has to offer.

Situated less than 20km south of Dubai City along Jumeirah beach, Burj Al Arab is a landmark on the Dubai coastline. It stands on a man-made island about 280 meters offshore and is linked to the mainland and beach area by a slender purpose-built bridge.

DAY 1 - MUSCAT: On arrival you will be met and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel. This evening enjoy dinner at the hotel. Overnight: Shangri-La Al Waha Hotel.

DAY 2 - MUSCAT: After breakfast, you will take in the sights of Muscat, starting with a visit to the Grand Mosque. A drive along the corniche to Old Muscat to visit the "Sidab Women's Sewing Group", a non profit community organisation inspired and run by local women to help women from this fishing village to develop skills and create handicrafts that reflect Omani culture and earn an income in their small gallery.

Take a special tour of the Muttrah souq, one of the most popular places in Muscat, with its narrow, winding alleys where exotic aromas and perfumes fill the air and bargains are to be found. Visit the museums and finally a look at the Al Aalam Palace, official residence of the Sultan. After lunch at a traditional restaurant you have a chance to discover the nearby beaches. Overnight: Shangri-La Al Waha Hotel.

DAY 3 - NIZWA - JABRIN - BAHLA: Today you will visit the forts and castles of yesteryear. Travel by road in a 4x4 vehicle to Nizwa, the ancient capital and the birthplace of Islam in Oman. Visit the 17th century Nizwa Fort and the souq, renowned for its silver jewellery.

After lunch at a local restaurant, drive to the mighty bastion of Jabrin Castle, perhaps the finest of Omani castles. The next visit will be Bahla famous for its pottery and a UNESCO world heritage site. On the drive back to Nizwa, stop at Tanuf to visit the ruins of the old city. Overnight: Golden Tulip Nizwa Hotel.

DAY 4 - NIZWA - WAHIBA: After breakfast, visit the geological wonder of Al Hoota Cave. You will be guided by an expert through the underground tunnels for an unforgettable experience. The drive then takes in a cross section of geography through arid lands, wadis and oasis villages before reaching the undulating sands of the Wahiba.

After lunch at a local restaurant, experience the traditional life style and hospitality of a Bedouin house before arriving at camp for the spectacular sunset and BBQ dinner. Overnight: Desert Nights Camp.

DAY 5- WAHIBA - WADI BANI KHALID - MUSCAT: After breakfast and a walk in the dunes, drive into the mountains to Wadi Bani Khalid, an oasis of clear running waters and verdant plant life. Enjoy a swim and picnic lunch before driving back to Muscat, stopping enroute at Ibra, thriving oasis of Al Mudayrib and the abandoned village of Al Mansfah. Overnight: Shangri-La Al Waha Hotel.

DAY 6 - MUSCAT - SALALAH: This morning transfer to the airport for flight to Salalah, where on arrival you will be met and transferred in a private vehicle to your hotel. Salalah abounds in natural beauty and is steeped in myths and legends dating back to biblical times. This afternoon enjoy a city tour. Overnight: Hilton Hotel Salalah.

DAY 7 - SALALAH: - After breakfast, visit the fishing village of Taqa and the ruins of the legendary Palace of the Queen of Sheba in Khor Rouri. Continue to Mirbat, ancient capital of Dhofar, a region renowned for its Frankincense trade in ancient times.

After lunch at a local restaurant drive to Jebel Qara to visit the tomb of Job of the Old Testament. Continue towards Mughsayl before returning to Salalah for flight to Muscat. Overnight: Shangri-La Al Waha Hotel. (BLD)

DAY 8 - DEPARTURE: Transfer to the airport for your departing flight and end of the tour.

A great opportunity to explore Oman's treasures from Muscat's fascinating maze of souks and heritage site to Oman's deserts with miles of unspoilt sand dunes, overnight in the mountains of Oman offering awe inspiring scenery and conclude your stay with a luxurious stay at the renowned Six Senses Zighy Bay resort.

Burj Al Arab is part of The Jumeirah Beach Resort complex, situated 15km south of the city of Dubai. Soaring 321 meters, Burj Al Arab towers above the renowned Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Wild Wadi Water Park and Madinat Jumeirah, The Arabian Resort.

This unique sail shaped building stands proudly on a man made island some 280 meters offshore, linked to the mainland by a slender, gently curving causeway. Burj Al Arab is the worlds tallest hotel building. With its helipad on the 28th floor and a restaurant seemingly suspended in mid air, this hotel has already become a landmark and icon on the Dubai skyline.

Departing Brisbane from $10,459*, departing Sydney from $10,445*, departing Melbourne from $10,435*, departing Adelaide from $10,565* and departing Perth from $9999*. Please contact your Travel Associates consultant to suit your travel plans.