Compare A Week in Oman by Exodus Travels vs Discover the World by Private Plane by Road Scholar

Day 1 Start Muscat; afternoon dhow cruise and visit Mutrah Souq

Arrive at the start hotel before midday to ensure you can join the main group briefing and the dhow cruise in the afternoon. After the briefing, we are picked up from our hotel and travel through the old part of Muscat to visit the Sidab Women's Association where we can interact with the local women and enjoy a coffee together. Next, we pay a short visit to the Bait Al Zubair Museum before a photo stop outside the gates of the Sultan’s palace. After a short transfer to the marina, we embark on a relaxed dhow cruise (traditional fisherman’s boat) to see the Muscat coast through the eyes of the ancient seafarers who plied this route for centuries. During the cruise, soft drinks, tea, coffee and dates will be served. In the evening, we stop at a restaurant for dinner and will be transported back through the centuries on a visit to the bustling, colourful Mutrah Souq. Here there will be lots of photo opportunities and the chance to observe the local way of life while wandering around this traditional Arab market. Note: On some departures, some of the sightseeing detailed above will be done on Day 2 instead. Your leader will advise of your exact schedule locally. Accommodation: Radisson Blu Hotel Muscat (or similar)

Day 2 Visit Muscat's Grand Mosque; onto Sur via beautiful Wadi Shab. Evening visit to turtle reserve

After a hotel breakfast, we check out and visit the Grand Mosque, the highlight of the Omani capital. The handmade carpets, chandeliers and the ceiling of the great dome in the main prayer room are must-sees. Please note: Women should be fully covered and carry a headscarf; men should wear trousers. We then drive (approximately 1hr 30min) to the Bimah Sinkhole, a spectacular limestone crater with blue-green water at the bottom, and Wadi Tiwi where we enjoy a walk and picnic lunch before transferring (approximately one hour) to our hotel in Sur, where we spend the night. After an early dinner, we drive (approximately one hour) to Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve. Oman is an important area for green turtles in the Indian Ocean and the green back turtles are heavily protected by the government of Oman. In fact, more than 275 of the Sultanate's beaches double as nesting grounds for five of the seven recognised sea turtle species, the most common being the green back. Here we are led to the beach by an ecologist to see turtles return to their beach to lay eggs. (Please note, the main nesting season is June to August; at other times of the year, there may or not be turtles every night but a visit to the reserve is still worthwhile). Accommodation: Sur Plaza (or similar)

Day 3 Drive to Wadi Bani Khalid, swim in the turquoise pools and enjoy a picnic lunch. Continue to Wahiba Sands and explore the spectacular dunes. Overnight in the desert.

This morning after breakfast, we transfer (approximately 1hr 45min) to the desert oasis of Wadi Bani Khalid to relax and enjoy a swim in the beautiful turquoise pools. We also have a picnic lunch before continuing (approximately 60 to 90 minutes) to the Wahiba Desert. Please note, occasionally wild swimming in the wadi may not be possible due to safety reasons if, for example, water levels are high following rainfall or if it is raining at the time of your visit as the rocks can be slippery – your leader will inform you if swimming is not advisable. Here, on the edge of the desert, we change vehicles from the minibus to 4WDs to begin our desert experience. The Wahiba Sands, a vast mass of undulating red and white sands and dunes rising up to 655ft (200m) are also host to a variety of flora and fauna. The ever-changing patterns of the dunes are a photographer’s delight. We drive towards the dunes and our desert accommodation (approximately one hour) to check-in for the evening. During our time at the camp, there is the chance to take a camel ride (optional – extra cost). Accommodation: Arabian Nights Resort (or similar)

Day 4 Morning visit to a Bedouin family and enjoy Omani coffee; visit Birkat al Mouz and walk through its oasis and date plantations; onto Nizwa

We have breakfast at our desert accommodation before checking out and driving towards the ancient city of Nizwa, the former capital of Oman. En route, we visit a Bedouin family and enjoy kahwa (Omani coffee) and spend time with them learning about their customs and traditional way of life. We continue our drive via Birkat al Mouz, one of the best-known village ruins in the region. We walk through its oasis and date plantations before continuing to Nizwa. With the two sets of ruins, a large banana plantation and the scenic surroundings, the site is also home to the old Falaj irrigation system listed as a Unesco World Heritage site. Upon arrival in Nizwa, we check into our hotel where we spend the next two nights. Accommodation: Al Diyar Hotel (or similar)

Day 5 Transfer to Jabrin, one of the finest castles in Oman; stop at historic Bahla Fort; enjoy a walk and picnic lunch in Wadi Nakhr. Visit Jebel Shams for amazing views

After breakfast at the hotel, we take a short drive (approximately 30 minutes) to visit Jabrin, the finest of Oman’s castles built in the late 17th century, which became a seat of Omani learning. The castle displays the highest achievement in Omani ceiling painting and beautifully executed woodcarvings. We also pause at Bahla Fort for a photo, the only Unesco-listed fort in the country and lovingly restored over many years before transferring (approximately 1hr 30min) to Wadi Nakhr for a short walk. We have lunch in a restaurant before proceeding to Jebel Shams, the highest mountain in Oman, and where we can enjoy spectacular views of the ‘Grand Canyon of Arabia’. Later in the afternoon, we transfer (approximately 45 minutes) to the village of Misfat Al Arbayeen, passing the ruins of an old fort on the way. We continue through narrow alleys between old stone houses and take a short walk in Al Hamra village before returning (approximately 30 minutes) to Nizwa for the evening. Accommodation: Al Diyar Hotel (or similar)

Day 6 See the Nizwa cattle auction, fort and souq; continue to Nakhal Fort and hot spring; back to Muscat for final evening

Today is a long day and we start our morning with a visit to the live cattle auction market in Nizwa, the one day of the week where this ancient city truly comes alive with farmers and traders arriving from near and far to barter and trade in one of the most renowned markets in the Middle East. We visit the impressive Nizwa Fort, built in the 17th century to defend the natural wealth and strategic location of the city. Later we visit the renowned souq, famous for intricately handcarved khanjars (traditional curved daggers), silver jewellery and livestock trading. Departing Nizwa, we continue to Wadi Bani Auf; this stretch of graded road is very adventurous as it involves steep bends and bumpy roads. In wet conditions, it may not be possible to drive this section of road due to safety. If this occurs, we take an alternative route. We then stop at the charming mountain village of Bilad Sayt, where one is struck by the beauty of the landscape. Lunch today will be a packed lunch. This afternoon, we have a photo stop at Nakhal Fort and hot spring. The exact date on which this ancient fort was built is unknown, but many believe it was constructed in pre-Islamic times, more than 1,500 years ago. We then transfer back to Muscat for our final evening in the capital city of Oman. Accommodation: Radisson Blu Hotel Muscat (or similar)

Day 7 End Muscat

The tour ends this morning and it’s time to begin our return journey home. If you’d like a bit more time to explore Oman, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Day 1 In Transit to Program In Flight

Day 2 Arrive London, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner London, England

Hotel check-in available upon arrival.

After checking in to the hotel, we’ll have some time to relax and settle in to our rooms before our Orientation meeting at 5:00 p.m. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This program is staffed with three Group Leaders, who will accompany us throughout the program and deal primarily with logistics, and local experts in each country on the itinerary who will lecture, conduct field trips and serve as an information resource on program-related topics. Meals in hotels and local restaurants will be a combination of plated and buffet service with a few boxed lunches in certain circumstances. Standard beverage choices included at no additional cost are coffee, tea, water, and either wine, beer, or fruit juice. In most places, other beverages will be available for individual purchase. Some field trips are in exotic locations. Dress appropriately according to the conditions and wear sturdy, comfortable shoes. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions, or you may wish to use these as periods of “downtime” at hotels amongst busy days of program activities and transfers. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

At the Olives restaurant at the hotel, we’ll have a 3-course plated meal with wine, coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 3 Stonehenge & Avebury London, England

Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 100 miles to Stonehenge, approximately 3 hours; about 25 miles to Avebury, approximately 1 hour; about 90 miles to hotel, approximately 2.5 hours. Walking approximately 2.5 miles, periods of standing; paved streets with cobblestones, muddy fields, some uneven areas and steps; wear appropriate footwear.

We will board a motorcoach and set out on a field trip to Stonehenge, the most distinctive part of a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site managed by English Heritage. There, we will walk in the footsteps of our Neolithic ancestors at the best-known prehistoric monument in Europe. Stonehenge has a world-class visitor center, housing quality permanent exhibitions. We’ll explore these exhibitions with a local expert who will also lead us on a walk around the stones themselves, taking an English Heritage shuttle bus from the visitor center to begin the walk. The site remains a source of inspiration and spirituality as well as a feat of engineering and building. From the UNESCO inscription: “Stonehenge and Avebury, in Wiltshire, are among the most famous groups of megaliths in the world. The two sanctuaries consist of circles of menhirs arranged in a pattern whose astronomical significance is still being explored. These holy places and the nearby Neolithic sites are an incomparable testimony to prehistoric times.” From Stonehenge, we will drive to Avebury.

We will move on to the henge enclosure at Avebury, part of the World Heritage Site, and the largest prehistoric stone circle in Europe. The first farmers made their imprint 6,000 years ago, and signs of the continuous working landscape can be seen in grazing sheep and farm buildings. Our local experts will walk us through the site before we return to London by motorcoach.

At leisure.

In the hotel dining room, the breakfast buffet offers a range of hot and cold items.

At a country pub in Avebury, we will have a plated meal.

This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Day 4 Transfer to Stansted, Fly to Egypt, Egypt & the Nile Lecture Giza

Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 40 miles to airport, approximately 2 hours. Flight to Egypt approximately 5 hours. Motorcoach to Cairo hotel about 30 miles, approximately 1.5 hours.

We will check out of the hotel, board a motorcoach, and transfer to Stansted Airport. After completing security procedures and having some time to relax and mingle with fellow Road Scholars in the private lounge, we’ll board our private plane for the flight to Cairo, Egypt. PLEASE NOTE: Travel aboard the private plane is subject to the same security restrictions as commercial flights, so we will need to complete security procedures at each airport and adhere to standard carry-on luggage policies. At Stansted Airport we will have a dedicated private security area; at all other airports these procedures must be completed at public security areas.

Upon arrival in Cairo, we will travel to Giza and check into our hotel. We will be a short distance away from the Great Pyramids, one of the most amazing achievements of ancient civilization.

At leisure.

Boxed breakfast.

In flight meal. When dining aboard the private plane throughout the program, you may choose meals from a menu. All drinks are included during flights on the private plane.

At the hotel.

Day 5 The Pyramids, Sphinx, Antiquities Museum Giza

Getting on/off motorcoach; driving about 1 mile, approximately 10 minutes to Pyramids. Walking about 3 miles, periods of standing; rough, uneven terrain, steep steps, strong sun, no shade. Driving about 24 miles, approximately 2 hours, return trip to Museum of Antiquities; museum is not air conditioned, so is quite hot and humid. Extent of walking and other activities during periods of independent exploration at field trip sites according to personal choice.

Led by a local expert, we will explore the most renowned sites of Egypt: the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. There are more myths and mysteries about the Sphinx and pyramids of Giza than any other structures in the world. More than 100 pyramids survive in Egypt but these at Giza along with the Sphinx have long ruled our imagination. The consensus of historical and scientific opinion is that these are the pyramids of pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaura. The Great Pyramid of Khufu — completed c. 2560 BCE — is the only one of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World in existence. It is still being studied and there remain significant questions to be answered. Our local expert will explain the significance of these structures to ancient Egyptian culture, within the context of some 5,000 years of history that saw great developments in science, medicine, and architecture. Our field trip will conclude at the Sphinx, which is surrounded by more questions and controversies. Who built it and when? What, or who, does it represent? Suffice it to say there are more discoveries to be made and new knowledge to be gained. After our field trip, we’ll board a motorcoach and ride into Cairo.

Led by our local expert, we will explore the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, commonly called the Egyptian Museum, home to a vast array of rare and priceless artifacts. An entire section in the museum has been dedicated to the “boy king” Tutankhamun, where we can marvel at the gold face mask that has become an icon of ancient Egyptian civilization. There is much more in this fascinating museum that awaits us, including a dazzling jewelry display, vases, and weapons recovered from his tomb. Sculptures in every shape and size testify to the importance of the great pharaohs. We’ll also visit the two rooms containing the mummies of kings and other royals, the largest such collection in the world, and have some time for independent exploration. We’ll return by motorcoach to the hotel. After some time to freshen up and relax, we’ll gather for a lecture on Egypt and the River Nile delivered by our local expert. We’ll be joined by the plane crew for pre-dinner drinks.

At leisure. Prepare for check-out and our flight to Jordan in the morning.

Hotel buffet.

At a local eatery.

At the hotel.

Day 6 Fly to Aqaba-Jordan, Wadi Rum, Petra Wadi Musa

Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 30 miles, approximately 1.5 hours to Cairo airport. Flight to Aqaba approximately 1 hour 10 minutes. Motorcoach to Wadi Rum about 50 miles, approximately 1.5 hours; motorcoach to hotel about 70 miles, approximately 2 hours. The 4x4 ride lasts approximately 2 hours. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing during the field trip.

After checking out and riding to the airport, we will board our private plane for the flight to Aqaba, Jordan. On the ride to our hotel, we will stop for a field trip at Wadi Rum, the largest wadi (sand valley) in Jordan, popularly known as the Valley of the Moon for its bizarre landscape. It might also be called the Valley of Mars for its red-orange sand and formations, and actually served as Mars in the 2015 movie “The Martian.” Moon or Mars, this protected area is a harsh home to the Bedouin.

Our Wadi Rum field trip will continue with an exciting 4x4 ride through this stunning place that has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. From the UNESCO inscription: “It features a varied desert landscape consisting of a range of narrow gorges, natural arches, towering cliffs, ramps, massive landslides and caverns. Petroglyphs, inscriptions and archaeological remains in the site testify to 12,000 years of human occupation and interaction with the natural environment. The combination of 25,000 rock carvings with 20,000 inscriptions trace the evolution of human thought and the early development of the alphabet. The site illustrates the evolution of pastoral, agricultural and urban activity in the region.” PLEASE NOTE: The 4x4 ride is over bumpy terrain, and must be fast so that the vehicles can keep traction on the sand, so is not recommended for participants with back problems. Moving on, we will ride about two hours by motorcoach on the Desert Highway to our hotel in Petra.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

In Wadi Rum.

At the hotel.

Day 7 Petra Field Trip Wadi Musa

Shorter walk: walking approximately 3 miles in total, through the Siq gorge as far as the Treasury in Petra and back to hotel. Longer walk: walking approximately 6 miles in total, through the Siq gorge and farther into the ancient city. Both walks are in direct sunlight for much of the way, on uneven hilly terrain, in hot and humid conditions.

We will then set out on a walking field trip into Petra, the “rose red city half as old as time.” What we see today was carved out of rock some 2,000 years ago, although archaeologists have determined that the area was inhabited in Neolithic times. A nomadic tribe called the Nabataeans captured Petra from its Edomite inhabitants in 300 BCE. They settled down over time and made it their capital, growing rich due to its strategic location on a key trade route and creating great monuments out of a barren canyon. Eventually, as trade routes changed and natural disasters struck, Petra waned and it was finally abandoned in the 6th century CE. It was “rediscovered” by a British explorer in 1812. You may choose to join one of two groups for the field trip, one taking a shorter walk through the Siq gorge as far as the treasury and the other continuing farther into Petra. Those of us taking the shorter walk will return through the gorge in the morning, to explore the museum at the main entrance.

Those of us taking the shorter walk will return to the hotel on foot for some time to relax. Those of us taking the longer walk will continue to explore the ancient city of Petra, another UNESCO designated World Heritage Site. From the UNESCO inscription: “The Outstanding Universal Value of Petra resides in the vast extent of elaborate tomb and temple architecture; religious high places; the remnant channels, tunnels and diversion dams that combined with a vast network of cisterns and reservoirs which controlled and conserved seasonal rains, and the extensive archaeological remains including of copper mining, temples, churches and other public buildings. The fusion of Hellenistic architectural façades with traditional Nabataean rock-cut temple/tombs including the Khasneh, the Urn Tomb, the Palace Tomb, the Corinthian Tomb and the Deir (monastery) represents a unique artistic achievement and an outstanding architectural ensemble of the first centuries BC to AD. The varied archaeological remains and architectural monuments from prehistoric times to the medieval periods bear exceptional testimony to the now lost civilisations which succeeded each other at the site.” In the late afternoon, we’ll gather at the hotel with a local expert for a lecture on the Bedouin — nomadic Arabic peoples of the region joined together by family, clan, and tribal loyalties.

At leisure. Prepare for early check-out and our flight to New Delhi tomorrow.

At the hotel.

Those of us taking the shorter walk will dine at a restaurant near the hotel. Those of us taking the longer walk will dine at a restaurant in the archaeological park.

At the hotel.

Day 8 Fly to New Delhi - India New Delhi

Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 90 miles, approximately 2.5 hours to Aqaba airport. Flight to New Delhi approximately 5.5 hours. Motorcoach to New Delhi hotel about 10 miles, approximately 1 hour.

We will transfer to the airport by motorcoach. After completing security procedures, we’ll board our private plane for the flight to New Delhi.

Upon landing, we will transfer to our hotel by motorcoach with time to freshen up and relax before dinner.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

In flight meal.

At the hotel.

Day 9 Old & New Delhi, Jama Masjid, Sikh Temple New Delhi

Getting on/off motorcoach; driving about 5 miles, approximately 1/2 hour to Jama Masjid. Walking approximately 3 miles, periods of standing; paved streets. At mosque, 30-40 steep, wide steps without handrails; legs, shoulders and arms must be covered, please wear full-length trousers/skirts and long-sleeved shirts. Getting on/off rickshaws through extremely crowded market. At gurdwara, head covering required for all; scarves are provided on site.

We will set out by motorcoach for a field trip into historic Old Delhi, where we’ll visit Jama Masjid, perhaps the largest mosque in India, constructed of red sandstone and white marble by Shah Jahan. It is considered an exceptional example of Mughal architecture. After the death of his wife entombed in the Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan moved his capital from Agra to what is now Old Delhi and built his new city — Shahjahanabad — surrounded by fortified walls. More than 5,000 artisans worked for six years to construct the mosque at a cost of 1 million rupees in 1656, the date of its inauguration. We will gain insights into Islam as a local expert leads us through the mosque’s vast courtyard and surrounding structures. The mosque overlooks the hectic Chawri Bazaar in central Delhi’s Chandni Chowk district, where we’ll go for a ride on traditional rickshaws. We’ll board the motorcoach in Chandni Chowk for a panoramic journey through New Delhi with informative commentary by a local expert. Our route will take us past India Gate, reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. It was built to commemorate Indian soldiers who died during World War I. We will also view the Parliament House, called Sansad Bhawan, and the Presidential House, called Rashtrapati Bhavan, a huge complex that serves as the official residence of the President of India.

We will continue by motorcoach to a Sikh temple, or gurdwara. In all Sikh places of worship, there are three primary practices: the singing of hymns, readings of sacred texts, and a community kitchen providing vegetarian food to all visitors of all religions. At the gurdwara, a local expert will lead our contemplation of the Sikh religion, explaining the significance of the chanting and foods we will encounter. We’ll return to the hotel by motorcoach for some time to relax before dinner. Those of us who wish to explore nearby Khan Market during this time may take our motorcoach shuttle there and back.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

At a local restaurant.

At the hotel.

Day 10 Agra Fort, Taj Mahal New Delhi

Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 130 miles, approximately 4 hours to Agra. Walking about 1.5 miles total; long periods of standing at Agra Fort and Taj Mahal; steps, low and wide; marble paving slippery in wet weather. Shoe covers provided at Taj Mahal. Getting on/off train; riding about 120 miles, approximately 1.5 hours. Motorcoach journey from train station to hotel about 3 miles, approximately 20 minutes.

We’ll board a motorcoach and ride to Agra in Uttar Pradesh, home of the Agra Fort and Taj Mahal. Upon arrival, we will explore the fascinating, historic Agra Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the UNESCO inscription: “Near the gardens of the Taj Mahal stands the important 16th-century Mughal monument known as the Red Fort of Agra. This powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses, within its 2.5-km-long enclosure walls, the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. It comprises many fairy-tale palaces, such as the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal, built by Shah Jahan; audience halls, such as the Diwan-i-Khas; and two very beautiful mosques.” We’ll explore the fort’s courts with a local expert who will explain its rich history and lead us in examining the significance of the fort to the city of Agra at the time of its construction. After the field trip, we’ll board the motorcoach and ride to our lunch venue.

We’ll board the motorcoach and continue to the iconic Taj Mahal. This stunning Indo-Islamic shrine is a marvel of harmony and balance, as is its Mughal garden. Not surprisingly, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site: “An immense mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, the Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage.” The mausoleum’s beautiful craftsmanship is even more fascinating when viewed up close, as we will see when we examine the intricacies of the inlaid stonework as we approach the doorway to its interior. We’ll board the motorcoach and ride to Agra Cantonment Railway Station, where we’ll board the iconic Gatimaan Express train for our return to New Delhi through the countryside of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. Upon arrival at New Delhi’s Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station, we’ll board a motorcoach and ride to the hotel.

At leisure. Prepare for check-out and our flight to Jaipur tomorrow.

At the hotel.

At a local restaurant.

At the hotel.

Day 11 Free Time, Fly to Jaipur Jaipur

Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 10 miles, approximately 1 hour, to Delhi airport. Flight to Jaipur approximately 1 hour. Motorcoach to hotel in Jaipur about 20 miles, approximately 1 hour. Walking about 1.5 miles, periods of standing; paved streets and paths, hot weather.

Free time. This block of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. We’ll board a motorcoach at midday to ride to the airport.

After completing security procedures, we’ll board our private plane for the flight to Jaipur. Upon arrival in Jaipur, we’ll board a motorcoach to transfer to the hotel, with a field trip en route to explore Jaipur’s artisanal heritage with local experts.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

At the airport.

At the hotel.

Day 12 Amber Fort, City Palace, Bazaars of Jaipur Jaipur

Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 15 miles, approximately 1.5 hours total throughout the day. Walking about 2.5 miles, periods of standing; paved streets, gravel and flagstone paths, some steep and uneven areas. Extent of walking and other activities at bazaars according to personal choice.

A pre-breakfast yoga session will be held at 6:00 a.m. in the gardens of the hotel for those of us who wish to take part, led by a member of hotel staff. After breakfast, we will board a motorcoach with a local expert for a field trip to discover the 11th-century Amber Fort, situated about six miles north of Jaipur and established as the original capital of Rajasthan, six centuries before the construction of Jaipur. We’ll continue by motorcoach to explore City Palace. The palace is still the Maharaja's residence but is largely given over to a museum containing rare manuscripts, fine specimens of Rajput and Mughal paintings, royal apparel, and an armory.

We’ll continue by motorcoach to Jaipur’s bazaars, where we’ll have some time for independent exploration after an introduction by our local expert. We will return to the hotel by motorcoach for some time to freshen up, then board the motorcoach again to ride to our dinner venue.

We’ll linger over dinner to enjoy our rural surroundings, and take a walk through the village with local experts. After returning to the hotel by motorcoach in the late evening, the rest of the evening is at leisure.

Hotel buffet.

At a local restaurant.

We’ll enjoy traditional cuisine in a secluded village on the outskirts of Jaipur.

Day 13 Fly to Cambodia Siem Reap

Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 20 miles, approximately 1 hour to Jaipur airport. Flight to Cambodia approximately 5 hours. Motorcoach to Siem Reap hotel about 6 miles, approximately 1/2 hour.

We’ll board a motorcoach and ride to the airport. After completing security procedures, we’ll board our private plane for the flight to Cambodia

After landing at Siem Reap airport, we’ll transfer by motorcoach to our hotel and check in.

At the hotel, we will enjoy a performance of traditional local dance.

At the hotel.

In flight meal

At the hotel

Day 14 Banteay Srei, Free Time Siem Reap

Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 45 miles, approximately 2 hours total for return trip to Banteay Srei. Extent of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice; shuttle to central Siem Reap about 4 miles, approximately 1/2 hour return trip. Legs and upper arms should be covered at temples, and hats removed.

We’ll board a motorcoach and ride to Banteay Srei, a 10th century temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and set in a huge and mysterious forest that is part of the Angkor Archaeological Park, for a field trip led by a local expert. This remote structure of relatively miniature scale has been called the Pink Temple for the hue of its limestone, and the Citadel of Woman for its many carvings of devatas (minor female deities) — some of the best-preserved carvings of all Angkor monuments. As the UNESCO World Heritage Site inscription states, “Angkor is one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia. Stretching over some 154 square miles including forested area, Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century. They include the famous Temple of Angkor Wat and, at Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple with its countless sculptural decorations. UNESCO has set up a wide-ranging programme to safeguard this symbolic site and its surroundings.” We’ll return to the hotel by motorcoach after our field trip.

Free time. Those of us who wish to explore Siem Reap during this time may take our shuttle there and back. In the early evening, we’ll board a motorcoach and ride to our dinner venue.

After returning to the hotel by motorcoach, the remainder of the evening is at leisure.

Hotel buffet.

At the hotel.

At a local restaurant.

Day 15 Sunrise at Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom & Bayon, Free Time Siem Reap

Pre-dawn field trip. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 20 miles, approximately 2 hours total throughout day. Walking about 2.5 miles; periods of standing; gravel and grass paths, paved streets, many steep stairs without handrails; hot, humid weather. Legs and upper arms should be covered at temples, and hats removed.

We will set out before dawn by motorcoach with a local expert to experience the sunrise over this beautiful city on our way to explore Angkor Wat, the most famous wat (temple) from the Khmer period and the largest religious monument in the world. Our local expert will discuss the symbolic meanings of the architecture of this monument that took from approximately 1116-1150 CE to construct. Never completely finished, it was dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Scholars have estimated that it required 300,000 workers from architects to construction workers, masons, sculptors, and a food corps. Next, we will walk along the causeway approach and go inside Angkor Wat, where we’ll examine some of the extensive bas-relief friezes depicting scenes from the Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. The total length of the temple friezes can be measured in miles—the depiction of the Battle of Kurukshetra alone is more than 160 feet long. Not only are the reliefs a tremendous human achievement in themselves, they also provide a rare and fascinating insight into the material world of the temple-builders, as most of their artefacts and structures were made of perishable materials that have not survived in the archaeological record. We will return to the hotel for breakfast, then move on through this beautiful countryside to Angkor Thom, the last capital and fortified city of the Khmer empire, and Prasat Bayon. While there are similarities, Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom are different in architecture, decoration, design, and purpose. Built nearly a century after Angkor Wat, it was a Buddhist shrine as well as the royal seat, richly decorated with priceless images and figures of people and gods. Angkor Thom was in a state of physical decline until restoration projects began around 1996. After the field trip, we’ll continue by motorcoach to our lunch venue.

We’ll return by motorcoach to the hotel for free time there. In the early evening, we’ll board a motorcoach and ride to our dinner venue.

After returning to the hotel by motorcoach, the remainder of the evening is at leisure. Prepare for check-out and our flight to Yogyakarta tomorrow.

Hotel buffet.

At a local restaurant in Siem Reap.

At a local restaurant.

Day 16 Ta Prohm Temple, Fly to Yogyakarta, transfer to Borobudur. Yogyakarta

Pre-breakfast field trip. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 7 miles, approximately 1/2 hour each way to/from Ta Prohm. Walking up to 1.5 miles; dirt path with wooden walkway through temple; forested areas, some masonry on ground. Motorcoach to Siem Reap airport about 6 miles, approximately 1/2 hour. Flight to Yogyakarta approximately 3.5 hours. Motorcoach to Borobudur about 35 miles, approximately 1.5 hours.

Before breakfast, we will travel by motorcoach to Ta Prohm, built in the Bayon style in 1186 CE. It is known as the Jungle Temple because, of all the Angkor structures, it was the most overgrown. Today, the giant tree roots that encase it are carefully maintained to avoid further damage. We’ll then return to the hotel by motorcoach for breakfast, check out, and transfer by motorcoach to the airport. After completing security procedures, we’ll board our private plane for the flight to Yogyakarta in Central Java.

On arrival in Yogyakarta, we will transfer by motorcoach to the hotel. On arrival we'll relax with a soft drink and some free time before dinner.

During and after dinner we will be entertainment by a traditional Indonesian dance troupe.

Hotel buffet.

In flight.

At the hotel.

Day 17 Borobudur Temple Complex and Prambanan Temple Complex Yogyakarta

Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 3 miles, approximately 15 minutes to Borobodur. Walking up to 2 miles; dirt path with uneven terrain through temple; some masonry on ground. Motorcoach to Prambanan approx. 37 miles and 2 hour duration. Uneven terrain with some eroded walkways. Motorcoach return to Hotel. Journey of almost 2 hours and 32 miles.

The Borobudur Temple Compound, the largest and one of the greatest Buddhist monuments in the world, dating back to the 8th and 9th centuries sits in the centre of the island of Java in Indonesia. The UNESCO World Heritage site contains three monuments : the Borobudur Temple itself and two smaller temples, the Buddhist Mendu Temple and the Pawon Temple. The compound is renowned for its artwork, with over 500 statues of the Buddha and walls depicting reliefs of the life and teachings of Buddha.

We continue on to the Hindhu Temple complex at Prambanan, a 9th century compound and UNESCO World Heritage site, containing over 500 temples. Earthquakes and volcanic activity resulted in the loss of the Temple in the 11th century but, since its rediscovery in the 17th century, restoration work continues today using remarkable stone work interlocking techniques dating back to the original construction.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

At a local restaurant.

At the hotel.

Day 18 Fly to Muscat Muscat

Getting on/off motorcoach. Transfer to Yogyakarta airport. approx. 30 miles; 1.5 hours. Flight to Muscat, Oman approx. 8.5 hours.

After checking out of the hotel, we’ll board a motorcoach and transfer to the airport. We’ll complete security procedures and board our private plane for the flight to Oman

On arrival in Muscat we'll transfer to the hotel for a welcome drink and relax before dinner.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

In flight.

Buffet at the hotel.

Day 19 Grand Mosque, Mutrah Souk Muscat

Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 40 miles, approx 1.5 hours. Walking about 2.5 miles, periods of standing; paved streets and paths, uneven terrain; steep stairs at forts, no handrails. Getting on/off a traditional dhow boat. In Oman it is recommended that strappy sundresses, shorts or low-necked dresses are not worn in public places. The most suitable wear in public is covered shoulders and below-knee-length trousers or skirts. Please note that no alcohol is served at the hotel.

We’ll explore Muscat by motorcoach and on foot with local experts. You may choose to join a slower-paced or faster-paced group for this field trip. Both groups will visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and Mutrah Souk. The mosque first opened in 2001 after six years being built and is a stunning piece of Islamic architecture, incorporating various styles from different eras inside and out. Mutrah Souk may be one of the oldest marketplaces in the world. The interior is a maze of passages with a dizzying array of products from precious metals, jewels, and incense to the classic Omani khanjars (daggers). Those of us in the faster-paced group will also explore Al Alam Palace, which is used for ceremonial occasions — the sultan resides elsewhere — and Forts Al Mirani and Al Jalali, the defensive fortresses guarding the city.

We’ll continue by motorcoach to a lecture venue for a presentation on Omani culture by a local expert. After the lecture we’ll board a motorcoach and ride to the embarkation point of our dinner cruise.

After returning to the hotel by motorcoach, the remainder of the evening is at leisure. Prepare for check-out and our flight to England tomorrow.

Hotel buffet.

At a local restaurant.

As we enjoy dinner aboard a traditional dhow boat, the lights of the city will provide a shimmering backdrop.

Day 20 Fly to London, Farewell Dinner London Heathrow Airport

Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 10 miles, approximately 1/2 hour to Muscat airport. Flight to England approximately 8 hours. Motorcoach to London hotel about 65 miles, approximately 2 hours.

After checking out of the hotel, we’ll board a motorcoach and transfer to the airport. We’ll complete security procedures and board our private plane for the flight to England.

After landing at Stansted Airport, we’ll board a motorcoach and transfer to our final hotel at London Heathrow.

At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

Hotel buffet.

In flight.

At the hotel, share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Day 21 Program Concludes In Flight

Hotel check-out 12:00 noon. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers

If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

At the hotel depending on flight times. This concludes our program.