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Discover the textiles of the Arabian Peninsula as you explore the United Arab Emirates and Oman on this 12-day holiday alongside our fabulous expert, Karin Hellaby. Uncover local traditions, textiles and crafts, and visit famous mosques such as Sheikh Zayed and the Grand Mosque, as well as spending an evening in the golden sand dunes of the Sharqiya Desert. There will also be plenty of opportunity for some retail therapy too as we wander through the many vibrant souks.
Please choose your preferred 12 day itinerary
Workshop Information: Karin has been travelling to Oman, considered by many to be the ‘Jewel of the Arabian peninsula’, since 1996. As her sister has lived in Oman and Dubai for many years, Karin has been fortunate enough to get to know the countries as well as teaching for quilting guilds and shows in the UAE and Oman. Karin's project will be based on traditional henna designs, after an introduction by a local henna artist. The options are for this to be stitched in hand appliqué and embroidery with a kit provided.
Meet Karin and your Tour Manager at London Heathrow airport for your flight to Dubai. We will arrive in Dubai very late this evening.
With our direct package, make your way to the hotel in Dubai independently to meet the group.
Today we will start our projects with Karin Hellaby at the hotel. Karin’s project will be based on traditional henna designs and this morning we will be joined by a local henna artist.
This morning we will leave the campsite and drive to Misfat Al Abriyeen, a unique and mountainous village located 1,000 metres above sea level. The village boasts amazing agricultural terraces, beautiful alleys and old houses. Later on we will continue on mountain tracks to Wadi Ghul known as the Grand Canyon of Arabia and the second deepest canyon in the world only surpassed by the view of Jebel Sham’s Oman’s highest mountain. We then check into Jebel Shams Resort and have the rest of the day at leisure.
We have a very early start, checking out of the hotel early hours of the morning to catch our flight out of Muscat and back to London.
Tour Notes: You will need to have a good level of fitness to get the most out of this holiday. We therefore do not recommend this tour for anyone with mobility problems or walking difficulties. The itinerary involves a significant amount of walking whilst sightseeing each day, sometimes over uneven ground and steps. You should be able to board and alight coaches and 4x4 vehicles unaided. During part of the itinerary, you will travel in 4x4 vehicles, please note these vehicles are not suitable for those who have neck and back injuries. Whilst sightseeing is taken at a leisurely pace, for the enjoyment of everyone in the group you should be able to keep up with your fellow travellers.
You will stay for three nights at the 4-star Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai, five nights at the 5-star Royal Tulip in Muscat, one night at the Arabian Oryx Camp in Wahiba Sands, one night at the 3-star Jebel Sham Resort, and one night at the 3-star Intercity Hotel in Nizwa.