| Through the special connections of HBS and local alumni, enjoy an insider’s glance into the two fascinating and hospitable countries of Jordan and Oman. With developed infra-structures and quickly growing economies, these two countries were once home to early civilizations that produced some of the world’s oldest cities. In Jordan the brilliant Nabateans settled in the southern part of the country around the sixth-century BC and became rich, first by plundering and then by levying tolls on the trade caravans that passed through. Petra was a sophisticated capital of the flourishing empire which extended well into Syria. In Oman, explore the legacy of the Queen of Sheba and the mysteries of the Arabian nights as you travel to the medieval forts at Nizwa and Jabrin. As we enter the 21st century, both countries, which play an important balancing role in this part of the world, have made great strides in educating and modernizing their societies. Briefings and meetings will offer in-depth insights into the workings and issues confronting these countries. |
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Our trip begins in Amman, Jordan’s cosmopolitan capital. Visit the restored amphitheater and enjoy lunch at the American Center of Oriental Research, an organization committed to the preservation of sites important to Jordan’s rich and varied cultural heritage. Enjoy an excursion to Jerash, a remarkably well-preserved Roman provincial city.
Drive along the picturesque King’s Highway stopping first at Mt. Nebo, where Moses is said to be buried and then at Madaba to view the famous 6th century map of Palestine, which is in the form of a mosaic. Spend the night in the Dana Nature Reserve at the stunning Feynan Lodge where solar power provides electricity. At night most of the lodge is lit by the soft glow of 250 goatskin-covered candles. Learn about the Bedouin culture and explore ancient copper mines.
In Petra discover a city built over two thousand years ago by the Nabateans. Hollowed out of rose-pink sandstone are temples propped on Corinthian columns, tombs bedecked with obelisks, reservoirs, staircases, aqueducts and homes of stony grandeur. Enjoy a Bedouin lunch in Wadi Rum, a starkly beautiful valley where huge pillars of sandstone rock rise abruptly and majestically from the sandy desert floor. After spending a night at the newly opened Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea hotel fly into Muscat, Oman’s capital city. Wander through the Grand Mosque – a superb example of contemporary Islamic architecture. Enjoy a tour of the Beit al Zubair Museum where director, Sarah White, will give a lecture on Oman’s cultural heritage. Explore Oman’s interior with stops at Nizwa, the black-magic village of Bahla and the magnificent fortress at Jabrin whose brilliant architectural design with its maze of courtyards, painted ceilings and false floors never ceases to impress. Enjoy a farewell dinner before returning home from Muscat.
SPECIAL FEATURES
- Briefing at US Ambassador’s residence in Amman
- Meeting and lunch with director Dr. Barbara Porter at the American Center of Oriental Research in Amman
- Private cocktail reception and dinner at the Dar Al Anda gallery in Amman
- Dine with members of the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature at the architecturally stunning Wild Jordan Center
- A unique journey into the Dana Nature Reserve with an overnight at the amazing Feynan Lodge where dinner will be served with candles under the stars
- A private dinner outside of Little Petra
- A cooking class and dinner at Petra Kitchen
- Exploring the Dead Sea with an overnight at the newly-opened and fabulous Kempinski Hotel Isthar Dead Sea
- Briefing at the US Embassy in Muscat
- A privately guided tour of the elegant Grand Mosque in Oman
- Morning drive over the Sama’il Pass to the ancient oasis town of Nizwa, once the medieval capital of Oman with a catered lunch outside the fort of Jabreen
- 4-wheel drive excursion to the sand-dunes at Wahiba
Length of trip: 13 days
Dates: March 30 – April 11, 2008
Land tour cost per person:
- Double occupancy: $6,900
- Single room supplement: $1,790
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