Zegrahm Expeditions Announces the Ultimate Persian Gulf with Dubai Cruise

Long before any large cruise ships visited the region, adventure cruise specialist Zegrahm Expeditions was exploring the exotic Persian Gulf, including the United Arab Emirates, the Sultanate of Oman, Bahrain and Qatar. What Zegrahm discovered then, remains key to their operation today: the region is best experienced with a small group and accompanied by expert lecturers in order to bring this multi-faceted itinerary to life. With that, Zegrahm Expeditions is pleased to return to the region in 2011 with its Sands of Time voyage. These Persian Gulf with Dubai cruises will be offered February 17 – March 4 as well as November 25 –December 7, 2011 aboard the 110-passenger Clipper Odyssey.

The voyage begins in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). A full exploration of this famed city ensues, including Burj Khalifa – at 2,617 feet, the highest structure ever built. A dhow cruise across Dubai Creek with stopover at Sheikh Saeed’s house, the Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Mosque, and Dubai Museum are all part of an in-depth visit before embarking the ship in the evening and sailing under massive, illuminated skyscrapers.

Also while in the UAE, travelers search for the nearly extinct Arabian oryx on the island of Sir Bani Yas and visit the futuristic city of Abu Dhabi, which spares no expense in showcasing the wealth generated by oil revenues. In the nearby emirate of Sharjah, small museums and historic Arabian architecture reveal preserved and intact cultural traditions. From the UAE we visit Bahrain, Arabia’s only island-nation and tour the National Stables, featuring Arabian horses, in Qatar.

Many highlights of the voyage will be found during days spent in the Sultanate of Oman—one of only two sultanates in the world. On the Musandam Peninsula, travelers board local dhows to explore sinuous inlets where towering cliffs plunge into the turquoise sea. The itinerary includes Fujairah, which separates Oman into two sections and is the only emirate located outside the Persian Gulf, and the charming capital of Muscat home to the magnificent Sultan’s palace, Portuguese forts, elegant mosques, and maze-like souq. A countryside excursion reveals the ancient capital of Nizwa and the astonishing mud-brick fortress of Bahla, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On the February Persian Gulf with Dubai cruise, the itinerary concludes with Sur and Salalah, Oman. In Sur, travelers will be awed by the artisanship of the town’s many dhow builders. Then, off to Salalah, an important stop in the ancient frankincense trade and home to the Prophet Job’s sacred tomb.

One of Zegrahm’s hallmarks is the high-caliber expedition and lecture team that is assembled – these Persian Gulf with Dubai cruises are no exception. Professor Ron Wixman, for 35 years one of America’s leading specialists on the cultures and people of the Middle East, will join author and textile expert Kim Saunders, as lecturers. Other cultural and natural history experts will accompany each Persian Gulf with Dubai cruise, under the guidance of one of our veteran expedition leaders.

For reservations or to learn more about these Persian Gulf with Dubai cruises, please visit http://www.zeco.com.

*** DIGITAL IMAGES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST****

Seattle-based Zegrahm Expeditions Inc., founded in 1990, is a leading adventure travel company specializing in small-ship expedition cruises, tours, and safaris to remote and intriguing destinations around the world. Led by expert guides and lecturers, Zegrahm itineraries are carefully crafted and all-inclusive, feature deluxe accommodations, and operate in all seven continents. For more information, please access http://www.zeco.com.

Contact:
Adrienne Carmin
Zegrahm & Eco Expeditions
Seattle, WA
800-628-8747
adriennec@zeco.com
http://www.zeco.com