S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y

a program of the stanford a lumni assoc iat ion

Aboard the Clipper Odyssey Februar y 17 to March 4, 2011

VOYAGE FROM

OMAN TO

T H E

EMIRATES

VOYAGE FROM

OMAN TO

T H E

EMIRATES

The natural, historical and cultural wonders

of the Arabian Gulf region are a treasure steeped

in mystique to many travelers. Yet, for centuries,

the countries adjoining the Strait of Hormuz

have dictated their pre-eminence in the world of

maritime trade. Closed to Westerners for many

years, the Sultanate of Oman, the city-states of the

United Arab Emirates and the countries of Bahrain

and Qatar offer a striking mosaic of contrasts.

Gleaming modern cities and ancient villages,

windswept sand dunes and soaring mountains –

all bordered by blue skies and shimmering clear

waters – these off-the-beaten-path gems have

tantalized adventurers for millennia. From traditional

fish markets, dhow yards and captivating souqs to

futuristic cities, these exotic destinations await your

discovery.

BRE T T S. THOMPSON, ’83, D IRECTOR, STANFORD TR AVEL /STUDY

HighlightsE X P L O R E Dubai, a modern day marvel for its gleaming skyscrapers that stand adjacent to traditional fish markets and dhow yards.

S E A R C H for the nearly extinct Arabian oryx on the island of Sir Bani Yas, and visit the futuristic city of Abu Dhabi in the nation-states of the United Arab Emirates.

S T O P at Bahrain, Arabia’s only island-nation and ven-ture northward to discover the historic and cultural legacies of Qatar, the world’s smallest Arab state.

B O A R D local dhows to explore serpentine inlets on the Musandam Peninsula, where towering cliffs plunge into the turquoise sea.

Salalah

Muscat

Fujairah

Nizwa Sur

DohaDubai

SharjahManama

AbuDhabi

Khasab

Sir BaniYas Island

OMAN

QATAR

UNITEDARAB

EMIRATES

BAHRAIN

S A U D IA R A B I A

Y E M E N

I R A NPersian Gulf

Gulf of Oman

THURSDAY & FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17 & 18 DEPART U.S. / DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE) Depart the U.S. on Thursday evening on independent flights to Dubai. Arrive late on Friday evening and transfer to our hotel. HYATT REGENCY DUBAI

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19 DUBAI / EMBARK CLIPPER ODYSSEY

Visit several must-see sites in Dubai including the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, followed by lunch and a dhow cruise across Dubai Creek with a stopover at Sheikh Saeed’s house. Explore the Dubai Museum before concluding our tour with photo stops at the iconic Burj Al Arab Hotel and the Jumeirah Mosque. Embark the Clipper Odyssey this evening and, before our welcome cocktail reception, gather on deck for magnificent views of the illuminated skyline as the sun sets behind the city. CLIPPER ODYSSEY (B,L,D)

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 20ABU DHABI

Our full-day visit to Abu Dhabi includes a drive through this “Manhattan of the

Gulf,” passing by the Grand Mosque, the palace and ruler’s office and spotless city parks. Admire the intricate construction of traditional sailing dhows as we pass the fishing harbor. Spend the afternoon at leisure with the opportunity to dine independently at one of Abu Dhabi’s fine restaurants CLIPPER ODYSSEY (B,L,D)

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21 SIR BANI YAS ISLAND A fine example of proactive conservation and reforesting, this once-barren and desolate island has been transformed into a lush landscape populated by gazelles, Arabian oryx (once on the brink of extinction) and more than 80 species of birds, including greater flamingos. Go ashore by Zodiac to take nature walks and to appreciate the visionary largesse of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who made this transformation a reality. CLIPPER ODYSSEY (B,L,D)

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22 MANAMA, BAHRAINThe Kingdom of Bahrain, which means “Two Seas,” is the only Arabian island-nation in the world. Visit the Grand Mosque and National Museum for an introduction to Bahrain’s

historic and cultural legacies. Journey from the ancient to the modern, visiting prehistoric royal burial mounds, a 17th-century Portuguese fort later used by the Omanis to invade Bahrain in 1800 and the former palace of Sheikh Isa Bin Ali, whose lengthy rule extended from 1869 to 1932. CLIPPER ODYSSEY (B,L,D)

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23 DOHA, QATAR Qatar is the world’s smallest Arab state by population; only 400,000 Qataris inhabit this angular peninsula. Visit the National Stables to learn about the famed Arabian horses, the oldest-known breed of riding horse. The busy camel and sheep markets present exceptional photographic opportunities, while the produce markets and main souqs, or open-air marketplaces, offer a mélange of goods, from dates and spices to gold. View the city from the attractive Corniche Road or board 4x4 vehicles to travel inland for an adventurous off-road safari upon the desert’s golden sand dunes. CLIPPER ODYSSEY (B,L,D)

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24 SHARJAH, UAE Sharjah’s culture is showcased

in the former homes of wealthy inhabitants, now converted into museums. Visit the Al Naboodah House, which illustrates the life of a well-to-do pearl-trading family, and continue to the American University of Sharjah founded in 1997 by Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi, member of the Supreme Council of the UAE and ruler of Sharjah. Or browse in the Al Markazi souq to view the UAE’s largest selection of carpets and handicrafts. CLIPPER ODYSSEY (B,L,D)

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25 AL KHASAB / MUSANDAM PENINSULA, OMANVisit the 16th-century Portuguese fort and Old Town while our ship is anchored in the busy port town of Al Khasab. Board local dhows to explore the narrow fjords of the Musandam Peninsula. These winding waterways reveal towering limestone cliffs that plunge straight down into a turquoise sea. Make a stop at Telegraph Island, site of the Gulf’s first telegraphic station installed by the British in 1864, and enjoy the opportunity to swim and snorkel off the side of the dhow. CLIPPER ODYSSEY (B,L,D)

Itinerary

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26 FUJAIRAH, UAE An enclave of the UAE, Fujairah separates two sections of Oman and is the only emirate located away from the Arabian Gulf. Explore the Fujairah Museum’s excellent ethnographic displays. Continue inland to Bithna Oasis, with its impressive fort guarding the Hajar Mountains, and Bidiya Mosque, the oldest mosque in the UAE, before descending to the coastal town of Dibba, a charming Mediterranean-flavored fishing village where life moves at a leisurely pace. CLIPPER ODYSSEY (B,L,D)

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27 MUSCAT, OMAN Closed to outsiders until recent years, Oman is one of the world’s only two sultanates. Explore the capital city of Muscat and drive past elegant villas to photograph Zawawi Mosque, an exquisite example of Islamic architecture. View the magnificent Al Alam Palace of Sultan Qaboos, which is set between the twin 400-year-old, turreted Portuguese forts of Jalalai and Mirani. Visit Bait al Zubair, a private museum housing traditional Omani items – weaponry, jewelry, and

paintings. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure and explore the souq, one of the finest in Arabia, followed by dinner aboard ship or on one’s own in town. CLIPPER ODYSSEY (B,L,D)

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28 NIZWA / MUSCAT In the enchanting ancient capital of Nizwa, an historic seat of Islamic learning, explore the round 17th-century Tower Fort, highlighted by a climb up the impregnable tower for panoramic views. Visit the beautiful oasis of Bahla and its sprawling fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Nearby is Jabrin Castle, an exquisite example of 17th-century Omani architecture, its ceilings adorned with Islamic inscriptions and astrological designs. Stop at the lush green oasis of Birkat-Al-Mauz to view its two-tiered falaj, a traditional irrigation system. CLIPPER ODYSSEY (B,L,D)

TUESDAY, MARCH 1SUR Known as a major dhow-building hub, Sur is a combination seafaring town, fishing village and trading port. Visit the bustling seaside fish market to watch the fishermen bring in their morning catch.

Comb the stalls of Sur’s souq, searching (and bargaining) for unique treasures to remind us of our journey. At the dhow yard, admire the handiwork of the skilled craftsman who still hand-plane every plank of wood that goes into these lovely Arabian sailing ships. Make a stop at the Sanseela Fort before returning to the ship for lunch and to set sail for Salalah. CLIPPER ODYSSEY (B,L,D)

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2AT SEA Cruise along the southern coast of Oman and spend the day learning more about local culture and customs from members of our lecture team as they recap our journey through the Arabian Sea. Join fellow travelers for a festive farewell cocktail reception aboard ship this evening. CLIPPER ODYSSEY (B,L,D)

THURSDAY, MARCH 3 SALALAH / DISEMBARK CLIPPER ODYSSEY Described as “a flavor of Zanzibar in the heart of the Arabian desert,” Salalah is a colorful subtropical oasis comprised of palm-fringed beaches and verdant pastures, with a rich ethnic diversity. Take a tour of Taqah, a quaint fishing village, and

visit the recently excavated city of Samhram, believed to be Arabia’s ancient frankincense capital. Immerse your senses in the Al Husn Souq, Salalah’s lively market where stalls are piled high with myrrh, incense, frankincense and colorful bottles of perfume. Visit the Sultan of Oman’s stately palace and the Shanfari Mosque. Stop at Job’s Tomb, a must-see historical monument set amid the Qara Mountains and overlooking the Jubriah plain. Continue on to the Salalah airport for independent evening flights homeward. (B,L)

FRIDAY, MARCH 4 ARRIVE U.S. Arrive home today on overnight flights.

IranPre-Trip ExtensionF E B R U A R Y 1 1 T O 1 8 , 2 0 1 1 (6 additional days)

Discover the wonders and complexities of Iran. We will send itinerary and pricing to confirmed passengers.

Program Cost*

Rates are per person, based on double occupancy

Clipper OdysseyThe 110-passenger Clipper Odyssey is ideally suited for exploring the coasts of Oman and th UAE. Its small size allows access to remote is-lands and stretches of coast otherwise inaccessible by land or by a larger cruise ship. All cabins are outside, with a separate seating area, twin or queen beds, bathrooms with hair dryers and shower/bathtub combina-tions, abundant storage space, individual temperature controls, TVs and mini-refrigerators. Public areas include two lounges, a bar and a dining room where all guests are accommodated at a single, unassigned seating. Among the ship’s amenities are shaded areas on the Lido Deck ideal for viewing the passing scenery, a 70-meter jogging track on the Sun Deck, pool, gym, library/game room, boutique and clinic with a full-time physi-cian. The ship is fitted with the latest in telecommunications, navigation and stabilization systems for smooth sailing. A fleet of motorized Zodi-acs allows guests to make beach landings on small islands.

Length: 338 ft. | Draft: 14 ft. | Beam: 51 ft. | registry: Bahamas

Category1 a-Deck $10,280

Category2 mainDeck $10,980

Category3 mainDeck $11,780

Category4 LidoDeck $12,480

Category5 BridgeDeck $13,180

Category6 BridgeDeck $13,880

suite BridgeDeck $16,880

Single Occupancy** Category2 mainDeck $17,880

Category3 mainDeck $18,880

* Association nonmembers add $200 per person. ** Single accommodations are limited.

D A T E SFebruary 17 to March 4, 2011 (16 days)

I R A N P R E - T R I P E X T E N S I O NFebruary 11 to 18, 2011 (6 days)

S I Z ELimited to a total of 110 participants, including travelers from Stanford and Zegrahm Expeditions.

I N C L U D E D1 night of deluxe hotel accommodations 12-night cruise aboard the Clipper Odyssey 13 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 12 dinners Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions Bottled water on excursions Gratuities to porters, guides, drivers and ship crew for all group

activities All tours and shore excursions as described in the itinerary Transfers and baggage handling on program arrival and departure days Port fees and embarkation taxes Minimal medical, accident and

evacuation insurance Educational program with lecture series and pre-departure materials, including recommended reading list, a selected book, map and travel information Services of our professional tour manager to assist you throughout the program

N O T I N C L U D E D

All air transportation Passport and visa fees Immunization costs Meals and beverages other than those specified as included Indepen-dent and private transfers Trip-cancellation/interruption and baggage insurance Excess-baggage charges Personal items such as email, telephone and fax calls, laundry and gratuities for nongroup services

A I R A R R A N G E M E N T S

Airfare is not included in the program cost. Information on recommended flight itineraries and pricing will be sent by Zegrahm Expeditions.

F U E L C O S T S

In the uncertain, often volatile oil market of late, it is difficult to predict fuel costs over the long term and, more specifically, at the time of operation of this voyage. Our prices are based upon the prevailing fuel rates at the time of brochure printing. While we will do everything possible to main-tain our prices, if the fuel rates increase significantly, it may be necessary to institute a fuel surcharge.

W H A T T O E X P E C T

We consider this to be a moderately strenuous program that is, at times, busy and physically demanding. For most activities, a relatively low level of exertion is required. You must be able to walk moderate distances along beaches and sometimes on rough terrain. Excursions are timed to depart when temperatures will be most pleasant. Average daily tem-peratures are expected to range from the mid 70s to the upper 80s (°F) throughout our itinerary.

Travel to this part of world requires sensitivity to local cultures and customs. While visiting Muslim countries, women will not be expected to cover their heads, though they should be prepared to wear long sleeves and long pants or skirts, and you will be expected to remove your shoes when visiting mosques. Flexibility is a must in this region, and partici-pants will most enjoy the remarkable opportunities this expedition offers if they travel with a spirit of adventure. We welcome travelers over the age of 15 on this program.

Deposit & Final PaymentA $1,000 deposit is required to hold space for the Voyage from Oman to the Emirates. Complete and return the attached reservation form or sign up online. Final payment is due 120 days prior to departure.

Cancellations & RefundsDeposits and any payments are fully refundable, less a $500-per-person cancellation fee, until 120 days prior to departure. After that date, refunds can be made only if the program is sold out and your place(s) can be resold, in which case a $1,000-per-person cancellation fee will apply. We recommend trip-cancellation insurance; applications will be sent to you.

InsuranceStanford Travel/Study provides all travelers who are U.S. or Canadian citizens with minimal medical, accident and evacuation coverage under our group-travel insurance policy. Our group policy is intended to provide minimal levels of protection while you are traveling on this program. We strongly recommend that you subscribe to optional baggage and trip-cancella-tion insurance. A brochure offering such insurance will be mailed with your confirmation about one week after we receive your deposit. The product offered in this brochure includes a special Waiver of Pre-Existing Conditions and coverage for Financial Insolvency and Terrorist Acts if you postmark your insurance payment within 15 days of the date listed on the confirmation letter.

EligibilityWe encourage membership in the Alumni Association as the program cost for nonmembers is $200 more than the members’ price. Stanford alumni may become Annual ($75) or Life ($495) Members. Stanford parents, faculty, staff, interns, residents and fellows may become Installment Members ($90 down, $115/year for four years) or Life Members ($495). Nonalumni may become Life Affiliates (one-time fee, $650). Parents and their children under 21 may travel on one membership. For more information or to purchase a membership, visit www.stanfordalumni.org/member-ship or call (650) 725-0692.

ResponsibilityThe Stanford Alumni Association, Stanford University and our operators act only as agents for the passenger with respect to transportation and ship arrangements and exercise every care possible in doing so. However, we can assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity in connection with the service of any automobile, motorcoach, launch or any other conveyance used in carrying out this program or for the acts or defaults of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements of the program. We cannot accept any responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, force majeure or other causes beyond our control. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger as tour rates provide arrangements only for the time stated. We reserve the right to make such alterations to this published itinerary as may be deemed necessary. The right is reserved to cancel any program prior to departure in which case the entire payment will be refunded without further obligation on our part. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the program. No refund will be made for an unused portion of any tour unless arrangements are made in sufficient time to avoid penalties. It is under- stood that the ship’s ticket, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the passenger and the cruise company. Baggage is carried at the owner’s risk entirely. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time that passengers are not onboard their plane or conveyance. Neither the Alumni Association, Stanford University nor our operators accept liability for any carrier’s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket in connection with the tour. Program price is based on rates in effect in May 2010 and is subject to change without notice to reflect fluctuations in exchange rates, tariffs or fuel charges. As a condition of participation, all confirmed participants are required to sign a Release of Liability.

© COPYRIGHT 2010 STANFORD ALUMNI ASSOCIATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.PRINTED ON RECYCLED, FSC-CERTIFIED PAPER IN THE U.S.

Information Terms & Conditions

California Seller of Travel Program Registration #2048 523-50

Voyage from Oman to the Emirates

Februar y 17 to March 4, 2011

S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y

Stanford Faculty LeaderDR. LINA KHATIB is a program manager at the Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law at Stanford University, managing the Program on Good Governance and Political Reform in the Arab World. She came to Stanford University from the University of London where she was an associate professor. Her research is decidedly interdisciplinary and focuses on the intersections of politics, media and social factors in relation to the politics of the Middle East. She is also a consultant on Middle East politics and media and has published widely on topics such as new media and Islamism, U.S. public diplomacy towards the Middle East, and political media and conflict in the Arab world, as well as on the political dynamics in Lebanon and Iran. She has an active interest in the link between “track two dialogue” and democratization policy. She is also a research associate at SOAS, University of London.

Dr. Khatib is currently writing a book entitled Image Politics in the Middle East for IB Tauris. Before joining the academic field, she worked in broadcast journalism in Lebanon and is a frequent commentator on the Middle East in the media with appearances on CNN, BBC, Al-Jazeera (Arabic and English), Sky News and other media outlets across the globe. During our program, Dr. Khatib plans to talk about cultural and political issues in the region. She says, “The Arab world is a region that is in constant flux, ever-evolving, always challenging and tantalizing, whether politically or culturally. It is full of paradoxes and is a diverse region, though this diversity is unfortunately often overshadowed by the outside world’s inclination to focus on the region’s long-term political conflicts. But look beyond political conflict and you’ll find a fascinating mix like nowhere else in the world, whether in terms of ethnicity, religion, geography, or lifestyles.”

Reservation FormSIGN UPONLINE!

www.stanfordalumni.org/travelstudy

I/We have read the Terms and Conditions for the program and agree to them. Signature _________________________________________________

If this is a reservation for one person, please indicate: I wish to have single accommodations.

OR I plan to share accommodations with __________________________OR I’d like to know about possible roommates.

Category Preference: 1st choice: ____________________________ Twin Bed Queen Bed

2nd choice: ____________________________ Twin Bed Queen Bed

Here is my deposit of $________ ($1,000 per person) for ______ space(s) plus $________ ($200 per person) for the Optional Iran Pre-Trip Extension.

Enclosed is my check (make payable to Stanford Alumni Association) OR Charge my deposit to my: Visa MasterCard American Express

CARD # EXPIRES

AUTHORIZED CARDHOLDER SIGNATURE DATE Mail completed form to address on mail panel or fax to (650) 725-8675 or place your deposit online at www.stanfordalumni.org/trip?oman2011. Please submit your reservation only once to avoid multiple charges to your account. 6315

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“This trip was one of the most informative & educational trips that I have ever been on. The highlight of the trip was not the scenery, museums, or sights; it was the people.”LINDSAY FISHER, ’67,’68, W O R L D L E A D E R S S Y M P O S I U M : T H E M I D D L E E A S T, 2 0 0 9

S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y

“I’ve gone on many trips, but this was absolutely the most eye-opening journey I’ve ever taken. I was unprepared for how warmly we were received by the people.” D E I R D R E H E G A R T Y, ’ 8 7 | I R A N S U I T C A S E S E M I N A R , 2 0 1 0

Stanford Travel/StudyFrances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center326 Galvez StreetStanford, CA 94305-6105(650) 725-1093

Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage

P A I DStanford Alumni

Association

www.stanfordalumni.org/travelstudy

Aboard the Clipper Odyssey Februar y 17 to March 4, 2011