Their trip began in Dubai. Dr. Pope's detailed itinerary included a pleasant drive from Dubai to Khasab on the Strait of Hormuz, where the group visited a 16th-century Portuguese fort and saw prehistoric rock engravings before embarking on an overnight cruise through the fjords of Musandam.
A morning flight to Oman's capital, Muscat, allowed Dr. Pope's alumni group to visit the great Sultan Qaboos Mosque, the Muttrah Souq, and the National Museum. The newly opened Oman Botanic Garden was a delightful treat that rounded out an enjoyable day of sightseeing. Next on the tour was a day trip to the 17th-century fortress at Nizwa, which included a stroll through the Nizwa souq and a one-kilometer walk along ‘The Balcony,’ a trail offering spectacular and dramatic views in all directions of Oman.
Appropriate desert and hiking attire was required for Day Five on the itinerary. The group set off to see the rolling dunes of Wahiba Sands – a vast sea of undulating red and white sands with dunes rising up to two hundred meters. A spectacular experience for all.