Oman

Under the Arab Sky

Executive summary by darmansjah

The frankincense trade made Ubar one of the richest cities on the Arabian Peninsula until the desert swallowed it without a trace, according to Arab lore. Poke around the ruins of what experts believe is the lost city in the vast sand of the Empty Quarter. The trip launches in exotic Muscat and traces the craggy coast of the sultanate before plugging into the interior. Bed down under the stars, in luxury mobile tents. Big Five Tours and Expeditions: “Carravans of the Bedu,” 12 days; USD 15,000